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
![Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ieQDwmgGAX2xwtxKsy3jRM-320-80.jpg)
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 review: a nifty, nippy little lens with street smarts for Nikon Z-system cameras
By Matthew Richards published
Review Billed as an ideal lens for street photography, the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 is, remarkably, the company’s first ever f/1.4 Z-mount prime lens
![Novoflex KOPF2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qBpH5Q95ZA8F893dbrkk3G-320-80.jpg)
Novoflex KOPF2 geared head review: ultra-fine precision but comes at a price
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Novoflex KOPF2 Geared Head Starter Kit is from a range of modular kit options, catering to the most exacting requirements
![Novoflex Qube](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ccivdmb6XCwLsPE7bqL65h-320-80.jpg)
Novoflex Qube Goniometer Head Pro-Kit review: ultra-high-precision adjustments are the aim of this modular tripod head
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Novoflex Qube Goniometer Head Pro-Kit sits at the top of the tree of various modular geared tripod head kit options, offering the greatest versatility.
![Nikon auto sensor cleaning](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vHMei6BQytDvNzDmRdrmDW-320-80.jpg)
Automatic sensor cleaning isn't essential? My experience would beg to differ
By Matthew Richards published
Opinion I’d have thought that by now, every digital camera would have an automatic image sensor cleaning option. The Nikon Z30, Z50 and Z fc have made me think again.
![Nikon Z6 III](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4mPPW8baPcLtMwVEEFNA2A-320-80.jpg)
Nikon Z6 III: Here’s why I gave a so-called ‘compromised’ camera a full 100% rating
By Matthew Richards published
Opinion People are saying that the new partially stacked image sensor in the Nikon Z 6III compromises its performance. I’m not one of them
![camera cleaning](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XzzXdD5YtfypsJkFYZkbq4-320-80.jpg)
The best camera sensor cleaners: these kits will banish dark spots from your photos
By Matthew Richards last updated
Updated Clean up your act, or at least your image sensor. These top kits are just the job for mirrorless cameras and DSLRs
![The best Leica SL lenses: a guide to the full Leica SL lens range in 2021](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/45tqWgoNT7vgwZNjVrSuiB-320-80.jpg)
The best Leica SL lenses: a guide to the full Leica SL lens range
By Sebastian Oakley last updated
Updated Looking for the best Leica SL lenses? Leica’s full-frame L-mount lenses aim for optimum performance
![Yongnuo YN11mm F1.8S DA DSM WL](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uz2w5nsG8XmLjnsqR3d3jZ-320-80.jpg)
Yongnuo YN11mm F1.8S DA DSM WL review: mighty wide perspective meets speedy aperture rating, plus optional remote control
By Matthew Richards published
Review The APS-C format Yongnuo YN11mm F1.8S DA DSM WL in Sony E-mount shoehorns an effective 16.5mm focal length and fast f/1.8 aperture into a compact build.
![Person holding a Nikon Z6 III camera up to their face](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kT6XcKYcvPzGfkbLQXRxVD-320-80.jpg)
Nikon Z6 III review: a dream camera for content creators through to enthusiast and pro photographers
By Matthew Richards published
Review With a revolutionary ‘partially stacked’ sensor and an eye-popping viewfinder, the Z6 III takes Nikon’s mid-range mirrorless camera to new heights
![Zeiss Loxia 35mm F2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SCMsZnTp9cR2BE3JGrL3fS-320-80.jpg)
Zeiss Loxia 35mm F2 review: a classic street photography lens for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras
By Matthew Richards published
review The Zeiss Loxia 35mm F2 manual-focus lens combines a classic focal length with classic looks and handling.
![Zeiss Milvus 135mm F2](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i57Pfpgtoqhnek7hzBrAuV-320-80.jpg)
Zeiss Milvus 135mm F2 review: ready for your close-up?
By Matthew Richards published
review The Zeiss Milvus 135mm F2 aims for portrait perfection with Canon and Nikon DSLRs.
![Zeiss Milvus 15mm F2.8](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v367ALmh3HDQTKzhV56h3m-320-80.jpg)
Zeiss Milvus 15mm F2.8 review: the widest of a family of 11 lenses
By Matthew Richards published
review The Zeiss Milvus 15mm F2.8 is the most wide-angle lens in the line-up of 11 Milvus prime lenses for Canon and Nikon DSLRs.
![Zeiss Loxia 21mm F2.8](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y529wQc6Rv8Lig4DXVLwVc-320-80.jpg)
Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 review: widest-angle prime lens from Zeiss’s Loxia family
By Matthew Richards published
review The Zeiss Loxia 21mm F2.8 is a classy ultra-wide-angle, manual-focus prime lens for Sony E-mount cameras.
![Zeiss Batis 18mm F2.8](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qd5XE54yuikPGYwcAqytbe-320-80.jpg)
Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 review: wide-angle autofocus lens for Sony shooters
By Matthew Richards published
review Unusually, the Zeiss Batis 18mm F2.8 is a Zeiss prime with autofocus and the electronic attractions don’t stop there.
![Nikon EN-EL15b fakes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/i3gWo7JyKNGi5wbuFFFE57-320-80.jpg)
When good camera batteries go bad – I bought fakes, but I've only just found out
By Matthew Richards published
opinion I bought 4 ‘genuine’ Nikon batteries but now I'm sure they’re fakes. They simply won’t work in new Nikon cameras.
![Itson ItsRecharge AA & AAA batteries](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XwfXnQH9vRCoMikXCQWLp5-320-80.jpg)
Itson ItsRecharge AA & AAA batteries review: a brand new brand of rechargeable batteries
By Matthew Richards published
Review Itson ItsRecharge AA & AAA batteries aim to take the eco-friendliness of rechargeable NiMH cells to a new level.
![Itson ItsRecharge Pro AA & AAA](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DTd2UirqygPUS9wtEZcimB-320-80.jpg)
Itson ItsRecharge Pro AA & AAA batteries review: a power-up for power hungry gadgets
By Matthew Richards published
Review Itson ItsRecharge Pro AA & AAA rechargeable NiMH batteries go large on eco-friendliness as well as power output and performance.
![Zeiss Milvus 21mm F2.8](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YgXizE9EkRS8gMBzPwTA3e-320-80.jpg)
Zeiss Milvus 21mm f/2.8 review: Go wide with this up-market prime lens for Canon and Nikon DSLRs
By Matthew Richards published
review The Zeiss Milvus 21mm F2.8 combines an ultra-wide viewing angle with a fairly fast aperture, designed for DSLRs
![Olympus M.Zuiko 12‑40mm f/2.8 Pro lens on a wooden surface in front of green foliage](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Vq5JXHVz6JFCb3jhP3k7s8-320-80.jpg)
Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro review: the essential trinity lens
By Matthew Richards last updated
review The Olympus M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro is a not so standard zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras
![Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Ypy5etnKSVpUXE2V86x9yE-320-80.jpg)
Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art review: the world’s first constant-aperture f/1.8 zoom lens for full-frame cameras
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art is geared to Sony and L-mount shooters who feel the need for a speedy aperture rating, at the expense of a limited zoom range
![Nikon Know-How](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YcmKc8xD2KBK5jrHon5VCX-320-80.jpg)
Nikon's AF modes demystified: here's how to track the action!
By Matthew Richards published
How to Confused by Nikon's AF modes? Here's how to keep focused on moving subjects using the right autofocus setup
![Tamron 17-50mm F4 Di III VXD](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Td4y2SDaeBVQ9ZyxytaM8U-320-80.jpg)
Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD review: can’t decide between a wide-angle or standard zoom? This one’s both
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Tamron 17-50mm F4 Di III VXD stretches from expansive wide-angle coverage to a standard field of view in one easily manageable zoom lens, ideal for stills, video and vlogging
![Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EJJMq4foogAjXwJmVVtJbF-320-80.jpg)
Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 review: a lens that really plays the (wide) angles
By Matthew Richards published
Review The sophisticated Viltrox AF 16mm F1.8 for Nikon Z and Sony E mount full-frame cameras couples an expansive viewing angle with a fast aperture and an inexpensive price
![Fujifilm GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hBZDwtUnLDEmQUGZZ6DHcV-320-80.jpg)
Fujifilm GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR review: Super-telephoto super-powers for GFX medium format cameras
By Matthew Richards published
Review The Fujifilm GF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS WR medium format super-telephoto lens combines a lightweight design with 6-stop stabilization, ideal for handheld shooting.
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