Macro Landscape Photography w/the New 40MP Fujifilm X-T5

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In this video, I'm testing out the power of macro photography with the new 40MP Fuji X-T5 crop sensor camera and the amazing 30mm f/2.8 macro lens. This is my first attempt at Macro Photography which isn't as easy as it looks, but the detail you can capture is incredible!
If you're interested in learning how to take macro photos, then hopefully you'll get some helpful information out of this week's video where I try it out for the first time. I'll show you how I captured some stunning images using the new Fuji X-T5 and 30mm macro lens in this on-location video. I hope you enjoy this week's episode and as always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

💥QUICK QUESTION: Have you ever tried Macro Photography?

Macro became big in my life during the COVID lockdown in 2020. Nowadays, even when I'm doing landscape photography, I often carry my macro lens along and am ready to switch lenses if I see macro opportunities.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

It’s definitely addictive!

[@mervfer1162]

I love it but it is challenging, especially outside with any wind.

[@ivotouart]

Yup.. just got a Laowa 65mm 2x macro for my X-T4

[@ivotouart]

@@mervfer1162 probably why you love it!

[@joeweintraub]

If you wish to continue taking macro pictures, you might give thought to purchasing a macro focusing rail. For something extremely small, mount the focus rail on the tripod, then the camera on the focus rail. You can set you focus as close as possible and use the fine adjustments on the focus rail to move the camera to and from the subject to obtain the closest focus that the lens will allow. And it doesn't have to be the closest focus. Just for stability sake, make minor framing adjustments with the focus rail and then focus the lens. Works both ways.

[@brownbear100]

How is this different to focus stacking in camera in terms of results for stills? Coming from the x-t3 to the x-t5, the focus stacking solution in the x-t5 makes stacking so much easier. One thing I've noticed with the x-t5, though, is that you hit the buffer at 27 shots or so, so for a 100+ shot stack it really does show up the performance deficit compared to not only the x-h2 models hut also the nearly 5 year old x-t3. A big buffer isn't only useful for action!

[@joeweintraub]

@@brownbear100 Hi, Ian. Your question was under my comment to Mark. You might want to repost your question again as a more direct comment to him, since I was talking about using a macro focus rail. Repost at a top level, rather than replying to another post. Hopefully, it will make sure Mark sees it and gives you an answer. Have a great day.

[@danielschmaderer]

Hands down, the X-T5 and a 70-300 would be an amazing setup that I know you would love. As a 70-300 owner, it’s the lens I use 90% of the time and I can’t wait to try it out with the X-T5. The focus distance on the 70-300 is also amazing. I think it’s a 1:2 or at most a 1:3 reproduction rate and is a great sub macro lens.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

That's one that I'm certainly thinking about

[@warricksmith5178]

I'm using my 70-300 on my X-H2, which has the same sensor as the X-T5. I can confirm that is a great combination with the 40 mp sensor. Indeed, it is one of very few lenses that Fuji says will support full resolution on the new sensor...

[@mixeddrinks8100]

so is the 18mm f1.4 wish the 16-80 zoom was better tbh cus that is the lens i had paired with the 70-300

[@shawngrant9619]

I have been using the X-T5 for almost 2 weeks and I love it. The extra resolution is great plus there is no sacrifice in noise and low light performance. I have the Fuji 80mm f/2.8 macro lens. Macro is best on a calm day. I will use up to 3200 ISO, self 2 second timer on drive mode CL. This will do 5 frames in a second and stop. One of those will be sharper than the others. My preference is to get the depth of field I want in a single photo. If I can't, focus stacking helps and the X-T5 has a great auto focus stack feature.

[@avilesrg]

When taking macro photos of leaves on trees, which as you noticed move a lot, I find it useful to use manual focus, then shoot in burst mode. You will surely find at least one sharp photo in the bunch. Also, if shooting handheld (which is the best way for shooting insects or even leaves in trees), also use manual focus and shoot in burst mode, this time rocking the camera gently back and forth, again to get a sharp picture.

[@johnpollock6996]

Mark I forgot to mention one thing several hours ago in my initial comment, go to Lowes or HD and get a pair of $10-15 hard plastic knee pads like tile installers wear to ply their trade. After the camera and lens, they are the most important piece of kit I own.

[@sarahmae8991]

I love macro photography but I have never tried it in the right way, I hardly ever use my tripod and I don’t have a macro lens. Ha! I just love shooting, it makes my heart happy. Keep up the great work sir. ❤ ❤ ❤

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Sarah!

[@NeilNathan1]

After waiting for an age for an upgrade to my XH1, I now have the XH2. I believe the XT5 has the same sensor and processor as the XH2. I find I prefer the larger XH2 body and grip of the XH cameras.. And it complements well my GFX 100s. I call it my baby GFX. It's nice to have light weight kit that I can carry with me all the time. And so far I am blown away by the low light / low noise / high stability performance of the XH2. The past weekend I have taken handheld low light cityscapes as slow as 1/10s, with an iso of up to 2500, they are crisp and have the most beautiful light and colour and without the notion of any noise. You have got me very interested to try out the macro lens!!

[@elaineflo01]

macro - it's a wonderful world when you discover it. you discover bugs on flowers that you didn't notice...so very cool. I appreciate your excitement with the genre...and the observations!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yes I was noticing small bugs that I couldn't even see with me eye - it was crazy!

[@prolificnorthwest]

Another great video! Well done. Cheers!

[@russstamp5965]

A little background: I've been shooting an X-T2 since it first came out. I do really like it for my landscape photography, but with the release of the X-T5 have really been considering purchasing it. In the process of doing research prior to purchase I have seen countless videos from people I've never seen any of their work. Those reviews are basically useless to me. So, when I saw the title of your video, I got excited thinking it must be with the new Fuji macro and X series camera. Respecting who you are as a photographer and an educator renewed my interest in possibly purchasing this camera. Then, something unexpected happened: I saw your excitement for this new genre of photography (macro) and seeing the images also made me think about my own photo regimen. Seems I'm always shooting the same type of scenes; waterfalls, landscapes, sunsets, sunrises, occasionally some wildlife, etc. This video has helped me to see that this body with the new macro, might be just the boost I need to expand "my photography toolbox." So, thanks so much for posting this video!

[@kevins8575]

I mostly photograph birds, but macro is starting to sound very interesting. Plus, macro images with lots of texture are my wife's favorite. May have to try it.

[@annbiswas8138]

Hi Mark! I'm a macro photographer and it was great fun to watch you use this camera and lens to experiment with a new form of photography! Yes, we spend a lot of time on the ground in one position :)

[@warricksmith5178]

I've dabbled in macro a bit in recent years, often on the side of a trip focused mainly on landscape. I have not purchased a dedicated macro lens, but have found very good results using macro extension tubes -- an inexpensive and lightweight piece of kit. I have also found I can get solid results from my 70-300m lens, which has a relatively close focussing distance. One important lesson I have learned is the challenge of paper-thin depth of field, even when shooting at f/22. So focus-stacking skills learned in landscape have an immediate application! A second lesson relates to the role of supplementary lighting, whether this be a simple reflector or using a low-power flash off-the-camera. Plenty to nerd out on....

[@pherylihy58]

I just picked up the X-T5 as well. Please keep posting vids with the camera.

[@Chrispitchwildlife]

X-T5, best camera for macro! 😀✌

[@timd4524]

There's a bunch of deer. Me, ready to throw my sling bag around and change lenses lol. Good video. Always loved macro photography. I love the look of the camera. Those always remind me of my old 35mm cameras.

[@markm83]

Hi Mark, I use the Fujifilm XF 18 - 55mm f2.8 - 4 kit lens with the MCEX-11 Extension Tube and the Venus Optics Laowa 65mm f2.8 CA Dreamer to dabble in macro photography. Both of these lenses have yielded some fantastic images. I find the biggest challenge with macro photography is the one you mentioned about extraneous movement of the subject owing to the extremely narrow depth-of-field. I'm forever trying to increase my aperture to gain just a little DOF without choking off all available light. It helps to use a panel light (Lume Cube Panel GO) on the hot shoe, angled down toward the subject when low light becomes an issue. Of course, then color can be affected... But this is why we love photography, the learning curve has no end point!

[@Akiraly14]

I just got my xt-5 in the mail last week. I'm in love with it! I love the way it feels in my hands, it just makes me want to go out and shoot! Which to me personally is the best selling point of any camera. I use to have the x-T4 and that was my first Fuji experience and I loved it! but over time I realized I wasn't really taking advantage of the video capability's. I also wasn't to cray about the flip screen for that reason. it made interesting photos but I didn't like the imbalance it gave me from looking to the side. I sold it for a Nikon z6ii. I enjoyed the experience and the feel of the Nikon but I noticed I wasn't going out and shooting as much as I had with the Fuji. I had missed that feeling of the camera wanting to take me out on a journey. Now I have the x-t5 and remember why I enjoyed that Fuji experience. The camera resonates with my style and that's what every photographer should look for. The x-T5 was all the changes I wanted in my x-T4 and like you said boosted mp. The grip also feels better in my hand And I love the use of the tilt screen instead of the flip screen. I also opted out for the 18-55mm kit lens this time as compared to the 16-80mm. I do miss the zoom but I love how light it is and the new perspectives I take with this lens. I have been really interested in getting a macro lens to start doing macro photography and your video has sold me on this lens! amazing photos Mark! you diffidently have that eye and I think your macros are fantastic. I'm looking forward to saving up for this lens and its at a really good price$ which is another big reason I came back to Fuji. Excellent video Mark its awesome to see how far your videos have come and it shows. Thank you for being you💚

[@davidwalker2402]

The lens is so much fun, I just had it out for the first time on Tuesday . So much fun on the beach. Good luck and thank you.

[@ronboe6325]

If you really get into macro work, a 100mm lens will give you some nice stand off (for bugs mainly). A friend has a canon 200mm macro and does some really nice work with it.

[@dwrisdon2487]

Great to see/hear the excitement. As a career educator, and only part-time photographer, I appreciated early on that learning acquired by personal discovery is way more powerful that learning told to you by someone else. That alone pushes the emphasis away from memorizing settings to just going out with camera/lens in hand. Just as you did here.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@chrislockley7757]

Hi Mark. One thought to consider is that a longer macro lens is easier to work with. I have an 80mm which doubles as a portrait lens. A lot of people use 105mm lens. The shorter lenses such as a 30 or 40 require getting closer and cutting out light on the subject.

[@acraftman2823]

Hey Mark, greetings from N.C. its been a few years since I commented on your channel glad to see you are really taking off as a photographer and tuber. TBH I clicked on because I have been eyeing the XT5 for weeks and waiting for reports to drift onto utube. I am really tempted by the 40 mp but I would be starting from scratch but a person can dream right! I just wanted to mention if you think you have to slow down for landscape you have to crawl for macro lol.Really the worlds that open up with a sharp lens and kit are awesome .I recently did a bunch of shots of the teeth on a very small (deceased) blue tail lizard they have some really pearly whites! A small tip I picked up was to take an alligator clip on a flexible wire and anchor the subject to your tripod or something when the wind is distracting .

[@charlesdavis6371]

Loved the video Mark (as always). Yes, I enjoy macro photography.

[@garybrown9719]

Great video thanks

[@rayganrambles]

As soon as you mentioned the cobweb I yelled "get it" at the screen. 🤣 I hope you continue to experiment with macrophotography. My current favorite subject is a frozen bubble. Winter is perfect for those.

[@LouisaLee63]

Yes! Mostly handheld of insects on flowers. Highly recommend Sigma 105mm as a starter lens. Love my new Nikon 105mm lens too!

[@wchenson17]

I love it all! Just seeing you on the ground and constantly looking around when talking to us, I could tell you were totally dorking out! Made me giggle! I just picked up the new Tamaron 50-400mm and at 50mm it's like a maco lens with how close you get to the subject. What a fun mew chapter in the journey that is photography! Thanks for the video.....and the giggle! (Always a positive) cheers!

[@howlightmatters]

A few weeks ago you had asked your viewers what other type of photography they would like you to consider. I was going to suggest Macro then but somehow didn't do that. Now I am happy that you have attempted it. It's a vast bewitching world out there. I hope you will explore it more and more.

[@wimscheenen3535]

Macrophotography can be lots of fun, I’ve done it for many years, but currently not. Glad to see you excited about it.

[@janetholman3460]

Great video Mark!! One of the things I enjoy about Macro is that you will often find bugs or very small critters under all those leaves. Double your pleasure, double your fun!!

[@craigmantle5362]

Really enjoyed this video Mark. I recently bought a macro lens but I haven’t dedicated enough time with it yet!

[@johnpollock6996]

It is sadistically refreshing to see an expert straining. I bought my first proper digital camera in 2019 and have struggled mightily at several genres with minor success. I bought a Sony 90mm Macro lens a few months ago to go with my A7R4 and really enjoy using it. Your comments about wind really hit home. Because of the sliver of a DoF, I try to use f11-f16 which kills any notion of a fast shutter and low ISO. It is truly a challenging genre in the wild, not to mention lying on fire ant mounds to get the great shot. I look forward to your shots of Venus Flytraps if they are as far upstate as your stomping grounds. Beware of chiggers in the pine needles.

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

I love the X series and hope to upgrade to the XT5 in the spring, thanks for sharing Mark.

[@rinabinette]

Great video!

[@michaelt7320]

Thanks, Mark, for a great video. Even outside your comfort zone, you ably demonstrated the capabilities of the camera and macro lens. I look forward to seeing you using the XT5 in 160MP mode for both macro and landscape.

[@matthewacri5607]

I always try to capture a few macro shots when out in the field, It's such an exciting part of landscape photography and I find really helps capture more intimate details of your surroundings and makes you remember what it was like being there.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great way to look at it!

[@delisaoutside]

I’ve been shooting macro/close up for over a year and it is my favorite.

[@fionahaughton4912]

Oh yes! Lots of macro. As you say, it's addictive. It's good to have up your sleeve when the weather for landscape isn't playing ball. I have the wonderful Nikon 105 macro lens. It's my favourite lens. It took me a while for the penny to drop that it doesn't have to be used just for macro. It's a great prime for any situation.

[@steveshubert]

Somewhere between 12:55 and 13:20 on this video, that pine tree on your right had some gorgeous pine bark textures that *probably* would have made for a great close-up/macro shot. Just looking at it in the video made me want to go find that tree and photograph the bark! Beautiful textures! And yes, even though I've never done true "macro photography", when I take close-ups using just the equipment that I have, I'm amazed at the detail that we can find in nature! Really enjoyed this one, Mark. Thanks as always!

[@mikehogsett7202]

Thanks Mark. Your videos always serve as inspiration and this one is no different. Recently picked up a 50mm macro and will be sure to put it in my bag before my next photo hike.

[@caitlineye]

Great vid! My copy of the lens is coming on Saturday and I can't wait. Unbelievable how close it can get...

[@ethanramirez5218]

Hi Mark, cool that you are trying a new technique. I highly recommend this lens for the X mount. FUJIFILM XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens. It's incredible. Or if you use an F-mount adapter (Nikon mount) this Tokina macro is mind bogglingly good. Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro Lens for Nikon F. It's also extremely affordable & can also be adapted for use with the GFX system, which is really fun & increases the overall value & flexibility of this lens (manual focus only, of course). Happy shooting & as always, thank you for your work!

[@davew3139]

Hi, have you used the 30mm macro to compare it the 80mm? I'm not sure which one to get? thx

[@troporobo]

Macro photography is a state of mind. In my experience you need to go out looking for opportunities, it’s unlikely to stumble across them while doing something else. You also need to be ready, as subjects are not going to wait while you change lenses and set up lighting. A camera with good continuous AF helps a lot. Finally, while you can get good shots with ambient light, great shots often result from supplemental light due to very narrow DOF and very small apertures, and doing this while focusing 25mm from the front element is non-trivial. When it all comes together though, magic happens! You can show aspects of nature that are not visible to the naked eye.

[@wolfgangmarvelous7239]

Enjoyed the video. I've done quite a bit of macro photography with the Fuji X-T3 using the Fuji 80mm macro lens. I make heavy use of the camera's focus bracketing capability to get more of the scene in sharp focus. With the macro lens close to the subject, the depth of field is extremely narrow so the bracketing is a big time and labor saver. However when I do the focus stacking in post, I use the Helicon Focus product to produce the stacked composite image. Photoshop cannot cope with more than a handful of stacked images and cannot deal with more complex shapes. The Helicon software absolutely runs circles around Photoshop for this kind of photography. Many times I will typically have, say, 15 to 30 images to stack and have had as many as 200 images. I think you'll enjoy exploring the world with the macro lens and I would be interested in seeing more videos on your use of the technique.

[@dougharder6258]

Your next assignment: Glowing mushrooms, you may have to wait until next summer :)

[@rossk7927]

Get a flash and diffuser. And a pet jumping spider 🕷️

[@alainthibodeau9602]

I beleive I made as many close-up and macro pictures as you made landscape pictures. I started with screew in close-up lens on a standard lens. Then real macro lenses, extension tubes and macro extension bellow. More recently (last 6-7 years) I got involved with extreme macro (4X, 10X, 15x magnification) using infinity microscope lenses screewed in front of a standard telephoto lens or a 70-300 zoom lens. Of course, due to extremly low DOF (some time as little as 0,005mm for some high magnification), I have to focus stack 50-100-200 shots depending of subjects. The macro world could be as spectacular as landscape photography.

[@keeganmorrison284]

If you're going to use a tripod, I recommend getting a manual remote if they make one for the XT5. The 2 second timer / delay is useful, but being able to press a remote shutter release at exactly the right time will let you get it right when the wind dies down. I'm more of a spider / animal macro photographer with the larger macro lenses (like the Laowa 65mm f/2.8), and those subjects rarely stop moving, so shooting hand held is a requirement. When doing that, there's a practice of setting your lens focus, then just slowly rocking your body back and forth acting like a focus rail. Focus highlighting helps a lot with that too.

[@inakilauzirika5076]

I love shooting macro photography with my X-T3 and Laowa 65 MF lens. It's like getting into a totally different underworld where details and lighting are crucial.

[@gary9771]

A couple of other pluses of macro are you can also have a fairly small set up in your home and do macro when you can’t or don’t want to go outside and you don’t necessarily have to hike very far, I have one place where I hike 1/2 mile and lots of cool stuff within about a 100 foot area. Just wait till the mushrooms sprout, they’re awesome to shoot. Have fun!

[@vincentkeith5259]

I love macro. I tend to use longer macros, and plan to get the 80mm FujiFilm. I have the Nikon 100mm for my old D2Xs, and used extension tubes for my ancient Minolta. It gives you a bit more working space. If you have a tripod with a center column that's reversible - it helps positioning quite a bit. In breezy conditions it can help to set your pack up to help block the wind, if it doesn't also block the light. Also, a small reflector and soft screen are handy both for blocking wind and adjusting lighting. I have on ccation tried to use flash - but that's one of those areas where I never really got comfortable ( probably means I need to just spend a few weeks doing nothing but flash photography).

[@doubleehokie]

Some cameras have built in focus stacking which makes macro easier. I have the NISI macro focusing rail, it's sturdy, well built, fine adjustments and ergonomic. Helicon focus software is pretty good when you get the settings just right.

[@laurelb8372]

Am excited to get my XT5 and try macro with the Zeiss 50mm macro for X mount. Try using manual focus & focus peaking. It’s an interesting genre.

[@garrydelday5816]

Some nice shots there Mark for a first try at macro. I’m a firm believer that if conditions are not optimum for landscapes, look closer 🧐 nature can give up some gems when you do so. I quite often photograph leaves in Autumn with heavy dew on them, the droplets magnify the structure even more and give a nice effect. Nothing wrong with getting down and dirty 😉

[@kevingreiner5772]

One tip for macro photography is to try to pay more attention to the background of your subject. Basically like landscape photography and eliminating distractions!

[@dougstevens9973]

Great to watch your "voyage of Discovery!", Mark Yes - I have been using the Nikkor 55mm Micro lens since the 80s - the tiny world is magnificent Doug

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for checking out the video Doug!

[@Just-a-Guy1]

I have two macro lenses. One is a 35 -135 mm zoom which can be used as a great general purpose lens although I don't love its macro function. My other lens is a 105 macro and it's very cool. This lens allows a narrower field of view while letting one get ridiculously close. The natural telephoto compression is great too!

[@frankmenkel8329]

Hi Mark, thank you for sharing. I have done a little Macro Photography with an extension part that fits between a normal lens and the camera. Works also. If you like an easier life get a Macro Slider, so that you can focus better. Lighting is an issue when you get closer to an object. I use LED lights if I need more light. I also recommend a wireless remote shutter release. You might also try focus stacking. Easy with the XT5. Have fun Frank

[@DavidGarcia-hr6zw]

Delving into macro landscape myself. It’s really fun and something I can do even when I can’t get out to the best locations under the best conditions. Definitely an additional skill to look into if you love taking pictures. Keep up the great vids!

[@nancybateman7378]

Yes, I really enjoy Macro photography. It's very precise and depth of field is the most difficult aspect. The 30mm lens is fab as a walkaround type lens. Thanks for the video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Nancy - glad you enjoyed it!

[@eduardoviner1161]

Place your backpack in order to prevent the wind to move the leaves

[@adjake1]

I just started messing around with a 100 macro. for difficult to focus subjects I've set up my r6 into focus stacking mode. Did some handheld stacks at the Biltmore this past weekend and it worked out ok. Should have grabbed the tripod but I didn't have a lot of time for setup and all..

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

So much fun!

[@cameraprepper7938]

Use the EVF for macro shooting ! For me a 30mm macro Lens are a bit too short, I will not use shorter than a 60mm Macro Lens. Manual focus are the easiest for Macro shooting, you do not use the focus ring for focusing, you only use the focus ring to get to the image size you want, and then you move yourself slightly forth and back until you nail the focus (42 years of experience !).

[@NJM1948]

Always enjoy your videos Mark....this one is up there with them. I have just got the X-T5 and bought the 30mm macro at the same time. I agree with you that this is a little gem of a lens...and can be used as a normal 30mm prime too. I got the XT5 because it is an out and out stills centric camera and Fuji have gone to great pains to point this out....back to photography they say!! So, not sure I would recommend you having this as your video camera....probably the XH2 or 2s is the one to go with. This is more stills than the XT4 which Fuji say was an attempt at a hybrid for the XT range...and the stills guys wanted to get the range back to photoagraphgt first!!! and they listened

[@michaelhale416]

Great shots. I recently purchased some extension tubes to try close-up/macro photography. It is a completely different mindset but really enjoying it so far. May even look into a dedicated macro lens. Thanks.

[@BobbyClements]

Hey Mark, can you believe I am still rocking the X-T1? It’s been my first and only camera going on 5 years now :)

[@davidshort2609]

Great video Mark, been thinking about this lens and the X-T5. Would love to see you do one on the new 56mm 1.2 lens---- in part, because it's optimily designed for the high res X-T5, how does it perform on the X-T4 with lower res? And hope you'll do more on the practical applications/differences between X-T4 and X-T5. Thanks!

[@borromine]

Interesting !! I really LOVE the FX 80mm. Big, heavy, but fabulous. A superb macro lens. And great for portraits I also use the GF 45-100 with the 22mm extension tube and very occasionally the 45mm extension tube. One of the sharpest GF lenses which is really saying something. Very useful for macro composition. Concerning tele, I use the canon EF 100-400mm mark II with the Fringer adapter with aperture ring. It does vignette a bit but not much and it means I can use it with both the FX and the the GFX kit and sell my FX 100-400. The Canon is a bit better than the Fuji and focus to 36 inch so is excellent for quasi macro work. It is heavy so I use it with the 35-70 GF to save my back.

[@jamesv.wilkerson30]

I wish all camera manufacturers would put effort into the visual appeal of their camers like fuji. Do the dials slow you down? Would you make a video about the useful macro feedback you receive?

[@brentnewman450]

Love your enthusiasm here. I've yet to try macro, but am considering purchasing a set of extension tubes to see if I too enjoy it before I decide on a dedicated lens. Have you considered trying extension tubes to convert your existing primes?

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

Now that you have the XT-5 I would love to see side by side comparison between the XT-5 and the GFX. I saw a video where people could not tell the difference in a 12 megapixel camera images compared to the gfx. I would like to see and hear your thoughts. I have always wanted to go medium format.

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

I think 30mm (45) is too short for a macro lens. Getting close enough either means casting a shadow on the subject or meaning there isn't enough room to get a light on it. I think the 80mm macro would be a better bet. I use a Nikon 105mm adapted to my X-T bodies with (for me) excellent results.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Hey Mark, I really enjoy doing macro photography myself. I think that this new lens from Fuji is really fun and it's nice and small - but if you want a really small macro lens, check out the Canon EF-M 28mm macro! It's f/3.5 at its fastest aperture, but it can go up to 1.2x magnification even thanks to built-in extension tube switch, it has an LED front-ring light (weak but still nice to have), and OIS. And it's even smaller and lighter than the Fuji XF30mm! Now as you said, with this lens you have to get really close to your subject to get the full detail. A macro lens with a longer focal length will give you a longer working distance for that maximum magnification - however the Fuji XF80mm is very big, heavy, and has worse AF (at close distance) than the XF30mm. The Fuji XF30mm is one of the most fun macro lenses with which to discover macro photography, I think. As far as "beginner mistakes" or what to do better, the main thing I can think of is: use a flash, with a diffuser. That will help you get a nice image hand-held.

[@grantnewton5705]

You may want to give focus bracketing/stacking a go to get the extended depth of field. The XT5 has a focus bracketing function. I’m enjoying doing some macro (XT2 & Laowa 65mm) ….. it has a new set of challenges but is rewarding and a good activity when the light is lousy for landscapes

[@jamesss1953]

X-T5 is my latest adjunct which for some reason I find much more enjoyable than my Z7 II? I did try macro with my old D850 (gone to a new owner 😢). Very difficult as you say. Enjoyed your vid; thanks

[@musiconvinylisbetter.1449]

Fjällräven!

[@bnlstille2993]

Lovely shots, especially the backlit leaf! It’s amazing what you begin to notice when your focus (no pun intended) shifts from the big scenes to the small details. If you’ve never checked out Simon Booth’s channel, have a look. Excellent videos, and he is a master of those closeup, detailed shots. They are magical. 😊

[@korysmouse3800]

I second the recommendation for Simon Booth’s channel. He is a wizard at finding stunning macro compositions.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I'll be sure to check it out.

[@13MoonsOverMayhem]

Oh, man, now I REALLY want a macro lense. I wanted it already, but decided to get lower aperture 50 mm first (technically a 25 mm f 1.4, I'm using micro four thirds system on Lumix GH5M2). Waiting on that one to get here to experiment in some lower light settings, and getting some things from further back than my 85 mm equivalent (my favorite lens so far) but with a similar depth of field. I hope, lol. I'm very beginner. I LOVE all the little details that we move through the world often not noticing. Think about the life of a bug or small rodent. An aphid may live its whole life in a tiny fraction of space that we dont think twice about treading upon daily. And those tiny insects, when you have basically a microscope, you can see all the detail, they somehow have functioning skeletons/organs/circulatory systems/whatever in something the size of a pin head, or a pea. Thanks for sharing your experimentation with us!

[@djspinsyclemusic]

Increase your shutter speed and use a flash. You won't have any more issues if your subject is moving slightly.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Yes but now with extension tubes. I guess now you are going to have to watch where walk great video as always

[@aaronmkeith1622]

I think macro is a very fun part of photography. It really helps you see things differently. I use a Canon crop sensor camera, the nifty fifty and some cheap extension tubes I bought on Amazon.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I'm hooked on it!

[@notyourkeyscrypto]

1/250th would be hard with macro just from the magnification factor of what you are photographing. A leaf, normally a small spec on the sensor, is now the entire sensor, so any micro-shakes will be very hard for the IBIS to compensate for as it accounts for too many pixels on the sensor

[@andren.5126]

I think flash helps me capture more detail in my macro (insect) photography.

[@chrisangel625]

Hi Mark just found you and loving the videos, can you tell me what backpack you are using please

[@anthonymara4533]

I'm surprised you went for the X-T5, and not the X-H2. The improved video features of the H2, vs the form and function of the T5 [I'm not salty I got the H2 and didn't wait for the T5...probably]. As far as your macro photography, you really need a remote release if you're out in nature, makes a world of difference.

[@Bradoslav]

One trick I know for getting the camera as low as possible is to invert your tripod / shaft and shoot with the camera hanging upside down. You can pretty much get right off the surface doing it this way.

[@markwilkins9048]

Thanks for all your videos Mark, I appreciate you showing us your vision and how you see the world through photography. As an amateur I have learned a lot about getting the image right in camera, but I am a complete mess when it comes to figuring out how to edit photos in post. I open LR and it looks like a Klingon control panel. LOL. Can you recommend a good tutorial video for someone like me wanting to not only understand all the sliders and buttons in an editing software, but also the steps in editing and where to start? Thanks again, I always look forward to your next video. Mark

[@dfinlay587]

My 105mm lens is a macro, and allows me to maintain a respectful distance from small wildlife. ;-) I do use lighting and a tripod, with focus stacking. More work, but the results are fantastic.

[@lensman5762]

When I want to have fun with still life or macro, I put my Olympus EM1 MKII in RAW High Resolution mode and make images that are 80 MP in size. Frightening resolution for an MFT sensor.

[@ReynaldoSanMartin]

For macro it's better to focus manually using the viewfinder. Accuracy improves a lot ;)

[@black-and-light]

As one can see clearly, it’s again not about the sensor-size, but all about decent light. Nevertheless the xt-5 overall seems to be a great camera. Thank you for the video!

[@dhritimanbatchu]

Would it make sense to adapt DSLR lenses to your GFX system? As I understand, Canon EF and Nikon F lenses adapt well to GFX with only slight vignetting where they don't cover the edges of the sensor - a slight crop would easily take care of that. EF & F mount options open up the tele focal length options right?

[@DigiDriftZone]

Just throwing it out there, but 35mm F2 with a tiny extension tube in your bag? - extra stop of light, nicer portraits/low-light, more portable and cheaper :P - I'd love to see a comparison of that actually! - you also have more working distance with an extension tube, you have to be so close with that 30mm.

[@marleenvandam6931]

I tested this very combo during the weekend and the lens gets 1/1 macro at very close distances.In this way a lot of light is avoided to reach the object you shoot.This makes the iso bumping up very quickly.And knowing that the Fuji 40 Mpx sensor is not the best on the market for noise at higher iso , makes me think whether the combo can be called a succes? just my 2cts. So I cancelled the XF 30 order and bought the XF 80 macro in stead.The AF of the XT5/XH2 in general is also a far step behind canon/sony! the Xf 30 is quite sharp but defintely below the 80 macro.The Micro contrast is not the best either compared to other Macro lenses!

[@mrz1342]

Hi Mark, please advise me what I missed here: on my xt5 when I set shutter speed on T, the rear dial is changing 1/3 EV but on my GFX100S is changing full stop numbers? How can I set it on my xt5 to work same as my GFX100S? Thank you

[@JusDirtfishin]

What would be a great starter camera on a budget. Something I can film with and take pictures. I have a GoPro 9. As of now I’m using my cell phone to take pictures. I want something that will take over that and I can film with also.

[@SCEmissary]

I just bought a Macro Extender to give macro photography a first try without investing too much. You need to accept some lesser quality and to crop quite a lot, but it was a good choice for first steps. (And even in the smallest bag there is always room for the extender.) I'm wondering though: How much will you actually benefit from the higher resolution? I would expect diffraction to become a limiting factor even earlier than before. So will the higher MP count actually result in higher detail when you stop down?

[@Sydney_Jones]

Jennifer Renwick is giggling to herself in the background, guarantee it