
Matthew Richards
Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners!
His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related.
In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.
Latest articles by Matthew Richards

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 review: Large-format photo printing is literally on a roll
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-2600 outputs photo and art prints up to 24 inches wide, any length you like

Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 review: it's printer rock 'n' roll! This rock-steady 44-inch roll-fed model is No. 1 in my chart
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-4600 creates spectacular photographic and art prints up to 44 inches wide and pretty much as long as you like

Canon ImagePrograf Pro-310 review: it’s got a tough act to follow
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Canon ImagePrograf Pro-310 is the new and improved version of the thoroughly excellent Pro-300 – how do you improve on that?

This is the ultimate camera for hairy bikers! Here’s what’s in my tank bag (and gym sock)
By Matthew Richards published
I love photography. I love biking. Combine the two and I’m guaranteed sheer bliss, so long as I’ve got the right kit…

How to update your Nikon camera's firmware
By Matthew Richards last updated
Tutorial New firmware updates for your camera can deliver everything from bug fixes to exciting new features

The best Sony telephoto lenses: get proper telephoto reach for your Sony mirrorless camera
By Matthew Richards last updated
UPDATED Let me help you pick out the best Sony telephoto lenses that get you closer to the action, for both full-frame and APS-C mirrorless E-mount cameras

Venus Optics Laowa 15mm f/4.5 0.5x Macro review: get ultra-close and ultra-wide with this intriguing prime lens
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Laowa 15mm f/4.5 0.5x Macro is a lens that can deliver extreme close-ups of small objects, set against the context of their surroundings

Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | A review: a properly go-faster zoom lens that leaves others trailing in its wake
By Matthew Richards published
Review Forget ‘trinity’ zooms. The Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art for APS-C Canon, Fujifilm, Sony and L-Mount is more than a full f/stop faster

Venus Optics Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye review: it’s like two fisheye lenses in one, giving you full creative control
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Laowa 8-15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye covers all the bases for various full-frame mirrorless cameras, working as both a circular and diagonal fisheye at either end of its zoom range

Canon ImagePrograf Pro-1100 review: probably the best photo printer in the world is now even better
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Canon ImagePrograf Pro-1100 picks up the baton from the previous Pro-1000 and comes in as my favorite A2+ / 17x25-inch large-format photo printer

Schneider-Kreuznach LK Samyang AF 14-24mm f/2.8 review: ultra-wide meets super-skinny in this lens of many monikers
By Matthew Richards published
Review Sold as either the Samyang or Rokinon AF 14-24mm f/2.8 FE for Sony cameras, this ultra-wide zoom also has input from German optical giant Schneider-Kreuznach

Best fisheye lenses in 2026: see the bigger picture with 180º wall-to-wall viewing
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying guide The best fisheye lenses can show you a whole new ultra-wide-angle perspective on the world around you

The hidden risks of modern lenses: Why firmware updates and new cameras could brick your lens
By Matthew Richards published
OPINION The lens you count on for some of your most important shots can leave you dead in the water. Here’s a few things to be painfully aware of…

Vanguard VEO 2S CM-264TR Carbon Fiber Monopod review: one leg, three feet and a smartphone holder
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Vanguard VEO 2S CM-264TR monopod comes complete with fold-out ‘tri-feet’ and a smartphone connector kit with Bluetooth connectivity, plus an optional ball/pan head in the pricier kit option. What’s not to love?

Benro Adventure 8X CF Series 3 Monopod review: a super-sturdy, 4-section carbon fiber monopod
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Benro Adventure 8X CF Series 3 Monopod (codename MAD38C) has a chunky build for really solid support, but you might want to add a head to make it even more clever

Benro QRB95DUAL Quick Rotation Lens Bracket review: think L-brackets, then think again
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Benro QRB95DUAL Quick Rotation Lens Bracket has all the advantages of a regular L-bracket, but is more like a tripod collar for use with small to medium sized lens

I bought cheap printer inks and they stink. My photo prints aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on
By Matthew Richards published
Opinion As a cost-cutting measure, I bought a set of ‘compatible’ ink cartridges from Amazon for my Canon printer. My photo print quality has gone from terrific to terrible

ChromLives Camera L Bracket Mount Video Grip review: it’s an L-bracket Jim, but not as we know it
By Matthew Richards published
Review The ChromLives Camera L Bracket Mount Video Grip is enough to make you think you don’t know your L-bracket from your elbow

Manfrotto Q2 L bracket review: A not-so-universal L-bracket
By Matthew Richards published
Review The heavy-duty Manfrotto Q2 L bracket certainly takes the strain but probably isn’t a perfect fit for your camera

Benro GH5C gimbal head review: take a load off with this support for hefty lenses
By Matthew Richards published
Review Carbon fiber tripods are commonplace but the Benro GH5C is unusual in being a gimbal head that uses the same material for lightweight strength

Benro GH2N gimbal head review: loadbearing strength with freedom of movement for long, heavy lenses
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Benro GH2N gimbal head combines a weight-saving design with a hefty payload rating for tracking the action with long lenses

3 Legged Thing Zelda QD review: Zelda L-bracket and the gang get a QD upgrade
By Matthew Richards published
Review The 3 Legged Thing Zelda QD L-bracket spreads its wings to add convenience and compatibility with other gadgets

3 Legged Thing Window Mount Clamp review: ideal for drive-thru photo opportunities!
By Matthew Richards published
Review The 3 Legged Thing Window Mount Clamp has a soft-touch rubber connection that mounts to your car window and turns your whole vehicle into a camera support. Just park up and enjoy the view
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