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
![Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QrVyZCyCnCcsi335C7MYX6-320-80.jpg)
Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D review: take it to the bridge
By Matthew Richards published
Review Thanks to the Panasonic Lumix FZ80D / FZ82D and a few other like minded-models, bridge cameras aren’t dead yet.
![Focus shift shooting](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KXrSAnghZPZHjuiESzQjET-320-80.jpg)
Focus-stack your close-up photos the easy way with Nikon’s Focus Shift Shooting mode
By Matthew Richards published
How to Get your shots sharp from front to back with this tricked-up release mode
![Kodak PixPro FZ45](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vGaEqYQHc5d7ffzHVyL2h4-320-80.jpg)
Kodak PixPro FZ45 review: a ‘proper’ digital camera that’s as cheap as chips
By Matthew Richards last updated
Review The Kodak PixPro FZ45 is well suited to beginners and the budget-conscious, with zoom lens, flash and a 2-digit price tag.
![Sekonic Flashmate L-308X](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/h9nxFy33Qqbcy8JtkKo8jQ-320-80.jpg)
Sekonic Flashmate L-308X / L-308X-U review: the only light meter you’ll ever need
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Sekonic Flashmate L-308X builds on the success of the L-308S, adding video to stills metering for hybrid shooting.
![Plustek OpticFilm 135i on a wooden surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WwoDTZ9zLvn99etKhESuXh-320-80.jpg)
The best film scanners: give your cherished negatives and slides new life
By Gareth Bevan last updated
Buying Guide The best film scanners make it easy to digitize your beloved 35mm negatives, slides, and cine film so there is no risk of losing them
![A woman in a park using one of the best monopods](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hCdFnwqFbeNBQAs6wKt67o-320-80.jpg)
The best monopods: stable support that can take a load off
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated For wildlife and sports photography, or anytime you’re using a big heavy lens, a monopod can give some much needed relief.
![Best telephoto lens](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RMaov5ZTJxozeAMwhnFcFo-320-80.jpg)
The best telephoto lenses: top zooms for bringing your subjects closer
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated These are the best telephoto lenses for your camera, for Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and more, both mirrorless and DSLR
![Photographers taking pictures from an all terrain vehicle](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MAYyGYBVopX66gDDCmpdB9-320-80.jpg)
Best lenses for safari photography
By Jon Stapley last updated
Updated Our experts pick out the best lenses for safari in all major mounts, with a range of zooms for all budgets.
![a Canon 70-200mm lens shot under a spotlight](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rPkrmMhvN8tnf7FMaCp7yR-320-80.jpg)
The best Canon telephoto lenses: for your DSLR or EOS R series camera
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated The best Canon telephoto lenses for EF and RF mounts enable you to get up close to the action even from far away
![PhotoPlus reader Phil Perry with Canon pro Moto GP photographer Rob Gray on Apprentice shoot at Donington race track](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A6PTV76389KLcF9WTyAbaV-320-80.jpg)
Best lens for sports photography
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated Shoot sports? You'll need the best lens for sports photography – stick one of these on your camera to keep up with the action
![best 100-400mm lenses: which is the best zoom for you?](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PewsFRGQXsnt4TcXa9EiLi-320-80.jpg)
The best 100-400mm lenses: which is the best telephoto zoom for you?
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated We help you pick the best 100-400mm lens for your camera – stretch your telephoto reach without piling on the pounds!
![Nikon D850](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L5XRj3vH2pvCUUhLSyCGBn-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Nikon D850: I pick my top lenses for Nikon's range-topping and still highly popular DSLR
By Jase Parnell-Brookes last updated
Updated The best lenses for the Nikon D850 will help you get the best shots with this full-frame DSLR powerhouse
![Nikon Zf camera held up to a face](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BMJgRfPoNR2TorNosvJZiK-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Nikon Zf: high-performance yet stylish glass
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated I think that the best lenses for the Nikon Zf need to fit with its retro-styling but match its full-frame performance.
![Nikon Z9 with Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wNNpuBYg6D3By3doSg6eQP-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Nikon Z9 and Z8: top-flight lenses for these high-resolution cameras
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated It's a tough job, but I pick out the best lenses for the Nikon Z9 and Z8, Nikon's sensational flagship mirrorless cameras
![Canon EOS R50](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6NazFcNYYrPj86UHhsdRgk-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Canon EOS R50: take your entry-level camera to the next level
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated What are the best lenses to get for the Canon R50? Join me as I pick out the perfect lenses for this great beginner camera.
![Best lenses for Sony A7 II](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mf9KXHJokWVdUJFvs3CUPM-320-80.jpeg)
The best lenses for the Sony A7 II: make the most of this veteran camera
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated What are the best lenses for the Sony A7 II? I reckon they need to be good but reasonably priced.
![7Artisans 10mm F2.8 II Fish-Eye ED](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QxoSXGHmyaxVPNDmCYJcRc-320-80.jpg)
7Artisans 10mm F2.8 II Fish-Eye ED review: The Mark II edition of one of my favorite fisheyes
By Matthew Richards published
Review The 7Artisans 10mm F2.8 II Fish-Eye ED is designed for mirrorless cameras and comes in a wide range of mount options, at a bargain price.
![Lume Cube XL COB LED](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/czrgmQ7VeEHpdCQuyk4vtC-320-80.jpg)
Lume Cube XL review: app-Controlled 60W RGB Mini COB LED Light
By Matthew Richards published
Review This Lume Cube XL is a full-spectrum COB LED light that’s ultra-compact and lightweight, ideal for stills and video.
![Fujifilm X-T50 camera held in two hands](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/goSACuafoUAaAp6eEouB9m-320-80.jpg)
Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR review: above standard zoom
By Gareth Bevan last updated
Review The original XF 18-55mm was widely considered one of the best kit zooms ever, can its successor live up to that lofty reputation?
![best macro lenses](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wsUqsUsQpQtknhqDqM9jLR-320-80.jpg)
The best macro lenses: get closer to your subjects than ever before!
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated Here are the best macro lenses for extreme close-ups to fit your DSLR or mirrorless camera
![Best lenses for Sony ZV-E10](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KpFgPBTQYmX8SUobJQvgdY-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Sony ZV-E10: for vlogging and much more besides
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated Take a look at the best lenses for the Sony ZV-E10. Not just for vlogging, this compact and lightweight APS-C camera can work really well for all sorts of things, with the right lenses.
![Sony a6700 digital camera](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/bdWFSUmrbe7uWz4D3YzjJG-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Sony A6700: top choices for shooting both stills and video
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated Join me as I pick out the best lenses for the Sony A6700, one of the top APS-C format hybrid stills and video cameras.
![Best lenses for Sony A6000](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4Cx88EHjkDLA3v7b3VPUfC-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for Sony A6000 cameras: Compact APS-C format primes and zooms
By Matthew Richards, Rod Lawton last updated
Updated The best lenses for Sony A6000 cameras deliver are capable of great image quality and all-round performance, and are good value for money.
![Best lenses for Sony A7iv - hands holding Sony A7 IV with FE 35mm f/1.4 GM lens](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/n3FJXWB3yyyDRKvAPyf6jK-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Sony A7 IV: make the most of this camera’s inherent capabilities
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated I’ve chosen the best lenses for the Sony A7 IV based on what most of its owners tend to use this camera for, namely wedding, event, and social photography.
![Best lenses for Sony A7iii](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/d7kcwFF98cZAojBZwGuo4D-320-80.jpg)
The best lenses for the Sony A7 III in 2025: ideal fit for price and performance
By Rod Lawton last updated
Updated The best lenses for the Sony A7 III need to suit a wide range of photographic genres, not least because this camera body is such a great all-rounder. Here are my best-buy recommendations.
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