3 Ways to Increase Your Macro Lens Magnification from 1x to 2x!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching! Subscribe for weekly videos! More regular content from me in these places: 💌 newsletter: mwroll.com 🎞 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🪙 patreon: patreon.com/micaelwidell 🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell 📸 my favorite 2x macro lens: bit.ly/mwlaowa60 (best price + free shipping worldwide at that link :)

[@lucdelhaize4029]

I always get pearls of wisdom watching your videos, much gratitude 🙏

[@kurcensk]

I had a 105/2.8 AF 1:1 macro lens, sold it, bought Laowa 60mm 2:1, no regrets so far. :)

[@balajiHN24]

Raynox seems to be easiest and result oriented Thanks for sharing

[@lesw.1748]

Great and practical advice. This is why your channel is top of the line :)

[@linemanphotography2375]

Raynox FTW!

[@scottathomson]

Thank you for this video, after i watched it i tried my 2x convertor on my Canon 100mm macro lens and it worked great, now i can get even closer.

[@MicaelWidell]

Awesome!

[@losttofollowup420]

I've got a second 2x tamron teleconverter on the way that I found and ordered 5 days ago that I'm hoping will be in my P.O.Box tomorrow when I swing over to the post office otherwise I'll have to wait until Monday to pick it up. Can't wait to double up 2 - 2x teleconverters for 4:1 with my canon 100mm

[@losttofollowup420]

@@MicaelWidell I've a question that I'm hoping you can answer (Though honestly I have not searched it yet since I just thought of it while watching your video) do you know how the teleconverter affects the f-stop number ? I know when I've used the teleconverter with other lenses that it doubled the base f-stop, but with my canon 100mm I can still open it up wide at f/2.8 even with the teleconverter is use. Wondering if this is a glitch error with my lens / teleconverter combo ? or is it normal for when using a teleconverter with a macro lens ?

[@normanpritchard1377]

yes, you have to be careful fitting teleconverters without checking, as some lenses protrude at the back you could damage one or the other or both.

[@Lon1an]

I use a short electronic extention tube for wide angle macro.

[@TheBikeFather]

Are there any downsides in using one of the options you mentioned compared to a proper 2x lens? I have a 1x lens, and I was thinking of investing in the Raynox filter.

[@lemonland6523]

I believe the only downside is all 2x lenses are only manual focus

[@Beatsy]

I tried that handheld for an afternoon last July 16th (I know the exact date from EXIF data). I am *still* suffering from the ligament damage (tennis elbow) I caused by levering all that weight around in awkward positions. It didn't hurt on the day, but I literally couldn't use my right arm at all for a couple of days afterwards. Subsequently, it got slowly better each day, but every wrong move set it back weeks and it's taken ten months to (almost) get back to normal. Hindsight being what it is, I'd now recommend using a monopod with long, heavy and/or unwieldy arrangements like this.

[@JustFluxz]

I have a D500 with the battery grip and a 105mm macro lens. recently picked up the 2x teleconverter but havent had a chance to use it much yet. I am torn on returning it just because I dont know how I will like it and one of my issues with it is the weight. not to mention that I am now looking into getting a flash. Do you ever find that you missed shots because it took longer or couldnt get the angle right when using a tripod/monopod?

[@Beatsy]

@@JustFluxz Short answer: I don't get any "extra" missed shots using a monopod over handheld. Longer answer: I use a small side-gimbal on a carbon monopod, attached to the lens foot. It's very manoeuvrable and stable. Lens is tilted in gimbal to move the view up and down and the lens (and camera) spins in the lens foot. The only part that requires a bit of practice is initial placement of the monopod for distance and framing - though even that can be adjusted after placement by tilting the monopod left/right and fwd/back (it doesn't have to sit dead vertical to give firm support). Any shots lost due to slower "initial placement" are offset by fewer shots being lost to camera movement or mis-composition from handholding in awkward positions.

[@jaikiran2789]

Hi video was useful... my doubt is am using nikon macro 105mm f2.8vrs lense which option is good ... Shall I go with teleconvertor ...kindly give suggestion

[@RickMentore]

I just never thought that the teleconverters were also macro enhancers. Unfortunately very few dedicated macro lenses can be uses with teleconverters. Fantastic talk!

[@losttofollowup420]

Yea originally a few years back when I got much more involved shooting macro I was told by numerous people who had far more experience than I did that the teleconverters did not work with macro lens. I only eventually tried it out as I bought a used teleconverter for $69 that I scooped up planning to use it for extending reach on my wildlife lens, but on a whim tried it out on my macro lens and was blown away as the quality is by far so much better then what I got for results using extension tubes or the raynox adapters

[@ghazi707]

Penjelasan dalam video ini sangat mudah dipahami

[@True_Gent_]

Great info!! I use an old Nikon and a Pentax bellows for my macro shots, I like being able to adjust the length of the bellows on the go and can attach it to a tripod

[@jimgardiner3476]

Very helpful, thank you Micael.

[@malmedia]

I have experimented with extension tubes with teleconverters and found some interesting results. With two teleconverters you can decide on either increase your magnification or increase your working distance. e.g. lens > teleconverter > extension tubes > teleconverter > body will give you a great working distance compared to lens > teleconverter > teleconverter > extension tubes > body which will give you greater magnification. With the canon 50mm 1.8, it is a pretty manageable setup in regards to weight/balance. But the problem I found, because of the cheap third party teleconverters, is you lose sharpness. But it is still fun to play and experiment with.

[@MrPelastus]

Thank for the video. I use a 100mm 1x macro lens but getting photos of fast moving insects is not easy. As I get close to them they just fly away. I'm now looking for a solution to this. Between a teleconverter and the Rayon 250 DC, which would you recommend, especially in cases where I want to be a little further away from the subject but still maintain at least a 1x magnification?

[@Nature-Educator-Vikram]

So if we use it on 90mm macro and sony 2X will it make the lens 2X magnification?

[@GrigorisDeoudis]

Can I use the Raynox adapter on my normal lens? I ask because you said "to put it in your macro lens".

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes it works well with any telephoto lens. You can also put it on a wideangle lens but you will not get much magnification. I recommend using it on 50mm or longer focal lengths. For example I use it on a normal lens in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ-TfYShgbWir68

[@mb-hb1fr]

What if a dedicated macro lens for full frame camera, used with APSC camera? With 1.6 crop factor?

[@larrysilsbee7827]

Thank you Micael. I have a Tamron 90mm. I tried only using a 12mm extension and didn't like the loss in depth of field. Looking at your sample images, the Raynox looks like a much better image?

[@alanalain4884]

Thank you for the useful video. I saw that some lens could not be used directly with a teleconverter but the trick is then to use an extension tube between the teleconverter and the lens. It should then work. Think Canon tele that protrudes and may not work with their 100mm without that trick...

[@byhanz]

Hey! It’s possible to use the Laowa 65mm x2 for Fuji with the Fuji teleconverter?

[@MicaelWidell]

I don't know, but I guess the answer is no

[@ArcanePath360]

I spent double what the cheapest extension tubes were, thinking it was a better choice, so £30 on Amazon for MOVO ones which looked all metal. They are garbage when combined, so floppy and contacts keep getting lost. One of them doesn't click in place with one of my L lenses, but my 24-105 is already fairly close focus so I only use the middle tube to get good results. Pretty bad for the money though, I might as well send back and just buy the one tube

[@SinaFarhat]

Tack för tipsen! Ha en fin helg!

[@liamf1463]

Would a Raynox and teleconvertor work together to get even more magnification?

[@MicaelWidell]

Should work

[@RP-photo]

Reversed wide Angle lens?

[@aceofspades26nw]

Great video as always and really insightful! I'd love to see something focused around the lighting you use to get such pristine shots - this is always something i struggle to balance with photography of inverts. Any tips on standard 'rules' you might use with settings depending on the conditions would be fab!

[@venkateshtn8118]

With raynox 250, would there not be chromatic aberration. I have been using extension tubes for some time and results are good

[@kerryngriffis8091]

Have you ever used a raynox on the laowa 50mm 2:1 for m43? I desperately want to get even closer but due to having a m43 system there isn't anything good that can get me over the 2:1 mark and I can't afford a whole new system. Please help 🙏

[@MicaelWidell]

I haven't tried that combination, but I am pretty sure it would work well.

[@robertverbeek9751]

My g95 has digital x2 and x4 zoom it seems to work ok with my Olympus 60mm macro 2.8.

[@MicaelWidell]

Digital zoom is the same as cropping and doesn’t really count as increasing magnification in my opinion. You can crop in Lightroom afterwards anyway.

[@rogerpugh9712]

you can't use a TC on the canon with the 100 mm.

[@losttofollowup420]

I've been using the Tamron 2X SP 300F Teleconverter (Which I bought used in excellent condition for $69) in conjunction with my Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L is usm macro lens. The combo works great together and I actually just found and ordered a 2nd exact version of the same teleconverter, as I came across someone who has been using a pair of them together for even higher magnification (He is using 2 - 2x teleconverters together with his Laowa 2x 100mm macro lens which allows him to reach 8:1 macro)

[@losttofollowup420]

Oh yea I was using this combo while shooting with my Canon EOS RP and can say it works even better with the Canon 5

[@MicaelWidell]

Great tip!

[@naja1214]

By adding the Raynox, will the minimum focus distance change? Will.it increase or decrease and by how much?

[@stighellstrand4612]

The fourth option: Use a smaller censor. A 1:1 macro lens on mft gives you 2 times magnification relative full frame. I use for instance the 30 mm 1.2:1 Olympus macro-lens or my old Sigma 180 mm with an adapter to mft or to Nikon 1 thumb censor. The Nikon 1V2 I have gives you even more than 2 times magnification relative full frame.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes but technically magnification is the same regardless of sensor size. But you absolutely have a good point in that you get a tighter framing on smaller sensors.

[@lighthousephoto7143]

So a higher resolution camera would help for macro too?

[@JustFluxz]

@@lighthousephoto7143 it may for the sake of cropping after the fact but what they are referring to is the crop factor when comparing full frame to crop sensors.

[@qeria7271]

Would Sony A6000 + Sony 30mm f 2.8 + Meike extension tubes + Raynox Filter work out or would it be better to save and simply buy a better lens?

[@antontxu]

I couldn't understand if you said that Canon extenders can or can't be used with the Canon 100mm macro. to clarify any doubts, they CANNOT be used together unless you use an extension tube between them. as I didn't want to lose infinity focus, I had to look for a third party teleconverter that could be used with my Canon 100mm macro. I got a Kenko x2 TC. you forgot to say that the teleconverters have one advantage over the other two, you can still use 1:1 but with a longer working distance.

[@lovemanutdxy2446]

Do teleconverters gives extra depth of field?

[@MicaelWidell]

In a way they do because you get constrained to a smaller max aperture

[@Macro_Station]

Is the focus distance reduced or same after adding rynox on the macro lens?

[@MicaelWidell]

Usually the distance will become shorter

[@Troglobitten]

Macro tubes are worth it on Olympus or Panasonic. Those lenses are short and lightweight. Macrotubes on those platforms are a great way to get into macrophotography

[@jemdude]

I agree, use two sets of extensions tubes with the olympus 60mm macro. Gives better image quality than using raynox 250 for me. Handles fine. I did have to put some black fabric tape inside the extensions tubes to cut down on the internal reflections though.

[@hjones451]

What tubes would I need for my Sony 7iii using the Sony 90mm f2.8 macro lens if I wanted to achieve up to 2x magnification? Or is it possible to buy a 62mm magnifier which achieves this?

[@dummatube]

Both the optical magnification solutions add aberrations the best image quality comes from extending the lens. “Wobbly”? Only if you use cheap extension tubes! Use a 40mm macro lens for APS-C plus 40mm of extension and a 60mm macro for full frame plus 60mm of extension. The shorter the focal length the higher the magnification so don’t try and push a 100mm macro lens up to 2:1 magnification!

[@rawalkiran1]

Can I use Fujifilm 1.4x teleconverter on Laowa 65mm macro lens ??? I m looking forward to buy 65mm Laowa and a 1.4x tc. TC I am actually buying for my 100-400 lens. After seeing your video I was wondering if the TC can be used on Laowa 65..

[@MicaelWidell]

I have no idea how well it works with that lens, there are no guarantees

[@franklawler7055]

For work out in the field how does a Raynox lens alter the working distance Compared to a dedicated 2x macro lens as this might be a problem when photographing many insects?

[@MicaelWidell]

I am actually not sure about this as I haven't used the Raynox a lot. I might have to test this and make a video about it :)

[@rishi52]

Will this also work on the Laowa 100MM 2X macro? Will the result be useful?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes it should work with any macro lens

[@4toes1nose]

Thank you

[@anulearntech]

Can i effectively use the raynox DCR -250 on a 60 or 50mm laowa, ttartisan 2:1 macro? I've read that for it to work best you need a High focal length.

[@MicaelWidell]

It works on all lenses but the extra magnification is stronger the longer the focal length

[@anulearntech]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks - ok, so I should get a visible amount of extra magnification over existing macro, ~1,5-2x maybe, if i pair it with a 60mm macro lens.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes definitely. You will notice a big difference. On a 60mm 1:1 lens I got 1.65x magnification

[@anulearntech]

@@MicaelWidell oh, great... thanks.

[@patriciojimenez7353]

Nice video, but can you help me?, I like 2 lens, the sigma 105mm and the laowa 100mm for sony, the laowa is 2:1 and sigma 1:1. If i buy the sigma with a sony teleconver 2x, this will work in the same way, the image quality is still good? of is better the laowa?, it's want the sigma have some advantages like waterproof (I thinks so) and also the autofocus, so the lens can be usefull for other things. What do you think? Greetings.

[@JustFluxz]

I recently picked up a 2x teleconverter for my 105mm that I use on my D500. Do you like using teleconverters? I havent had a chance to go out and really test it yet so I am torn if I should keep it or return it. definitely makes using the camera handheld a lot more difficult too.

[@shanishp5301]

Does Raynox DCR 250 gives 2 times magnification on Canon RF 100mm which already has a magnification of 1.4?Or DCR250 is not worthy with Canon RF 100mm ?

[@MicaelWidell]

It will probably give at least 2x on that lens

[@ronironi9236]

love your movies,quick question,to photo spiders with macro lens the 100mm will be better then the 35mm right? with the 100mm i wouldn't need to be so close for good macro photo?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes that is correct. The more millimeters in focal length, the further away you can be from the subject.

[@ronironi9236]

how is the Canon lens 100mm f/2.8 USM macro non L lens? its good for macro right? i got canon r10 camera

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes it is a very good lens

[@ronironi9236]

@@MicaelWidell next month i will buy,i will let you know how is it,thanks for your help

[@ronironi9236]

@@MicaelWidell another question please,it doesn't have image stabilization,how bad will it be for macro photos? will my pictures will be bllury without tripod?

[@ImpulseHobby]

I use a vintage soviet macro bellows PZF (Приставка ПЗФ) with Vega 11U or Helios 44-2, both 50mm. I can easily get 2x magnification. I don't even know its maximum, maybe 6-8x. It costs about $30.

[@andreademitri3036]

I would struggle to call the Sigma teleconverters a "low cost" option. I have one (1.4x) which I use with two Sigma lenses, but the teleconverter is not much cheaper than a Laowa lens (i bought it second-hand, and it looked very much as it had never been used). There is also a 4th option, and you have not mentioned it. Reversing rings. Just place the reversing ring in front of the lens (whether it is a macro or a standard lens) and add a relatively cheap reverted lens in front of it - it is possible to find very cheap manual lenses for SLR cameras on the second hand market (and also old lenses for photographic enlargers). I have to admit that I haven't fully tested this option, I've just started ' experimenting. It is definitely less practical than a Raynox but it gives the opportunity of reaching very high magnification ratios.

[@madpogue]

So one downside to the teleconverter option is the light loss. With a 2x, you lose two stops, so your (for example) F2.8 lens becomes F5.6. Does the Reynox filter have the same impact?

[@spiritualblessings369]

no

[@JeffSpeers]

One of the best ways I think if shooting full frame DSLR with manual and want to double the magnification on all of those lenses is to buy a M43 camera and lens adapter.

[@MicaelWidell]

That is not how magnification is defined. But yeah in practice the subject becomes twice as big in the frame.

[@rahul2rahulyt]

Can we not get more magnification by using smaller sensor cameras.. like crop or four thirds sensor sizes... Just wonderding.. Please reply and enlighten me. Thank you, lovely videos you make. Keep it up.!!👍👍

[@MicaelWidell]

You do not get more magnification with a smaller sensor, as the term refers to the size of your subject as depicted on the sensor, which will not change with sensor size. So TECHNICALLY you do not get more magnification. But in practice, yes you get a much larger subject in your photo with a smaller sensor, so definitely using a smaller sensor can be an advantage in macro photography.

[@ДенисЮжаков-ф7ы]

Micael, is it possible to mount Raynox dcr-250 on a 7 Artisans F2.8 60mm Macro lens for my Sony E-mount? This lens has no filter threads, so no filters fit it at all...

[@MicaelWidell]

I think it should be possible, as the DCR-250 comes with a spring-loaded attachment (you can see it in the video) that makes it fit a lot of different lenses. But I cannot promise.

[@ДенисЮжаков-ф7ы]

@@MicaelWidell thanks a lot!

[@davidyanceyjr]

Great video. My teleconverter gets me closer than my 56mm worth of extension tubes. However, the extension tubes produce a noticeably sharper image and allows for faster shutter speeds. There's always a trade-off unfortunately.

[@kangphotokeliling30]

Micael, what about the images quality if we use reynox or extension tubes?

[@MicaelWidell]

You get very good image quality with either solution. Perhaps a tad better with extension tubes.

[@tallAldiProduction]

In generell you get better image quality with extension tubes as you don’t introduce more glass into optical system and solely depend on the image quality of your lens. Downside is that you loose light. With Reynox filters or other in front lenses you basically build a new optical system, so in theory you even change the focal length of your whole system. As you introduce another piece of glass your image quality highly depends on the optical quality of the filter. The same principle applies to teleconverter. If you want good image quality you have to invest in good glass.

[@tallAldiProduction]

@@kangphotokeliling30 you're welcome ;) I started macrophotography with cheap walimex macro filters which had very noticable aberation and where not good in general but provided me with high magnification for pretty cheap money Since then I mostly used macro tubes and my canon 100mm macro If you want to get higher magnification the tubes get pretty instable as you have to stack to many of them. I also used a 2x converter as I have one for my telephoto lenses as well but there you get noticeable diffraction so I wouldn't recommend buying one just for macro but instead try a high quality reynox filter. They are cheaper and produce probably better image quality. Another trick would be to use a crop sensor camera

[@timelesscreations777]

Just for the record I have a sigma teleconverter and it works with all my Canon lenses that accept teleconverters like my 70-200. And my 100mm macro

[@MicaelWidell]

Good to know!

[@moererider1]

Her du testa samyang 100mm linsa? Og hvordan er den prismessig contra andre macrolinser?

[@MicaelWidell]

I will make a review video of the Samyang 100mm within 2 weeks :)

[@JoseSorianoPhotography]

Or buy a one of those new manual laowa 2x macro lenses

[@leerose8628]

Could also always use macro bellows. I like that solution personally.

[@Macro_Station]

1x lens + rynox + rynox = 3x magnification?

[@MicaelWidell]

maybe

[@andrewsmicroscope]

I really want one of the Laowa 2:1 lenses but after watching this I might buy a raynox for my canon 100mm f2.8 1:1 macro (non-L). Hold me over until I can pick up one of the Laowas.

[@losttofollowup420]

I finally bought the Laowa 2x 100mm ultra macro lens back about 3 weeks ago, and it would seem am one of the few who were not happy with it at all. My biggest issue with the lens was the working distance which after using a canon ef 100mm f/2.8L is macro lens for so long was a shocker as the working distance with the laowa (Even at just 1:1 macro) was approx 1.5 inches LESS than the canons working distance, and at 2:1 macro the laowa had almost 2.25 inches less working distance than the canon (with the canon at 2:1 on a teleconverter mind you) That said this lack of working distance was a huge issue to me as it also caused in many of my shooting macro tests, for the barrel of the lens to cast a shadow on my target / subject making the shots more darker. And in one instance I came real close to hitting the jumping spider on my work table due to the angle / distance of the shot and it moving forward as I was trying to get her focused on

[@andrewsmicroscope]

@@losttofollowup420 Interesting. I’m guessing that has to do with the teleconverter changing the effective focal length to 200mm, as opposed to the laowa which stays at 100mm because you don’t need the teleconverter. I’m interested in the laowa because it seems to be optically a lot better than my Canon 100mm f2.8 macro but I don’t have the “L” version, just the lower end consumer grade version of that lens.

[@losttofollowup420]

@@andrewsmicroscope I've never tried the non L version from canon but can say the quality from the laowa is good, I just could not get over the loss of working distance and the shadows it was causing. I might pick up the laowa 25mm as it is 2.5 - 5x and has the same working distance as the laowa 2x 100mm but with the 25 mm having the smaller diameter lens barrel it should mitigate the shadow issues

[@andrewsmicroscope]

@@losttofollowup420 You might also check out the Laowa macro twin flash. Easy to articulate the flash heads such that you wont have shadow issues, and its cheaper than buying a new lens. I’m happy with the quality of mine. Also, I think working distance is measured from the focal point or maybe the sensor plane, I can’t remember but it is not measured from the front of the lens, so keep that in mind. The working distance for the laowa 2.5-5x might look reasonable on paper but because it extends out so far, the front element is actually very close to the subject. No way around that with a 20mm focal length. I don’t own one so I can’t confirm this but that is my understanding.

[@losttofollowup420]

@@andrewsmicroscope Yea they have the sensor plane marker on some of the camera bodies for measuring working distance, I was just surprised to see such a large difference in actual use with the laowa compared to being used to using the canon 100mm. And yea I'm actually looking at both the twin macro flash from laowa, along with the wireless one put out by Meike. Leaning more towards the laowa kx-800 twin flash as it also has the guide light, as this comes in real handy when shooting outside at night in the dark I would imagine. Up to now I've been using a led light mounted to either a straight bar from the tripod socket, or a mount that has two articulating arms similar to the laowa kx800. Except that you can mount a constant source led light or a flash on the heads, but the setup I've been using can be a bit unwieldy / awkward and unbalanced at times. Which is why I'm looking at the kx800

[@cameraprepper7938]

There are also other brands of close-up lenses :) Have you tried a close-up lens on a wide angle lens ?

[@rodmehta5356]

I would be interested in that as well. I shoot on Panasonic S5 L mount FF and would love to do internal focus bracketing with the 20-60, which gives about 1: 2.5 magnification at 26mm focal length with a working distance of approximately 200mm. I wonder if any of the Nisi close up lenses would do the trick and get me to 1:1 or thereabouts... Thank you 👍

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@rodmehta5356 You can also look for second hand close-up lenses, there are fx some very good for Leica R mount

[@MicaelWidell]

The problem is that the close up lens will have very very low magnification on a wide angle lens. The longer the focal length the more magnification you get with a closeup lens.

[@CorneliusheldDe]

I Do have a raynox 250, it does not Work with my Sigma 105 mm macro lens. Looks Like old Cinema Film, enormous Vignette.

[@clarkwarren4621]

I use it with my sigma 105 and get great pics! What settings do you use? What setup??

[@Ananselense]

Big up

[@Fischi-zh1he]

One comment for the algorithm ;)

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks 😁

[@joannaz68]

Yes!!! That's what I needed! Thank you so much Micael!

[@michaeldodds2722]

I have the Raynox DCR 250 and It's no better than simply reversing the lens with and adapter. I believed the hype and wasted my money.

[@MicaelWidell]

There are many different ways to get more magnification. There are some downsides with reversing a lens, for example losing eletrical coupling, and in these cases it is very much worth the money to buy the Raynox.

[@michaeldodds2722]

@@MicaelWidell You're welcome to buy mine :)

[@mekong_art]

Субтитры на русском включи!

[@jeswinjoseph1726]

Does anyone think that he looks like Garret From Dude perfect 😂

[@MicaelWidell]

Haha yeah somewhat :)