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
The best flashgun in 2024: the best strobe units for Canon cameras, Nikon and more
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated These are the best flashguns for Canon and Nikon cameras, plus third-party strobes that work with many camera brands
Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art review: a not so standard zoom lens
By Matthew Richards published
Review Designed for Sony E and L-mount full-frame cameras, the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art takes f/2.8 standard zooms further into telephoto territory.
Nikon shutter type options explained - which do you choose when?
By Adam Waring, Matthew Richards published
HOW TO Z-series cameras have a variety of shutter options. Here’s how they work…
Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN C review: head to head with Canon’s own-brand lens
By Matthew Richards published
Review Now available in Canon RF-S mount, the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN C offers a faster alternative to Canon’s APS-C format ultra-wide-angle zoom.
The best Fujifilm GF lenses in 2024: prime & zoom GFX medium format lenses
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying guide Here are the best Fujifilm GF lenses for the GFX 50S, GFX 50S II, GFX 50R, GFX 100, GFX 100 II & GFX 100s
How to update your Nikon camera's firmware
By Adam Waring, Matthew Richards published
HOW TO New firmware updates for your camera can deliver everything from bug fixes to exciting new features
Make the most of your Nikon camera's dual card slots
By Matthew Richards published
HOW TO Here’s how to double up on the potential of dual memory card slots
The best Fujifilm lenses in 2024: the best zoom & prime lenses for X Series cameras
By Gareth Bevan last updated
BUYING GUIDE We list the best Fujifilm lenses for all kinds of photography, whether you're into travel, close-ups, wildlife or portraits
The best photography lighting kits in 2024: for studio, location and video
By Gareth Bevan last updated
Buying guide We select the best photography lighting kits with mains power, battery power, and continuous LED lighting for video
The best ringflash for macro photography in 2024
By Chris George last updated
Updated Make sure your macro shots of insects and flowers are beautifully lit using a dedicated ringflash
Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS review: Stick or twist? This travel tripod gives you both options
By Matthew Richards published
Review The new Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS tripod kit comes in twist or lever lock options, as well as in aluminum and carbon fiber versions. Plenty to choose from.
The best light stands in 2024: solid support for studio flash heads, LED light panels and more
By Matthew Richards last updated
buying guide Support studio lights, reflectors, backgrounds and more, with the best light stands on sale today
Manfrotto Nano Light Stand review: a small but reasonably tall light stand
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Manfrotto 5001B-1 Nano Light Stand achieves a decent operating height but folds down surprisingly small for compact stowage.
Elinchrom Lighting Stand review: a stand that keeps things simple
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Elinchrom Lighting Stand is quick and easy to use but gives lofty, sturdy support, all at a keen price.
Manfrotto 420B Combi-Boom Stand review: a two-in-one light stand and boom
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Manfrotto 420B Combi-Boom Stand gives the versatility of a towering light stand plus a boom, in one convenient package.
Manfrotto 003 Backlite Stand review: elegant simplicity and sturdy support for backdrop lighting
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Manfrotto 003 Backlite Stand is ideal when you want to go low, and illuminate backdrops while keeping your flash head out of the frame.
Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Stand twin pack review: so cheap it’s like a BOGOF deal
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Amazon Basics Aluminum Light Stand twin pack is so inexpensive it seems like you’re buying one and getting the other one for free.
The best Nikon portrait lenses in 2024 for Nikon Z cameras and Nikon DSLRs
By Matthew Richards last updated
Buying Guide How to choose the best Nikon portrait lenses to fit your camera and your budget! Includes Nikon Z and DSLR cameras
Best Leica M lenses in 2024: every current Leica M rangefinder lens
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
buying guide Looking for the best Leica M lens? These are all the Leica-made rangefinder lenses for Leica cameras
Best Canon flashgun in 2024: which Speedlite will be best for you?
By Matthew Richards last updated
UPDATED Our comprehensive guide will help you choose the best Canon flashgun that suits your needs and budget
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II review: the portrait-friendly G Master lens gets a revamp and comes up trumps
By Matthew Richards published
Review Eight years on, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II seeks to build on the success of the original G Master ‘portrait prime’ with some desirable updates.
Manfrotto Befree GT 3-Way review: a compact travel tripod for hybrid content creators
By Matthew Richards published
Review The compact and lightweight Manfrotto Befree GT 3-Way is built for the road and aims to cater to all the needs of hybrid content creators shooting stills and video.
NiSi NM-200s Macro Focusing Rail review: get on track for extreme close-ups
By Matthew Richards published
Review The NiSi NM-200s Macro Focusing Rail helps you to nail focusing for tricky macro shots and makes light work of focus stacking
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!