About Spencer Cox

I'm Spencer Cox, a landscape photographer based in Colorado. I started writing for Photography Life a decade ago, and now I run the website in collaboration with Nasim. I've used nearly every digital camera system under the sun, but for my personal work, I love the slow-paced nature of large format film. You can see more at my personal website and my not-exactly-active Instagram page.

Post Archive By Spencer Cox

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 Announced for $500

Nikon has just announced their newest mirrorless lens: the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4. Like the Z 35mm f/1.4 that was announced a couple of months ago, this is not an S-series lens. Instead, it prioritizes a light weight and a lower price. Here’s what we know so far.

Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Announced for Nikon Z

Tamron recently announced that their 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 lens is going to be available for the Nikon Z system beginning September 19th! This $1300 lens could be a budget alternative for the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S, and a brighter alternative to the Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8.

Our First Online Workshop + 72 Hour Sale Announced!

This morning, I am thrilled to announce the release of one of the biggest projects in Photography Life’s history – our first Online Workshop, The Art of Composition! Along with this workshop, I’m announcing a 72-hour sale on yearly memberships with a price that we won’t bring back. Here are all the details.

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S Review

This hands-on review covers everything that you need to know about the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S, an ultra-bright prime lens available for the Z System. Although it’s large, heavy, and expensive, there’s a lot to like where image quality and capabilities are concerned. Here’s how it measures up.

The Obvious Shot and the Hidden Shot

Often in photography, there is what I’d call the “obvious shot.” The obvious shot can sometimes be a cliché image that tons of people have photographed before, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead, it’s really just the most straightforward view of a particular scene.

Photography Life’s Camera Comparison Database Published!

For the last few months, Jason and I have been working to bring you a detailed camera comparison database – a place where you can see side-by-side specifications from dozens (eventually hundreds) of cameras to decide on the best one for your needs. I’m excited to say that the database has launched today!

Canon EOS R1 Announcement

Canon just announced their long-awaited EOS R1 flagship, an ultra-high-speed camera with an integrated grip and perhaps the best electronic viewfinder on the market. While the 24 megapixel sensor may be lower than some had hoped, this camera is otherwise the most advanced Canon camera we’ve seen yet.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II Announcement

Canon has just announced the successor to their popular EOS R5 mirrorless camera, the EOS R5 Mark II. The new $4300 camera adds eye-control autofocus, a higher FPS burst rate, and a faster electronic shutter, among other improvements. Here’s what you need to know.

My Most and Least Favorite Nikon Z Lenses

There aren't a lot of photographers who have used every Nikon Z lens. And actually, I'm not one of them - I still need to test two, the Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct and the newest Z 35mm f/1.4. But I have tested 38 of the 40 (plus both TCs),...