Handheld Focus-Stacking w/ the Mitakon 20mm 4.5x Macro Lens

[@FrederickDunn]

Excellent in every possible way! Thank YOU for sharing your interesting process.

[@JayMacroPhotos]

That spider photo is amazing

[@slbarsness]

I just got this lens, and I am fascinated with it! But it is also really a challenge to use. This was very helpful and inspirational.

[@superheaton]

4:30 man this insect is just chilling with a nice pair of Sennheiser HD 600 headphones. 🎧😎

[@tkermi]

😂 Yeah

[@Clebrush2]

You are the Bob Ross of macro photography. Thanks again for sharing. Would you rather the this Mitakon lens or the Laowa 60mm 2X lens?

[@aidanjavier5714]

Sorry to be so off topic but does anyone know of a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost the account password. I would love any tricks you can give me!

[@aidanjavier5714]

@Maddux Troy i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@aidanjavier5714]

@Maddux Troy It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass :D

[@madduxtroy8619]

@Aidan Javier Happy to help xD

[@Gman1044]

Wow. At f16 you DOF will extend from .005mm to .006mm.

[@paolobonaccorso2879]

Hi @Thomas Shahan, can you explain how you make postproduction of macro photography?

[@thinriches]

look up photo stacking methods, photoshop does fine. The short of it is you take all those photos you did put them in as layers in photoshop then auto align layer. Then there's a process you use i forget exactly so look it up! :D But if you want it to look super good you're basically gonna have to just mask in all the sharp parts by hand.

[@paolobonaccorso2879]

@@thinriches can you link me a tutorial were is explained how masking by hand? thank you. I have stack my photo but no by hand.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Looks like a great little lens, especially in the hands of a skilled photographer. Great review and beautiful shots, thanks!

[@bonecaliber15]

I bought this lens about a week ago and man the quality of the pictures a phenomenal! For a price of 200 usd you couldn’t ask for a better micro lens. I definitely would recommend it if your interested in close up photography!

[@ceylondollars]

Can I use for canon cammera

[@bonecaliber15]

Ceylon Dollars the one I have purchased yes it will work for most Ef canon, it should come with a mount for it as well

[@keystonebrotherb]

Just got the Laowa 25. So excited.

[@kc266]

Hi . Great reviews. Which is better option. my Sony 90mm 2.8 macro + Raynox dcr 250? Or this mitakon? Invest in Raynox or spend a bit more on this with even higher magnification..? Love to hear ur opinion

[@Trident_Media7104]

I’m looking at getting a dedicated macro lens as I’m using extension tubes on my Sony at the moment. I made myself a WeMacro style job from parts at work. I want to do some crazy close ups on insects, would this lens fit the bill? ❤

[@Epicdps]

Excellent video, lovely background music

[@sonicytb]

thanks for the review! where can I buy the goose neck clamp for holding the diffusion?

[@photobizmethod]

This is a great video, I can't believe I didn't see it.

[@cappin6937]

amazing production value Thomas.

[@MrAbhilashsv]

Right time you put it on your channel. I am planning to buy this on coming Thanksgiving day! Thanks for good review -- Thomas Shahan aka King of small world!!

[@MicaelWidell]

Beautiful video as always Thomas. Might try some handheld stacks next summer :)

[@claudiocrespo4703]

Hi body. Could you help me to choice the best option between Laowa 25 mm and the lens of this video, to take detailed images of butterfly eggs, please? I use a Pentax K 50

[@chengteh]

Excellent photos! Thanks for sharing!

[@mexmax1657]

How/what did you use for 2x tele converter? Thinking about buying this for my Sony full frame.

[@chorton53]

Your photos are so amazing. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Sooch900]

The biggest thing I am surprised about watching all your videos is how many times you can be that close to bugs without them fleeing. I’ve always felt like I look at them the wrong way and they would jump or fly away. Amazing videos and even more amazing shots my friend!

[@stever1514]

beautiful review and compelling technique. most people say handheld macro is impossible with this lens but you really pulled it off

[@christophahlbrecht7622]

thx you for the video. After watching it I bought a used one. It´s really difficult to find the hot spot. Which flash and diffuser you´re using in the video?

[@jcims]

Wow that last series makes me think we're really missing out on an entire realm of beauty in the world. I don't even know what that thing at 4:30 is but those tufts on the back are gorgeously colored and the bedhead is adorable. 3:55 reminds me of some kind of painted tin toy from the 50's and I never cease to be amazed at the optically perfect eyes of a jumping spider (and their comical ren and stimpy wiggly hairs)

[@Epicdps]

So agree 😊

[@BrettHondow]

Great shots from a master macro photgrapher. The critter at 4:30 is a webworm moth. We get a few around here in Houston. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ailanthus_webworm

[@mike0rr]

I bought the 15mm macro after you reviewed it and I have to admit, I'm buying this one too. It seemed ok, but the final spider shot... I have to try this out. And for only 200$ I'm not to afraid to give it a go.

[@terser]

Don't forget about reversing old lenses - even cheaper with great results!

[@mike0rr]

@@terser So far I've been in love with this lens. But I've only ever shot at 1:1. It's like discovering macro all over again. Just waiting to come across a spider now...

[@stevenparker7946]

Gorgeous work and hugely informative review! BTW who / what / where about the elegant background music.

[@terser]

Thanks! It's me messing around with the chord progression from Neil Young's "On the Beach".

[@stevenparker7946]

@@terser Awesome! :-)

[@BeetleBuns]

wow, that is really nice for the price. Just picked up a used one for 100 bucks, looks like it will be worth every penny. Can't wait to put it to use!

[@GyanPrakash]

That gave us a whole new perspective of the micro world. Awesome!

[@samsen3965]

1:20 That is all I wanted to know and then a comparison to Laowa 25mm. You did a perfect job to answer me, even without hearing me first! Thank you and obviously, you have a new subscriber, in addition to a Thumbs Up.

[@Sean_Coyne]

I really envy your steady hands for macro work. No way I could do a focus stack manually in the field, especially at 4X. Beautiful images as usual. Thanks for posting this review.

[@Orionnm]

That's look like a paper sheet that you use for the flash, is it? or what kind of material do you use?

[@kookvision9295]

Those photos are nuts.. thank you

[@majun26]

I've been eyeing this lens myself, glad to see you do a review, love your macro photography, and lens reviews. I got an opteka 15mm f4, it seems like it might be a copy of the laowa 15mm f4, without the shift function. It was super cheap, i love it, its worth a try for anybody who wants that wide macro view, without spending the price of the laowa. Mine's a bit decentered and the focus markings aren't 100% accurate, but i still get very cool pictures with it. Did i mention its super cheap? Your review of the real mccoy was what made me decide to get that. Cheers.

[@terser]

Ah - I kinda wish mine didn't have the shift function -I find myself accidentally shifting it when jamming the lens down to get low ground angles.

[@ceylondollars]

Can I use this lense for jewelry photography

[@ragewise6377]

how to stack photos ? and with what application, sorry noob question

[@lucafvideo]

O heya! Great video. I'm looking at this lens on sale right now at B&H and I can't help but compare it to the Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens. Lots of advantages to this lens (Price, Size, Aperture). Here's a noob question. What's your opinion on just using a 20mm normal focal length lens with a macro extension tube? Couldn't I get almost identical shots?

[@roxbittman]

I’d think you really have to know what you’re doing to use this well, which you obviously DO! Your macro shots are amazing. Watching your video, I saw some things I’ve never seen before and I look at nature for a living. Well done!

[@HeadShotMGOO]

Thanks Thomas. Your vids are always great. Please do more

[@macmac1934]

Thomas Does this lenses work on NIKON D300s body?

[@rwithoutq]

You can see the reflection of the spiders legs in its own eyes. Amazing!

[@actstuntcam]

Amazing.

[@kevinnewsome5767]

Wonderful review with fantastic photos!

[@julieberryhill6977]

Amazing photos - thanks for the video. Given a choice between the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5x lens, which would you choose? Thanks.

[@PetraAnimalPhotographer]

Interesting! Thank you.😊

[@WastedTalentStudio]

images are real nice

[@josephhargrove4319]

I really like the pseudo-pupil the reflection of your rig makes in the eye shot of jumping spider. richard hargrove -- Writing about music is like dancing about architecture. - Frank Zappa

[@DaveHaynie]

It's a microscope for your camera! Beautiful shots! I have a lens mount adapter for my trinocular microscope, but I kind of want this having seen it!

[@patprop74]

3:43 what is the name of that bug, please?

[@patprop74]

@@terser Thank you, this summer was the first summer i have seen them in my area.

[@Challenge.your.self.]

If you put links to gear you use like an amazon link, when someone clicks on that link and buys the product you get a commission. at least that's what I heard.

[@macmac1934]

Great, where did get the holding for the flash&the cam?

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Looks home made. I have found a speedlight to top of camera, a strap-on softbox works, my lens is an MP-E 65.

[@royortega3216]

Hello Thomas! I plan to go into macro photography, to work on preserved or freshly caught aquatic specimens, in part or whole. Currently, I'm using a Lumix G85 (MFT). Kindly suggest what lens and lighting set-up I should invest on.Thank you very much.

[@RaymondUpenieks]

Thanks! There are so many products and two things I love, a functional product and saving money. After that software can take care of any areas that the hardware is lacking. Never would have heard of this lens and checked the website..plan to buy one.

[@adamL58]

Sub ! Can I use this lens on a Canon 90D?

[@thinriches]

yes you can. and with aps-c crop sensor lenses you get an even tighter magnification i hear.

[@terriplays1726]

The last photo of the spider eyes was just wow - AMAZING! I'm considering this as a cheap microscope alternative, do you know how big the smallest features are that you can resolve?

[@feraudyh]

Would it be appropriate to shoot tardigrades?

[@matusgergely1369]

Amazing photos. Informative review. Thanks! :)

[@Anunclespaceout]

Can i canon carmera?

[@princeharbinger]

I was on the fence about this lens. Due to all the horrible reviews. Seems like Stacking at F/5.6 would be the sweet spot for this lens. I'll have to take a crack at it soon. Thanks for this review.👍🏼

[@terser]

It's actually a pretty nice lens - just super difficult to use due to extreme magnification and tight working distance combo. Using it's a similar experience to reversing a 28mm for me.

[@gesangramadhan7626]

Is it for apsc or m4/3 ?

[@xavidub]

I have this lens but have struggled to get much use from it. I need to create a similar lighting rig to yours

[@sukoshikanatomo]

The photo from the thumbnail brought me in, the rest weren't disappointing!

[@oliverbates8846]

Can you do a set up tour really want to know what lens you use to get such close up shots

[@sebjulien3]

I wonder if there is an adapter to use that lens on a Canon

[@josemenjivar4336]

Lens come for Nikon F , canon And sony mounts adorama have it

[@sebjulien3]

@@josemenjivar4336 Thank you for the reply I really appreciate. Have a good day.

[@htobias6361]

How quickly did you change the focus position when you were shooting without letting the worm run away?

[@benjamindbailey]

Would this work well on the Sony A7III?

[@cristian_c]

Yes :)

[@banaz5018]

Bug didn't fear when you get so close 🤔

[@RonnelCuison]

Ho do you stack?

[@leechurchill1965]

More depth of field, but less sharpness due to defraction 🤔 Gotta try this focus stacking at wide apertures. Faster shutter, and greater depth.

[@the40thstep]

Which Pentax are you using?

[@austinjones7676]

The photos look very great you must have some skill.

[@romanchukanov4454]

This comment is hilarious. "Some skill". 😆

[@austinjones7676]

@@romanchukanov4454 I might not be great with expressing

[@josemenjivar4336]

Just need " patience skills " believe me that little but jumping away so often

[@SKInoue626]

Do you prefer the twin head flashes over speedlites/ring lights?

[@stakand3972]

Is not the lens great..is the photographer!!

[@EleanorPeterson]

I'm a keen but ignorant macro photographer, so I find it frustrating when a true master like Thomas exhibits a stunning photo and dismisses it as being riddled with faults. Sensor dust, bad lighting, focus fails, aberration issues, vignetting... But my inexperienced eyes can't see a darn thing wrong with it. It would be hugely helpful if the problem areas could be highlighted so that we could see exactly what needs attention. It takes a long time to acquire a sufficiently critical eye (I'm a musician of sorts, and developing a 'musical ear' is much the same); I'd love to learn and improve, but photography is another of those fields where it's almost taboo to admit to ingorance in technical matters. Sometimes I think it should be called macho, not macro photography [just kidding!]. I'm not proud - I'm just stooopid - and I'm not sure what I don't know yet! 🙂

[@PJCC_BAISH]

Hi.. I just want to validate this theory i think is good for macro photography.. I have a d5600 i wanted to get real into macro world...the Fx lenses that are used in dx body becomes x1.5 closer to the subject..which means if i used fx macro lens on a dx body I will have a wider depth of field?..

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

I'm always amazed by what you and Igor manage to do with consumer products; you'd think the shots you guys get would need a SEM. 👍😲

[@tkermi]

Thanks for the great video! One thing I don't completely understand is why lens manufacturers don't put the actual effective aperture readings for different magnifications to their lenses. I found it easier to think the real aperture values because they give the information about the DoF and diffraction.

[@TheOne-2023]

wow🥰

[@acanthosaura7018]

Dude do u have Facebook page?

[@samsen3965]

Though this is not a lens for any (Especially the beginner) macro-photographer but for the price, in this high magnification range, you can't wish for more. Or am I wrong?

[@FedericoLucifredi0xF2]

That last shot was AMAZING! Subscribed just on that. What software do you use to process the stacks?

[@Скряга-ъ2т]

Hi Thomas, how do you do the stacks?

[@s1xthsennse]

1:33 Rinnegan

[@CaseyGray58]

s1xthsennse boruto’s dads best friend has a version of that

[@jackmcgonigle9156]

I have this lens and am very satisfied with it. It is every bit as good as my 4X AmScope objective and much, much easier to use.

[@冼文辉-h2q]

这類国產鏡头大多絲印字样，用得不太久就脱色，不太实用

[@pierreanquet]

I'm using the same technic, it's really effective. I use an external battery for my flash so I can shoot in burst mode without caring about recycling time. Most of my hand held stacks are done like this: facebook.com/PierreAnquetPhotography/

[@peteryvr3329]

I didn't believe what I heard, watched twice .... you are reviewing 2019 a lens you received free from 2017. Maybe you should buy the newer version to compare the difference.

[@danielx40]

Insects are disgusting. 😬

[@bestamerica]

' good macro picture photo on the len... but still bad blur focus depth of field... not perfect clear without blur... why this man use a cap on the head