Macro Photography in the Field w/ the LAOWA 100mm 2x Ultra Macro

Learn more and get the lens here: www.venuslens.net/product/lao...
Twitter: / thomasshahan
My semi-abandoned site: www.ThomasShahan.com
inaturalist: www.inaturalist.org/people/20...
BIG THANKS to Kathleen Neeley for helping take video! / kathleenneeley
Subscribe for more upcoming spider/insect/macro/lens/guitar stuff!
Lens Overview: (0:00)
Shooting Spiders!: (2:22)
Looking for Subjects...: (6:40)
Lens Thoughts cont.: (8:26)
Natural Light: (9:46)
Mythical Beasts and Final Thoughts: (10:24)
Wrap up and Info: (12:35)

[@acouragefann]

Incredible - stacking with free handed shots, what a steady hand

[@decus380]

1/100s exposure freehand macro is wizardry.

[@michaelgerhold5659]

It's always a joy to watch your videos! Thank's for all! (Especially for the impact you made on my photography years ago!)

[@StefanoIaniro]

This was amazing, Thomas! Great work with the lens. I've been wanting to try this lens since using their probe lens for filming wildlife.

[@MrFreakwent]

Love what you do, and how you do it your way -regardless of the tools you have tried all along. You are truly talented.

[@Namaste..]

Always a treat to receive notification that you’ve uploaded video. Lens looks like it’s something I should consider!

[@hackapell23]

I think I can easily say this the best review of a product I have ever seen. I envy your calmness.

[@rahul2rahulyt]

Love IT!!! Ordering one for myself.. Thank you Thomas you have been so informative, great and beautiful video, all freshen up now seeing the green and all the great macro / micro pics you have shared.. .Thank you so much for sharing this .!

[@cptizumi]

Incredible, incredible work! You are gifted in this art

[@adrianvalentin]

Incredibly beautiful photos and loved the way you've put the video together: slow-paced and calming, just like a walk in the forest.

[@tommartin5956]

Best video yet! I've been envious of your photography skill in the past, but now as someone who has had to do online instruction due to the pandemic, I'm envious of your on-screen presence.

[@welshsteve2009]

Thanks for a fantastic review of this fantastic lens. I’ve had my eye on a few macro lenses but this one looks like a definite candidate for my Christmas wish list.

[@lsdustyrhodes]

I've seen multiple reviews of this lens. It clearly is superb. On my short list of future acquisitions. Coupled with Thomas's absolute genius for stunning macro images, and gentle humility: a beautiful combination.

[@sharanm5622]

This is my dream macro lens.🔥 Such a calm and relaxing video as always..👍

[@timurhant469]

What a lovely video, full of amazing shots and pleasant, gentle narration. Thanks a lot!

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you for sharing your appreciation for this lens and the tiny world at your feet. I'm very anxious to try it out, even knowing I won't be getting the images that you do, it may work to get me closer to my subjects. Thumbs UP and I wish you all the best. Every bee hive seems to have its own resident jumping spider, so I have lots of access to them.

[@ddactar]

luv the shots w/ your reflection in the arachnid's eyes. thank you for this channel!

[@Mike0193Azul]

Most relaxing and informative video ever! I need this lens now and looking forward to more videos like these from you 💚

[@MicaelWidell]

Beautiful photos. Beautiful video footage. 👍

[@terser]

Thanks Micael!

[@trewhoffman4517]

Videos so good I have to watch them twice. Please keep it up!

[@BIGplanetLife]

I have watched this video several times...Finally got the Laowa 100mm and it did not disappoint...Man this lens is sharp!! Thanks for the great video Thomas.

[@Luc4ssPK]

your videos are perfect, i am very grateful to have access to such good content, it inspires me too much, thanks

[@kathyteague829]

What a great presentation! Thank you! Just got the lens today and can’t wait to use it!

[@fotolookconde]

Beautiful work as always

[@JordanDeanFilms]

Always such a great pleasure watching these behind the scenes videos. Thanks for sharing Thomas. I’m itching to go out and shoot now. If only we weren’t still in lockdown here :(

[@d.k.1394]

Are u in vic

[@JordanDeanFilms]

@@d.k.1394 yep, in Melbourne

[@robertgilbert484]

@@JordanDeanFilms I thought so, we are just out of it now!

[@birdie399]

Remarkable photography. Thanks for the video.

[@09591000]

THANKS A LOT! Awesome movie, really nice work.

[@adrianchoo337]

Absolutely enjoyed this video. Great photos and nicely narrated. 👍👍👍

[@ArachnoDan]

So happy I stumbled upon this channel! Awesome work, can’t wait to look through your videos! I’m sure I’ll learn a lot as an amateur photographer!

[@jonathanm9436]

Amazing. A very relaxing and informative experience - beautiful pictures, soothing voice, lovely music, factual review, zen bushland ... really, really good. 😀😀

[@snells-window]

Stunningly beautiful images

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Totally amazing pics and vlog as always! 🙏🏻❤️😉 what a gift eh 😜

[@ted6229]

Stunning stuff. FANTASTIC

[@Deathbynature89]

This was so awesome and relaxing.

[@sengaanthal3503]

What lovely place and effort to take shots incredible iam being still watching this

[@nevid4694]

Beautiful! Wow! Thanks!

[@rico_reas1147]

I have bought this lens, but still can’t skip any of your videos. As always, incredible work!

[@Tritium8]

the video is such a joy to watch. The silence of the woods. The slow walk, when looking for little critters is something i do as well. Still waiting on my laowa 100. Thanks for sharing such wonderful images. Greetings from Austria

[@Basquinj]

Spiders are amazing animals! I love them so much! Thanks for nice photos

[@stevenbridgland3727]

Just Wow ! My L-Mount version of this lens arrives tomorrow and I stumbled across your channel while refreshing my mind about the lens (ordered last August !). such beautiful images - thanks for sharing.

[@ezekielkok1848]

Love your photos and sharing sir!

[@wazigeralph]

Incredible set of photos.

[@arcticpenguin4404]

Always enjoyed your videos

[@richardbedford6166]

Great work, supreme talent.

[@jnn01972]

WOW... what a beauty and relaxing video.

[@paf_ito]

Gorgeous! Thank you

[@mrandmrsbhattacharjee8739]

I am one of your biggest fan...love your work sir

[@tweakpc]

Fantastic work!

[@monztermovies]

Magnificent shots!

[@rob9386]

Wow, I didn't think I was into macro photography until KZbin made me stumble upon your video! The colours of the compound eyes have totally hooked me! I need to take a picture like yours at all costs.

[@GregJorgo]

Nice work! Impressive! Just bought one of these 2nd hand.

[@dazsly]

Nice relaxing video. I was looking for a new lens 👌

[@Tijlliekens]

Amazing footage! Very inspiration to go out there!

[@stephenjeffreys4219]

Great video - loved it!

[@billybush913]

OMG, that springtail on that weevil's head was just amazing.

[@indooroutdoormacro905]

I have this lens too, its soo much fun and quite easy to use. Fieldtrips to the woods have increased by 1000%. Also had alot of fun in a toymuseum and Märklin exhibit.

[@PilzE.]

Thank you Thomas, after much research I had kind of plumped for this lens for my beautiful ladies birthday present. Having watched you creating such sublime photography with it, it's a no-brainer. Canny move by Venus Optics, gifting the gifted of this world with the lens, to hopefully inspire and motivate mere mortals into aspiring for equal greatness.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Great video and review as always :)

[@terser]

Thanks Stewart!

[@iancxxx]

Amazing work thank you.

[@tallaganda83]

One good thing about you is that you truly prove it is not about the gear. You use an old Pentax camera and third party lenses but your images stand head and shoulders above most others. It does show that there is no substitute for skill.

[@daveknight9381]

WOW, Superb video.

[@corel965]

This is amazing!!!

[@chrisbainbridge4778]

Amazing work Thomas! Your results with this lens are spectacular and have convinced me to by the 100 2x. They remind me of what I would (very rarely) achieve with the Canon MP-E 65mm - which was such a pain to use it put me off macro!

[@olessyacv2092]

Great video!!

[@FranciscoLopez-Machado]

Thank a lot Thomas! Like ever, your videos are so nice and clear. i have been considering this lens to grow up my gear, over the MP-E 65 mm that is only a macro lens. After seeing your video, all my doubts were clarified. It's definitely a must-have lens. Thank a lot Thomas! I hope we can share a macro travel in Colombia some day! You have a friend here!! Best regards

[@alexivan4589]

Amazing job!

[@chrislj2890]

This lens is an absolute bargain at a mere $449, and even though I'm happy with my Canon 100mm f/2.8 I am sorely tempted to get one. Fantastic photos as usual Thomas, and I never tire of jumping spiders.

[@earthknight60]

It sure does look good. I have the Sigma 70mm macro, which is fantastic, but is limited to 1:1. It does have autofocus and such though. The 2:1 the Laowa offers looks great and makes it super tempting.

[@fotonutzz]

Your diffuser is wonderful.

[@360icon]

Thank for making this video! I ordered the lens today. I am amazed that you hold a spider on your skin!

[@peterebel7899]

Good work, mate!

[@millzmcbangy4413]

I have absolutely no use for this lens atm but this video makes me want to purchase it. This is beautiful and a must have…just because this video.

[@aussiephotographer]

Thank you so much.

[@zucledesma]

Amazing!

[@jianweng5559]

You are the true master.

[@faisalee]

Amazing images!

[@stephenbarlow2493]

Fabulous video Thomas. You may not think your macro photography has improved, but let me say these images in this video are the best macro images of their type I have ever seen. By their type, I mean field macro photographs, of inverts, usually in situ. Top class mastery of lighting. This is exactly how I envisaged perfect lighting when I set out on the odyssey to trying to improve one the horrible specular highlights, which used to be the norm in macro flash photography. Not only was it distracting, but you couldn't see the texture and features of the inverts very well. Great clarity, along with top class framing and composition. And of course the real secret of macro photography, perfect placement of the plane of focus relative to the subject. Lovely colours and perfect processing. I've been thinking about getting this lens. Not been getting too much with the MP-E 65mm lately. Probably old age and not finding it so easy to get into all the awkward spots, but could do with more magnification than your average 1:1 macro lens. I use the Canon 100mm L IS a lot. It's a nice sharp lens, but unfortunately suffers from bad LoCA, so you can get this weird fringing on out of focus elements, that is difficult to get rid of.

[@terser]

Thanks Stephen! Thanks as always for the kind words and support, I appreciate it! I've used the MPE and Canon 100mm quite a bit in the past for work - fine lenses in their own right and I'd probably have them if I was a Canon-user. Having infinity focus + 2x magnification is a real nice combo though for field-use and I'd be lost without it now!

[@joey_outdoors]

I was having trouble choosing between the 7artisans macro and the meike macro lenses to photograph my jumping spiders... I think you solidified my choice to go with this Laowa 100mm 2x. Stunning photos!

[@Stone1108]

Those spiders are simply beautiful, I love the fact that you know your subjects, well a lot about them is what I mean! This lens looks pretty cool, mind you-you are a very good photographer, well, very very good tbf! So I’ve started to take notice of what’s around me close up when out landscape shooting and shooting closeups with my Panasonic 24-105 which has some macro credentials, although I’ve also invested in a Nisi macro filter which I’m absolutely loving as its ligh5 and easy to attach and detach. Those shots are incredible btw, so lovely because they’re taken in nature garden and not pinheaded. For that reason I’m now a subscriber, got a feeling I may just learn a lot from you! 👏📸

[@JDubyafoto]

I recently bought the Laowa 100mm f2.8 & absolutely love it! The quality of the build is excellent. I shoot mine on a Canon EOS R with the EF adapter. I can't say enough good things about the Laowa.

[@d.k.1394]

Post some pics

[@aussiecoastie72]

The best macro lens I own ❤

[@Nazareth434]

wow that laowa is a rockin lense- wish i had known about this lense earlier- very impressive-

[@lanidelacruzramsey927]

Wow I will get this lens for sure

[@BLAZEPSI]

Beautiful 😍

[@richardlewis9868]

fabulous

[@kronusaerospace8872]

Equipment like this is a perfect example of an old adage. Better equipment doesn't allow you to take better photos, it allows good photographers to take good photos more easily. You talk about how using this lens feels like cheating. From my perspective I just see a great photographer demonstrating his skill with all limitations lifted. Your work inspires me a lot!

[@jcphenix1]

WooooOOW ! 56*/3 Thank you Thomas, so beautiful! (Thanks Venus Optics for the clever move & acknowledgement)

[@frankorusso]

Che spettacolo!!!

[@PhotoAzbuka]

Thanks!

[@johnmcdermott4929]

David Attenborough would be proud of this. Well done.

[@TheMetalButcher]

Shooting 100mm at 2:1 magnification at 1/100? Are you a robot? That is incredible steadyness. I can barely do a 60mm at 1:1 at that speed. Thanks for the video Mr. Shahan. I love results you get with older, cheaper gear and some creative setups. Also, Kudos to Laowa for getting you a Pentax mount!

[@rogeryoung3587]

The main illumination is from a flash with a short enough duration to freeze subject motion. A shutter duration of 1/100 was enough to prevent the background from exposing as black. Well diffused flash lighting is one of the key elements to great insect macro photography, as displayed by one of the masters here.

[@TheMetalButcher]

@@rogeryoung3587 Good call. I'm rookie at macro work, didn't even consider the short flash duration. Thanks for the education.

[@DavidAlanReece]

The other great technique he is using, is resting his hand against the lens. So when the camera moves, his hand and the spider follow right in step. It is like the spider is sitting on the glass when you do this.

[@bewbtewb]

Seriously I still can’t imagine getting sharp shots handheld. Still working on my technique.

[@rogeryoung3587]

@@bewbtewb As David Reece describes, another useful technique is to hold the insect's 'perch' in your left hand, then rest the lens against that hand and make tiny adjustment to focus the subject by flexing that connection.

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

What a beautiful set of photos! I would like to know how you stack pictures hand held. Thanks for sharing 😀

[@joshuathomas4934]

Looks like an amazing starting lens for me for macro. Definitely exceeds my expectations in terms of quality for the cost. I bought one today. Hoping it works well for me. I’m gunna grab a flash and a diffuser too.

[@AndyBrice]

Beautiful images. I recently purchased a 60mm Laowa 2:1. It is great. But the lack of aperture coupling to my Nikon makes focusing at f11 or f16 tricky.

[@LieslHuddleston]

Yikes, I gasped at 1:17 eek! Top-notch images as always, and it's awesome that they put your name on the lens. Your woodlands look very similar to ours but I tend to stay out of them in the summer months, so hot and full of mosquitos LOL But, now I want to go!

[@terser]

Thanks Liesl! Woodlands are the best! This video is the product of a summer full of poison ivy rashes, ticks, mosquito bites, horse-flies...

[@bluewren65]

Spider sex doesn't look as much fun as I imagined :)). Gorgeous photos and what a lens! So interesting to see your setup. I have fantasised about doing macro photography, but have really never looked into it. I always thought you needed a tripod and always wondered how you could get the shot without the insect moving away. Now I know, a steady hand is all you need and a steady hand I have so, yay!

[@yobalin]

Because of your videos, I was encouraged to buy my first professional camera, now saving for my first macro lens. Greetings from Mexico.

[@terser]

Great to hear - thank you Sergio!

[@Snapshott1]

Damn, now that they added the aperture coupling there is now a new lens on my list to get. 2x, good working distance, coupled aperture now I just need a little money.

[@robertwood2824]

Wonderful videos. Id love to get a tip on how you focus stack while hand holding the camera?

[@El_Hicks]

smart move, Laowa. He just sold this lens.

[@d.k.1394]

Yes...he sold out

[@MP1MP1MP]

@@d.k.1394 What does it matter if its such a great lens, If thats all you have to do to keep some money getting in, youtube doesnt pay that well at 68k subs

[@d.k.1394]

@@MP1MP1MP ok

[@hakankutlu4154]

Great !

[@SpiderdayNightLive]

Dang Thomas, maybe I have a dream lens/budgeting goal now