Normally, I hate it when TH-cam keeps suggesting videos that I have already watched. But this time, I am super glad they did. Now, I am kind of wishing they had a scheduling feature, where I could schedule this video to come up in my feed about once a month, until I REALLY get all this wonderful info fully ingrained in my brain.
You have a great channel and you have a clear and engaging manner and put over complex ideas simply and your enthusiasm is infectious. I do a lot of macro but still learned some stuff - so thank you! Very wide angle macro photography is hard though and the subject is almost touching the front of the lens, but I have got some nice images with my Opteka, which is I believe a rip-off of the Laowa 15mm, but it took a while to get the hang of. My Tamron 90mm is great and the possibility of autofocus is very useful with creatures that move around a lot. I have used my x2 Laowa using focus bracketing and a rail and got some amazing shots, and using it at x1 gives me that intermediate focal length which will get more in, something you've just reminded me of, so I'll be going out trying that out, though of course that one has not got autofocus for creatures that don't stand still for long! Anyway, many thanks for the great video.
A very comprehensive look at the differences between focal lengths in macro photography. The only thing missing IMHO is the information that at a given magnification ratio and aperture all of these lenses will have the same DOF.
I've just started off with macro photography and this is (by far) the most helpful video I've encountered yet. I live on the West Coast of Scotland with so many forest trails in close proximity.
Thank you for a most informative video. I believe this is the first time I have come across your channel. I'm trying to decide which Laowa to go for, to go with a 90mm Tamron I already have.
Hey Scott, thanks for these insights! I've been using the 90mm and the 25mm over about 3 months and loving them both. By far, it has always been about the subject in my pictures. However, after watching this, I am very excited to explore "stories" and composition in macro. Thanks Venus and you Scott, for providing great content!
Very interesting video. I’ve never seen macro lenses compared like this. I can see value to adding a 15mm to my lens collection. I have a 50mm and access to a 100mm macro for my Pentax K3.
Very nice explanation, but now I don't know what to do. I was looking for a macro lens to convert 35mm film to digital, and the JJC apparatus that I bought employs mostly 100mm macro lenses. According to your explanation, I understand that lens is mostly useful to capture the film frame at 1:1 magnification, however it is not appropriate if I want to take those close up pictures, that I found most interesting. For that purpose I bought a Sigma 8-16mmm (EF mount, 90D) because I was unaware of what those 15 or 50mm macros could do. Now, I upgraded to a R6 M2 and bought the converter to be able to use my EF lenses. But now I have a problem - should I buy a 100mm macro, mostly useful to digitize 35mm or should I buy a 50mm macro that might not be good enough for digitizing my films taken long ago with my Pentax K2 with a 35, 50 and 80-200mm Pentax lenses, everything still in mint condition. To develope those negatives I also bought a NIKOR color enlarger and accessories (chemicals, developing tanks, spools, photometers, printing papers, chronometers, and so on). Now, when I look at those prints, I don't like what I see, many are curled, faded, stained, whatever. This is why I decided to digitize those films. I should mention that, 2 months ago, I also bought a Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai 35mm film scanner and I didn't touch it yet, it is still inside the cardboard shipping box. I need some help to decide which way to go. Thank you
Very nicely done. I really like the part with the mushroom and the three focal lengths. I “knew” everything that you said but seeing it helps tremendously. The problem is… now I want ALL of the different focal lengths 😂
Thank you for this Master Class. I finally understand the effects of the different focal lengths from your examples. I'm leaning towards getting the 58mm.
This is the absolute clearest exposition of macro photography principles. Thanks for this video. Having tried various ways of adding light to macro scenes inc. ring flash led lighting etc.) I generally use a single diffuser covering my flash and this produces generally very good results. There seem so many alternatives that people use though, but now I am very interested in the one you are using here, giving two moveable light sources with diffusers and then the small light to help with focus, which I can see is going to be extremely useful, as when I use a small aperture especially it is hard to have enough light to see clearly. I am thinking of getting one of these flashes, but wanted to know whether you have found any disadvantages/snags using this, or if you had any further thoughts on the matter. Thank you very much in advance.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!!I have 1 question left; how do you deal with moving objects such as bees & butterflies? Because most will fly away as soon as you get close to them
This has properly opened my eyes in to what all of this means. Thank you so much! Subscribed now :) Also, just noticed you're taking pictures in side view, but have a button? Is this the battery grip that I see mentioned in some places?
Looking to get my hands on a Laowa macro lens as my old Canon 100mm broke down that I use for insect and Food Photography. Since I used the 100mm range, I'm more familiar with that...what can you suggest that I use for both insect and Food besides the 100mm?
Hi Jordan, thank you for your question! If you are looking for a similar point of view and framing, our 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-90mm-f-2-8-2x-macro-apo/) will be perfect; but if you want to try something new, you can give our 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO (www.venuslens.net/product/5828-2x-ultra-macro-apo/) a try. Although it is wider, the 2:1 magnification can still give you the macro shots you are used to; and when you are using it in other time, you also have the option to include more of the background. I hope we help you with the answer :)
7:09 Incorrect comparison of 58 and 90 mm lenses. It was necessary to set the same magnification on both, and then compare the background and perspective. At 90 mm, the bump would also fit into the frame at the same magnification as it was at 58 mm.
Some cool tips here! I've been searching high and low for a fully sealed environmental case for my zv-e10. Something that could withstand a zero visibility dust storm. I've found vacuum sealed scuba cages and rigs, but are there ones that aren't exactly scuba gear, but extreme desert environmental gear?
Hi Scott, This is such a clear and well detailed video. Very inspiring! I can't find the name of the last special lens. Is that a Laowa? Thank you so much for your feedback
I wonder if it's possible to create similar lens like Laowa 25mm 5x macro but also with tilt functionality (potentially will be really helpful for macro, but idk for sure at this levels of magnification)
HA!, check this out, 15:32, you can see a yellow spider, orb weaver? Climbing up a stick, and making a web!! 16:16 you can now see it hanging. (its to the left, look under the text "AS THE") Dang missed opportunity there! Oh well. I own the Laowa 90mm and its great. I do love the wide angle aspects but you get too close for my nerves LOLOL.
15:36 there is a spider crawling over in the left, and I can tell you now if I was the one recording this video I would be completely distracted and would probably take 100 photos of him
Interesting video but your examples all used apertures of f/8 or smaller which makes me wonder why you used the heavy 90mm instead of the Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2:1 macro. I really like mine and, like you it appears, don't shoot much below f/8. Rather few of your examples had much in focus due to the lack of depth of field so they would be really soft at f.2.8. Fully manual lenses like the Laowa group don't allow you to focus wide open and have the lens stop down to working aperture so I opted for the smaller and lighter lens that makes getting into tight spaces so much easier. Laowa makes great macro options but you ignored the one I like best. Another thing to consider is any use you might have for any of the Laowa lenses in conjunction with any of the accessories for cloer work like extension tubes or the NiSi cloes up lenses. I have tried both and see some advantages with each in some circumstances. Give that a try.
It would have been nice to know how you tell what magnification you are shooting at. And what is "true" macro. You mentioned it several times but never said what it is.
Adding to what @Miclem said, macro lenses and Laowa lenses in particular have the magnification marked on the barrel. Rotating the focus ring changes the focus which, in effect, changes the magnification because “changing the focus” is actually changing the distance of the “plane of focus” from the sensor. So, focusing closer, causes the plane of focus to be closer, which increases the magnification. I hope this helps.
50mm is not the same as "human eye's angle of view", 50mm is same is looking through a simple glass with your eyes! meaning, you see objects exactly as you are seeing them without camera. you don't believe, try it. switch looking through your viewfinder and out of it.
Correct, but only if you're looking through a 1x magnification viewfinder. Usually the viewfinder magnification is between 0.6x and 0.9x, so everything will look a little smaller in the VF
It really isnt. Laowa makes awesome lenses for $500. Turns even the cheapest camera into a macro powerhouse. Other macro lenses that aren't even as good cost twice as much or even three times as much.
Normally, I hate it when TH-cam keeps suggesting videos that I have already watched. But this time, I am super glad they did. Now, I am kind of wishing they had a scheduling feature, where I could schedule this video to come up in my feed about once a month, until I REALLY get all this wonderful info fully ingrained in my brain.
You have a great channel and you have a clear and engaging manner and put over complex ideas simply and your enthusiasm is infectious. I do a lot of macro but still learned some stuff - so thank you! Very wide angle macro photography is hard though and the subject is almost touching the front of the lens, but I have got some nice images with my Opteka, which is I believe a rip-off of the Laowa 15mm, but it took a while to get the hang of. My Tamron 90mm is great and the possibility of autofocus is very useful with creatures that move around a lot. I have used my x2 Laowa using focus bracketing and a rail and got some amazing shots, and using it at x1 gives me that intermediate focal length which will get more in, something you've just reminded me of, so I'll be going out trying that out, though of course that one has not got autofocus for creatures that don't stand still for long! Anyway, many thanks for the great video.
What a detailed explanation/presentation! Thank you ever so much, Scott - great stuff!
A very comprehensive look at the differences between focal lengths in macro photography. The only thing missing IMHO is the information that at a given magnification ratio and aperture all of these lenses will have the same DOF.
This is a terrific video! Very informative. Thank you!
Thank You, That was very informative. Here all I was thinking is that I only needed one macro lens. You really clarified a lot. Great images too.
Excellent video. Exactly what I needed !
Thank you, good sir.
I've just started off with macro photography and this is (by far) the most helpful video I've encountered yet. I live on the West Coast of Scotland with so many forest trails in close proximity.
Very good class for someone considering macro, thank you!
Thank you for a most informative video. I believe this is the first time I have come across your channel. I'm trying to decide which Laowa to go for, to go with a 90mm Tamron I already have.
Hey Scott, thanks for these insights! I've been using the 90mm and the 25mm over about 3 months and loving them both. By far, it has always been about the subject in my pictures. However, after watching this, I am very excited to explore "stories" and composition in macro. Thanks Venus and you Scott, for providing great content!
Very interesting video. I’ve never seen macro lenses compared like this. I can see value to adding a 15mm to my lens collection. I have a 50mm and access to a 100mm macro for my Pentax K3.
Very nice explanation, but now I don't know what to do. I was looking for a macro lens to convert 35mm film to digital, and the JJC apparatus that I bought employs mostly 100mm macro lenses. According to your explanation, I understand that lens is mostly useful to capture the film frame at 1:1 magnification, however it is not appropriate if I want to take those close up pictures, that I found most interesting. For that purpose I bought a Sigma 8-16mmm (EF mount, 90D) because I was unaware of what those 15 or 50mm macros could do. Now, I upgraded to a R6 M2 and bought the converter to be able to use my EF lenses. But now I have a problem - should I buy a 100mm macro, mostly useful to digitize 35mm or should I buy a 50mm macro that might not be good enough for digitizing my films taken long ago with my Pentax K2 with a 35, 50 and 80-200mm Pentax lenses, everything still in mint condition. To develope those negatives I also bought a NIKOR color enlarger and accessories (chemicals, developing tanks, spools, photometers, printing papers, chronometers, and so on). Now, when I look at those prints, I don't like what I see, many are curled, faded, stained, whatever. This is why I decided to digitize those films.
I should mention that, 2 months ago, I also bought a Plustek OpticFilm 8200i Ai 35mm film scanner and I didn't touch it yet, it is still inside the cardboard shipping box. I need some help to decide which way to go. Thank you
Very nicely done. I really like the part with the mushroom and the three focal lengths. I “knew” everything that you said but seeing it helps tremendously.
The problem is… now I want ALL of the different focal lengths 😂
Hi, Scott, can you define how depth of field changes at 1:1 ratio through different focal lengths?
It doesn't change at all!
Thank you for this Master Class. I finally understand the effects of the different focal lengths from your examples. I'm leaning towards getting the 58mm.
This is the absolute clearest exposition of macro photography principles. Thanks for this video. Having tried various ways of adding light to macro scenes inc. ring flash led lighting etc.) I generally use a single diffuser covering my flash and this produces generally very good results. There seem so many alternatives that people use though, but now I am very interested in the one you are using here, giving two moveable light sources with diffusers and then the small light to help with focus, which I can see is going to be extremely useful, as when I use a small aperture especially it is hard to have enough light to see clearly. I am thinking of getting one of these flashes, but wanted to know whether you have found any disadvantages/snags using this, or if you had any further thoughts on the matter. Thank you very much in advance.
Thank you SO MUCH for this video!!I have 1 question left; how do you deal with moving objects such as bees & butterflies? Because most will fly away as soon as you get close to them
Excellent video thank you. Please can you post a link to the bag you're using.
Thank you. This video answers questions I didn't even know I had.
Splendid description of focal length vs. magnification! Thank you for such clear and informative content!
This has properly opened my eyes in to what all of this means. Thank you so much! Subscribed now :)
Also, just noticed you're taking pictures in side view, but have a button? Is this the battery grip that I see mentioned in some places?
Very impressive introduction to the use of macro photography. Thank you.
Candlesnuff fungi is the name of the last one you found , nice info thank you
Amazing! Thanks for this very clear and enjoying video!
Looking to get my hands on a Laowa macro lens as my old Canon 100mm broke down that I use for insect and Food Photography. Since I used the 100mm range, I'm more familiar with that...what can you suggest that I use for both insect and Food besides the 100mm?
Hi Jordan, thank you for your question! If you are looking for a similar point of view and framing, our 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO (www.venuslens.net/product/laowa-90mm-f-2-8-2x-macro-apo/) will be perfect; but if you want to try something new, you can give our 58mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO (www.venuslens.net/product/5828-2x-ultra-macro-apo/) a try. Although it is wider, the 2:1 magnification can still give you the macro shots you are used to; and when you are using it in other time, you also have the option to include more of the background. I hope we help you with the answer :)
7:09 Incorrect comparison of 58 and 90 mm lenses. It was necessary to set the same magnification on both, and then compare the background and perspective. At 90 mm, the bump would also fit into the frame at the same magnification as it was at 58 mm.
Great introduction, just what i needed!
You remind me of the great David Bellamy. Great vid on macro skills.
Any thoughts about using a 180mm macro? I enjoy mixing it in with my 100mm and my 60mm. Absolutely loved the video.
hi! this video is amazing!!! what is the flash you are using?? linkkk?? thank yooooouu
Some cool tips here! I've been searching high and low for a fully sealed environmental case for my zv-e10. Something that could withstand a zero visibility dust storm. I've found vacuum sealed scuba cages and rigs, but are there ones that aren't exactly scuba gear, but extreme desert environmental gear?
Hi Scott,
This is such a clear and well detailed video.
Very inspiring!
I can't find the name of the last special lens.
Is that a Laowa?
Thank you so much for your feedback
Good comparision video. Would have liked even more example and also some examples of focus stacked images from the 25mm at 5x
Congraz for your video and ty very much for the sharing your "expensive" knowlege !!!
Best regard from Bogor Indonesia
Dude perfect! thank you so much!
Brilliant and super informative.
Have these been stacked?
This is one of THE BEST informative videos I've seen on macro- thanks!
15:25 I learn that those numbers on my lens serve a purpose 😱
I wonder if it's possible to create similar lens like Laowa 25mm 5x macro but also with tilt functionality (potentially will be really helpful for macro, but idk for sure at this levels of magnification)
I am glad i bought the 65mm 2x in stead of this one 18:23
13:28 for those with arachnophobia, you can always mount your camera on a telescope😂
thanks for sharing your knowledge.
What are those softboxes on the flash heads of the twin-flash?
Superb learn lot
Excellent video. thanks.
HA!, check this out, 15:32, you can see a yellow spider, orb weaver? Climbing up a stick, and making a web!! 16:16 you can now see it hanging. (its to the left, look under the text "AS THE") Dang missed opportunity there! Oh well.
I own the Laowa 90mm and its great. I do love the wide angle aspects but you get too close for my nerves LOLOL.
Excellent, thank you.
love my 15mm macro on my aging A7R2, shame it doesnt get recognised more
Please, Laowa, we need a 10mm 1:1 macro lens for aps-c, to match the 15mm f4 lens for full frame. And since we're in 2024, maybe even autofocus.
I will like to see a new improved version of the 15mm macro Lens without shift.
15:36 there is a spider crawling over in the left, and I can tell you now if I was the one recording this video I would be completely distracted and would probably take 100 photos of him
Interesting video but your examples all used apertures of f/8 or smaller which makes me wonder why you used the heavy 90mm instead of the Laowa 85mm f/5.6 2:1 macro. I really like mine and, like you it appears, don't shoot much below f/8. Rather few of your examples had much in focus due to the lack of depth of field so they would be really soft at f.2.8. Fully manual lenses like the Laowa group don't allow you to focus wide open and have the lens stop down to working aperture so I opted for the smaller and lighter lens that makes getting into tight spaces so much easier. Laowa makes great macro options but you ignored the one I like best. Another thing to consider is any use you might have for any of the Laowa lenses in conjunction with any of the accessories for cloer work like extension tubes or the NiSi cloes up lenses. I have tried both and see some advantages with each in some circumstances. Give that a try.
A longer focal lenght both changes the angle of view AND increases magnification (i.e. zooms in).
It would have been nice to know how you tell what magnification you are shooting at. And what is "true" macro. You mentioned it several times but never said what it is.
You can see the magnification at the top of every photo, right after the focal length.
True macro is 1:1 or higher (2:1, 5:1….)
Adding to what @Miclem said, macro lenses and Laowa lenses in particular have the magnification marked on the barrel. Rotating the focus ring changes the focus which, in effect, changes the magnification because “changing the focus” is actually changing the distance of the “plane of focus” from the sensor. So, focusing closer, causes the plane of focus to be closer, which increases the magnification. I hope this helps.
50mm is not the same as "human eye's angle of view", 50mm is same is looking through a simple glass with your eyes! meaning, you see objects exactly as you are seeing them without camera.
you don't believe, try it. switch looking through your viewfinder and out of it.
Correct, but only if you're looking through a 1x magnification viewfinder. Usually the viewfinder magnification is between 0.6x and 0.9x, so everything will look a little smaller in the VF
absolutely a valid point, Thank you for correction
@@Wildridefilms
70mm is human eye , reason theres a 70mm on each fast pro lens ,70-200 and 24-70
17:53
They look like spruce or fir not pine
I also like taxonomic accuracy and this type of detail used to bother me too until I learned they’re all part of the pine family Pinaceae.
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I wish macro photography wasn't expensive... :/
It really isnt. Laowa makes awesome lenses for $500. Turns even the cheapest camera into a macro powerhouse. Other macro lenses that aren't even as good cost twice as much or even three times as much.
I wish photography was not so expensive....
Great video, thanks.