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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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)

[@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. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[@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.

[@emmettfrancis]

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

[@alerijillo]

What a master of handheld focus stacking

[@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!

[@Makebuildmodify]

Thanks Thomas!

[@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.

[@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 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@Spacexgazzer]

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

[@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.

[@Garthgoyle]

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

[@zarsblackhorse123]

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

[@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.

[@vertebrae3352]

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

[@pilarp8808]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Dustinrhoades]

Thanks for putting this together, Thomas.

[@Nazareth434]

Do you prefer this lens or the laowa 100 macro lense? That 100 looked super sharp too

[@tallaganda83]

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

[@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.

[@adamssab2084]

Just wondering lets say u forgot ur other lens can you still do normal shots with this

[@aljo.antony]

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

[@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

[@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

[@jcims]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@gniks999]

First its a nice video, so basically its 25mm and 2.5-5x so how much close we need to go to the subject, and its manual then how can focus can be shifted in regards to stacking them

[@zsozsousa1]

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

[@nikhilv2840]

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

[@luciegagnon1238]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@Bradimus1981]

I am trying to find a lens to video record videos of my ants. Any suggestions?

[@costiniucmircea]

beautiful photos. Nice macro photography

[@francischeefilms]

Hi, so if I got this right the WD is 40-45mm up to the X5 yes?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@RingMasterRay]

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

[@patriciakoning8278]

can you use this hand held? i now use a 60mm macro but i want my objects even closer. this lens is what im looking for result wise. but i want to be able to shoot pics hand held

[@Lifers]

What focusing rail setup do you use? I want to bring a tripod and focusing rail out into the field with me when circumstances allow me to use it. I normally free hand but I want the option.

[@wilteduk007]

Great images. How do you stack? By rocking back and forth?

[@thegoldeneye2007]

Hi, I have a Nikon Z50 and want to get a macro lens (that can do good portraits too). So, what do you suggest? Nikkor Z 105 or Laowa 100mm or something else. Thanks

[@zight99user]

What do you mean no focusing ring? How is that possible?

[@reclusepilgrim]

What magnification macro would you recommend for Nikon full frame? Preferably automatic.

[@alexbuess]

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!

[@memenmemen]

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

[@DirektYT]

Is it important to use the stacking method?

[@Neosin1]

can someone explain to me how he is stacking shots with moving subjects??? I thought you can only stack images when the subject is still?

[@xandr13]

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

[@hermderm1773]

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

[@aljo.antony]

How do you manage to take stack of shots on the field ?

[@invencible5496]

hi, is this lens compatible with canon EOS 6D?

[@omarlorentz99]

Hello beautiful video. I would like some advice, are there any differences between the 65mm macro canon and the 25mm ultra macro loawa? Can the difference in focal length between the two lenses justify the purchase of both?

[@yolandavillasenor5439]

Are this lenses compatible with Sony 6600?

[@Brock_in_the_North]

You should try the Irix Dragonfly 150mm macro lens. Not sure what mounts its available in though :)

[@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

[@TheThing_0]

Does this flash still work? I'm surprised.

[@x3rx35]

Love your videos and your attitude and respect towards animals.

[@officialtiimo]

Did you have an initial review of this lens? How has your opinion evolved over time?

[@peppaz]

really great stuff. How do you focus stack by hand? Sorry if i missed it. Sadly laowa doesnt make this lens for the fuji but i did pick up the 65mm 2x apo macro

[@streglof]

will you do a review of the Mitakon 85mm f/2.8 1-5x macro lens some day?

[@carlossantini]

nice! did u used a raynor with this lens?

[@celestialdrums486]

Great video! Newbie here. is it really necessary to get an external flash? Or the built in flash is good enough?

[@webdivers1996]

Hi, a question: is RF canon version same length as EF mount? Need to decide which one shall I buy keeping in consideration the diffuser I actually own. Thanks

[@marvinportillo3382]

Hey Thomas, will this lens work on my Canon 80d?

[@ooooooooosama]

hi thomas.. may i ask your honest opinion, which one would you choose for macro photography, this laowa 25mm or the sony 90mm macro g lens in terms of performance.. thanks

[@vpr5562]

Thomas! :)) Great, great vid! May i ask - my wife loves to shoot macro, but she is more shoot and go to do something else. I am the person who shoots and edits weddings etc with sony a7R3. She has 6d mark 2 with Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens (we got it for 130$) and sometimes i use it with mc11. May be we will sell the 6d mark 2. Seems she likes mirrorless more these days. But if you have to start all over again, what would you suggest as ultimate best (not super complicated setup)?

[@alexandrkasinskiy3227]

Does this lens take portrait photos?

[@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.

[@blutcherama]

Thomas, I really need help on a flash diffuser for this lens. The ones I have are too long and keep me from getting close enough to focus on the subject. Can you help me figure out a design that will work with a regular on camera speedlight?

[@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!

[@janamielkamantigue1817]

do you have any tutorial in stacking ? and how to do stacking in live subjects ?

[@nyctiphaes]

Great video! Do you think this lens would benefit of the high resolution of a Sony A7R4 for focus stacking in studio settings of botanical nature? I currently have the canon 100m f2.8 macro but I really need the higher magnification to show some plant elements. I can crop to 100 percent since the resolution is high, but I wonder if the Laowa is sharp enough to show eg pores of wood etc

[@WalldoTheWInner]

May I ask what flash you are using there?

[@ajblitzstein7628]

Can you recommend an adapter to use on Fuji XT4

[@rodrigoferraoO]

Hello buddy, how are you !!! This 25mm Laowa lens can I shoot jewelry? and what is the maximum focus distance from her?

[@imthemaximus]

Those Images were so beautiful!

[@avishekaiyar]

Hey Thomas. Nice video! Can you comment on the lighting setup you are using for your shots?

[@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.

[@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.

[@jackscott8371]

This is exactly what I’m looking for! I don’t have a computer but I know my lumix g7 does auto focus stacking, would I have to buy a computer to use image stacking software or is it built into the camera?