GEAR OF THE YEAR 2019
Yes, it’s that time of year again when we roll out the red carpet and hand out the gongs.
Welcome to the endlessly glamorous N-Photo Gear of the Year awards, where we reveal the most outstanding cameras, luscious lenses and amazing accessories that have passed through our test lab doors over these ludicrously busy and kit-packed 12 months.
It’s been a year since Nikon’s new Z system has taken the world by storm, so you’ll find plenty of treats from the mirrorless camp. On the DSLR side of the tracks, there’s still plenty to get excited about. Sigma and Tamron, in particular, have continued to delight with some truly great glass, and Samyang has stepped up its game as well. So, without further ado, or any overly pregnant pauses, let’s get right to it and reveal the winners of this year’s Gear of the Year!
BEGINNER/BUDGET
WINNER: FLASHGUN MODIFIER KIT
Rogue Flash Bender 2 Portable Lighting Kit
£149/$151 Tested in issue 101
* WHAT WE LOVE
Although it packs away small and is lightweight for carrying, this flash modifier kit is so versatile. It’s based on a fabric panel that can bend into a flat or curved bounce card, or even roll up into a snoot. The kit also contains a secondary smaller panel and diffuser, plus a three-way honeycomb grid. It’s not cheap, but is still keenly priced compared to some competitors, and can improve the quality of light from a flashgun.
* WHAT’S MISSING?
It’s not the quickest and easiest kit to set up, but the reward is a wide range of effects along with compact, lightweight stowage.
* WHY UPGRADE?
The quality of lighting from a flashgun can look flat and harsh. This enables you
