Wide Angle Macro and the Venus/LAOWA 15mm Macro Lens

A not terribly technical overview of wide-angle macrophotography and some of my thoughts on the Venus/Laowa 15mm macro lens.
Venus Optics: www.VenusLens.net
www.ThomasShahan.com
Special thanks to Kathleen Neeley of www.KinkPrints.com for helping out with shooting video.

[@hcvincenzo]

That photo at 4:30 with the waterfall in the background is just killer. Totally stands out from the usual macro stuff. Nice work.

[@ScreaminMadMurphy]

I never told you (primarily because i subscribed during a dormant period) i find your work incredibly moving. You have found life at it's most alien, and have recognized it as Life, then captured it's beauty. How amazing is this creature that will fit a hundred times in your palm? Ever since i was knee high i've marveled at the (mostly lack of) differences between macro and micro. Everyone has astronaut phases and microbiologist phases. Some people have the luck to own a microscope and a telescope at the same time. I haven't until recently. What i have always loved about the universe at large, and what you have captured, is - mere size is unremarkable. The fact that You, these arthropods, Myself, or ANYTHING exists is extraordinary. The drama of life at the scale we are on is incomparable to the drama at the macroscopic stage where entire star systems are obliterated in the flash of a dying star. But what's that compared to things that happen in the microcosms we ignore every day? Incredible wars for survival are fought hundreds of times a day everywhere all around us. I love that you sing to the spiders. I have those videos on a separate playlist that i go to when i'm feeling left out. There's a kind of tenderness for Life that untold billions would otherwise have completely disregarded. It's special, and it's part of why life on this planet is beautiful. You knew it or you wouldn't have this channel - for one brief moment (a great lengthy trial for the subject) you held in your hand an organism thousands of times smaller than you (The subject did grit it's mandibles and hold fast upon the undulating and pulsating surface of the being thousands of times it's mass and size) and contact was established. You both did stare at each other. There is no denying this. The salticid likely didn't recognize the camera as being separate from you, and definitely didn't know what was happening, but it Was looking at you as you looked at it. You might have sang to it then. i've noticed a lilting motion in some videos. You recognize these as living beings, and what's more, you know that they are experiencing you in the same way. I've raised millipedes for a few years (primarily because i love arthropods, secondarily because where i live they're easy pets), centipedes before that, and spiders intermittently all my life, and it's interesting and always disheartening to see how people will shy away from these creatures. Invertebrates play an understated role in our world. Those in chitinous exoskeletons are all the more important for their diversity. They're undoubtedly the most alien creature we can realistically expect to encounter, and there's estimates of some 30% of their multitudinous lot that we haven't even discovered yet. They make surprisingly nice pets, and great meals. They're responsible for quite a bit of technology and medicine we have, and have helped our horror movie database immensely. That i've never met a salticid i didn't like should be more than enough proof, but failing that i can always give them your channel. In short I'm glad you're getting to people who MIGHT spare a moment in which they might decide NOT to step on something that cost like 40 bucks to ship here. Also what is a "massive invasive species infestation" anyway? To me that sounds like spaceship earth. Hell, emperor scorpion stings don't even hurt that bad. Keep up the good work.

[@terser]

+ScreaminMadMurphy Thanks for commenting - glad you appreciate and understand what I do.

[@radudumitrescu1]

That was such a lovely read. My heart was touched by the both of you.

[@Herbert2892]

This conversation remember me of something i read about William Harvey, the anatomist that discovery our bloody circulation, in the end of the life when a friend asked him about the biggest loss in his life and he didn't say a word about his beloved ones deats - that's natural - his biggest loss was a detailed manuscript where he wrote for years about hundreds - even thousands - of insects that was destroyed by Oliver Cromwel soldies (1642). That was the biggest loss in his life, he said with a grief expression . A true scientist.

[@snailcatcat451]

You speak like you would for a TV/News station. We need more youtubers like you. Thanks for this video

[@lsdustyrhodes]

Your images are beautiful and otherworldly. They deserve to be published.

[@kofiskingley5336]

Thomas Shahan you are the Bob Ross of photography

[@kasparssarnovskis9539]

Thought the same thing

[@duwekapak]

*macrophotography

[@clintjohnson2460]

Happy bugs......... happy little bugs.....

[@naturemha]

Best description of Thomas so far 😂🙏🏼🤍 such soothing voice, amazing content and teaching. 🙌🏼

[@AlokeshBagchi]

Dear Sir, I am following your work from last about 2 years! It's wonderful! I got the Laowa Lens. It's packed and received scratchless! As you said, it's a superb, but very difficult to use lens! I am extremely happy and pleased! Wish to join your workshops! Thanks and Regards! Alokesh Bagchi

[@cardiacade]

Just when I thought I didn't need another macro lens! Thanks for the review Thomas, this lens will be a fine addition in relation to my ecology work.

[@Raychristofer]

Very legit video, I really appreciate how you review this lens outdoors in real use, cant stand reviews that sit at a table fifteen minutes and finally say I just got it and havent used it yet. awesome

[@terser]

+Raychristofer - Thanks! I appreciate you appreciating my style! Sometimes I worry I don't get technical enough - but there's other channels for that!

[@DapurFithryOfficial]

What a greet life, free and enjoy every moment you spending with your camera and object, love it.

[@timholland3040]

You have inspired me. I am one of those that thinks bugs as pests even though I love macro. I will change my perspective. Simply wow. Thank you and happy new year.

[@al201103]

Wanted you to know that a touch over four years later, your video is still finding people and your wonderful work, both photographic and video presentation are still wonderful and impressive. Excellent video, another lens to add to the list! Thank you :)

[@gbudesaphotography]

I have been thinking of getting a wide angle lens for landscapes, but since I do a lot of macro as well I might consider this lens. Love your work as always. "The world is never more revealing than when it is studied in intimate detail."

[@FrederickDunn]

I may have missed this in the explanation/demonstration. With the dragonfly and others that showed the environment, are those stacked, or a single exposure? If those are un-stacked images, that's a huge advantage for me. Thank you as always for your excellence in photography and for sharing what you do and how you do it.

[@Phantom1963]

As always.... exceptional work Thomas💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@Needacreate]

I've had an eye on the Pentax 10-17 Fisheye for quite a while, but I must say your video has made me want it even more for its incredible versatility. Not only that, in the little more than eight minutes of your clip I feel I have learned more about macro photography than I could possibly have from watching hours of lesser talents' videos. Keep up that tremendously inspiring work, Thomas!

[@dennishardinglandscapephot3540]

Your videos are a breath of fresh air and beautiful work!

[@mr.oddlyfox6934]

Incredible lens in your hands. Very neat video.

[@fritz9880]

You're an excellent photographer. Thanks for sharing your work and talents.

[@joeyc923]

This was a great review, not just of a product but as a discipline. As a wedding photographer I've taken a few wide-angle macro shots of wedding rings with my 24mm f1.4 (rather than my usual ring shot go-to, a 60mm), but you've inspired me to try this technique more often!

[@MrAfterglow]

I must commend you Thomas on a great put together video, so many annoying people try to do videos on KZbin, this was one of the most professional videos I've seen, very detailed information, content, and narration, your voice is very engaging and pleasant on the ear and goes hand in hand with your video content. Really enjoyed it, keep up the good work, thankyou.

[@shadownec]

Woow amazing pics bro where you take that, come to Ecuador when you want, congrats

[@stellaqaustralia]

Thoroughly enjoyed that 8m09s - thank you. Interesting lens... love that tilt adjustment idea! Beautiful images! 👍

[@valeriyshvetsov7022]

Got mine yesterday at BH!! Can't wait to use it in the wild! Thanks Thomas!

[@starwarsfanforlife]

It's always great to see the pictures you capture!

[@sittingstill3578]

Eastern Oregon is so stunning. Thanks for sharing some of their residents.

[@AlokeshBagchi]

i just purchased the lens from the venus site.... Thank you Mr Thomas! Merry Christmas..

[@johnhymanful]

You are an amazing talent. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@subseeker]

John Hyman And ads.

[@dagr8ape]

This video was amazing to me. Your shots were beautiful and the the information, stellar. I love the perspective of this lens and plan to own it soon. Best video on this lens online. Thanks!

[@ramelsen]

Thnx for showing us this beautiful review of that lens. Stunning shots!

[@mnz3211]

Hi Shahan, I'm fan of your videos. Great narration and beautiful photos.

[@jamesstudd9776]

Brilliant video and what an amazing lens, it is taking me a while to learn how to use this lens but i have much more confidence using it after watching this video.

[@louiseducator]

What a great video. Thank you for making it. I already have the Laowa 15mm but it is helpful to see how someone as talented as you is using it.

[@stephenbarlow2493]

Wonderful video as usual. I've been fascinated by the potential of wide-angle macro photography for a long time. However, I've never really found the perfect lens for it. Currently my Panasonic LX7 compact is one of the best I've used for it. Although it's not really wide enough and the working distance is too close. Don't be so hard on yourself about your wide-angle macros. They are as good as any I've seen. Sure other photographers have taken some pretty cool wide-angle macro photographs, but I've never seen anyone who I'd say has really mastered it, and who's developed a reliable style, such as in other fields of macro photography. Plus a really big thanks for helping to popularize macro photography, and for using macro photography to promote interest in invertebrates. IMHO, macro photography is one of the best means of re-connecting people with the natural world.

[@periurban]

Some great pics! A very wonderful wee lens.

[@prabhakarrao4922]

Fantastic video. Excellent narration and background music. Thank you

[@markharris5771]

I've seen your videos before and I must admit whenever I watch them I always find your approach to this subject, calm, well thought out and sympathetic to your surroundings. I watched this thinking the lens may be a gimmick, which to a large part it is, but that doesn't make your shots any less beautiful. I actually have the Tokina version of the 10-17, and although I use it as a superwide lens on a crop body with some editing to reduce the distortion, I have never thought of using it close up...until now. Thank you for that, and thank you for another view into the beautiful world you specialise in.

[@etact8888]

venus should pay u for the best promotion video ever.

[@TheM750]

Right? It has me looking to buy it now.

[@MrGflan]

This is why it’s really hard to monetize creativity. Not a knock against the artist, but it takes a knowledge of marketing and business to reach great success as an artist who makes money, versus a great artist who does not. I admit, I’ve published bird photography before, but would be miles ahead if I was able to reach the people who want to purchase my art. You notice how you see mediocre artists with mediocre images making good money sometimes? This is because they are effective at marketing their brand and connecting with people. Lastly, I’ve emailed this artist, messaged him on several platforms and never got any response to the questions I’ve had. If you want to be successful, you have to engage with your audience and followers, even on the most minute of scales of acceptability.

[@andyroo3022]

Very nice shots of the little critters. I am new to photography, just purchasing a good used canon DSLR for Astrophotography. I recently took a close up of a brown moth resting on a pink umbrella with my phone camera. I was amazed at the details of this moth when loaded onto my laptop. The moth has feathers like a bird. with details that mimic lichen. Usually unseen beauty in these little creatures.

[@verbraekenchristophe8233]

Nice video!beautiful macro pics too!👍

[@buddah610]

I have been thinking about delving into the world of macro for a while. I don't have a dedicated macro lens. I use reversal rings,tubes and my Pentax MX 1 is incredible at what they call "super macro". I don't think this should be my first lens but what a way to learn! Trial by fire! Lol! Beautiful images.... just beautiful.

[@PiepGuy]

These are incredible photos! this is the type of quality I aspire for my work, even as an amateur.

[@DaveLundy]

That's a fascinating lens. If it had auto aperture, I probably wouldn't hesitate to buy one. I would also like auto focusing, but not having that wouldn't bother me as much. Thanks for the video, Thomas. I always enjoy your work.

[@otoskope]

Thanks for an excellent review. I sometimes dabble in macro, and just found this lens 2nd hand for a good price - been wanting it for a long time. I especially liked the comparison with optical alternatives. That itself is very educational. I have tried reverse lenses, front and back adapters of various kinds, and your examples were very interesting to see.

[@BeerBellyDK]

Incredible! This was a whole new side of macro photography for me. You got some beautiful shots as well. Great job, and thanks for the video. :)

[@axxaxaax4556]

Very nice job whatever the lens is. Congratulations.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

I like when you can see what is in the background. Makes the picture have more overall value.

[@Nikita_Brus]

HOOOLY COW! What a lens! would love to see something like this in Cinema.

[@koolkutz7]

Awesome ideas and brilliant viewpoints.

[@JaimeVillacis]

I don't usually comment on videos, but man!...such great photos! Congrats

[@LikBatonBoot]

As you have mentioned, it’s more beautiful to see macro subjects in their environment rather than completely isolating them, same thing that underwater photographers aren’t keen on doing.

[@Pharesm]

Love your video and the lens :) Off-road spider with headlights!

[@36Bananapies]

Your photography is incredible and inspiring...

[@AndreVandal]

Now I want this lens... great selling video.

[@danielvazquezguevara3842]

Love your explanation style! Quite soothing voice.

[@hughcoleman3866]

I use this lens for Landscape and love the perspective and context it offers. I agree 100% with your comments on sharpness as at F/16 and set at infinity, it seems sharp from here to... Infinity!!!

[@lightwavz]

Thank you! This is the mind's eye vision I have of what I shoot just without the equipment to back it up. Also, great to know there are other serious Pentax shooters out there. I have never given up since my first K1000!

[@angieg.4621]

Simply amazing review. I had to watch twice because the first time I was distracted by the cool flash diffusers. :D This was very interesting and super-helpful. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@georgefspicka5483]

Not only are the shots outrageous, I love the shooters philosophy :)

[@mengshun]

Awesome. Great presentation and photos. Thanks!

[@LarsRichterMedia]

Excellent review of the LAOWA 15 mm, Thank you very much Thomas!

[@ktsimage]

Wow, nice lens, nice pictures and nice video, thanks!

[@jamochl]

I was skeptical at first but this is really cool! Great video

[@joeshmoe7967]

Very cool l. Love your work. Inspiring in all ways. Cheers

[@francisbauzon3763]

Really inspiring shots, and great video. Thank you.

[@rfrf4351]

Really appreciate this video with all of this beautiful & great images.

[@radudumitrescu1]

Inspiring. I love your videos. Amazing photography and such a soothing voice.

[@microminstrel]

great video, man! loved the images, too!

[@donaldklopper]

Glad I saw your artwork. Thanks for sharing!

[@GeorgeMaj15]

I love that makeshift soft box over your flash. I will be borrowing that idea! I'm just starting in macro photography (with a 100mm :) )

[@blackpete]

i really like the idea of this lens! Great video and really interesting pictures!

[@kareno8634]

LOVE the Critters! Great Job, Thanks!

[@Dustinrhoades]

Great vibe, Thomas

[@Thelittletrianglestudio]

Really nice, informative, calming and documentary feeling video!

[@njrivetelite]

That was a great video and quite impressive images. Laowa seems to have made a couple impressive lenses.

[@ChicagoTurtle1]

Cute jumping spider! And good thing your finger nail looks clean!

[@thegr8stm8]

Thanks to Frederick Dunn and “The Way To Bee” I visited and learned a little more. Cheers, Thomas.

[@J0hnd03ph]

Very nice video! I first saw your post on Flickr about the dragonfly then i watched this great video.

[@danulis]

Beautiful photography! Wow!

[@VodkaVermouth]

thanks for inspiring video:) switched to shooting birds a couple of years before and now going back to macro!

[@trenchdevil]

Wow! Thanks for sharing Thomas. Seems like a great lense. Btw your photos of jumping spiders were my entry to the macro photography. Thanks for the inspiration. And sorry for my bad english ;-)

[@cytan71]

Thanks for the informative video! Have ordered one, and hope to try out wide angle macros!

[@welshsteve2009]

So glad I came across this video. Great video and really beautiful images. This lens has now been added to my wishlist 👌 Thank you 😀 Liked and Subscribed 😉

[@FrostMonolith]

Any insect looks way cuter like this than in my actual eyesight.

[@andreasrochow5170]

Great, Mr. Shahan, and thanks for your artistry and passion.

[@heidiannemorris]

Great to see another video Thomas ♥ beautiful shots Your lady friend is very beautiful too ;) Happy Holidays to you all x

[@Markeymarc321]

Amazing photography

[@kiwymarcioXDrottenkiwy]

I really want to get into photography but I just have a smartphone and dunno where to start, I'd love to specialize in macro photography from the start if I could, so amazing 😍

[@planecrazyish]

Great photos! and great info. Thanks

[@tom-we5vr]

I love the video. I just discover your channel and I love the ambiance! It's relaxing and beautiful. Your photography are amazing! :)

[@lmenzol]

Been wanting to get this lens, but I just bought a set of extension tubes hoping I can get the same effect with my 12mm rokinon

[@saaby2870]

That dragon fly image is amazing!

[@Schroeder3000]

You create beautiful photography videos. A little outtime from life (:

[@davidwallis494]

you just made me purchase this lens, pairing it with the A99ii so looking forward to some awesoem 42mp macros :D

[@derpixelsucher1787]

Wieder ein Klasse Video. danke fürs zeigen.

[@Lepiworld]

Wonderful video as usual !

[@CambodiaWonder]

I really love your channel!

[@avishchand298]

How good are these pictures. Omg

[@RichieWilliams]

WOW - amazing photography.. well done :)

[@odys__4763]

This is the first video I've seen of your channel, and it's very calming. I will subscribe to your channel.

[@madmanjoe]

You take the best macros ive seen.

[@dch2896]

Great Macro work. Thank you for the awesome review.

[@adambaus2427]

I'm putting down an order for this lens. Did some alpine wildflower photos with lady beetles and bees on them this morning with a 100mm and couldn't show the location very well. This lens will do it!!