I purchased this Laowa twin flash unit based in your very good review, and am very happy with the unit; no problems after six months use. Very flexible for macro or closeup. I ended up using inexpensive small cloth-based diffusers, by Newer, held on by elastics on the diffusers, (or my own elastics). The weak spot would be the battery compartment cover; although I've had no problems, you'll need to treat it with kid gloves. It has good power; especially impressed with its power outside. As you pointed out, you will get noticed, etc; whether you want it or not, people will start conversations with you about it. Thanks, Thomas, for your reviews - I've bought this unit, the Laowa 15mm, and the Laowa 60mm because of them.
At a current price of circa £280 in UK this is extraordinary expensive for what it is. I might have expected a price point nearer £100. There a multitude of small cheap flash units available ex China (Godox, Yongnuo, Neweer etc) that could do the job as well, or better, with a simple bracket/arms either DIY or from likes of Small Rig. Alternatively simply use a couple of small mini clamps (or table tripods) and a couple of diffused flashguns with any old flashguns you have to hand. Experimentation and perhaps a little lateral thinking, with a modicum of DIY effort, possibly also considering LED video lights will throw up a range of lower cost possibilities. Another advantage about experementing is you will learn a lot more about how to use light effectively.
2:56 shows that the 2 separate lights become 1 big soft box. The 2 separate lights become 1. It does work, but I would not want to buy a dedicated Macro speedlight flash. I have a design that allows for any speedlight to extend forward and get the same result.
may I know if the bending of the arms of the twin flash would damage the hotshoe of the camera in long run? I am not sure if the resistance of the arms of the twin flash would be too large or just fine to hold the light heads without introducing too much pressure to the hotshoe
im not much for photography, i just watched cos i miss you buddy. Can we expect more spider videos? the combination of your music and the arthropods is just so nice.
Great video as always. Because of this video i bought one of these flashes. and i love it. BUT: My batteries are dying (tested three times) if i let them in the flash over night. LAOWA itself has not answered my question (nearly one year old) on how we can proceed with this issue.
ok so I use the nikon d3000 and I am saving for the Venus 60mm 2:1 macro lens. The problem is I have no idea what to look for in flashes whether a ring flash or one that sits ontop of the camera. Can anyone help me?
I am wondering something about this flash, while thinking about buying it. Does it do high speed sync used on a pentax? I can't seem to find really specific info on this aside from the specification on the venus website stating it's flash time is 1/200 ~ 1/20000s dealers in Holland seem to have it confused, the one states it does, the other it doesn't.... I would be very happy if some one with a pentax and this flash experience could help me with this piece of info!
Hi Thomas, I just bought a KR-888 and can't find any manual or instructions for it... the ones that came in the box are in Mandarin and I can't understand a thing. Do you happen to know where I can find info?
Thanks for the great review, I think I'm definitely going to buy one of these, they seem pretty good value. Do you have any plans to review venus' 15mm macro as well?
Great video! I've got one question about the arms of this system, are they easy to position to a desired place or are they rather tough and the joints do not allow to manouver too much? I am currently using nikon R1C1 on some cheap arms and the joints are really, really hard to position.
hotsausage1997 The joints are definitely stiff - but you wouldn't want them any other way as they would sag. It definitely takes a little fiddling around to place them where you want - but unlike other systems/brackets - you really can place them just about anywhere (see: 0:47)
Hi Thomas! Thank you for your review. I really love your photos! :D I started shooting high magnification macros thanks to you! I have some question for you about this flash: - Is the central light (focusing light) "always on" or is possible to make it turn on only when you press the camera focusing button? - Is possible to shoot short blast (8-10 shots) at 1/4 power? - Do you recommend it for high magnification macro?
Me and my E-Maxx In this video I'm using the Venus 60mm 2:1 macro. A fantastically sharp lens but difficult to use in the field due to a lack of control of the aperture (have to shoot through it "stopped down"). I use the Venus 60mm and my old reversed lens setups for higher magnification work - but for just having fun in the field (with a better "keeper" rate) I use a Vivitar 55mm macro.
Nice to read of someone else using a 55mm macro lens and getting a good keeper rate. I've just picked up an old legendary 55mm f2.8 micro Nikkor for my D7200. Awesome lens and very affordable. Just using a home made split diffuser (aluminium foil lined cardboard channels and white foam diffuser screen at the ends) on the pop up flash. Fiddly to design and make, yet successfully gives me a nice balanced soft light from two sides. But I may well go for the twin Venus system shown here when finances allow, as it seems much the preferable solution.
Hi Thomas, Thanks for your great insights into macro photography! I am looking to get a macro set up for photography and video, do you think the center light would be adequate enough to light the subject for some nice video shots? The flash heads on either side don't by any chance also have a constant 'on' function do they? I doubt it as it is a flash but would be good to know regardless : ) Thanks for sharing your work dude!
I love your work!, ive been following you on youtube and flickr for years man! i still havent been able to replicate your results, i can never seem to get enough light in the scene so my depth of field is too narrow due to the wide aperture, maybe i should invest in a good flash.
LivingPixel Thanks! A good flash is *really* helpful for macro! Just find a way to diffuse it and get the diffuser close to the subject and you should be good to go.
Victor Personal preference mostly (and that third center light is just a focusing lamp - doesn't factor into the exposure!). I don't like people looking at my photos and seeing exactly how I lit them - I prefer just one big soft catch-light. And having two flash heads angled through that sheet actually introduces more light than you would expect - see 4:16
Thomas Shahan Yes, sorry 2 lights,.. but behind the sheet aren't they act as 1 flat, bigger soft light (10"onflash soft box DIY which we have seen)? So no lights from different angle, just 1 softer light. ...Can you please compare this light with the flash softbox?. Thank you for your videos Thomas and the inspiration of your macroshots!
One of the flashes stopped working after I used it five or six times. There was no product support or repair center to get it fixed. Don’t waste your money.
Ok, I was thinking, when I photograph butterflies, and dragonflies, they will feel that a giant spider is coming for them!!! ... what's your experience Thomas? Best regards from Uruguay.
I'm a bit worried about how my kit compares to the reviewers. I got the 15mm Laowa T/S wide macro, and now this flash. I do LOVE what images these can give me. But I can see from a mile away that my lens, and my flash is made very different from the reviewers. It's very plasticy, different buttons. Not that well put together. The 15mm lens is a bit klonky, the tilt shift button works barely, the moving parts doesn't feel well put together. The hood were made of such a soft plastic, it didn't fit after two/three uses (first day/broken). I will have a great time with this kit, and the "keeper" list of pictures that I love is steadily growing. I just get a slight feeling that the reviewers get a bit better products than some others? As I said. I love what my Venus Optics products do in performance. I just don't see them lasting very long. Compared to my other gear, canon L/non L, Samyang, even the Kenko kit, both my lens and the flash stays in the very bottom concerning the build quality. Far from the praisal that I hear in reviews. My flash controls were way different than yours, and some functions aren't even there.
I got mine in the mail yesterday and am really impressed at how flexible it is. I photographed a tiny Orchard Orb Weaver spider yesterday with the D850 and my 105mm f/2.8 AIS Micro Nikkor and PN-11 extension tube and was very pleased with the result. Mine has an LCD screen rather than the LED's. I set the base exposure given the ambient light and stopped down a half stop and then adjusted each flash to 1/16 power. I am going to either make small diffusion filters for each flash or one large one to fit over the lens to soften the light somewhat. 500px.com/photo/1018490277/Orchard-Orb-Weaver-Spider-by-Scott-Murphy/
Great to see another video from you :-) Very informative and useful, thanks! Btw, still using a reversed lens, or are you using a "real" macro lens now?
Alphfirm Thanks! I still use reversed lenses from time to time (mostly in the lab where sharpness counts) but have been happy with a Vivitar 55mm macro and the Venus 60mm 2:1 I've got on the camera in this video.
Hi ***** I am using the same flash system for my macros but instead of the tracing paper I use light weight medium for RC planes I think it works great. I also have it flat on the end of my lens attached with a ring adaptor so it is easy to transfer from lens to lens. Here is an example of the light output on a very bright beetle - www.flickr.com/photos/53353225@N07/19313195674
Scott Murray Interesting! I'm open to ideas with this thing - lots of room for experimenting! Nice shot! Not a beetle though - a scutellerid (Jewel Bug)!
Thomas Shahan this is my current set up - www.flickr.com/photos/scotthmurray/19310509624/in/datetaken/ www.flickr.com/photos/scotthmurray/19925553542/in/datetaken/ hope it helps and is made out of 6mm RC foam which I sourced from ebay. Thank you for the ID aswell.
I always find focusing so hard in macrophotography ... and i see u hand holding these blue berries + hand holding your camera + checking focus on the screen ... !!!! How the hell do you get that crisp picture at the end ? Where is the magic ?
Great review, love your channel! As an amateur entomologist photographing pollinators: ( akshayjamwal.com/pollinators ), I was wondering what bee you've captured, and whether it's a solitary or social species.
hoehlentroll69 India is beautiful. 27% of it is covered in forests. That’s Almost 700,000 square kilometres. 160,000 of that is protected national parks.
It’s a shame it isn’t TTL. If your subject will sit still long enough for you to adjust flash output and ratios fine, but most likely bugs in Summer are too stimulated by the warms temps to sit for long.
Camera is slowly evolving into a bug itself :)
Holy moly - great review - and actually one of the best youtube reviews Ive ever seen...
Simple and on the point !
I purchased this Laowa twin flash unit based in your very good review, and am very happy with the unit; no problems after six months use. Very flexible for macro or closeup. I ended up using inexpensive small cloth-based diffusers, by Newer, held on by elastics on the diffusers, (or my own elastics). The weak spot would be the battery compartment cover; although I've had no problems, you'll need to treat it with kid gloves. It has good power; especially impressed with its power outside. As you pointed out, you will get noticed, etc; whether you want it or not, people will start conversations with you about it. Thanks, Thomas, for your reviews - I've bought this unit, the Laowa 15mm, and the Laowa 60mm because of them.
We need more videos, please. This is an amazing channel by a great photographer and instructor.
At a current price of circa £280 in UK this is extraordinary expensive for what it is. I might have expected a price point nearer £100. There a multitude of small cheap flash units available ex China (Godox, Yongnuo, Neweer etc) that could do the job as well, or better, with a simple bracket/arms either DIY or from likes of Small Rig. Alternatively simply use a couple of small mini clamps (or table tripods) and a couple of diffused flashguns with any old flashguns you have to hand. Experimentation and perhaps a little lateral thinking, with a modicum of DIY effort, possibly also considering LED video lights will throw up a range of lower cost possibilities. Another advantage about experementing is you will learn a lot more about how to use light effectively.
Really love your reviews and tutorials.
Please make more.
That feeling, when the flash looks like an insect more than the insect itself. :D
Haha! xD
Hello Thomas,
this report is a very important one, which will help people to do better macro photography! Thank you very much!
Rüdiger
You do know your stuff Thomas..!
2 thumbs up man !
Keep this awesome informative videos coming !
2:56 shows that the 2 separate lights become 1 big soft box. The 2 separate lights become 1. It does work, but I would not want to buy a dedicated Macro speedlight flash. I have a design that allows for any speedlight to extend forward and get the same result.
Can you show me your design, thank you 😁
I am becoming such a big fan of your macro photo/videos. You rock 🤗😜
Your videos are brilliant and you're really good at explaining things well. Keep it up, you're a gift to aspiring macro photographers!
You have inspired me to return to macro photography. Thank you! :)
Thanks for this review, including examples of what it looks like when you use this lighting system. It was very helpful!
what is the interest of having 2 flashes and use a big sheet of paper to defuse the light? Only one flash would have done the same ?
Thanks I will definitely look to get this flash! So where did you get the handy plastic loops you used on the binder sleeve?
Which lenses are U using? and which camera?
great review. Is the recycle time fast enough to do hand held stack ? Thank you very much for your chanel and numerous advices.
Fabulous, Thomas !!
Have you tried it with the Laowa 15mm F4 macro lens ?
may I know if the bending of the arms of the twin flash would damage the hotshoe of the camera in long run? I am not sure if the resistance of the arms of the twin flash would be too large or just fine to hold the light heads without introducing too much pressure to the hotshoe
So 5.5 years later - Do you still use this flash? Is it still working properly?
I am so glad to see that you are using Pentax! I also have the K30 but mi photos are far far away to be as good as yours. Nice job!
im not much for photography, i just watched cos i miss you buddy. Can we expect more spider videos? the combination of your music and the arthropods is just so nice.
btw: I will be using it with my Pentax k70 and my Pentax 100mm f/2.8 macro. Cannot WAIT!!!
Great video as always. Because of this video i bought one of these flashes. and i love it.
BUT: My batteries are dying (tested three times) if i let them in the flash over night. LAOWA itself has not answered my question (nearly one year old) on how we can proceed with this issue.
Thomas, another great tutorial. How did you find using the unit while travelling and with stowage.
Wich lens did you use for the bugs?
these photos were taken with which lens please?
I just ordered one of these! Please tell me if there are color filters of some kind to use with it? Thank you.I really enjoy all of your vids!
Which lens did you use for these pictures ?
Beautiful work. Diffusion is my bugaboo with Canon Twin Lites. How have you attached that sheet to your lens?
what diffuser did you use?
Love your videos :) On a fun note, I would say the flash serves as a camo as well. It reminds me of a insect head.
Hi Thomas thank you for the video,but I would asking you if this twin flash is compatible with canon eos 77d,thank you again
This may be a dumb question, but how do you calculate exposure with this flash? It doesn't seem like the level indicators give you any guidance.
Scott Clark Nope - not a dumb question! You just have to guess based on your aperture, magnification and iso. The flash is *totally* manual.
ok so I use the nikon d3000 and I am saving for the Venus 60mm 2:1 macro lens. The problem is I have no idea what to look for in flashes whether a ring flash or one that sits ontop of the camera. Can anyone help me?
I am wondering something about this flash, while thinking about buying it. Does it do high speed sync used on a pentax? I can't seem to find really specific info on this aside from the specification on the venus website stating it's flash time is 1/200 ~ 1/20000s dealers in Holland seem to have it confused, the one states it does, the other it doesn't.... I would be very happy if some one with a pentax and this flash experience could help me with this piece of info!
Hi Thomas, I just bought a KR-888 and can't find any manual or instructions for it... the ones that came in the box are in Mandarin and I can't understand a thing. Do you happen to know where I can find info?
this video is the best manual you're going to get. mine didn't even come with one haha
Thomas you are fantastic!
I'm using a macro lens on a fx camera but I feel I'm not getting close enough. Do you use anything on top of the lens to get even closer?
Crop the image or use extension tubes.
Thanks for the great review, I think I'm definitely going to buy one of these, they seem pretty good value. Do you have any plans to review venus' 15mm macro as well?
I simply enjoy your guitar music!
Great video! I've got one question about the arms of this system, are they easy to position to a desired place or are they rather tough and the joints do not allow to manouver too much? I am currently using nikon R1C1 on some cheap arms and the joints are really, really hard to position.
hotsausage1997 The joints are definitely stiff - but you wouldn't want them any other way as they would sag. It definitely takes a little fiddling around to place them where you want - but unlike other systems/brackets - you really can place them just about anywhere (see: 0:47)
What type of lens you using here ?
Hi Thomas!
Thank you for your review. I really love your photos! :D
I started shooting high magnification macros thanks to you!
I have some question for you about this flash:
- Is the central light (focusing light) "always on" or is possible to make it turn on only when you press the camera focusing button?
- Is possible to shoot short blast (8-10 shots) at 1/4 power?
- Do you recommend it for high magnification macro?
will it work on Sony A99 shoe? thank you.
Very informative review ! 👍 Does it have TTL flash metering ?
Really nice work!
Very cool idea! Which lens are you using?
Me and my E-Maxx In this video I'm using the Venus 60mm 2:1 macro. A fantastically sharp lens but difficult to use in the field due to a lack of control of the aperture (have to shoot through it "stopped down"). I use the Venus 60mm and my old reversed lens setups for higher magnification work - but for just having fun in the field (with a better "keeper" rate) I use a Vivitar 55mm macro.
hey Thomas when you use your old extension tubes with the 50mm or 28mm did your extension tubes have baffles in them?
Nice to read of someone else using a 55mm macro lens and getting a good keeper rate. I've just picked up an old legendary 55mm f2.8 micro Nikkor for my D7200. Awesome lens and very affordable. Just using a home made split diffuser (aluminium foil lined cardboard channels and white foam diffuser screen at the ends) on the pop up flash. Fiddly to design and make, yet successfully gives me a nice balanced soft light from two sides. But I may well go for the twin Venus system shown here when finances allow, as it seems much the preferable solution.
How is the Venus holding up 18 months later?
pretty well , they are going to sell a 100mm macro 2:1
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for your great insights into macro photography! I am looking to get a macro set up for photography and video, do you think the center light would be adequate enough to light the subject for some nice video shots? The flash heads on either side don't by any chance also have a constant 'on' function do they? I doubt it as it is a flash but would be good to know regardless : ) Thanks for sharing your work dude!
is it really with the 230$ price tag though?
That looks like a really handy product.
I love your work!, ive been following you on youtube and flickr for years man! i still havent been able to replicate your results, i can never seem to get enough light in the scene so my depth of field is too narrow due to the wide aperture, maybe i should invest in a good flash.
LivingPixel Thanks! A good flash is *really* helpful for macro! Just find a way to diffuse it and get the diffuser close to the subject and you should be good to go.
So what is the point to have 3 lights and use them as one? Just use one, as you did before
Victor Personal preference mostly (and that third center light is just a focusing lamp - doesn't factor into the exposure!). I don't like people looking at my photos and seeing exactly how I lit them - I prefer just one big soft catch-light. And having two flash heads angled through that sheet actually introduces more light than you would expect - see 4:16
Thomas Shahan Yes, sorry 2 lights,.. but behind the sheet aren't they act as 1 flat, bigger soft light (10"onflash soft box DIY which we have seen)? So no lights from different angle, just 1 softer light. ...Can you please compare this light with the flash softbox?. Thank you for your videos Thomas and the inspiration of your macroshots!
+Victor wnufkdj
What lens plz
One of the flashes stopped working after I used it five or six times. There was no product support or repair center to get it fixed. Don’t waste your money.
Another great video Buddy, it looks just the job though a little out of my price range.
wow... that's really interesting... thanks for sharing
Ok, I was thinking, when I photograph butterflies, and dragonflies, they will feel that a giant spider is coming for them!!! ... what's your experience Thomas? Best regards from Uruguay.
I'm a bit worried about how my kit compares to the reviewers. I got the 15mm Laowa T/S wide macro, and now this flash.
I do LOVE what images these can give me. But I can see from a mile away that my lens, and my flash is made very different from the reviewers. It's very plasticy, different buttons. Not that well put together. The 15mm lens is a bit klonky, the tilt shift button works barely, the moving parts doesn't feel well put together. The hood were made of such a soft plastic, it didn't fit after two/three uses (first day/broken).
I will have a great time with this kit, and the "keeper" list of pictures that I love is steadily growing.
I just get a slight feeling that the reviewers get a bit better products than some others?
As I said. I love what my Venus Optics products do in performance. I just don't see them lasting very long. Compared to my other gear, canon L/non L, Samyang, even the Kenko kit, both my lens and the flash stays in the very bottom concerning the build quality.
Far from the praisal that I hear in reviews.
My flash controls were way different than yours, and some functions aren't even there.
price?
This light looks great, but it might be more than what I'm willing to spending. Do you recommend ring lights for macro work?
What kind of glasses are you wearing?
I got mine in the mail yesterday and am really impressed at how flexible it is. I photographed a tiny Orchard Orb Weaver spider yesterday with the D850 and my 105mm f/2.8 AIS Micro Nikkor and PN-11 extension tube and was very pleased with the result. Mine has an LCD screen rather than the LED's.
I set the base exposure given the ambient light and stopped down a half stop and then adjusted each flash to 1/16 power. I am going to either make small diffusion filters for each flash or one large one to fit over the lens to soften the light somewhat.
500px.com/photo/1018490277/Orchard-Orb-Weaver-Spider-by-Scott-Murphy/
Great to see another video from you :-)
Very informative and useful, thanks!
Btw, still using a reversed lens, or are you using a "real" macro lens now?
Alphfirm Thanks! I still use reversed lenses from time to time (mostly in the lab where sharpness counts) but have been happy with a Vivitar 55mm macro and the Venus 60mm 2:1 I've got on the camera in this video.
Hi ***** I am using the same flash system for my macros but instead of the tracing paper I use light weight medium for RC planes I think it works great. I also have it flat on the end of my lens attached with a ring adaptor so it is easy to transfer from lens to lens. Here is an example of the light output on a very bright beetle - www.flickr.com/photos/53353225@N07/19313195674
Scott Murray Interesting! I'm open to ideas with this thing - lots of room for experimenting! Nice shot! Not a beetle though - a scutellerid (Jewel Bug)!
Thomas Shahan
this is my current set up - www.flickr.com/photos/scotthmurray/19310509624/in/datetaken/ www.flickr.com/photos/scotthmurray/19925553542/in/datetaken/ hope it helps and is made out of 6mm RC foam which I sourced from ebay. Thank you for the ID aswell.
+Scott Murray Hi, what is "light weight medium for RC planes"? Sorry I'm German :)
Andreas Krappweis it is a foam board that is used to construct Remote control aeroplanes.
+Scott Murray thank you!
Thank you so much!
I always find focusing so hard in macrophotography ... and i see u hand holding these blue berries + hand holding your camera + checking focus on the screen ... !!!!
How the hell do you get that crisp picture at the end ? Where is the magic ?
Oops!!I had not seen this vid before I asked the question about this very thing!!
Great review, love your channel!
As an amateur entomologist photographing pollinators: ( akshayjamwal.com/pollinators ), I was wondering what bee you've captured, and whether it's a solitary or social species.
Akshay Singh Jamwal great photos.
hoehlentroll69 India is beautiful. 27% of it is covered in forests. That’s Almost 700,000 square kilometres. 160,000 of that is protected national parks.
@@cellardoor7500 Only just saw this and I know this is quite a late response, but thanks! :)
Exellent!! Thank you!
Useful but funny equipment. I will look like an insect...
This guy is awesome.
If an item has its durability measured in "2 months of rough use" and still going strong.....its durability need to be questioned.....
It’s a shame it isn’t TTL. If your subject will sit still long enough for you to adjust flash output and ratios fine, but most likely bugs in Summer are too stimulated by the warms temps to sit for long.
Very bug-like in its form factor
muy bueno!!
It is still not an affordable option for most of us.
It makes our cameras look like an anthropod
£280 UK price means it's not worth the expense for your average amateur
My thoughts exactly. Will stick to my Viltrox ring flash I think.
Will this work as a slave?
this is a great twin flash...until it snaps out of nowhere.
Piece of junk when one of the flash heads stopped working and good luck with customer support.
Music is too distracting. Otherwise, really interesting.
I don't trust reviews that sponsored by the product manufacturer!
and the amazon only has 7 ratings
Why do you have bugs with pins stuck through them - that's so far against nature.
price of this thing is ridiculus
looks like junk.