Macro Photography... without a macro lens?

[@RudiPrihandoko]

Gosh! I never knew there is such a thing called close up filter! You're a lifesaver!!

[@ulriktnnesen5987]

Raynox and NISI are the big names when it comes to optical quality. And then are relatively cheap compared to a dedicated macro lens. I have macro lenses, but I always bring my close-up filters with me regardless, you just never know when you might need them to get a cool shot :)

[@IsaHolten]

I wanted to press the like button a second time realizing I already did about five times, so I'd say this is a good way to show how special your videos are to me ❤

[@CraigShortland]

Those pictures are stunning so beautiful ❤️

[@kriscramer]

Your fungi photography is such an inspiration! Thank you for your videos! I'm finding them extremely helpful in my own photographic journey. 🍄

[@zyrexgraft]

Courtney you are one beautiful person, the way you film and tell a story is totally captivating! I have done photography for about 2 decades now and have had my share of years where i have not taken that many photos but my interest has peaked a new spark as of late and seeing these videos of yours has ignited that spark even more. Seeing the outdoors in the videos look so calming and I cant wait to do the same, I used to go hiking a lot in sweden. and had my tripod with me and taking photos was so much fun. Thanks for sharing the glimpses of your life! New fan from Sweden!

[@zelimpdna]

I preferred 'Night' to 'Day', but both were great. Brilliant video as always.

[@JamesMcFatter-v7u]

Great video. And your music selections were extra special. What a delight!

[@jimadams6159]

I preferred the night to day image, however for me the enchanted picture was beautiful and my overall favourite. You're videos are always entertaining and informative. Great work as always. Thank you.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you very much! :)

[@wongkenneth4005]

Excellent result, a good alternative gadget for close-up photography.Thanks, Courtney for sharing your work.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Thank you for watching :)

[@TC_Conner]

“Spiders In My Hair.” Great name for a band!

[@d.k.1394]

Lol

[@d.k.1394]

Hair in my spiders?

[@TC_Conner]

@@d.k.1394 Lol

[@sydneycamm1939]

The band could post their music on the web,

[@TC_Conner]

@@sydneycamm1939 And Ms. Courtney could add a dance routine!

[@stompmaster]

Loved the "There's a Spider in My Hair" segment! 🤣

[@KellySedinger]

Wonderful as always! The photo of the clover is particularly enchanting, even by your high standards. Looking forward to the next one!

[@nerifico2165]

you deserved the first like in the first few seconds with that dance, cheers from Italy

[@PhilProctor0]

Thank you for another great video. I really love your humour and the way you name your images. Keep them coming. Oh, night over day.

[@Backinthegame.]

I just love the little dance you did at the beginning. And I used to use a Macro lens on the front of my Bronica ETRSi 4x5 film camera, and I always got really good results with it.

[@patford9943]

Another superb video Courtney! A rousing start, some great life advice, a little arachnid humor all tied together with wonderful images. I have a reversing ring that has the camera mount and screws into the front of the lens. It’s fiddly to use and exposes the lens rear optic to the environment so it doesn’t get used much.

[@piitu3691]

The "beacon (night)" picture is absolutely stunning! Also, thank you for this very informative video. I am just beginning to learn photography and have very limited gear (and budget...), so it was nice to see how to start learning macro photography without buying a whole new lens.

[@davelawery4811]

Interesting Video, interesting product, Macro is an absorbing World on it own. Appreciate your Principal for not disturbing resting wildlife 👍 Keep Well & Stay Safe 🇬🇧

[@nealschneider6554]

Enchanted is my favorite image from today’s video. I also have you say that I REALLY like your personal rule for when you see wildlife. Far too many people take the opposite approach and try to get closer scaring the wildlife from their habitat.

[@ArtificialEye-ws6yc]

Hi Courtney I have only just found your channel and have been enjoying looking through your videos which are very well made and I find them not only informative but also very relaxing to watch..hope to see many more videos in the future.😊😊

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Another great video Courtney. Watching you doing this type of photography gives me inspiration to do more of this. Stunning image's. Look forward to the next one.

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

I much prepare a couple of extension rings to a magnifier filter; they're lighter and cheaper and I don't have to worry about the optical quality. But I'd rather have my macro lens.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Absolutely, I'd rather have my macro lens but it's great to know that there are some alternatives for those who prefer a more 'budget friendly' option. Thanks for watching!

[@ulriktnnesen5987]

Extension tubes are a great way to get into macro or close-up range, while being very budget friendly. I still have my set which led my to become the macro shooter that I am today. These days I have several macro lenses and microscope objectives, so the extension tubes don't see much use now. but they are still proudly shown off in the glass cabinet. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think that tubes will have an affect on the numerical aperture due to the magnification increase. A rule of thumb is that you usually multiply your f-number by your magnification +1. Which is why your will enter diffraction territory much quicker than you normally would when using higher apertures. I could be wrong though, it's been a while since I read up on using tubes :) If you ever decide too play with close-up filters, then I can gladly recommend Raynox or NISI. Both brands sport great image quality and you have the benefit of not losing light the same way you would when using tubes or bellows. So you have an easier time using the viewfinder or display. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what gear we use or why. As long as we have a good time and get some fine photos :)

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

@@ulriktnnesen5987 I haven't used my rings in a couple of years either as I've got a handful of decent macro or close-to-macro lenses these days to play with. Might even have a magnifier somewhere lying about too. The other advantage of rings is that it's a one solution for all lenses.

[@robinmcquayanderson9565]

I recently purchased the Nisi macro filter, and I’m having a very creative time with it. I found that I really loved it on the front of my Nikon 105 macro lens. Here in South Florida, many of our tiny flowers and fungi are so darn small that this lens allows me to get really close. It’s early days, but it is a purchase I am very happy with. I love your walk-through the forest as you try out you Nisi as well! Thank you for such relaxing and beautiful content!

[@spidersj12]

Courtney, i one you streetlight felt you belonged at Iron Miaden concerts! Nicely done and very cool gadget to extend your macro photography opportunities without the bulk and weight of an extra lens. Imagine how useful a flippy screen would have been!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I never cared too much about flippy screens until macro photography, and it really would be useful ha! Thanks :)

[@wrlinebckr031]

Lol Your little dance in the beginning was adorable.

[@randyschwager84]

I loved the clover image and I applaud you for not disturbing the wildlife! A macro filter would get minimal use in my bag so it would depend on the cost! This was a fun video to watch. Thanks for taking me along.

[@denisesavage2382]

Enchanted and then Prosperity were my favourites. Thanks for sharing some thoughts from the field about the filter. Helpful indeed.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Courtney for sharing your experience with great comments and results in an interesting location....Yes I love the close up pics & you captured the subjects very well... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@michalsiegel6717]

There's an incredible energy during the whole video! You really are happy just wandering in them forests.😊

[@alexhilberts2666]

your channel always makes me want to improve my photography skills. I love your video style. Keep up the inspiration.

[@digitaliphotography]

Since I changed from DSLR to the R5 mirrorless, I miss my 60mm macro lens. I considered this type of close up filter, but in the end went for extension tubes. Great images as always. Loved the amethyst deceiver, and just wish you had braved the spiders enough for that "better" shot.

[@christiankorfmann7460]

Great video and stunning pics. My favorite is "prosperity".

[@gregelgie]

Love the “Enchanted” shot!

[@ЮрийВенедиктович-т8ъ]

I hope you are a perfectionist. Because everything in this video is perfect

[@spencermukai8565]

Thank you Courtney Victoria for these impressive videos you have created. Your knowledge, skills and experiences shows in these videos. Regards to that mushroom shot, that you added artificial sources of light; I felt it was better with the touches of artificial lights.

[@timjones6434]

Fantastic video Courtney, you have a lovely set of images.👌

[@sydneycamm1939]

Informative, entertaining and quite charming. I will have to look into the NISI close up lens,😊

[@melchurch3019]

Nice explanations of your macro photography thought process. The way you set up the shots was very helpful. Thanks.

[@barrychidlow785]

I have watched you for some time now and always enjoy the fun side of your presentation as well as your photography of course. Like the idea of using this NISI close up lens and may give it a go. Also like the use of your Smallrig lights which I use as well. Keep them coming and dont worry about the spiders.

[@davex142]

Dance, Vic, dance ! Its cool ! 😊

[@robertlee8980]

I have not done any macro, however you are intriguing me. You are a joy to watch, even with spiders

[@jamiemasters7187]

Thank you Courtney for another great video.

[@erikbackx3927]

Again, a nice video with beautiful macro photos!

[@PTGollD]

I want to compliment you on an extremely well-produced video with stunning image quality set in the forest. It’s truly surprising! I rarely leave comments, but you deserve it. Congratulations on such a fantastic video!"

[@klackon1]

It's the night shot every time for me Courtney. I used to occasionally use my Olympus 300mm f4 with a 10mm or 16mm extension tube, rather than a close up lens, for close up shots.

[@Femmypixel]

The snorricam style shot in the beginning was a really nice touch.

[@flyingfinn7909]

Thank you for an entertaining video! I have exactly the same Nisi macro filter and used it when “dipping my toe” as you put it, before buying a dedicated lens. And yes, the Nisi always comes with me when going out without my macro lens - just in case.

[@johnsullivan7995]

Really enjoyed watching your Video, I like taking shots of plants and mushrooms and have never used micro lens ? but i will now go and get a small one to put onto the end of my camera after watching you showing how good it looks. I am not a professional just basic and learning as i go along.

[@Daemonforce-Gaming]

fantastic video and omg stunning images, loving your videos by the way x

[@bobde2365]

Stunning pictures, really enjoyed this video.

[@Mario-Bu]

Wow..... excellente idée.....tu m'as inspiré beaucoup et je vais essayer ça avec mes objectifs autre que macro....🎉 merci beaucoup..👍👍👍

[@angelamaloney4871]

I love the fact that your videos are generally not focused on gear. But I have to admit that the Nisi closeup filter you were using looks like a solution to a gear problem for me. I am eternally trying to find an autofocus macro lens longer than 105mm for Sony e-mount. And I have the same worry you have about missing the opportunity to take macro shots. Especially since I so love macro photography. So having this with me could save space in my bag while still allowing me to have a super long macro lens!

[@EARLJEFFRES]

Wonderful images! Keep dancing! What a joy to be ALIVE!

[@pix41]

🥰 Lovely, both you and your work!

[@gerryhardman9060]

Great video using an add on 2 element close up lens. I used them for years, Nikon 3T, 4T, 5T and 6T lenses, 52mm and 62mm sizes.Canon had a 72mm version as well. I used them on my 75-150 E and 70-300 lenses for years before I bought a 105 2.8 macro. Good dance as well as spider hair removal. I love shooting spiders but not in my hair or my face😆. Very disciplined shooting with your tripod. It’s a good example to follow. I love the mushroom shots, there so delicate and unobtrusive. I also like walking through Forest areas in the fall looking for shafts of light hitting certain leaves, which makes them pop from the background. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Regards, Gerry.

[@portblock]

The intro dancing made my day today!

[@lauriefish58]

Loved the head-banging metal bit, had a good chuckle 🤭

[@potworzbagien9358]

0:00-0:04 and 0:08-0:12 - great. My mood improved for the whole day

[@ashstubbings2603]

I think, judging by the comments, people seemed to love the 'Spider in my hair! 'segment! I must admit the headbanging did take me back to my Rock City days! (you're far to young to remember Rock City, and besides, it's in Nottingham!) Beautiful photography as always. 🥰🥰

[@sergioroberg1425]

Muito, muito lindas as fotos. E que boa ideia usar o filtro close-up para macro. Eu tenho uma lente dedicada, mas esta ideia permite que minha mochila tenha menos peso, com o mesmo resultado que a macro dedicada. Ah! Estyou no Brasil e sou seu fã.

[@JeSuisMikesh]

Omg I just found your channel by this video and I must say 2 thing. 1, I love your style and narrative, idk. Lovely. And 2, you're a genius. I recently bought a 75-260mm lens and I was like "here's no places were I could reach the potential of this lens" but the I saw this video I was like, GOD how I didn't figured it out. It's awesome how you could take those beautiful pictures. (Sorry for my bad English)

[@PaulChappell-q8e]

Really enjoy your videos, finding I’m learning from you. Also always look for the dance section. I use macro filters as I don’t do a lot of macro at the moment. I have a set of 4 from Kood International which screw on to my 18-135mm. I’m experimenting to see how to get better results

[@liamblackphotography]

Another brilliant video from my favourite forest goblin

[@glennhunt3595]

Find them great little add on's when shooting with my Nikon P610 bridge camera but plump for extension tubes when travelling light with my main camera or macro lens for trypod work. Love the dancing, love the video.👌

[@DarkExhibitX111]

Wonderful shots . . .

[@moseskollie9678]

Incredible macro photography

[@markgoostree6334]

So funny! Your spider encounter in your video... timed perfectly for me today. i almost walked into a large web and the web host this morning. No... not scared of them, I just didn't want to destroy all that hard work. The web was beautiful. Any way.... yes, I do have a set of macro filters. They fit my Konica Autoreflex T from '71. My first real SLR camera. Truly, a narrow slice of in focus area. Not very user friendly. My wife always laughed at me, laying on the ground for that one odd shot. Oh well. One or two of my lenses have a "macro " focusing area marked on them but I do not have a dedicated macro lens though there are occasions I would find it handy to have.

[@simonmiles1972]

Wonderful, you have the eye for the small world.

[@RoyJenkinsPacker]

Thanks for the Fungi Twist. With the beautiful images.

[@stephengott9381]

Welp, consider me influenced..I bought a NiSi Close-up lens based entirely off of this video and she absolutely nailed the advantages and disadvantages of it. I bought with the intention of dipping my toes into macro but since this is a reemerging hobby I don't want to commit to a bunch of lenses. It perfectly balances cost with usability and a introduction into something I wasn't sure I was going to be interested in, man I am now! Just spin the filter on, tweak some settings and off I went. I don't like carrying a dedicated camera bag so the equipment I carry on me is usually: the camera body(Nikon 3200) and two Nikkors, the lens filter and it's case is small enough to fit in the bottom of the sleeve of the telephoto lens case I have so I don't have to keep track of it. Damn good review Mam!!

[@danelhouseofel7634]

Lovely photos and funny 😍❤️

[@danelhouseofel7634]

Not to mention. You stole my heart at the intro. 😄 🤣

[@Western-Ranger.]

Thank you so much for this video, I've just ordered some close up lenses for my 300 lens 😊

[@ciprianpopica]

I must say thank you for the L bracket first as I got one as well and the amount of time I save now is just fantastic. I think I would try this one as well, but I think I may still prefer the macro rings. That is until I will get some proper macro lens then for sure I would use those 100% of the time I need to do macro photography. And of course, thanks a lot for the humor... cracks me up every time 😅😅.

[@david_uk]

Lovely pictures. I'd be interested to know how this compares to using extension tubes.

[@derrickm9808]

Enjoyed watching your video Courtney, fun and informative ! . That close up lens looks like you are getting good results, and I have not tried a close up lens but maybe extension tubes would be better for one thing they don't add any more lenses and would attach to any lens of whatever mount they are for. Cheers!

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Extension tubes would be a great idea too! There are a few ways to turn a lens into a macro lens and it's great there are options to try rather than needing to add another lens to your camera bag. Thanks! :)

[@nigelroberson8911]

Love the clover shot. ❤️

[@leeyarkess2539]

Seen close up lenses for sale but didn't really know what they were. Might give one a try after seeing this.

[@hanuitenbroek3789]

Thank you for another informational and entertaining video Courtney. Always look forward to your next one. I had a question about focus stacking with the adapter lens. Can you still use the automatic focus stacking with the D850, or do you need to do it manually, as the camera knows the focal length, but not the proper focusing distance?

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I used the automatic focus stacking and it worked perfectly fine, just as it does with my macro lenses. :)

[@andybusard6694]

I have an inexpensive set of close up lenses. Read that as "cheap". I cannot recommend them. Yours looks to be of a better quality. I might look into that... your videos are so well done. They are a step above most and I really get excited to see the next one.

[@hamsterneckliving]

Newly discovered your videos. Love them. Love love love!

[@Boatzerama]

Beautiful photos. 📷👍🏼

[@billbromer]

Wonderful images and I like hearing about you trying the Nisi closeup. I am a little different in that I will often take 3 macro lenses with me 15mm 65mm and 100mm.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Oooh nice! I've been tempted for a while to add something like a 15mm to my camera bag, but I have enough in there as it is haha.

[@wiseoldfool]

@@CourtneyVictoria You need a bigger bag! (Sometimes).

[@PELIVA76]

I have also the nisi filter but i don't use very much...i prefer the macro lens, but is very practice. Compliments for the video and foto, you are very simpatic!

[@johnmclean7852]

My macro lens is 100mm but i still carry the Nisi diopter. The rules for lens length sill apply in the macro range. The longer the length the less background is in the frame, and with the added distance from the subject the depth of field is increased ( it’s still very small ). The diopter lets me take advantage of these with the zoom lenses in my bag. A gooseneck and clamps will aid the cube light greatly. Keep going out to explore.

[@andyvan5692]

Courtney, I love the artificial light better, it gives an alluring view of the frons, up the inside of the stem [shadows cast better], and a Calamari like see through affect, showing the flesh of the fungi.

[@petermartinka9274]

this time winner - spider section headbang :)) appreciate your sense of humor//. :-)

[@tremaincheerful4189]

"Beacon" night. Love the contrast, esp. with the title chosen.

[@bigdhav]

Thanks for the wildlife reaction video 😂. Haha. Nah, it's always warming watching your videos😊

[@fy7589]

Nice one, I've recently got a reverse mount adapter, and I had a vivitar 28mm F/2.8 lens which I had got from an antique shop for 10 bucks or something years ago, by reverse mounting it I've got about 3 times magnification. And If I mount it to my 10-18mm sigma lens, I get around 8-10x macro at 10mm but the focusing distance is too close with that lens so I prefer the vivitar because at least with that, the focusing distance is about 3 inches. The sigma one is less than an inch so it's super hard to get anything in focus and illuminate the subject. Love your shots!

[@NigelBaileyPhotography]

This was the perfect video for me. I have been wanting to get close up to some fungi this autumn, but simply cannot afford a macro lens with autofocus capability that will take advantage of the Z7ii stacking capability. Nisi 77mm kit just ordered! Thanks for a great video.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

I hope you have fun with it and get some great fungi shots :)

[@Maximus0389]

Interesting video and really great pictures. Have you ever tested the Raynox dcr-250? I own one and I love too use it with my Canon 50mm 1.8, or my Sigma 100 400. 😊

[@i-klaus]

When I'm macro hunting, I always have my Macroscope 8x25, 0.3m-∞, monocular from Minox with me. This makes it very easy for me to find the smallest things, and also the animals further away. But that doesn't mean I crawl around on the ground any less. I use the Olympus 60mm, 2.8 macro, often with a Raynox DCR-150 or 250 attachment lens. Greetings from the Black Forest.

[@MrPetebuster1]

As someone that mainly shoots wildlife, that filter will be great. i've had dedicated macro lenses and just find i dont use them enough. So for me its the perfect compromise. Got a trip In Ricmond next week so ordered one

[@rpvfr]

I liked the Beacon (night 🌃)photo the most. You should try extension tubes-no loss in optical quality 😀. Great video! (as always! 😀) Macro photos of the spiders? Also would have tried to get a photo of the deer and boar 🐗 I'm sure they wouldn't mind. 😀 Thanks for such great videos 😀

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Extension tubes are a great alternative as well! I will brave the spiders enough to photograph them at some point, I just need to get over the fear of them first ha! Unfortunately, I had the feeling the deer would have bolted the moment I got my camera out. They do tend to when they spot people nearby. Had they not noticed me (or had I been quieter ha) it would have been the perfect opportunity! I guess I need to practise my stealth walk :)

[@rpvfr]

Thanks for your reply. 😀 Macro photography of insects can be a challenge at times; although I tend to find spiders sit still a lot more 😀. I have noticed webs spun between trees in the forest (over large spans) They make an interesting photo 😀 Have a great autumn 🍂 😀

[@malgorzatagodziebiewska7024]

much respect for you how for treating the wildlife.

[@montycraig5659]

Mad respect for the way your treat wildlife! Merry Christmas!

[@brianm.9062]

like your respect for the wildlife, most would have charged in on a fast shutter and scattered the lot, I give the same respect few hares and deer in the fields I give them a wave as I usually am walking the dog, they have never waved back but usually just trot or jump away in their own time. beautiful images thanks Courtney.

[@sanaatanviswa]

marvellous moves 🙏🙏🙏

[@colb3590]

Courtney, don't worry about a few spiders its the Ticks that you need to be concerned about. Especially with all the lying on the ground that you do, they bury their mouthpiece into your flesh and can be really difficult to remove even with a Tick removal tool. Some Ticks also carry Lyme disease which you will catch if bitten by a carrier. Another enjoyable video by the way , you never disappoint and keep up the dad dancing 🤣🤣👍.

[@CourtneyVictoria]

Haha, the dad dancing! Oh absolutely, I do check myself often for ticks and luckily haven't come across one yet, but it's good to be careful. Over the summer mosquitoes were the problem! Those pesky buggers aren't stopped by layers of clothing, they will find a way in there ha.

[@colb3590]

Yeah they give me hell too, irritating little beggars 🦟🦟🦟

[@colb3590]

@@CourtneyVictoria Yeah annoying little buggers 🦟🦟 tried all kinds of repellent but none of them work for me.

[@anthonyskellern5970]

I would like to second Mike Page's comment, Courtney... I use 'extension rings' for macro photography. Essentially a simple gadget that takes the main lens further away from the camera's focal plane turning your own lens into a macro lens. These rings have a great advantage also - they contain no glass, thus your lens's resolution is not compromised, and they have integral electrical contacts so all your autofocus and exposure settings etc, work as normal.... Thanks for taking us along on your adventures!