Tips on Macro Video - Gear, Settings and Techniques Tutorial

[@theorn01]

Gimbal with follow focus, CHECK Lens bean bag, CHECK Variety of small tri-pods, CHECK small LED light, Check Powerful strobe flash, CHECK External Monitor, CHECK Thanks to this video, a realistic expectation of results, CHECK The only things I don't have are a cage AND.... A macro lens. 😁 I just ordered a 2:1 Laowa lens to start my macro adventures! Thenks for creating this informative video.

[@derek-yap]

Great info thanks for the information! I'm going to apply it to some up-close product videography that I want to try.

[@taair6270]

Great video! Very comprehensive learnt a lot of good tips thanks 🙂

[@wmpx34]

Thanks for the tips. Especially about the ISO, I was wondering how I was supposed to stop down to increase the depth of field without darkening the exposure too much. It’s interesting because my area is quite sunny, so for non-macro I’m usually having to use ND filters if I want to shoot more wide open. But macro is the opposite…I want that blinding light so that I don’t have to crank the ISO as much. Also, you’re right about the hit rate! I’ve only started shooting with manual focus recently, and even with non-macro stuff I realized that getting something worth keeping is more of the exception than the rule when starting out 😆 Macro is a step up in difficulty. But I’m having fun with it so far on that Panasonic 100mm.

[@davidmortimore6838]

Excellent tips. Thank you Shane.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@bluenightsky]

You have a very relaxing voice. Coming from watching a ton of yt how to videos, this is definitely a plus for me! I literally have a headache from watching so many overly saturated, contrasty KZbinrs to this relaxing, straight forward, simple yet thorough how to. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I really appreciate you taking the time to write this comment! I try my best to make the content I wanted to see while learning and I'm happy you found it helpful 😊

[@flodask8ing21]

Fantastic video & great insight

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you very much!

[@Bo_Hazem]

Thanks a lot for the tips! Should give it a shot.

[@Avensium]

man this was such a good video!! inspired!

[@tasneemahsanullah2895]

Thank you for this video it was super helpful! What’s the name of the small light you were using?

[@marcomonz49]

Great stuff! Really thorough and useful!

[@gopesabasenoo3247]

Thanks dear. Awesome voice!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you 😊

[@chrisheath880]

Really helpful for a beginner in Macro, thanks.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I'm happy I was able to help!

[@lkasthuri]

Thank you for the description of basic necessity of Macro Video. I am familiar with Macro photos but want to have fun with Macro Video. I have a GH5 (MFT) and Lowa 60mm Macro. I will let you know the outcome. Thanks again for the tips

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you very much for watching I'm happy the video is helpful 😊 I hope you have a great time shooting!

[@ianstell614]

Thanks Shane, really well structured, well illustrated and clearly explained. Many thanks

[@ShaneBethlehem]

No problem, thank you for watching 😊 I'm happy it was helpful

[@Jambo1999]

Appreciate the tips. Im familiar with hand-held macro photos, my challenge now is to record macro video, sometimes hand-held, on the Sony A7SIII. They confuse me by having a "record frame rate" and a (regular?) frame rate. But I get the idea and will try it higher. I hate having a heavy rig since I sometimes spend several hours shooting at a trade show hand held. When I used a camcorder my fav tool was a long extension arm with a handle. I will try that on the Sony.

[@JoshuaCasper]

great video

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@CalifornianWayfarer]

What type of a camera do you recommend for someone starting out with Macro video in 2022? Eg. mirrorless. And then any particular model you recommend for a beginner.

[@GregorMima]

It’s really hard to find good info about macro videography, especially for aquarium/tank inhabitants like small fish, shrimp, etc. From my experience over the past few months, one major factor to consider is your camera. You know how KZbinrs always complain about cameras cropping in during certain video modes? Well, for macro videography, that’s exactly what you want-it helps you get even closer to your subjects. Features like Sony’s Clear Image Zoom during video are game-changers. That said, be prepared for a lot of frustration. Macro videography takes patience, a lot of it. Keep shooting, and eventually, 1 out of 10 shots will be the money shot you’re after. Oh, and don’t forget to stock up on hard drive space-you’re going to need it.

[@StookDog]

Great video thx

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Glad you enjoyed it! thanks for watching

[@TheRogueElement]

Thanks for the vid, great production value as always. Love that 90mm macro.. I'm definitely getting it soon 😀

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you! I had some fun with the getting some more BTS footage that usual, it's hard without an assistant 😅

[@smallarious]

Thank you, this is really helpful to me..

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Bradimus1981]

Hello Shane. I hope you see my comment and are able to respond. So I have a KZbin channel where most of my videos are of my ant colonies. I really dislike using my cell phone to record my videos. I own a Sony A7 II and I am willing to spend under $500 for a macro lens to record 1080P 60FPS video. Which lens to purchase though? lol Most guides I find are on macro photography and in my case, I am not looking to so much record a single insect, but a section of a nest of multiple insects. I was looking at the Venus Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens or the Venus Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens. I have a tripod. What are your thoughts?

[@davidwhiren817]

Really liked your presentation !!!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you so much!

[@gje2122a]

Hi Shane, can you suggest any flash unit for macro photography? Thank you in advance.

[@thewrongopinion7811]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you watching 😊 hope you have a great time shooting!

[@montricewhite5593]

Great video thank you! I had a question about manual focus. When i use manual focus and I go to shoot the image zooms back out to normal focus. What am I doing wrong?

[@SDSuko]

You're awesome man. Your macro videos were really helpful. Definitely make some more!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thanks! Will do!

[@gunlokman]

Great video on so many levels. Highly watchable - not like most out there that feature the presenter above the subject-matter! It's given me a whole new perspective (literally) and lots of useful knowledge. Thank you for posting. More please!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Wow, thanks! This is one of my favorite videos I've made, I really appreciate the kind words, they mean a lot 😊

[@slothytubeX]

Thank you, macro video trick.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

You're welcome 😊

[@GrantSR]

For doing this on a budget, I highly recommend the Olympus TG series of compact cameras. I have a TG-4. It has what they call "Microscope Mode." Which is like a super macro mode. (Of course, it also has regular macro.) I have gotten some amazing videos of bugs and stuff at 1080p. They even have ring lights that snap on the front, around the lens. You can get the whole camera for only $200 - $250, used. And, the best part is that is completely waterproof. So, you can get super-macros photos and video of things in and under the water. If there's any interest, I'll upload a video to KZbin and add a link to this comment.

[@josephsee2425]

I'll second this suggestion. The Tg series are great for this sort of thing. The tg6 in particular as it can shoot 4k 30, FHD 120 and HD 240fps in macro mode.

[@Emdrone1]

Great video thanks for the information. I’m making a wildlife documentary and want to incorporate some macro Insect video so this video helps. I will be using the Sony a7sIII with the Sony 90mm 2.8 G, also I have a cage with all the bells and whistles so this should do well on getting some awesome shots. Thanks again

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thanks for watching! The a7siii absolutely crushes it it with the 90mm G, though I suspect Sony will be coming out with a new GM macro lens this year based on their releases. Good luck with your doc work!

[@MrStevenZheng]

love the knowledge as well as the calm voice you have! keep the great work going!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you very much 😊

[@maxlehmann449]

Nice Video! Do you have some experience/advice for filming subjects in aquariums or behind glas in generel? (Dealing with reflexion while still remaining good lighting or for getting the right depth of field when trying to film a school of fish wich has quite a bit of volume)

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thank you! Its a difficult situation to shoot in as any light from the exterior will introduce reflect on the glass you are shooting into. I personally have not been in it, but I'd recommend a clear circular polarizer for sure to cut reflections, a tripod just to increase your hit rate and a large amount of diffusion for whatever light sources are in the room so any reflection is reduced as much as possible, even if it's just a large silk cloth. Shooting perpendicular to the glass also may help as you can get some less reflection perhaps, but that also may lil' restricted.

[@jostein661]

Thanks🙌

[@dmitriyastafyev8853]

Shane, could you please advise: which alpha is better with Laowa 24mm lens for macro photo/video: 7C or A 7iii? They have different shutter: 1/4000 vs 1/8000 and curtains difference... But i don't know if these differences are important

[@irynamanko8516]

Hello Shane! Thank you for the video. Could you advice the best tripod model for macro shooting? I shoot with macro rings. Thanks :)

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I have really liked using iFootage tripods as of late, but really any heavier tripod will do well. The TC5s it the one I am currently using

[@Nemesisworks]

Thanks alot for the useful tips, I have canon 1300D with extension tubes set of 13, 21 and 31mm. Do you recommend a bridge cam for zoomed in macro video shoots like p510, b500, b700, p900 by Nikon or hx50 by Sony or HS620 by canon? Or these cameras don't have enough video quality when zoomed in?

[@CreepyDan]

Excellent tips good sir! I am just getting into macro video and this has been super helpful, you are so right about auto focus being utterly useless in macro. I really plan to use the higher frame rate tip, I am finding it helps take out shakiness as well. Thanks for the great video, have a great day.

[@srxx.z]

Bro it's awsome

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Thanks 😅

[@Fire-World-8k]

Nice video m8

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lluviafloresrenteria2175]

Shane, this was very informative. I would like to make a series of macro videos about flowers and I am wondering if you have any recommendation for equipment on a ~ $4,000 budget.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

If you were to use Sony cameras I'd recommend using a very similar setup to myself for video, the Sony A73 paired with the Sony 90 millimeter F 2.8 or even the new Sigma 105 millimeter F 2.8 along with an LED light, perhaps something by Falcon eyes, Newer or Apurture. The last thing you would need would be a solid tripod, something with a fluid head also would be a huge benefit or a slider on the top to get some smooth moving shots of the flowers.

[@adiXionRacing]

Newbie question: is there a setting that allows you to be further back from the subject and still get close shots? I really want to go after spider shots, but I can’t get over being 5 inches away from a spider. A7r4 90mm

[@ShaneBethlehem]

That's a totally fair question, the only way really is to get a longer macro lens however the 90 mm already is quite a tele lens. With the a7r4 you probably can get away with just not shooting at your minimum focusing distance and cropping in after, but you have to give up some of the quality that you're probably looking for while doing that, but with spiders that sometimes a difference between getting the shot and or not

[@usables4028]

Thank you for this great informative video! I ordered extension tubes for now, to see if I can even shoot a macro video. I shoot cosmetics videos with Canon 700D and 50mm 1.8.

[@ShaneBethlehem]

It should be sweet, you'll want to look into some decent lighting just to allow you to get down to f5.6-11 for getting more in focus 😊

[@usables4028]

@@ShaneBethlehem thank you :) i usualy film at 1.8 max 2.8 because i want bokeh. Its works perfectly fine! £10 amazingly spent lol :)

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Lol that's fair, I am the same 😅 I'm happy it's helping!

[@davidwhiren817]

Hello , I want to do video on antique cutlery , specifically pocket knives & macro is a must for this subject to get the details to pop . what do you think would be a good mid to upper level set up for me to acquire at this time ?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Unfortunately for Sony the pool of macro lenses is still relatively small and the two major options that I would consider would be the Sony G 90 mm lens that I have or the new Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN, Both are fantastic lenses and the Sigma is marginally cheaper but unfortunately for some really high quality macro video those would be your two best options and there's no real mid tier option at this time that's auto focus

[@davidwhiren817]

Thank you for the response , you have given me a window of knowledge that I can start to peer through on this journey into a KZbin channel involvement .

[@Tricklarock]

You should look into becoming a hypnotherapist lol! Great video man, thanks!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

I work full time as a nurse so I have had a lot of experience with calming people down 😅 thanks, I'm happy you enjoyed the video!

[@lukeang5615]

Hi, I'm planning to do macro video at night, and the forest trails I frequent are pitch-black. Would a pair of YN-600 airs and the light you used in the video be sufficient? If not , what would you recommend? Also, is the Laowa 15mm wide-angle macro lens good for video because of the increased depth of field? Also, what is the model of light and cage that you use? Thanks!

[@ShaneBethlehem]

That's quite the challenge, it'll be tricky because by the time you get enough light you might take away the fact that it looks like you're shooting at night. It would take some trial and error for myself at least to find the solution that works best. That 15 mm wide-angle is extremely difficult to work with depending on your subject, it certainly would have a nice increased depth of field but by the time you get the camera that close to the subject you end up riding into issues with how physically close you're getting and a shadow cast by the camera you're using. I believe the cage that I used in this video has been discontinued but it's one made by small rake for the a7iii, I've purchased a couple cages from them and have never had an issue. The small light I used in this video is the apurture f7, I like the light but I don't know if it necessarily will have enough output for your situation, but at the price point it's at it's worth trying I think. I hope some of that helps 😊

[@lukeang5615]

@@ShaneBethlehem thanks so much for yout detailed reply! I dropped a sub to your channel.

[@MissDanielleDawn]

I’ve been working on getting videos of birds using 120fps (250ss) and about F10. The light was really good so low ISO. Used FULL mode on the side of the lens since I was about 2 foot away from the birds. I used AF and the footage is still out of focus. What could I be doing wrong?

[@ShaneBethlehem]

It sounds like you had all your settings correct most likely it just was the autofocus on the camera, when you're in a situation where you're shooting slow-mo depending on the response time of the autofocus it can just be finicky. My best recommendation would probably to try using manual focus with focus peaking if you can while you're on a tripod, and depending on what camera you're using if you're using autofocus you can either try really cranking up the response time on your autofocus or taking the opposite approach and slowing it down a tonne. In my experience it's just trial and error and I often flip-flop between using autofocus or manual focus when shooting wildlife.

[@MissDanielleDawn]

@@ShaneBethlehem thank you !

[@josephsee2425]

For anyone wanting to get into this for less I'd recommend a look at the Olympus Tg series cameras. They are compact, waterproof, with a zoom that can focus right in front of the lens right out of the box. With enough light they work well solo, otherwise you pop them onto a flash bracket with one or two light panels. The close ups here were taken with this setup kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3enapqwq692isU

[@850Tech]

Moral of the story " Macro Videography is expensive 😂😂😂😂"

[@ShaneBethlehem]

Ha, you are not wrong, and its getting more expensive it seems every year!

[@foxy2348]

Yeaa man. Damn im a filmmaker planning to start a youtube channel with makro components and daaamn money is gatekeeping. Haha