Handholding Methods for Macro Photography (and Focus Stacking!)

Products I used in this video: 👇
🔎 My favorite macro lens: bit.ly/mwlaowa90 (I always buy Laowa lenses from their website - best price, good service, and fast, free shipping worldwide)
💥 Flash: amzn.to/3xhpc9E
🔋 Flash batteries: www.gpbatteries.com/products/...
📷 Sony A7III Camera: amzn.to/2xM776q
✊ I use a Sony Grip extension: amzn.to/2xHKsrR
🎗 This is my camera strap: amzn.to/3tPBJS
⚪️ Diffuser: popeshield.com
🎹 I get my music from Epidemic Sound: bit.ly/mwepidemic
More regular content from me in these places:
💌 newsletter: mwroll.com
🌄 instagram: / mwroll
🐦 twitter: / micaelwidell
🎖patreon: / micaelwidell
🖼 nfts: foundation.app/@micaelwidell / opensea.io/collection/resting...
💬 discord: bit.ly/widelldiscord

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching! Also find me in these places: 💌 newsletter: mwroll.com 🌄 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🎖patreon: patreon.com/micaelwidell 🐦 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell 💬 discord: bit.ly/widelldiscord macro lens buying guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com

[@timoudshoorn6960]

Very pleasing to watch you do these kind of video's. No flashy editing just a guy who loves bugs and photo's

[@paulcollingridge8387]

The wasp-like insect was a Hornet Clearwing Moth. The small white moth was a Bird-Cherry Ermine Moth

[@wes.333]

1:12 Thanks for reminding me! I always forget to flip my hat

[@timothylinn]

I wondered about that Lehman Bros shirt for the entire episode. I'm glad you talked about it.

[@Amocles]

I love handheld focus stacking... I like how natural this video is. I know usually we like to stack a lot of photos but I find more than five to be problematic unless you just have a really still scene. Even three to four can be really effective just to give you that little bit of extra depth to get all the eye in and maybe a little bit of the hair around the neck for like beetles and stuff... especially if you zoom in and look at all the details all the time you'll notice little aberrations or artifacts from the focus stacking I like three to five. Sometimes if it's really windy or it's a really hard position to hold as you demonstrated in this video lol... just two pictures can be really effective for focus stacking sometimes I'll just look at my series of a burst and I'll focus stack two.

[@malonipastroni395]

This video was super useful. I think it would be cool if you made a video with flash vs no flash, because I think a lot of people don't want to spend more money on a flash if they dont need one.

[@MicaelWidell]

For this kind of photography you definitely need a flash

[@csc-photo]

I never thought i could achieve focus stacks with flash, i’m excited to try now!

[@andrewlamberson539]

This was one of your best videos so far. Lots of good info!

[@stalati34]

Thanks for the video. As I get older I have challanges with balance and having to take off/put on glasses I struggle a lot with photography however this video helped a lot. I used the built in flash which also helped getting the right light and sharpness.

[@lancewinnfield]

I'm really happy that laowa finally sponsored you, I ve buy 65mm laowa because of you ❤️

[@annbiswas8138]

Another great photo walk, Michael! I just love watching your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge of macro.

[@MicaelWidell]

My pleasure!

[@azuramohamad6149]

U are the best macrography guru micael. Thank you!

[@razzi3E]

Thank you Micael. Now we just need a nice Laowa diffuser.

[@BURTBROWN]

LOL!! Yes I learned a few things and love your video especially because you smile and laugh a lot... That makes things much nicer to watch!!!! I'm subscribing!!!! Many thanks!!!

[@robertmiller2289]

Thank you Micael, In my opinion you have the best macro videos on KZbin...R Miller

[@richardseeto1182]

Great work and Laowa lenses really take the cake. Congrats!

[@PhilThach]

It's always interesting to watch these photo walks. Your photos are great and you always have something interesting to say.

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks Phil! I have added your latest video to my watch later :)

[@PhilThach]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks! It's not in the same league as this one but it was a fun morning with at least one image that I was completely happy with.

[@PTCX]

@@MicaelWidell Well worth the time to look at Micael,Some really nice shots,I just subed to see more of Phils work, @Phil Thach : Good stuff Phil.You and I have a lot in common regarding photo targets.Bugs,flowers,birds and waterfalls etc.

[@jbennett3578]

I've only done a little bit of macrophotography, and I hope to do a lot more. It's not easy, but the results can be incredible. It's also nice because it's the one form of wildlife photography where you don't need a big, heavy, expensive telephoto lens. This video gave me a lot of tips that will certainly help. Like and subbed. Thanks!

[@robd99]

love the Hornet Moth - great vid

[@RodneyGracia]

Just started coming back into macro photography after some time and am really enjoying your channel. Thank you!

[@MicaelWidell]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@sabyasachibanerjee124]

Great photo-walk with some very good tips.

[@jeffreyalmond7376]

Thank you for the great advice. I'm hoping to purchase my first Laowa lens soon and embark on the adventure that appears to be macro photography. Keep up the good work. Also I like your T shirt !

[@richardbedford6166]

Great work and great advice, thank you.

[@luketan5347]

Very informative video!! Thank you!

[@hecciethump]

Another great video, Micael. I recently bought the Laowa 65mm for my Fuji X-T4 as a result of seeing your videos and so far I am very happy with it. I already discovered that I need to get out and practice holding the camera in a stable way - I feel like I need an extra hand at the moment!! Having a diffuser that is capable of gripping the small diameter lens properly would help enormously and would be one less moving part to worry about.

[@MicaelWidell]

Popeshield.com has some diffusers for narrow lenses. Check them out.

[@DrChip47]

I do enjoy how well Micael explains every thng👍

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you 😊

[@photonomist6345]

Thanks for your video and for the useful tips. Plus a BIG thank you for not including awful KZbin Muzak which is now so ubiquitous that I fear for my mental health!!! I agree that the Laowa x2 is brilliant. I also sometimes use it with the Nisi focus rail when I know there is a good chance my subject will not move. From looking at your images I think you would agree that a great secret of good light is the correct balance of diffused flash and natural light. Best wishes.

[@Bobbyp121]

This answered my questions. So helpful!

[@MicaelWidell]

Great to hear!

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

Thank you. I will have to watch more of your vids.

[@ahmadalgaree506]

Great shots

[@noway8233]

Wow, very good pictures, the ants pictures are amazing , well others too, thanks for tips

[@scottvanmaurik5138]

Nice tips thanks

[@rfh1234]

Great video! You're easy to watch. My son lives in Malmo by the way.

[@spongebobvader]

Very useful video thanks. I manage to get good stack shots but actually stacking them in Photoshop does not really work too well for me at the moment.

[@CALLOFDUTYGAMERist]

Love ur videos

[@jwho369]

Great video Micael, I've been binge watching your stuff. I have some extension tubes in the mail and will be buying a Laowa lens once I have some more experience. Cheers!

[@MicaelWidell]

Happy to hear that!

[@photohiker81]

Hi Micael, thanks Form your grate tutorias. I really enjoy your Videos. Just ordered a Laowa Lens ....

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you :)

[@richardsisk1770]

Very good. Thank you 😊

[@hans6304]

Love the shirt!

[@ardavanniroomand6461]

Great video, brilliant t shirt.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I have used just about the same technic as yours for several decades (though I do never use flash), I think it is close to the technic using a riffle when you are shooting at a small distance target at long distance, I take a deep breath just before focusing, hold my breath, nail the focus and press the shutter softly.

[@jbennett3578]

I'm still learning photography, but I'm pretty good at holding a camera steady because of Marine Corp marksmanship training. Just as you said, the techniques are very similar.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@jbennett3578 I was a champ with a riffle when I was a soldier.

[@luzmery57]

Great video nicely explained. just a question. should a macro photo should be sharp corner to corner? thanks

[@stevenw3017]

Thank you for this video. Also, for tip #1, if i had a dollar for every time i screwed this up. Also, i kove that defuser. Brilliant!

[@methodical100]

Well thats not fair, i have been wating for 1 month for mine to come in the mail lol. Great video i might have to watch again if the lens ever gets here.

[@gavinmanchester2421]

I'm still learning, but I tend to use my max aperture at f2.8 with a Raynox 250 magnifier, which makes my working distance very short. Because of this, I have to shoot a series of 20 photos at least before my entire thing is in focus. Sometimes I make a series with 100 photos.

[@marilyngiannuzzi9867]

Your photos are amazing even if I am not fond of bugs!😱

[@luisa.davila1021]

Thanks

[@gilleslast3561]

Definitely the best channel to master macro; thanks to you I still learn some tricks after years being a fuji guy! One thing I stil miss when doing macro with my X-T3 : Manual focusing and focus peaking of course BUT I don’t know how to keep the magnified view when I half press the shutter, it always goes back to full view and then I’m losing the benefits of the close focus peaking. Any ideas?

[@MicaelWidell]

I bound a button to magnified view and used that. Worked okay. But it was very unintuitive to configure - one of the reasons I didn't love the Xt3.

[@lauraatkins9617]

Thanks!

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for the donation :)

[@lensvana]

Looks like they used 2x magnification on that t-shirt! :) Thanks for the tips!

[@herwarthaug]

wow. amazing pics ❤ do you think it is possible to get similar results with the Laowa 65mm?

[@terryzhang6711]

I like your flash diffuser, how can you fixed on the lens?

[@nickknight2095]

Great video thanks! Good tips on coupling self to camera to subject. I note that sometimes you use a slower shutter speed than the max for flash sync? Is that because you are wanting more ambient light in a given situation?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes exactly - with slower shutter speed I get brighter background in many cases.

[@nickknight2095]

@@MicaelWidell 👍

[@DaveMuller]

Thanks for the tutorial. In Australia I find it very difficult to get still insects in Summer and even in Winter they are quite lively. I will have to try your suggestion of trying to find a still insect first rather than bothering with already active ones. Could you mention the temperature in some of your videos because I am curious at what point you are finding them more docile? e.g. most Winter days here are over 20C and I am not sure how that compares to your conditions.

[@MicaelWidell]

In this video it was around 22C if I remember correctly. You are right that the insects are more docile if it is colder. But it is more about finding the right individual insect - some individuals are still for whatever reason and you have to find those and stack them.

[@tomaszkalinowski3564]

Hi, as usual nice shots. About new species in your area: due to the rising temperatures (global warming), more and more bugs migrate up north. I see it in Poland every year. It’s quite in common now to meet prying mantis, Balkan wasp spider and other beautiful creatures. Take care!

[@MicaelWidell]

Ah interesting, didn't think about this. On the other hand I see less of certain insects this year, such as hoverflies.

[@tomaszkalinowski3564]

@@MicaelWidell could be seasonal. I’m not a big macro guy myself. Mostly try to photograph bigger “staff”. I start macro during hotter months, when other animals “lay low”. But as I’m into nature forever(;)), I’ve been noticing changes over last 10-15 years. Good example is that Asian ladybug: in Poland ladybug (7 spot) is kind of a luck symbol. And then you see hundred of them on your window frame, in different colors an spots… as you can read, the can irritate skin, cause serious allergic reactions (as You have kids - teach them not to play with it). Anyway, we learn everyday. Thanks for your classes, I plan to use stacking during weekend. Best regards!

[@onegreenev]

I'd say it is not a global warming thing. I'd say he just stubbled upon one and had just never seen one before that he could image. That is more likely the truth of the matter.

[@0famz]

What lens would be great for a nikon that is 2 times magnification? Do you change the focus point using manual focus? I love how clean the lighting is with the flash and diffuser. The only issue I have with macro photography is that I have arthritis 😅

[@MicaelWidell]

I would buy a Laowa lens. Check my lens guide to pick the right one: lensguide.micaelwidell.com and yes I use manual focus

[@oscpe262]

The cap beats me every time ... :D

[@victormultanen1981]

Hi Micael, how do you get black background on photo of ant when you shoot on the background of green bushes? Is it because you have choosen to shoot faster shutter speed for outdoors lighting conditions?

[@MicaelWidell]

It is because the flash illuminates the ants but does not reach the background. In macro photography everything is very very dark due to laws of physics, so without the flash the whole picture would be nearly black.

[@harderja]

I made a box type that goes my speed light

[@gtoyos]

When focus stacking you use manual or auto focus? How do you get different focus points without changing the angle of the subject? At 10:25 what speed did you use? Thanks for the great videos.

[@mennovanderheide9426]

Laowa lenses do not have auto focus....

[@1bhowdy]

Awesome video ... I always learn something in each video. does the Laowa 90 auto focus on the Canon R Bodies?

[@MicaelWidell]

No it is a completely manual lens - it doesn’t autofocus on any camera

[@1bhowdy]

Thank You

[@user-yq4ph9dx8g]

How do you do macro with film though? I'd love to know

[@belaacs5238]

Great video. I ordered the "Popeshield defuser set" because of your recommendation. 7 weeks., money is withdrawn, no defuser yet.

[@MicaelWidell]

Interesting. Yeah they are not the fastest lol. As I mentioned in my video about the pope shield it took 3 weeks for it to get to me.

[@yogaadicandra]

Hi Micael, I am new to macro photography and so interested in all your videos, I loved when you explained something that made me understand so easily. I have Sony A6400 on my hand, what lenses do you think are the best for me since I am a newbie, do I need an extension tube as you explained in another video? I really appreciate any help you can provide.

[@MicaelWidell]

If I were you I would buy the Laowa 65mm which is probably the best bang for buck macro lens you can get. If you want to try macro cheaper, extension tubes can be a good option. You can combine extension tubes with a regular lens to get macro photos.

[@yogaadicandra]

@@MicaelWidell wow thank you for your reply, now I am watching your video for the 7Artisans 60mm MK ii review, yesterday I just bought it and also an extension tube. But I will consider buying the lens you mention above. Thank you, oh btw I just follow your Instagram also. Many of your videos inspire me. Thank you again. :)

[@zarrir]

I find stability by using a monopod

[@robgerety]

Thanks. I am learning macro outdoors. I have mirrorless (R5) and a Laowa 90mm. I don't understand well how to incorporate flash. If the scene is darkish so you have to use high iso or slow shutter to get a good metered exposure - should you instead use lower iso and then use flash to add the needed light, making flash adjustments by trial and error with test shots?

[@MicaelWidell]

This is hard to explain in a short comment. Watch the videos in my playlist for beginners on my KZbin channel page, and you will understand how to use the flash for best results.

[@robgerety]

@@MicaelWidell ok - thank you

[@22035]

I wanna know more about flash setting and things. People tell me to start at 1/16th and go from there but I'm using 1/2 with 200 of a sec shutter and iso 200 and sometimes that's not enough. I'm using canon 90D and godox tt350. Also is there a way I can take continuous photos with the flash because it takes a while before it will flash again?

[@ZedExGaming]

I'm curious it's 6 months later, did you figure it out?

[@BugbugAdventures]

Ahh i love that the 90mm is so compact compared to the 100mm. I find it hard to keep the 100mm still with 1 hand , its just so heavy! -- also you havent added the flash accessory you use in your description. is it handmade?

[@MicaelWidell]

Ah sorry, forgot to add it. It is the Pope Shield (popeshield.com)

[@viniciusghostty]

Hey nice video, thank you for sharing your experience with me. I have just one doubt: in almost all photos you informed the F value as beeing f8 - f11, which aperture did you use?

[@MicaelWidell]

It is because I did not remember exactly what aperture I used. And frankly it doesn't really matter that much, because the difference is hardly noticeable between f8 and f11 in macro photography.

[@viniciusghostty]

@@MicaelWidell Yes, it doesn't matter to much. Usually for single shot I preffer to use the f8 due to better results with my lens. But I'm still studying the best apperture for stack images. I've seen some videos advocating for a wide open apperture (around 5.6 or lower values), but using a closer apperture would result in less photos e better contrast

[@user.shmuser]

Nikon has focus stack function, does somebody know - when sony is planning add it in they cameras?

[@baileysbugblog6478]

Popeshield are great. How do you get around the fact that the Popeshield does get in the way at close magnification with Laowa and Raynox though?

[@MicaelWidell]

That is a problem with the pope shield. I haven't solved it yet.

[@baileysbugblog6478]

@@MicaelWidell I put an elastic band through one of them after this comment . Using it more like a Dorr diffuser. It sits neatly in the groove of the focus wheel (EF Laowa 100 2x), so this might work. The downside of this though, is the band pulls the brass eyelets together, and may eventually tear the plastic diffuser.

[@eze3572]

Great video! I’m curious to know how you manage your data? It’s quickly becoming a large investment trying to store all my pictures and that’s without focus stacking series! I don’t have time to go through pictures daily and cleanup .. what do you suggest?

[@MicaelWidell]

When I get home from a photo walk I have around 300-600 photos. I immediately delete everything except the ~20 best photos. When I have made a stack I usually also delete the original photos. Then the final images does not take much space. No point in keeping photos that aren't great - takes too much space and will be impossible to find images later. You have to take that time. THen I just store everything on my laptop with 2TB disk.

[@onegreenev]

Take time daily to go through your pictures. That is the suggestion. If not you won't go back later. Keep only those you intend to sell to stock footage companies or clients or ones you plan on making large prints. Get rid of everything else. Other wise you will end up with terabytes worth of hard drives and then one day those will crap out on you and you will loose them all. Put your keeper photos on storage medium like DVD or piles of thumb drives or a good quality hard drive you don't mind unplugging.

[@billtomlin6176]

Hi Micael, do you turn the focus ring to change plane of focus or do you move camera in and out? If ring which hand?

[@MicaelWidell]

I never turn the ring during a stack. Always move the camera.

[@onegreenev]

Best to move the camera. Easier and faster.

[@snoogly]

How are you adjusting focus while stacking? Especially having to hold the diffuser, it looked liked all your hands and fingers were busy, and I could see how you managed to adjust focus.

[@izzydo3494]

He isn't, you just move closer or further away from your subject. As he said you don't want to tilt your camera or change your field of view. You set your focus first to get your proper framing, then just rapid fire some photos moving in or out to get different focus sections of your subject.

[@izombie98]

You can use a single AF point or the dynamic AF point. Then you just move the frame (up, down, left, right, diagonal) at the same angle/distance while hitting your button for focus to get a new focal point. Just make sure you don't change your angle/distance at all.

[@izzydo3494]

@@izombie98 that would work for a lens that had auto focus and more so on a tripod that way your focus isn't shifting due to you or the camera being moved. Laowa lenses are fully manually controlled.

[@MicaelWidell]

You set the focus beforehand, then just move the lens while taking the photos to get different focus points. I didn't mention it but obviously you must use manual focus. See my other videos for more information about how I do macro photography.

[@Alexander84001]

How you moving sharpfocus area? Do you use Focus brecketing or you moving your camera closer to insect? Thanks for video

[@MicaelWidell]

In this video I’m simply moving the camera, and the focus point moves with it. Works well.

[@Alexander84001]

@@MicaelWidell thanks. Your great videos are inspiring 👍

[@Tom-Tenerife]

I use a monopod! Let's try

[@doomommy]

Glad I found you! Are you moving the focus point around the insect and using autofocus?for focus stacking? OR are you able to turn the ring on the lens?? Don’t get it!!

[@MicaelWidell]

Neither. I just move the camera until the insect is in focus. No autofocus.

[@doomommy]

Great!! I’m going to practice tomorrow. Thanks for your reply 😊

[@dennisr.d.mascarenas3886]

Hi Micael, I'm still learning. Which stacker software do you use.. Thnx from Colorado USA.. 😎🇺🇸

[@MicaelWidell]

For handheld stacks I use Photoshop. See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKnbdWCjiMSAm9E

[@dennisr.d.mascarenas3886]

@@MicaelWidell Thank you so much.. Dennis 😎🇺🇸

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I am wondering if it is better to use an autofocus macro lens instead. When I shoot in the field my left hand is always adjusting the focus ring. I don't have an extra hand to give my subject directional light by holding the flash with my left hand.

[@MicaelWidell]

I use a manual focus lens and I barely ever touch the focusing ring. Focus by moving the lens.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

@@MicaelWidell But how do you compose? I don't always want 2x magnification.

[@uptown3636]

Question for Micael or any other macro photographers: Is a mini soft box better or worse for macro than a diffuser? Is a soft box just a diffuser in a particular shape, or does it have a different effect?

[@MicaelWidell]

A softbox is just a diffuser in a certain shape. I would recommend something that sits close to the subject at a 45 degree angle from above. No matter if it is a softbox or a macro diffuser.

[@uptown3636]

@@MicaelWidell Thank you so much!

[@RedmiNotepro-sm9si]

Hello, my hands are shaking. What can do with that. Maybe there is some physical training? Can you advise? I'm using Nikon d850 with Nikkor 105mm micro lense and godox m12

[@MicaelWidell]

Hmm if they truly are shaking and you cannot control that, it is something you have to ask a doctor. Maybe it is a condition. What might improve things if you don't have a condition but just untrained hands, is to just practice a lot by doing lots of macro photography :)

[@victoriangirl83]

Why didn't you use the focus stacking feature/setting on your camera?

[@MrTwstws]

what does f8-f11 mean on your photo labels? Are you stacking images with different f stops, or do you mean you're using an f stop between f8 and f11?

[@MicaelWidell]

I'm using an f-stop between f/8 and f/11. I don't remember which one because it is a manual lens that doesn't give the camera that information. I never switch aperture during a stack.

[@onegreenev]

He is using f stops between 8 and 11 to get deeper depth of field and sharpness. Those are the sweet spots of many lenses. Use them. Don't shoot wide open if you use flash. I use my old vintage Takumar glass with extension tubes and flash.

[@davidgill3085]

That diffuser did a very good job from the photo evidence. All it needs is a shorter elastic to hold it in place. This is an even greater problem with the 60mm. Is it a proprietary or hand made diffuser? You have very steady hands and eye for the hand held stacks. I have not had any success so far...

[@MicaelWidell]

The diffuser is the pope shield - and normally it should be mounted on the front of the lens, but I was missing a mounting ring with the right diameter.

[@davidgill3085]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks. All your published photos using the Pope shield diffuser are excellent. The problem is that anything attached to the front limits the already short working distance with the Laowa 60mm. You may have demonstrated the best solution here :)

[@davidgill3085]

Sorry, I mean 65mm

[@betacar0tin]

Hey, what is the name of cap you're wearing? I'm looking for one, looks comfortable.

[@MicaelWidell]

I actually got it as a freebie from Irix Lens. I would ask them if you can get one - perhaps they send it for free. Yes it is comfortable, can tolerate rain, and also folds neatly into your pocket. Love it!

[@betacar0tin]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks! :)

[@tomaszkalinowski3564]

Orange lady bug: Wikipedia entry: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmonia_axyridis

[@lastepisode8118]

Hello Can I use this lens on Sony A7RV? Is there a compatible model?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes sure, just get the Sony version of the lens (E-mount)

[@marvinspates924]

I don't understand how you are doing the focus stacking! Are you moving the lens closer or are you turning the focus ring for each shot???👍👍👍

[@DaveMuller]

The main trouble with changing focus is from focus breathing and perspective shift - objects in the background can end up with halos around them from their out of focus edge size increasing as you focus forwards. As you focus to the background, objects in the foreground appear smaller; and conversely as you focus towards the foreground objects in the background appear larger.

[@MicaelWidell]

I move the lens closer for each shot. Like half a millimeter closer.

[@marvinspates924]

Thank you both for the info!!!🙂

[@brynjarbjorgvinsson1987]

Now I am going to buy This lens.. is the link afiliate link in the description ?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes it is affiliate link, so I am greatly thankful if you use it :)

[@brynjarbjorgvinsson1987]

@@MicaelWidell Just ordered... "Your order has been received." Keep up the good work best wishes from Iceland the Niceland

[@seanrooney6486]

You said you twist the lens when taking a stack,but didn't show it. How do you twist the lens please?

[@MicaelWidell]

What I mean is that I place the lens on my hand and then push it against my skin to very slowly and steadily move it a fraction of a millimeter for each photo. I could have been clearer about this, sorry.

[@DrewBloksberg]

Does anyone have the laowa 90mm yet? I pre-ordered but I haven't heard anything since

[@MicaelWidell]

That sounds strange. I would email them and ask about the status

[@Phantomias7]

Huh, where did you preorder it? I bought it of their store at the start of last week and got it delivered within 5 days

[@shadowscollide44]

Great video, Micael! If that's a murder hornet, you should report it to authorities!

[@fenrirsghost2051]

Well, that depends on wich country you live in 🤷‍♂ But in this case it does not matter anyway cause it was a hornet moth, not a hornet ! 😉

[@henri.witteveen]

Have you ever tried using a monopod?

[@MicaelWidell]

Not yet - don't really feel the need for it, and it would make me slower

[@onegreenev]

I like monopods. They help keep the camera still and yes, they can make the shooting a tad slower.

[@bjnslc]

I didn't catch a mention of flash recycle time that limits the speed you can shoot stacks.

[@MicaelWidell]

If you have a good flash and good batteries you don't have to worry about that. I can shoot very fast and long series without a problem with my Meike mk320 flash and GP Photo Flash batteries. I never ever get a black frame due to recycling.

[@onegreenev]

If you use constant light then you can shoot as fast as you want between photos for good stacks. Otherwise you may miss a flash and get a black image.

[@bjnslc]

@@onegreenev unfortunately constant lights don't output nearly enough for small aperture work.

[@guybob548]

That's the secret to keeping the insects close, kicking the hat backwards. Lets them know they have to bust a pose too.

[@PTCX]

You have some very docile and cooperative bugs there Micael.Around here they are most often a bit more flighty,or bitey,if you get too close.

[@MicaelWidell]

I didn't film all the ones that flew away ;)

[@brodylockwood14]

Even with a tripod I can't focus stack the things I want because they move, even the tinest amount will ruin it.

[@maspaijo2334]

A bit late, can you compare cheap lens? and maybe much review old/cheap macro lens. I dont know but i need it, yeah as cheap as we can i good. Lol Great tips

[@MicaelWidell]

Check my playlist for budget macro lenses. Lots of cheap ones there

[@maspaijo2334]

@@MicaelWidell yes i do, i play all of them. 7artisans 60mm f2.8 mark ii almost 10 times, lol. I do like ttart 40mm, but after you explain about weakness. I go for 7art, but i dont know. Is it eally good or not, because softness on corner (most i watched say soft on corner even with small aperture)

[@hjones451]

Looks like a Hornet - We occasionally get swarms, literally thousands - you need to fall to the ground, face down, don't panic and let them move on.

[@MicaelWidell]

What country do you have hornet swarms!? 😬

[@hjones451]

@@MicaelWidell Shropshire, UK - in the countryside. My last experience was a few years ago, they swarmed like a Starling murmuration, but slower - quite scary as they all landed in the area where I was working, building a rabbit farm. A weird day.