High Magnification Macro Photography w/ the Laowa 25mm 2.5-5x

A long-term review of the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro and how I've used it for 2 years now.
More info on the lens here: bit.ly/39Y04ZH
Follow me on twitter @thomasshahan - (my website is outdated and soon to be updated)
Reviews:
John Hallmen:
makrofokus.se/b...
Nicky Bay:
www.nickybay.c...
Gil Wizen:
gilwizen.com/la...
Outside video clips by: / kathleenneeley

[@thenextproblem8001]

Hey Thomas! Remember me? When i saw your photos for the first time, i asked how to do it. And you have politely replied my emails 8 years ago. Tnx for that man. Today i have bunch of awards , printed and sold images, galleries etc. Yes it even includes National Geographic Award too! From that day to today, i have been trying to help everyone who writes me about macro photography. Thanks for everything.

[@VIKASKUMAR-lf2nb]

Hello sir I'm crazy for Macro photography please give me some tips to enhance and visit my Instagram account that is vikas_pixels

[@reclusepilgrim]

What magnification macro would you recommend for Nikon full frame? Preferably automatic. I already have the 105 mm macro 1:1. But I seek larger magnification.

[@thenextproblem8001]

@@reclusepilgrim go for raynox dcr 150 or 250 first. See if you like the magnification or not.

[@thenextproblem8001]

@@VIKASKUMAR-lf2nb i checked your images. forget the Photoshop. Dont try to capture different, try to capture different things as Thomas said me years ago.

[@andky18]

@The zCx Hello. I was also interested to macro photography when watching one of Thomas video, but a year ago. Do you have any site or IG where I can put my eyes on your work. Also be nice if you would check my IG @108_macro and give me some tips where can be improved.

[@MicaelWidell]

Beautiful video, beautiful photos. Now I feel like going out to turn some logs and stones :)

[@terser]

Thanks Micael!

[@reelsindustries7530]

For real

[@MrISabier]

It's not the tools, it's the talent. And you're a shining example of that. Please keep it coming Thomas!

[@timoahonpaa3450]

O

[@user-vn7ce5ig1z]

It certainly is amazing that you can get the shots you do, even with the right equipment. You and Igor truly are the masters for entomological photography. 👍

[@mike0rr]

Thomas, I really hope you understand how much of an impact you make on some of us. One day I happened to get a decent shot of a jumping spider here in Oregon on my Nikon with the standard zoom lens it come stock with. I happened to catch some highlights in it's eye and fell in love with macro on my 3rd day of shooting. You were one of the first videos I came across exploring the subject 3 years ago, and since then, I have bought 2 lenses you have explored, but more importantly you have inspired me beyond words. I last bought the 200$ 4-4.5X lens you showed in this video and it opened my world beyond 1x. thank you for opening my world to macro, and thank you for opening my world to super macro. I am currently debating between Laowas 2x and 2.5-5x. Part of me feels like 2x is perfect for me to get close but still usable to spiders, but the other part of me thinks I could still use the 2.5 handheld pretty easy, and would love the option of 5x too. I'm so torn.

[@terser]

Thanks Mike, I really appreciate it! Also glad to hear good salticid memories from Oregon - I have many from my time there! As for which lens, really up to you - I'm below 2x *most* of the time in the field, but really appreciate having access to the higher magnification of this 2.5-5x when I need it.

[@krzysztofmatosek7418]

I had the same problem some time ago, struggling between 28mm 2,5-5 and 60mm 2x-∞. I was 90% sure i need the 60mm 2x. It is more versatile and elimnates constatnt need of changing the lens when you want to shoot a larger bug or a tree... but when it came to purchasing, i somehow clicked on the 28mm 2,5x-5x :) I can't say i regret buying this lens , it opened whole new world of macro, but i often wonder "what if?", so i think i will end up having both :)

[@grahamfloyd3451]

This is the best macro video I've ever seen! Thank you so much for sharing! Seeing you shoot something living hand-held, then seeing the photo is so valuable!

[@charlienowlan]

The "Bob Ross" of Macro Photography

[@TheChadOlson]

"Happy little spiders..."

[@xlcoldj]

I get what you mean, but he reminds me more of "Marty Stouffer", one of the best nature-documentary narrators of all time.

[@emmettfrancis]

Thank you for sharing! Your channel is a real treat! I'm going to have to get that laowa now!

[@martinbrimble5878]

Stunning images Thomas ... The Voiceover explanation completes the video, more like this please and keep up the great work you are doing. You are obviously passionate about this form of Photography and it shows in the way you care for the subject. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[@johnfisher9816]

You just made my day. I'm a Pentax user as well, and my lens arrived today. AND I just watched your excellent video! Thank you.

[@stephenbarlow2493]

You make superb videos, which are always a pleasure to watch. As a long term MP-E 65mm user, over 12 years now, I agree with your points. It's a bit big and wish the end of it wasn't so unnecessarily large. But I do like the auto-stop down aperture and the magnification range of of it. If I go mirrorless I might get one of these.

[@terser]

Thanks Stephen, I appreciate it! The MP-E is a fine lens - the aperture coupling alone is enough to make it worth it for many. Also, it is sharp - the difference in image quality seems really close between the MP-E and the Laowa. Plus, being able too zoom out to 1x (especially on full frame!) is nice.

[@MattAlexan]

I recognised your voice -and then confirmed with your macro-flash setup from a few years back! What a great body of work you have produced over the years! Plenty to be proud of. I am adding a link to my ‘inspiration’ files. Just hope Google don’t mess things up when they ‘take charge’ of YT.

[@progtom7585]

I own this lens based on your previous review of it. Its a tough lens to use, but its excellent sharpness and small form factor are great. Your images are absolutely excellent, thanks for sharing

[@JonnyC2.0]

Hope you will post more videos soon.. Great to see how you work Thomas.. Very inspiring, and im in awe of your jumping spider images.. Seems like an impossible mission to get a clear shot of something that is so small and moves so quickly.

[@alerijillo]

What a master of handheld focus stacking

[@messylaura]

thats a nice lens, irony is i have just been messing about with my sigma 100-400 and a couple of x2 converters and extension tubes,i got it down to 5mm across the whole frame which works out to 1:4.46 on my M50. great review btw

[@littlebag123]

I’m stuck for words, what beautiful pictures you have taken thank you very much for your videos.

[@vertebrae3352]

excellent review,excellent vibe...been enjoying your work in macro for a long time !

[@zarsblackhorse123]

Ah! that name! Really inspiring! back in 2011-12 I watched your photographs for the first time. I was really amazed.

[@PhillipYewTree]

Thanks for preparing an informative and inspiring film. I particularly appreciated that you avoided the “gee-whiz-ego-centric” style of so many you-tubers, and allowed the content to speak for itself 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@ignaciopacheco8939]

Hey, I've been considering buying this lens for a while, this helped a lot. I'm a mostly macro photographer from Ecuador, so I'm glad you've been here. Great work!

[@terser]

Thanks Ignacio! Ecuador was amazing and I'd love to return soon! Putting together a video of my trip there!

[@ignaciopacheco8939]

@@terser looking forward to it!

[@marktolboom5993]

Fantastic video - Really get an idea of how passionate you are for macro work and how much you care about your subjects! Amazing lens review as well

[@coloraddiction]

My intentions toward macro are more still life but your work is so stunning it makes me want to face that fear of bugs.

[@ericrobinson8078]

Great review with lots of detailed straight to the point solid info. What would us photographers do without these guys and the great advice they provide? I’m thinking about the Laowa after using my Sony 90mm for 6 years. It’s a great lens but it’s just 1:1 and I’m now looking to get that bit closer.

[@FrederickDunn]

An absolutely fantastic buffet of information! I really enjoyed this and hope to apply some of your helpful tips to my honey bee observations. I wish you all the best and really appreciate that you share so well.

[@minibuns5397]

@Fredrick Dunn What camera body do you use for photos and what do you use for video? I have the Sony A7SIII and Sony A1. I’m interested in this lens and microscope objectives to photography the glands of Hymenoptera

[@FrederickDunn]

@@minibuns5397 Sorry for the delayed response, these days I use the Nikon Z9 for all of my macro video and still image captures.

[@The.Urban.Birder]

To be fair, the MP E 65 is a 65mm lens (longer focal length, results in a longer heavier lens). Also, the magnification ratio of that lens can be varied from a relatively easy to handle 1x to 5x, while the Laowa only does 2.5-5x.

[@diatomsaus]

But the Laowa has better image quality.

[@terser]

True - the aperture coupling and how comfortable 1x is (especially on full frame!) are big pluses for the MP-E. Comparisons in reviews I've seen show the Laowa is a bit sharper, but the difference is almost negligible to my eyes - they're both sharp lenses!

[@diatomsaus]

MP-E has lots of sample variation issues, there's people who have 2 copies, one good for say 1-3x and the other good for 3-5x. The difference is clear without pixel peeping. An MP-E good at 5x would be comparable to the Laowa. The Laowa only loses to the Mitutoyo 5x when it comes to CA and resolution. Unless one absolutely needs 1-5x on a single lens and coupling, the cheaper Laowa that offers better image quality is the way to go. For 1-2x, Laowa offers a 60mm that covers fullframe at macro distances, a 65mm for APS-C and a 100mm for fullframe that's kind of bulky. The Laowa also has an optional ring LED for focus assist, not sure if that's useful though. One problem with the Laowa, some copies have serious zoom creeping, this becomes a real problem when shooting vertically, ask them for a swap (they should check if the lens creeps before packaging it IMO). The Laowa also has no filter though I wonder what one needs them for, CPLs make the images soft beyond belief. (Full transparancy: I received an engineering copy of the 25mm and wrote a long review, as well as providing them with feedback)

[@ActuallyDave91]

really enjoyed this video, awesome review, awesome pictures and really soothing on a platform of people that think shouting is the key to holding peoples attention. 10/10

[@Garthgoyle]

Finally, a review about this lens. Shots look pretty awesome but the patience you'd need. Thanks for the review.

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Thomas!

[@zsozsousa1]

Thank you Thomas. This was probably the best macro video i ever seen.

[@Dustinrhoades]

Thanks for putting this together, Thomas.

[@pilarp8808]

Its unbeliveble. What a quality, sharpnes. And its from that lens with Pentax k30? Big WoW!

[@IiMmAaNnn]

the other day i was like, hey i don't have any real hero on my life, then i remember watching your work and videos for a long time ago and now i'm really proud of calling you a real role model or hero to me

[@elisabethlafontaine8979]

Thanks for an excellent video on the Laowa 2.5mm. I’d like to get it but will start with the 85mm. I’ve been shooting Macro for a while. I’ll start following you for more videos.

[@Sean_Coyne]

As always, a lovely video and stunning captures. I've been using this Laowa lens for over a year now on both a Nikon D850 and crop sensor D7200, mostly on a WeMacro automated macro rail, controlled from my Android phone (WeMacro rails are really, really good too btw). It is exceptionally sharp, great value for money and, as you say, doesn't get in the way. I just love it to bits. I just wish I could use it in the field, hand held as well as you can, but I'm old and my hands shake...but, I manage with various tripods and a bit of swearing. ;-)

[@terser]

Thanks Sean! I've done more studio/deep-stacking stuff professionally than personally, but have considered setting up a more dedicated home stacking set up recently - will look into the wemacro rail!

[@Sean_Coyne]

@@terser William, who owns and runs WeMacro, would be delighted to make your acquaintance. He may well supply you one to evaluate. He is a lovely guy, who went way beyond what you would expect from a supplier, when my order was unintentionally delayed. I really can't recommended him or his product highly enough.

[@BlingBlingTheBSOFTHEISS]

At 8:24 I literally made the most joyful sound out of my mouth. I love your videos, you’re a Macro is top notch thank you for sharing it

[@hermderm1773]

So many nopes in this video but I loved how calming and beautifully shot this was. Thanks for the great vid!

[@nikhilv2840]

It's amazing how much detailed even the smallest things around us are. God really is an artist

[@sclogse1]

Thanks for this great show. One can't but be amused by those big eyes. Very easy to project a personality onto these creatures that just ain't there. But at the same time, we share a lot of features. These guys run on instinct way more than we do.

[@memenmemen]

loving the vid, thanks for sharing the happy time spent out and the shots that came out of it ✨

[@pakalu9829]

Thank you very much Thomas, I'm buying the lens for my eos R. Your videos are very inspiring! Warm greetings from Switzerland Padi

[@User-od8dz]

Your work amazes me! I try macro, but never achieve the amazing photos you do. Keep it up!

[@theinnerpalacemind3825]

Very enlightening video presented in a clear and relaxing way ! What a great narrator and so much knowledge about photography! Yes I subbed and I am looking forward to get to know you better!

[@laurencegr9978]

Thanks for the demonstrations. I find that these high magnification macro lenses to be suitable for shooting static subjects under a controlled environment. In the field with live subjects, 1:1 or 2:1 macro lenses are still more useful.

[@jcims]

Nature has ridiculously cool color schemes. 10:28 is mindbending.

[@Wielebny33]

Hello, I'm starting my adventure with macro photography and I want to ask you something. I've already learned a lot, and I really like your work and videos. I am photographing the A7 III and I have already ordered the lens: laowa ca-dreamer 100 mm f / 2.8 macro 2: 1. I would like to use Yongnuo YN24EX lamps, but there is nothing to the A7 III at this price. And one more question for the a7 III, which LAOWA lens would you choose?

[@krystianbv87]

+1

[@imthemaximus]

Those Images were so beautiful!

[@MrMichaelrichards]

Hey man thanks for an inspiring video. Really amazing eye candy. Reminds me of why I love photography. Learned something from you're approach and attitude as well, just as important as whats in front of the lens. Thanks again.

[@MichaelSchagen]

If, in the place where I live I could also go out in a t-shirt during winter, I might take more pictures during winter. 😀 Great pictures and review btw.

[@MichelleCox]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@shaunmichaels6801]

Great review Tom👍👍😊

[@rivieramacro5240]

Great review ! Had it since it came out and love the images it produces !!! So sharp. A focusing light mounted on the tripod collar can greatly help to achieve proper focus too

[@x3rx35]

Love your videos and your attitude and respect towards animals.

[@onewithnature1WN]

Awesome review! I love your photography! And this is now on my shopping list! I can't wait! Keep up the great work! Your work is very inspiring!

[@dominiqueleblanc2193]

How can you stack 11 shots of a live spider? Doesn't it moves?

[@rws531]

he probably just holds the shutter down and takes images in rapid succession

[@terrywbreedlove]

rws531 that is not how focus stacking works. He will focus close take a shot focus back a little and take a shot. Keeps doing that until he has 11 shots in this case.

[@bt_photo]

@@terrywbreedlove At x2-5 you move backwards and forwards just by being alive, take enough shots and with some luck you'll get some stackable shots handheld :-)

[@mikeski30]

@@bt_photohaha yep, simply breathing gives you way more movement than you want

[@RadBudaspectrum-photography]

Thanks for the vid. In my personal opinion, this lens would benefit from a lens hood. Also aperture ring, instead of going to F16 , laowa should add some stops between f2.8 and f8. Othervise great lens.

[@Smeoneonyt]

Wow, you are like the Bob Ross of macro photography!

[@Thatonedude1979]

Thank you I really enjoy your videos

[@TeddyParker]

Wow! So tempted to get this lens now, though I'm steering towards the 100mm 2x since it's just a sharp 100mm lens I can use in general.

[@costiniucmircea]

beautiful photos. Nice macro photography

[@maxrockbin]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Great info. Great pics. Great guitar.

[@RingMasterRay]

I work with High Magnification Macro Photography in Ophthalmology. I would love to do some other imaging in the miro world.

[@Bezstopy]

Man that some insane skill to get that focus! Amazing images.

[@Lifepath8]

Thanks mate, this lens is now 100% sold to me 👊🏻

[@gomezaddams6470]

You're doing the lens review and I'm talking baby talk to everybody that you're taking pictures of except for money, although fascinating I didn't talk goo goo to it. What work on the eyes they did on a Sacagawea coin! that is amazing!

[@Sizlinbacon]

Just ordered mine today after seeing this Thomas Thank you! I'm also in to voice impressions (hope your not offended by this) but wow I thunk you could do some amazing Clint Eastwood Impressions with your voice, i'm quite envious :) Thanks again for the lens review too. Kind regards from the UK

[@RazsterTW]

Sold! I've always wanted to try super macro photography. This is right in my area.

[@reelsindustries7530]

Amazing stuff wasn't thinking about getting this lens but u gave me a thought to add it to my cart

[@EmoEmu]

Absolutely stunning work.

[@sebastienchateauvieux7149]

I really love your work.... Since a long time... VERY NICE pictures

[@TwistedGlasses]

Another great video, realy relaxing and informative. Keep it up!

[@cotomaznaczyc]

The fact that you can focus macro shots through an optical viewfinder is insane to me. I have 20/20 vision and the only way I find it possible to nail focus at anywhere near 1:1 is with a live view at 100% zoom.

[@francischeefilms]

Thanks for posting this as I was eagerly awaiting a long term assessment of this lens. Ok I see from the link, it's not 40 odd mm at X5, that would be just too good to believe LOL!

[@LeesChannel]

Wouldn't it be easier to lock up the mirror and use the live view to frame the shot? That or use continuous lighting as a view aid.

[@motleypixel]

3:40, can you adjust between stop de-tents? Like say an arbitrary f3.2? Most manual stop lenses can do this. BTW, I seem to recall you on flicker about 10 years ago? There was also another older UK chap that was the king of using the MPE-65...LordV? Nice channel and thanks for the video.

[@subrotomitra]

What a beautiful video and subject.. Thank you. Eye opening!

[@VinceCheong]

Brilliant work!!! Lovely shots you got!

[@mattteovids]

absolutely incredible!!

[@c.e.m7535]

Your work is amazing Sir. Wow! 🙂

[@diatomsaus]

This lens is the best at F2.8, unless one absolutely needs greater depth of field. F2.8 with focus stacking gives the best results.

[@philindeblanc]

f8 looked sharpest in his comparison, or did I miss something?

[@kamranki]

Wouldn't F2.8 mean taking more shots for focus stacking?

[@diatomsaus]

@@kamranki Yeah, why' is that a problem though?

[@diatomsaus]

@@philindeblanc No it doesn't, diffraction kicks in at F5.6, F8 is unusable (so is F5.6 IMO). So yeah, you missed something.

[@philindeblanc]

@@diatomsaus hmm, yes I see it looking at different areas of of the sample he compares. Some areas 5.6 looked sharper, but other areas are not. If you look towards the upper part of the sample it is sharper at F8 than at 5.6. In my past experience, most 35mm lenses start diffraction around F8 or if a good lens around F11. Odd this is so low.

[@luciegagnon1238]

Superb photographs and a very informative video. Thank you! Are you handholding the camera when you do a stack?

[@xandr13]

Great work! But you should really get an MFT camera for macro, that will give you a noticeable increase in DoF.

[@samanimeguy23]

I wouldn't know what names to classify insects...macro shooting is really fun.

[@patrikalmblad]

Your voice is so calming. Must be careful, so we don't get lulling to sleep :)

[@macroartyoutube]

Nice detailed review, thanks!

[@iloveeels7795]

Thank you for helping me coming over my fear for spiders and bug's.

[@83jbbentley]

Calming and relaxing 😌

[@letszoomit365]

Great lens! But this far I only have cheaper alternatives as reversed lens and extension tubes (I just started to get really interested in macro so we will seewhat the future will give me) Really nice video too!!

[@willyricardo7009]

Hi Thomas. I am shooting macro too. I find that you struggling using monitor or EVF. You should turnoff screen effect (in my sony) to compromise non TTL external flash. I don't setting on pentax. Hope it helps.

[@DerangedTechnologist]

Excellent review. Thanks!

[@deanroslynmengel5575]

Thanks again Thomas for this review.

[@AlexanderSogliero]

Great video thank you. Do you feel like a focusing rail is necessary with this lens? I have read where many seem to think it is but that seems difficult (if not impossible) to pull that off insects. Thank you.

[@tallaganda83]

I love your videos, but is there a reason you have stuck with Pentax with all the great options out there atm?

[@NikoStorm]

Fantastic! Good job Thomas!! 👍

[@alexanderbuess290]

Hi Thomas! Thank you very much for all the videos you make, not only for the beautiful fotos but especially your very respectful attitude towards animals. I have a question though: after having compact cameras for years I am about to buy my first aps-c and would love to get a makro lens for it. I have seen your videos about the Laowa 25mm 2.5-5x, Laowa 100mm 2x Ultra Macro and the Mitakon 20mm 4.5x Macro lens... They are very interesting but I am still a little lost regarding which one would be the best choice for me. I would highly appreciate it if you could share your thoughts regarding this topic. Thank you very much in advance!

[@donbrooks8479]

Wonderful work and thank you for this review!

[@SurirPi7]

Hi Thomas, I was wondering if you know or use iNaturalist.org? This project brought me back to macro photography, and that's why I was watching your video. Thanks for the review!

[@caitlynnmcfee5308]

Your voice is so relaxing 😌 🕷 ❤️

[@TheMrSakib]

Very beautiful shots! I've enjoyed the video :)

[@hazydaze8808]

What lights would you recommend? I do cannabis macro photography and currently use a 24x24 softbox with a corn cob led, all I could afford at the time. I will need more power to light up that little 5x world. Thank you, great video!

[@aljo.antony]

Is your flash (Laowa) still holding on ? Can you please do a long-term review of your flash (Laowa) ?