Best Macro Lens for BEGINNERS in 2022

[@MicaelWidell]

Check the video description for links to all the recommendations! Also find me in these places: 💌 newsletter: micaelwidell.com 🌄 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🎖 patreon: patreon.com/micaelwidell 🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell 💬 discord: bit.ly/widelldiscord macro lens buying guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com

[@yiannossofocleous114]

Can you use facus bracketing with a manual laowa lens on an olympus body?

[@macsaikrisztina]

Your videos drow my attention to Laowa lenses about 2 years ago. Since then I had the 60mm, sold it to get the 100mm, and love it. Before Laowa I had extension tubes which were great to learn the manual mode, and to get used to the "tricky" parts of macro photography (like shallow depth of field etc). But Laowa lenses really elevated my photos, they are really the best lenses for macro photography.

[@DominikMarczuk]

Just use any lens you already have + get an accessory to convert it to a macro lens. For shorter focal lengths (35+, ideally 50+; below 35 mm the minimum focusing distance may be unusable or even inside the lens), get an extension tube. For longer ones (100+), get a screw-on or clip-on macro filter (Nisi, Raynox). Check it out, see if macrophotography is even the right thing for you, and only then go with the Laowa. If macro doesn't turn out to be your cup of tea, you'll keep those 500 bucks in your wallet for other equipment you'll actually like.

[@johnkanzler6646]

I am getting really good results with a 28 mm vintage lens and a raynox 250. Images are very clean and sharp the focus depth is pretty good considering. And a clean image means you can crop closer in editing. But my work horse is a 60 mm length.

[@DominikMarczuk]

@@johnkanzler6646 28 mm and a Raynox get you a low reproduction ratio, maybe 1:2. As long as you're happy with the results, it's great, but from my experience, longer focal lengths are where the Raynox shines.

[@GadgetLuv259]

I just bought the Laowa 60 mm 2:1 yesterday for $200 new in the box on ebay. Can't wait to get out and explore! Thank you for all of your videos and recommendations

[@johnsamuelmcelroy]

Ha ha! I immediately went to your Macro Buying Guide and found that I want to purchase the Laowa 65mm F/2.8 lens for my Fuji X-T5. I see one of your videos talking about getting into wildlife photography. That's my main thing. For wildlife, (mainly birds), I have a Nikon d500 with the Nikon 200-500 lens. I'm not a professional, just an enthusiast, and love getting out and taking pictures. I'm enjoying your KZbin channel and am excited to add some macro photography to the mix.

[@curry19921110]

I've often heard from youtubers that you don't need autofocus for macro and that it's better to shoot manually. But in reality it looks different as I find. Even though I mainly shoot manually, I almost always use autofocus as well. For example, when I'm shooting one-handed and holding a leaf with an insect on it in the other hand, autofocus is pretty useful for focusing. Also, autofocus is pretty useful when you don't want to scare the insect with your movements. If you have a camera with a built-in focus stacking/bracketing function that you want to use, a suitable lens (with autofocus) is also necessary. What I want to say is that autofocus is a pretty useful extra feature that I wouldn't want to miss.

[@Fieldward]

Absolutely. I would really miss focus shift and I find af with a limit switch really useful in general for situations like you describe. The focal lengths of most of these lenses (I use the 105mm nikon Z lens) are also great for general wildlife/portrait/landscape photography so unless I wanted to carry two lenses, a limit switch and autofocus is awesome there too.

[@nimuil]

Any time you using AF for macro, you can not get max magnification. MF is the only way to achieve it. Once you are used to the MF, like driving, it’s full of freedom. I don’t want any AF for macro.

[@Fieldward]

@@nimuil Very used to manual focus but af is definitely useful. Focus shift is one example where you would use it near max magnification but other than that it just makes a lens more all around useful (I use mine in often in combination with manual focus, set up to work off a separate back button).

[@curry19921110]

@@nimuil as I said in reality it's another story. If you use AF in the situations I mentioned you would never say that unless you haven't tried it.

[@nimuil]

@@curry19921110 It's very difficult to find a person is not used to AF nowadays. It's not unusual that a user complained about the MF. You move the leaf not the camera in the situation you mentioned will reward you better easier job. It sounds simple, but many macro photographers forgot this simple technique in the field.

[@highwayman1224]

I have the Laowa 50mm and the 90mm, great lenses.

[@SinaFarhat]

Tack för guiden! Ha en fin vecka!

[@giobast1220]

Grazie.

[@MannyG32968]

Super video and well detailed info looking for that macro lens!

[@19Photographer76]

Yes, it's a great lens on paper but photogs can't Focus Shift so that, IMO, is a loss. A rail would be needed and that's a hassel.

[@maksrej5082]

For no budget limit in micro 4/3 olympus will announce 90mm macro with 2x mag so that coud be the best option in the near future

[@Fieldward]

That will be a great focal length. 180mm equivalent!

[@michaelhale416]

Thanks for the advice. I currently use extension tubes, but that limits me to only macro shots. I f I see something else interesting that is not macro, I have to remove the extension tubes or change to a different lens, which is not very convenient.

[@JUNEORJUNE]

WHAT IS THE BEST EXTENSION TUBE FOR MACRO?

[@earthknight60]

I much prefer the Sigma ART macro lenses to the Laowa. The Laowas area bit less expensive, and some of them go to higher magnification, but the Sigmas have immensely better image quality, have a good autofocus that you can manually override without having to fiddle with anything, and have a much better build quality. The Sigma 70mm and 105mm Macro ART lenses are fantastic.

[@MicaelWidell]

I can tell by your comment that you have never used Laowa lenses. To claim the Sigmas have better image quality and build quality is just false. Try a Laowa lens next time, it is a lot of fun to shoot at 2x!

[@earthknight60]

@@MicaelWidell I have the Laowa 100mm 2.8 2x macro sitting on my shelf with my other lenses. Sure, it goes to 2x whereas the Sigma only goes to 1x, but the image quality on my Sigma 70mm ART macro is much better. Do not assume that other people haven't tried products just because you disagree with their assessments, or because you want to push a particular brand.

[@gusvietnam5086]

Great video Micael! I am a beginner and I'm learning so much from your videos! I also checked your lens guide. Will be purchasing the Laowa 65mm for my Sony a6000. Thank you for posting. Subscribed! 👍

[@ricomartinez6603]

When I was looking for your diffusor on the Dörr homepage, I saw that Dörr sells a very inexpensive macro lens with a magnification of up to 2:1. Maybe you could test it.

[@PedroPerez80927]

I started the macro with the 60mm Yongnuo and now I ordered the 105mm Nikon.

[@dariuszdrozdowski5736]

5:07 you recommend laowa 100 for mirrorless cameras and for canon R laowa 90. Your website recommends laowa 100 for canon R

[@MicaelWidell]

At 5:07 I talk about DSLR which means a camera WITH a mirror in it. For these cameras you cannot use the 90mm because it is made only for mirrorless cameras. The Canon EOS R is a mirrorless camera. Maybe you misheard DSLR as EOS R.

[@dougsmit1]

As a result of your videos, I ordered a Meike 320 for my Canon RP and R7 from a major seller. They sent one for Sony which I returned. I ask them if they had sent it by accident and could replace it with a Canon version. They replied that checking the matter, ALL of their 320 stock labeled Canon were in fact Sony. I checked another place and found they had Sony flashes but not Canons also. A third said the Canon version was a special order item available in 8 weeks but Sony was in stock. It might be a good place for you to establish a relationship with a seller who might pay you to refer people like me for a purchase but I hope you could find a good one. BTW, I remain satisfied with my Meike 85 for both cameras but need a smaller Canon TTL flash that complements my smaller rig otherwise. When shooting at 2:1 the working distance is so small that small everything is very handy.

[@dalefrolander3583]

I have an a7R5, so in crop mode I still get 26mpx. When I fill out your recommendation page you recommend the Laowa 85mm for full frame. Since I could go either way, full frame or apsc, should I instead go the apsc route instead and get the Laowa 65mm that you recommend for apsc? My thinking is that the 65mm will have more depth of field than the 85mm with around the same stand off distance. Thank you.

[@torkelstenqvist1279]

For M43 one absolute plus for the Oly 60 mm is the use of the in-camera focus stacking, where of course the AF is necessary.

[@lesw.1748]

Totally agree. Even, if you decide to do focus stacking in post processing, AF is great option to have. OM Digital Solutions has announced a new lens in development, the 90mm F3.5 Macro PRO, which will have 4x magnification. This lens will blow Laowa off the water.

[@taylorhickman84]

@@lesw.1748 I'm a Sony shooter but have considered getting the OM1 just for macro, as the added DOF of m43 would eliminate the need to focus stack for some of the shots I like to take.

[@lesw.1748]

@@taylorhickman84 Added DOF can be helpful, but it will not eliminate the need for focus stacking, if you decide to have more detailed image.

[@MiniBlueDragon]

I own a Canon EOS 750D (Rebel t6i) and a Fujifilm X100T. I *much* prefer the Fuji for usability and enjoyment of photography. I also really enjoy macro photography using my Moment Macro lens and want to also do macro on a full camera, so I'm faced with a decision; do I keep the Canon and buy a macro lens (and persevere with the camera), or do I trade-in the Canon for a used Fuji and buy a macro lens?

[@anupew3276]

For beginners? Not Laowa. Autofocus is IMO important for beginners as you can use it as a great general purpose prime lense if macro isnt your thing after all. You will manual focus in macro anyways, but if you stop doing macro after a while (definitely an option for beginners), its better to have autofocus prime lense than manual focus one.

[@NadimOmran]

Hi Micael, I was interested in the 85mm Laowa and I guess I followed you after a review you did about it which made me decide to sell my 50mm 2.8 macro Sony and buy it (near future). Why didn’t you mention it in your video btw? Is it because of the versatility of the 90mm that is a faster lense while the 85mm would be only used for macro as it opens I guess at f/5.6?

[@paulcollingridge8387]

I would argue the best beginner macro lens is the one the one you can borrow for a day!

[@uhhnush]

did you omit the laowa 85mm f/5.6 for full frame and choose the 90mm f/2.8 over it just because of the fact that it can double as a portrait lens? because if macro is the only goal with a particular lens, then isn't the 85mm a better choice since it's significantly lighter and also a bit cheaper because you're never gonna be using such massive apertures (> f/5.6) in macro anyway?

[@dkkeyz8815]

Sorry for the lack of playtime on your video, I gave a thumbs up and I’ll come back and play it through while I’m cooking dinner, but within the first minute I just clicked your lens guid link. 😂

[@MicaelWidell]

Appreciate the effort 😄🫡

[@kingsamvisuals]

The 7 artisans 60mm is pretty good and cheap but for apsc

[@RikuoNura383]

It's also available for m43

[@mubeex]

Спасибо! У laowa есть еще 58/2,8. Хотел бы использовать для nikon z50

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes that one is also great

[@DJ.1001]

I prefer macro lenses with AF so I can utilize the focus stacking features in my camera.

[@castielmarshall]

Hello i have the Panasonic Gh4 with the viltrox mount adapter EF-M2 II 0,71x . What macro lenses do you recommend in that case? IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME Ty

[@notrend]

Nice video. I currently have a Canon 60D but will probably upgrade to a full frame soon. Should I just get the Loawa 100mm?

[@MicaelWidell]

Use my lens guide to get my recommendation. Depends on your preferences. HTTPS://lensguide.micaelwidell.com

[@lexfrei]

What do you think about Sigma's 105/2.8? It looks pretty good for beginners, IMHO

[@MicaelWidell]

It's a good lens, but as I mention in this video, it feels pointless to buy it when you can get a 2x Laowa lens for the same money.

[@lexfrei]

@@MicaelWidell Laowa is not AF, which makes it hard to use for beginners, isn't it?

[@Ihwaz13]

@@lexfrei Not necessarily, with a macro lens you usually move the camera to focus, so you would have to disable the autofocus anyway.

[@lexfrei]

@@Ihwaz13 not necessarily, but very useful for cases like pre-focus in manual mode. Also, the lens becomes more universal for portraits and over cases.

[@zanepolski9217]

@@lexfrei Trust me, you won't use AF in macro anyway

[@denisgodart2999]

Hello Micael, thank’s for all your very interesting videos . I have à Canon R6mark2 and i was ready to buy Laowa 85 5.6.... So Laowa 90 or 85 mmm ? It’s exclusively for macrophoto ( no portrait, no landscape) . Best regards . Denis ,

[@MicaelWidell]

I made a video for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/goiuqoGnlp2Hebs

[@denisgodart2999]

@@MicaelWidell many thanks .Less would be more for me ...🙌

[@jmcdeal9516]

Web site to determine lens is 👍. Thanks.

[@ProudNothing]

Laowa rules ✨

[@s.n.8475]

Hi, I just got a used canon 6d mark II full frame. What macro lens do you suggest for this camera. Thanks in advance.

[@MicaelWidell]

I would probably buy the Laowa 60mm or 100mm.

[@s.n.8475]

@@MicaelWidell I will research the 60mm and compare with the 100mm one, unless you have already a video ready for that. Thank you very much.

[@jimcastile1905]

Hi Micael. I have a question for you (or for anyone reading this too I guess!). I really want to get into macro photography. Whenever I'm out shooting wildlife or landscapes I ALWAYS find myself observing and wanting to capture some very small detail of something in my surroundings. So I know for sure, my next lens will be a macro lens. But in the meantime I want to get going on a budget and am looking at extension tubes or a Raynox. I just tried to Google "using a raynox filter with extension tubes" all the results that come up are "raynox VERSUS extension tubes." Is it not possible to use a Raynox on a lens with extension tubes? It seems like a no-brainer way to increase magnification but I can't find any results with instructions/advice on how to set up this combo.

[@MicaelWidell]

Hi! Sure, you can use either option or both combined - no problem at all. Both are good tools to get closer.

[@ftbrandl]

I'm not sure if i got it right and i wonder if someone could help me with a question: Is it possible to make a sony e mount mirrorless camera work with the laowa 60mm lens?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes I had that lens as my main lens on my Sony cameras for years.

[@TheLordstrider]

after watching your other video i got the RF100mm Laowa. now i seen this video and thinking i maybe missed out :( should i sell the RF100mm and get this one? is it worth it, will i see any improvements in sharpness/optics?

[@MicaelWidell]

The image quality will be the same. What you would gain is a smaller size lens. It is up to you if it is worth switching.

[@RikuoNura383]

I thought you would recommend 7artisan or ttartisan

[@dougsmit1]

You omitted telling us why you consider the choice I made (Laowa 85mm f/5.6) to be a mistake. I still have not wanted to use it at f/5.6 so I don't miss the f/2.8 option. IF the Laowa lenses allowed focusing wide open and maintained focus when shooting at f/8-11, I could see carrying the weight of the 90mm but having to focus at shooting aperture makes the lighter lens more desirable. I also have question about whether any auto-diaphragm macro will maintain proper focus when stopping down. Have you ever commented on the reports of the focus shift problem with the Canon RF 100? I doubt that I am the only one who has both a FF and crop body of the same mount (Canon RP and R7 in my case) which makes the 85 the only light weight choice. Your check boxes fail to address that situation.

[@theflavourist1985]

Yes, Laowa is relatively cheap compared to sony for example but 500 bucks is still something that not everyone can afford. especially when photography is just a hobby. with that in mind, i would rate laowa lenses in the mid-range of budget. there are also cheaper things, of course, not the same image-quality but in my opinion, especially for beginners, image quality is not the first thing to look at. better quality is something you can go for when you know, macro is your thing and you want to dig deeper into it. so, therefor i would also recommend to look for used gear. and then, you can get the samyang 100mm for around 240 bucks, the dörr 60mm 2:1 for 160 bucks etc.. good luck to find a laowa lens in that pricerange. and on top of that, there are also ways to try like distancing rings, retro adapters etc. to get a cheap taste into macro photography.

[@Joh146]

I use as a beginner in macro photography the pergear 60 mm 2.8 on my APS-C. Used for 100 EUR, that was the right decison for me.

[@IAmR1ch]

Your recommendations are very good but you are missing some things at least for Canon. The 100 2.8 non L macro is AF. It sells used as low as $200 average $250 and is according to some lens testers sharper than the L version and the new RF version (because of backfocusing). You can add a Raynox DCR-250 for $70. If you have mirrorless Canon you can do instant focus bracketing because it is AF (cannot do with the Laowa) because it shoots in Electronic Shutter mode at 20 frames per second.I have tried this with some good results.. If you have to resell the lens it has AF which is good for resale and general purpose, where the Laowa with no AF and macro is a niche market. Just another option for those on a budget.

[@MicaelWidell]

I didn’t “miss” that you can buy a dcr 250 to get better magnification. It’s just more work and less convenient. And if you can buy a used Canon lens cheaply, guess what, you can also buy a used Laowa 😄

[@IAmR1ch]

@@MicaelWidell T DCR 250 is instant clip on, easier than a lens filter, it does not get any easier or faster. I watch craigslist all the time for all lenses. I never see Laowa lenses period they are just too new, while sony, canon, and sigma I see a lot of just about any time I go on line. If you did not "miss" this then your purposely excluded it to promote Leowa when there are much less expensive used alternatives that are just as sharp or sharper that have AF. Looking on KEH and MPB there are no Leowa 90mm on their sites (there there are more of laowa lenses than I have seen in a while including one 100mm Laowa.)

[@MrBlueSky1987]

So, I have the Laowa 100mm for my Sony 7 III, but I don't go out with it as often because I feel like it's just so heavy and cumbersome. In my place, would you sell the 100mm and get the 90mm or 85mm?

[@MicaelWidell]

Tough choice. The 90mm is noticeable lighter and less front-heavy than the 100mm. I feel the 90mm is light enough for me. But I still prefer the 85mm because it is super-tiny and super-light :)

[@MrBlueSky1987]

@@MicaelWidell thank you for your response. I might ask my local retailer if I can test both. 🙂

[@Tom-Tenerife]

I hace Laowa 65 and Fujifilm XT4. Is it good?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes as I said in the video that is the best macro lens that exists for your camera, at least in my opinion :)

[@Tom-Tenerife]

@@MicaelWidell thank you dear friend! I have Meike 320 too and diffuser you used before, but here very fiew insects to take photos in Tenerife Norte Canary Islands

[@MatthewRaifman]

Thank you for this! Newish sub to your channel and to macro (been shooting with extension tubes) and I love your content. I just purchased the Laowa 85 f/5.6 based on your comparison between the 90 and 85. I’m curious why you chose the 90 over the 85 as the best beginner lens. Would have thought the 85 is better because it is lighter and easier to use in the field. Thanks!

[@MicaelWidell]

I think for a beginner it is better with the 90mm as it is more versatile and usable in more situations than the 85mm. Doesn't make the 85mm any worse of a lens, after all it is my personal favorite :)

[@MatthewRaifman]

@@MicaelWidell thanks! I’m going to try the 85mm vs the Canon RF 100. It is now on sale for $999…still twice the price as the Laowa and so much more heavy…

[@BobSouthDakota]

I purchased the Laowa 85mm f/5.6 as well and absolutely love it.

[@MatthewRaifman]

@@BobSouthDakota that’s great to hear!

[@MatthewRaifman]

@@MicaelWidell thanks for everything. I got the 85mm today and love the form factor. It has a pretty loud sound inside when you lightly shake it. Does yours have this too? Wondering if I need to exchange for another one. Optics seem sharp enough. I can share video of the noise too if there’s a good way to do it.

[@borderlandpeppers7740]

Hey Micael great Video again 👌🏻😊 Buut today i have one thing you may not think about.. For APSC especialy fujifilm owners there is a pretty new 80mm macro lens.. i had the chance to compare the xf80mm f2.8 macro with the laowa 65mm Yess the fujinon goes only to 1x magnification but serious the sharpnes and image quality is not the same.. the xf 80 is CRAZY sharp and with xt3 or more modern system absolutly beautiful and even with the 1.4 or some cases the2x teleconverter. Im realy thinking about getting a laowa 65mm lense soon :) But more for its practical n easy use and its whey lighter then the 80mm + teleconverter But for 1:1 mag butterflies or so i say No laowa lense tops the image quality of the xf80mm I realy would like to see a review from You and hear Your opinion :)

[@nomad062]

I think he left it out because of the huge price difference for beginners, $400 vs $1200

[@borderlandpeppers7740]

@@nomad062 yeah maybe :) im honest i can not understand the laowa hype.. i now tested several of them on different systems and the optical quality is good for sure but not outstanding in my opinion..

[@samehsalah7934]

What the good one for Fujifilm XT3 lower prices please

[@MicaelWidell]

Laowa 65mm I would get for that camera

[@ducGrom6262]

Sorry! I am beginer so Laowa 90mm or 58mm is the best for me in 2023? And what best flash can be pair with my Sony a7riii.? Thank you!!!

[@MicaelWidell]

They are both equally good. It depends on what focal length you prefer. If you have no idea whatsoever which one to get, I recommend the 90mm. A good flash is the Godox v350. A good budget flash is the Meike mk320.

[@RedmiNotepro-sm9si]

the one I own)?

[@Fexone718]

Thank you

[@BERTOME1]

No macro lens for M 4/3 ?

[@MicaelWidell]

I would recommend the Laowa 50mm or Olympus 60mm

[@legoworks-cg5hk]

I just use one of those clip on ones for a phone

[@Michelle_Wellbeck]

I don't know how you aren't sponsored by laowa by now

[@olafkliemt1145]

sorry, your guide works only once (inputs not flushed) and the links at the end take you away from the site, so you can only click one of the links and not go back.

[@MicaelWidell]

I didn't put too much effort into the programming, sorry. Try reloading the page and it should work again.

[@olafkliemt1145]

@@MicaelWidell thanks for your reply. i was on FireFox. maybe you just have to flush the variables (reset them to default).

[@klarion]

Please, more spoon feeding 😊

[@leaf16nut]

$700 Canadian 😩 uggh, I'm too cheap to be a photographer lol

[@MicaelWidell]

You can just use extension tubes for like 10 dollars to do macro. Similar results. This reminds me I should do a video with everything one needs to know about extension tubes :)

[@___15]

if you have aps-c you can use 7artisans 60mm f2.8, that's really sharp lens for less then 200$

[@Booyamakashi]

Thats some hardcore swedish speaking.

[@Beatsy]

I really can't grasp the concept of a "beginners" macro lens. It's either a macro lens, or it is not a macro lens, regardless of who's using it. Still enjoyed the video though :)

[@MicaelWidell]

I agree beginners shouldn't buy different lenses than anyone else. But I often get this question about what macro lens is good for beginners, and that became the inspiration for this video :)

[@robertsaca3512]

The laowa is USD 800, obviously third party and it's manual focus only, that's not really beginner or great value imo.

[@MicaelWidell]

If you pay 800 usd you are getting scammed. On their site you can order it for 450 USD with free shipping. Manual focus is easier than autofocus for macro photography. Also these lenses have 2x magnification which no other macro lenses have.

[@veteran35th]

I need a big spoon.

[@royhornyak8596]

Nice comments you just made about people. That was very arrogant. You just lost a follower, and probably many others too.

[@MicaelWidell]

Not sure what comment you are referring to, but bye-bye and have a nice day! (I checked the statistics of this video and so far it earned me 110 new subscribers)

[@dariuszdrozdowski5736]

thank you