Macro Lens: Wide Angle Vs Zoom (And Which I Love More!)

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Who noticed my dirty knees in the intro?

[@strangetube82]

😂

[@kevspiers7528]

Yeap noted, continuity is king 👍 Also spotted the bag......

[@iTomSawyer]

Missed it😂

[@POVjustin]

Would love to see your editing process for these!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Good idea, that's next week's video taken care of!

[@scottnorland4214]

The context seen in the wide angle shots look incredible

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!

[@mawavoy]

Thanks for showing the affects of focal length and light augmentation.

[@pastyscoffer]

4.25 the fallen tree scene is worthy of a picture in itself, really nice scenery

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!

[@RalfTenbrink]

I very much liked the wide angle shots. Something I will try very soon.

[@madgegie2824]

Came home from a day in the woods taking mushrooms, the day was magic, I have an Olympus camera with 60mm macro and 12-45 f4 lens. My problem is I don't like changing the lenses too much so tend to favour the 60mm macro. The icing on the cake though was having my tea watching your amazing video, I loved all of the images, all for different reasons. Truly inspirational for anyone who has not tried photographing mushrooms. Getting low down to take the subject can be a messy job but to help save my knees and not get my trousers too muddy I use knee pads from the hardware store, the ones carpet fitters use I find are ideal. The one problem I mainly have is the front of the trousers might look clean but my bottom gets muddy with me sitting on my boots 😂. Thanks again for the brilliant video.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Carpet fitter's knee pads are great. I've had suggestions for waterproof picnic blankets and gardener's cushions too, all of which Ill probably try at some point, but the good old plastic shopping bag works well enough for me now -- plus which I've often used it to pick up any rubbish I find strewn around (thankfully almost nothing in this forest!) so it comes in handy for many reasons!

[@madgegie2824]

I've tried bin bags and other types of kneelers but find it easier having knee pads. I put them on before I start on my walk and take them off when I've finished.

[@rosssayer6524]

Andrew I feel the one in Focus shows more of what is framing the small mushroom this way I understand what you are capturing. Really appreciate you explaining how you go about doing your Macro work. Thank you.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks!

[@jeffreyhofmeister3103]

Andrew once again a very enjoyable presentation. As I use to using my Sigma 105mm macro lens. I now have something new to add to my bucket list.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching! I won't take responsibility for for the dent in your bank balance!

[@peterlind6782]

Amazing how different focal lengths can change your macro shots. For years I have used Tamron 90mm and Canon 100mm lenses, but recently I stumbled over Canon's old EF180mm f/3.5 macro. That was interesting. It has a certain subtle sharpness that I really love. I do own both the RF 85mm f/2 and the RF 35mm f/1.8, though. Haven't been using them much, but I think that is about to change! P.S. No, I didn't notice your knees 😃.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

That's a good collection there! Which do you find you use most often and do you take them out specifically to get certain images?

[@peterlind6782]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography Well, I tend to bring the 100mm to the woods and I search mostly for mushrooms, mosses and intimate scenes in general. We have a 'wild garden' and lots of flowers. This is where I spend a lot of time with the 180mm on tripod. At my age (74) I try to travel light, as it were.

[@gary.kenyon]

A great watch with Stunning Shots

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks Gary!

[@katfoster7732]

Great video, love the shots and the comparison. I only have the 100mm macro but your videos on the 24mm and the 35mm make me think about tying something different. Thank you :)

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you! I definitely recommend giving one a try if you've only used the 100 before now!

[@micter59]

I use RF 100mm and RF 35mm f/1.8, and I can't always decide which I like the most. As you said, both have their style. The 35mm give more context. I think they should not be opposed, but they are complementary. About you're photos, they are very nice shots. Thanks for the video.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Absolutely, I don't think one needs to be 'better' than the other, they both have their place. Thank you for watching!

[@FleetingMoments-2]

I have the same combo and this vid has me itching for the 24mm too! I think the 100mm in terms of contrast/colours is a bit more pleasing. But the 35mm is a fantastic lens and I love it. Shame the new 35mm F1.4L is not a Macro!

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

My favourite macro lens is the Laowa 65mm 2x macro on APS-C. But I also have the Fuji 30mm macro lens for when I want a wider shot. And the Fuji 80mm macro lens when I want a longer shot, but want some AF. What I like about the Laowa 65mm is the extra magnification that it allows, and how light and small it is. A wonderful lens. When I want a longer working distance but not necessarily 1:1 or larger magnification, then I take my longer zoomlens with a teleconverter or an extension ring. I can use that for photographing butterflies, bees, hoverflies etc.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

That's a nice setup there. I've heard a lot of good things about that laowa lens. How do you find the overall image quality?

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography I think the image quality is pretty good!

[@doogieham]

Great video, Andrew! I particularly like these “in the field” chronicles of your macro shooting. Also, you’ve done an amazing job of showcasing the RF 24/1.8 lens-the best video I’ve seen so far on real-world shooting with this lens.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks, that's very kind to say!

[@xwhite2020]

The picture at 10:20 is fantastic!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you so much!

[@mitchpainephotography]

I recently acquired a 70-180mm micro from Nikon and really love the ability to have a zoom. I used it most recently on insects and amphibians in the Amazon and it was epic. I will look for a macro and see what I can get! Thanks as always for your videos!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

That's a lovely zoom range. What's the aperture on that?

[@mitchpainephotography]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography Its a variable at 4.5-5.6. It's such an interesting lens. I love the 200mm f/4, but it's still selling for $1,200 or more!

[@jpcuellarm]

WOW! what a great video and congrats on that stunning pictures!.

[@wongkenneth4005]

I like the shot at 11.35min, looks like a little alien, awesome shots.

[@mikefaulkner9447]

Very Interesting video Andrew, something I'd not thought of. I did a focus stack this morning of some mushrooms with my 10-18 lens, a very interesting result. My subject wasn't the greatest, so I guess it is subject and composition-dependent. Will certainly experiment with this. Thank you.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching! It's definitely one that lends itself well to certain subjects and I've really enjoyed experimenting with it to see what works

[@billbromer]

The wide angle macro is so much fun, I even use the Laowa 15mm as well as my RF 24mm, but the 100mm is also in the bag and my GoTo lens. Thanks.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Yeah the 100 is always a solid option but I bet you get some fun shots with that 15mm! What the aperture on that?

[@mikkiscott9995]

I like the photo that's in focus. Awesome shot!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!

[@GrahamMarsden]

I have the Sony 90mm macro but now wish I had a wide angle macro as I like the left one best. Great video, more please.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Definitely one to add to the list then! Maybe you could rent one for a week and see how you get on before spending the money!

[@KatieCollins1]

Woods are looking lovely! Pictures aren’t bad either

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

at 11:40 I prefer the shot on the left with all the mushrooms in focus 🙂 with the last shot i like both (so helpful!!) I agree that the oh-so expensive plastic bag is a must-have accessory in the macro kit bag! Here's hoping mushroom season here (south Wales) is better than last year which was a real disappointment with very few species to be found. I've amassed 3 macro lenses - a Laowa 65mm and Fujifilm 30mm (both APSC) and what I think is the best lens ever made, a micro Nikkor 105mm f2.8G which I shoot on a D700 or adapted (Fringer AF adapter) to my Fuji X-H2. All have their own special look, but the Nikon / Nikkor set up produces really dreamy results.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for your vote on the shot! I think I agree, though I didn't expect to tbh. That's an awesome macro setup you've got there. Is that nikkor a vintage lens? I bought an old zeiss 50mm lens recently and I keep meaning to put a macro adapter on it for some vintage macro.

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography yes it's from 2006 🙂 built like a tank and gorgeous bokeh

[@FleetingMoments-2]

Lol...we were in BA Forrest this morning for the second time due to your first visit there. If you take I think the Yellow route and before you get to the bridge on that one, peel into the left and pick up the stream, I found some stunning shrooms there and used my new 100mm F2.8L on the R5....smallrig video light helped out too. However I prefer the shorter of the 3 routes so far and we'll do the other one on our next visit. Did not think much of Kelty! You might like Muiravonside County Park...some nice long walks and a good range of them.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Nice! I've not explored the area all that much yet as I've often gone back to the spots I'm familiar with so I've been trying to get a little further out each time. I saw some destroyed fly agaric mushrooms that would have been great to shoot when they were fresh so I'm keeping my fingers cross for next time!

[@Hannemanneke]

Thanks Andrew, can’t wait to go in the woods crawling around and get dirty photographing mushrooms 😀 Well what about macro lenses… I use a 90mm and 180mm on a APSC camera and love them. But I really would like to have a 25mm macro lens as well… I love the detail but it’s also great to photograph the subject in it’s environment! So i can’t decide what I prefer, I think all because of the variety…

[@DieterHenkel]

If you like wide angle macro, consider the Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 macro. I love it and got amazing photos of mushrooms with it.

[@marksimmons8162]

Full frame 105mm macro is my main choice but I do find myself using a 20mm wide angle lens as well for close up shots. It’s not a macro lens but gets close enough for mushrooms and flowers. I enjoy playing with the extra distortion it gives over a 24mm lens.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

That's very wide, I bet that looks great!

[@marksimmons8162]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography It looks great when it works. Much harder than 24mm.

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Enjoyed the video as usual Andrew. I must do more of this photography. What LED light do you use? I couldn't decide which shot i preferred. Great image's as usual. Look forward to the next one.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you! I'm using an aperture mc light in this video.

[@mk0x55]

Beautiful shots, both types. I wouldn't like to ultimately discriminate between the two focal lengths for macro shots, but to me it is like a lens for close portraiture in greater isolation (the 100mm) vs a lens more suited to making environmental portraits (the 35mm) in which the main subject is clearly embedded into its surroundings. Although I am pretty fresh to the macro world, it feels to me that macro tends to be more associated with close-up shots of subjects (like close portraiture), so environmental macro shots tend to be rather unique to me - and I like them for what they offer. I think when used appropriately, it is a pretty strong tool that allows one to capture the ambience and context through the wide-angle view, balanced against (i.e., a certain cost of) the degree of visual focus and detail of the main subject. I also think the 35mm offers a more true-to-life experience... as if I was that small standing down there, or the subject that big next to me - more so than with the 100mm. When it comes to telling a story with a photograph, I think the wide-angle lens would be the way to go more often. :)

[@PedroWalmsley]

Great video like the isolated mushrooms with others out of focus. Was considering buying 35mm macro currently own 100mm. Keen to try the 24mm

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching! The 35mm is probably my favourite all round lens as it's so capable for travel, street and landscape photography but also can be a great macro lens when you want it to be. If I could only have one lens it'd probably be that one.

[@PedroWalmsley]

Thanks for the advise. Should be good for fungi after all the rain. Have you watch Stephen Axford planet fungi (KZbin) Australian photographer

[@chrisreinhold1928]

I currently use my Canon RF 100mm Macro for most of my images. One of the areas I go to photography, I need to remain on the trail. On occasion, I will bring out my Canon EF 180mm Macro to reach further off the trail. Your wide angle macro images really give me another perspective. I recently just bought a Canon RF 35mm Macro and can’t wait to give it a try.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

180mm macro?! That's huge. Do you enjoy using it or do you sometimes find such a long focal length a little limiting?

[@chrisreinhold1928]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography I do like it but I probably don't use it as much as I like to because of the size and weight. It is really a good lens to photography insects from a distance and for those situations when you can't leave the path such as arboretum .

[@peterosborne9802]

I liked the 24mm shot best but having said that there all good 👍. I don't have a macro lens anymore ( couldn't get on with it) but I take shots using my 12-40 or 40-150 zooming in enlarged in lightroom and boom..." what's the difference " love your work keep it up. Peter.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

A nice setup!thanks for watching!

[@Sa.VideoPhotography]

I like this Video, thank you for sharing !

[@adriannolan6711]

I blame you for making me want to drag my arse out into the woods and crawl around on my hand and knees looking for mushrooms. I have a macro problem and there’s no support group. Great video, I’ll have dirty knees in the morning again!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

I APOLOGISE FOR NOTHING!

[@scotskinner4350]

I use a 100mm macro on an APS-C body. I do have a 35mm lens that has a minimum focusing distance of 10 inches, I should give that try sometime perhaps with an extension tube.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

I definitely reccommend trying. I've used a 24-105 with an extension tube and it's decent too, though having the 1.8 prime is far better.

[@scarcesense6449]

Some of the best photography advice I've been given typically relates to comfort or protection in the field. A good pair of boots, or raincoat, or gloves to make the entire experience easier and more enjoyable. 5:00 You could buy yourself a waterproof picnic blanket for about $10. Weighs virtually nothing and rolls up into a little bundle you could fit in your pack, or strap to the top/bottom of it. The smaller/lighter but more expensive option would be a hiking tent's ground sheet.

[@scarcesense6449]

No disrespect to your plastic bag 😆

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

No disrespect taken! The bag fits into the tiniest of pockets on my bag (or my jeans) and can also be a rain cover for the camera if needed and I also often use them to pick up any trash I find when I'm out and about to empty in a bin later, so I always find it handy to have a bag with me.

[@kobiorama]

Wide angle macro is great. I used extension tubes on the sony 20 1.8 but maybe I'll try them on the 24-105 at 24mm. Had the laowa 15mm macro for a while and it's a hell of a lens.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

A 15mm macro sounds nuts! I think I might need to experiment with this. I really enjoyed going 24mm wide on these, though I wonder if maybe the size of my camera would end up being more a problem -- I'd want to get really low to shoot up with that 15 but I couldn't get my camera lower even on these ones.

[@kobiorama]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography Yep. Totally different perspective. The DOF even at F4 is quite large and closing it a little bit more you really can see the background. Sort of going wide angle from up close but on steroids.

[@zhuanjifarms5050]

You and me Drew? We on the same page ma man! Mushroom season? I wish. But I have been shooting my Nikkor 35 f2 and a cheap Cosmicar 25mm f1.8 TV lens both with short tubes, looove these wide views. SUCH a short spooky working distance for damsels and dragons however. Thanks for your realistic approach. Greetings from Colorado.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Damn, I'd never have the patience for shooting fast moving subjects up close with wide macros. These mushrooms were about as active as I could stand. But then I'm a lazy, impatient arse hole most of the time and if I can't get the shot quickly enough then I tend to lose interest. You've got stamina!

[@youphototube]

Hey Andrew, thank you for laying bare your thought process. You would love the OM-1s ability to see the focus shift in real time on the viewfinder when stacking. Sadly missing from my Z8. I have been shooting mushrooms with my micro 4/3 60mm , 90mm and 12 to 40mm f2. Full frame equivalent 120mm, 180mm and 24-80mm. For mushrooms the 12-40 mm is fantastic with a 20cm from sensor close focus through the focal range. My favourite arty shots is to cut the cap off the mushroom place it on a fallen leaf gill side up on a nest of leaves. Side light and then focus stack. I am planning on doing a series of these shots. Give it a go. Off in a minute to Portland Bill. Winds gusting over 50mph. That is a job for the Z8, 600mm, 100-400mm and 24-120. See if I can capture some moster waves. Oh, anyone ever tell you that you have a voice made for radio? Have a good one, D.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

I've used the OM1 for a while and I actually don't like cameras that do the stack in-body to be honest. Or rather, I've never once found it helpful and if they also save the individual raw files then I just use those. Dedicated software like Helicon focus always does a far superior job than in-camera stacking and gives you the option for much more in-depth retouching (which all of these images required, extensively) which I wouldn't be able to do using a pre-stacked in-camera image. The OM-1 is great with macro for many other reasons though!

[@youphototube]

Hey, Andrew. I agree I only ever use focus bracketing. I was talking about the ability to see the focus plane shift in the viewfinder in real time on the OM-1. To my knowledge it is the only camera that can do this. I activate focus bracketing on the fly by pressing the function button on the lens barrel. Great for butterflies with the 300mm. Or the Ivy bee face close up with the 60mm I took yesterday. When doing deep stacks ( 90mm + converters, stacks 300+ ) it is necessary in Helicon to stack all three methods A, B and C and to also stack the results of A and B with method B to capture hair detail. Masking in Photoshop is then required to minimise ghosting. For fungi method B is usually enough. Unless ghosting then B & C.

[@deborahhammond8576]

Hi Andrew, well this is so timely. I shots Olympus which is M4/3 with the 60 m macro lens. My favourite subjects being wild flowers and fungi. I have been debating buying the 30 mm macro and could not decide. That will now be a firm yes for me.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

If you don't already have a wide in your kit then definitely give it a go! I'd even consider looking for a wider one as 30mm on m4/3 will still be about 40/50mm. I don't know if you can get wider options from olympus though.

[@youphototube]

I also shoot with an OM-1. I recently purchased the OM-1 12-40mm f2.8. this lens has more than enough macro capability for fungi and flower photography and gives you 24-80mm full frame field of view. Highly recommended. ( I paid £420 eBay). I have almost stopped using my 60 and 90mm macro lenses for fungi and flowers. The 12-40 is very versatile small and light. For extreme macro I use the 90 with up to 2x extender for 8x full frame magnification. But the stacks can easily reach 500. I have some beautiful shots of flower anthers side lit at this magnification. For fungi and flowers the 12-40 is highly recommended and also good for street. For flower parts and even close ups of polen the 90mm with extenders if needed.

[@olethue9300]

The left one 👍

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Good choice!

[@parahandy07]

I like the one it's all in focus

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks!

[@LonerJoe]

I really enjoy the video. Im jealous you have so many mushrooms. I need allot more rain here in Oregon

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thank you!

[@cliveturner6702]

Hi Andrew, loving the videos. I am new to photograph and have the R7 with the RF 35mm close up/macro lens, and hope to add the canon EF 60mm macro plus RF toEF adapter to bring me near to 100 mm equivalent lens. As for trying to decide which of your focal length mushroom shoots I like, I would have to say both, for their different prospectives. 👍

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks for watching, Clive! That 60mm on the crop sensor of the R7 should be a lot of fun to use!

[@unaiarts]

Nice video Andrew, so relaxing like most of your work on YT :) Would you mind sharing about your focus stacking settings on the RF 100mm (R5's auto stack on menu I mean, how many pictures do you take, do you use mechanical or 1st elec. or full electronic shutter, etc. :) Thanks)

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks man! It's always electronic shutter when using focus bracketing, it doesn't work with mechanical unfortunately. I tend to use it if I need more than 20 images. Some of the ones in this video were over 80 images in a stack. Hope that helps!

[@unaiarts]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography Thank you Andrew, I will go to the field and practice that. My usual setup is the RF 100mm with flash and Nisi 49mm close up lens attach (you increase from 1.4X mag. to 2.3X with 9 diopters), so I just do stacks from 1 to 5 images max... But the feel and look of your stacks with natural light (+ LED light) it's awesome :) Will try it. Thanks again for your kind response.

[@ggwildlife]

great video, i have 2 macro set-ups depending on how much weight i want to carry, Canon eos R6 with 150mm sigma macro / Olympus EM1.3 with 60mm (120mm) macro. I prefered the shot on the leftand i also carry plastic bags 🛍 😂

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Yeah I bet that olymous setup is way smaller and lighter. Do you find you get very different shots with those setups?

[@saernikke]

I prefer the 24mm shots.

[@petejansen8098]

Left more in focus shot.

[@scottandlindae3803]

Oof background is my fav. Enjoy your videos.

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks!

[@billbromer]

Creative photos with nibbled mushrooms. I find that wearing some simple knee pads is useful and then I @m willing to get down low before even pulling my camera out.

[@ch_boki]

Would you suggest getting the 24mm when already owning the 35mm? I am considering getting the 24 but then I won't be using the 35 probably ever... EDIT: Forgot to mention 9:58 the shot is wonderfully displayed, parents of mushrooms taking care of the little one!

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

It depends on your budget and how much you like the wide look. The 35mm is such a good all rounder and generally I'd say the 24 doesn't offer SO much more as to be worth it. But it is different and if you can justify the price (buy it used. I got mine on mpb for half off retail) then it's a fun addition to your kit.

[@jedi3146]

Great video. The title should be macro lens : wide angle vs telephoto. Zoom (lens) refers to a non prime / one with variable focal lengths.

[@dennismwallentin296]

Nice video👍 How much difference is it actually between 24mm and 35mm when it comes to macro shooting?

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Thanks! There's not a vast difference, not as much as the difference between the 24 and the 100 but it definitely helps get more in the scene and I really like the exaggerated effect of the wider aspect over the 35

[@dennismwallentin296]

@@AndrewLanxonPhotography Agreed, how we shoot various subjects seems to be changing over time. I wouldn't say it's due to technology rapid development rather how we compose and view the outcome. By adding the surroundings into macro photos the better the story gets when viewing the output. It's similar to the development within landscape photography where wide-angel lenses have been the de facto standard to use. However, nowadays we use 70-200mm more and more. Thanks for pushing the limits with videos like this one 🙂

[@dennispenton2052]

Just my impressions - Wide Angle Macro takes on a Landscape effect. For me, Macro is close up on subject details - I prefer the 100 mm results. Well done presentations Andrew.

[@jarleearllv-kjeldas9953]

Hi, how many images pr stack and how many steps at what aperture in the image at 10.55ish? Thanks for for your answer :)

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

I think it was about 80-90 or so in total, going from the front tip of the mushroom to the back tip. I excluded any shots that added focus beyond those areas. Thanks for watching!

[@warrengh5647]

Not going to take any mushroom photos in the near future, ... dropped my camera down a watery ravine 😫

[@AndrewLanxonPhotography]

Oh no! I hope you get a replacement soon or get it fixed!

[@garywebster8355]

Hi invest in some waterproof Action trousers it would be worth it.

[@roybixby6135]

Why not just get a macro Zoom ?? 🦘