Equipment like this is a perfect example of an old adage. Better equipment doesn't allow you to take better photos, it allows good photographers to take good photos more easily. You talk about how using this lens feels like cheating. From my perspective I just see a great photographer demonstrating his skill with all limitations lifted. Your work inspires me a lot!
One good thing about you is that you truly prove it is not about the gear. You use an old Pentax camera and third party lenses but your images stand head and shoulders above most others. It does show that there is no substitute for skill.
I have watched this video several times...Finally got the Laowa 100mm and it did not disappoint...Man this lens is sharp!! Thanks for the great video Thomas.
Thank you for sharing your appreciation for this lens and the tiny world at your feet. I'm very anxious to try it out, even knowing I won't be getting the images that you do, it may work to get me closer to my subjects. Thumbs UP and I wish you all the best. Every bee hive seems to have its own resident jumping spider, so I have lots of access to them.
I recently bought the Laowa 100mm f2.8 & absolutely love it! The quality of the build is excellent. I shoot mine on a Canon EOS R with the EF adapter. I can't say enough good things about the Laowa.
Best video yet! I've been envious of your photography skill in the past, but now as someone who has had to do online instruction due to the pandemic, I'm envious of your on-screen presence.
the video is such a joy to watch. The silence of the woods. The slow walk, when looking for little critters is something i do as well. Still waiting on my laowa 100. Thanks for sharing such wonderful images. Greetings from Austria
Fabulous video Thomas. You may not think your macro photography has improved, but let me say these images in this video are the best macro images of their type I have ever seen. By their type, I mean field macro photographs, of inverts, usually in situ. Top class mastery of lighting. This is exactly how I envisaged perfect lighting when I set out on the odyssey to trying to improve one the horrible specular highlights, which used to be the norm in macro flash photography. Not only was it distracting, but you couldn't see the texture and features of the inverts very well. Great clarity, along with top class framing and composition. And of course the real secret of macro photography, perfect placement of the plane of focus relative to the subject. Lovely colours and perfect processing. I've been thinking about getting this lens. Not been getting too much with the MP-E 65mm lately. Probably old age and not finding it so easy to get into all the awkward spots, but could do with more magnification than your average 1:1 macro lens. I use the Canon 100mm L IS a lot. It's a nice sharp lens, but unfortunately suffers from bad LoCA, so you can get this weird fringing on out of focus elements, that is difficult to get rid of.
Thanks Stephen! Thanks as always for the kind words and support, I appreciate it! I've used the MPE and Canon 100mm quite a bit in the past for work - fine lenses in their own right and I'd probably have them if I was a Canon-user. Having infinity focus + 2x magnification is a real nice combo though for field-use and I'd be lost without it now!
I've seen multiple reviews of this lens. It clearly is superb. On my short list of future acquisitions. Coupled with Thomas's absolute genius for stunning macro images, and gentle humility: a beautiful combination.
Love IT!!! Ordering one for myself.. Thank you Thomas you have been so informative, great and beautiful video, all freshen up now seeing the green and all the great macro / micro pics you have shared.. .Thank you so much for sharing this .!
This lens is an absolute bargain at a mere $449, and even though I'm happy with my Canon 100mm f/2.8 I am sorely tempted to get one. Fantastic photos as usual Thomas, and I never tire of jumping spiders.
It sure does look good. I have the Sigma 70mm macro, which is fantastic, but is limited to 1:1. It does have autofocus and such though. The 2:1 the Laowa offers looks great and makes it super tempting.
Just Wow ! My L-Mount version of this lens arrives tomorrow and I stumbled across your channel while refreshing my mind about the lens (ordered last August !). such beautiful images - thanks for sharing.
Shooting 100mm at 2:1 magnification at 1/100? Are you a robot? That is incredible steadyness. I can barely do a 60mm at 1:1 at that speed. Thanks for the video Mr. Shahan. I love results you get with older, cheaper gear and some creative setups. Also, Kudos to Laowa for getting you a Pentax mount!
The main illumination is from a flash with a short enough duration to freeze subject motion. A shutter duration of 1/100 was enough to prevent the background from exposing as black. Well diffused flash lighting is one of the key elements to great insect macro photography, as displayed by one of the masters here.
The other great technique he is using, is resting his hand against the lens. So when the camera moves, his hand and the spider follow right in step. It is like the spider is sitting on the glass when you do this.
@@bewbtewb As David Reece describes, another useful technique is to hold the insect's 'perch' in your left hand, then rest the lens against that hand and make tiny adjustment to focus the subject by flexing that connection.
Thanks for a fantastic review of this fantastic lens. I’ve had my eye on a few macro lenses but this one looks like a definite candidate for my Christmas wish list.
I have this lens too, its soo much fun and quite easy to use. Fieldtrips to the woods have increased by 1000%. Also had alot of fun in a toymuseum and Märklin exhibit.
I was having trouble choosing between the 7artisans macro and the meike macro lenses to photograph my jumping spiders... I think you solidified my choice to go with this Laowa 100mm 2x. Stunning photos!
@@d.k.1394 What does it matter if its such a great lens, If thats all you have to do to keep some money getting in, youtube doesnt pay that well at 68k subs
Always such a great pleasure watching these behind the scenes videos. Thanks for sharing Thomas. I’m itching to go out and shoot now. If only we weren’t still in lockdown here :(
Wow, I didn't think I was into macro photography until RUclips made me stumble upon your video! The colours of the compound eyes have totally hooked me! I need to take a picture like yours at all costs.
Thank you Thomas, after much research I had kind of plumped for this lens for my beautiful ladies birthday present. Having watched you creating such sublime photography with it, it's a no-brainer. Canny move by Venus Optics, gifting the gifted of this world with the lens, to hopefully inspire and motivate mere mortals into aspiring for equal greatness.
I wish I could have a steady hand like he has,,, My hands have more shake ... than Jerry Lee Lewis lol. Beautiful MACRO, I have only used my Laowa 100mm in my studio. After looking at your photos, I guess I need to try some outdoor things> THANKS
Hi Thomas. Your macro images are stunning! I started testing the Laowa 100 f/2.8 Ultra-Macro for the Nikon Z mount, and have a question please...How do you achieve pin sharp focus exactly where you want it?? On my Laowa, while it IS indeed razor sharp when I DO achieve optimal focus, I find that the focus ring "throw" is quite small/short, meaning that even a very small turn results in the focus point moving closer or further on the subject! I find that it takes several attempt, with super-fine rotation of the focus ring, before I achieve what I feel is optimal focus/sharpness. Thank you sir, and again, your images are superb!! Regards, SteveTQP
Amazing work Thomas! Your results with this lens are spectacular and have convinced me to by the 100 2x. They remind me of what I would (very rarely) achieve with the Canon MP-E 65mm - which was such a pain to use it put me off macro!
Beautiful images. I recently purchased a 60mm Laowa 2:1. It is great. But the lack of aperture coupling to my Nikon makes focusing at f11 or f16 tricky.
Yikes, I gasped at 1:17 eek! Top-notch images as always, and it's awesome that they put your name on the lens. Your woodlands look very similar to ours but I tend to stay out of them in the summer months, so hot and full of mosquitos LOL But, now I want to go!
Very nice video, thank you. As I am just in the process of looking for macro lens, was about to purchase Pentax 100mm 2.8 1:1, I went immediately to Laowa web site. The price for other mounts is competitive, but the pentax is not available as of now. They didn't mention the timeline of the pentax release by any chance? Thank you.
Thank a lot Thomas! Like ever, your videos are so nice and clear. i have been considering this lens to grow up my gear, over the MP-E 65 mm that is only a macro lens. After seeing your video, all my doubts were clarified. It's definitely a must-have lens. Thank a lot Thomas! I hope we can share a macro travel in Colombia some day! You have a friend here!! Best regards
This video is a piece of art 😲, thanks! If you happen to see my comment I'm wondering when you list 2:1 f/11 do you mean the aperture reading marked on the lens or the actual aperture? Do I remeber correctly that with this lens at f/11 marking at 2:1 the actual aperture is f/33? Derived from: f = f x (1 + magnification).
Looks like an amazing starting lens for me for macro. Definitely exceeds my expectations in terms of quality for the cost. I bought one today. Hoping it works well for me. I’m gunna grab a flash and a diffuser too.
3 года назад
For a while I've been thinking about buying this lens and your video just convinced me about it. My only problem is you make its use look so easy and it's not that easy for sure. :D
Those spiders are simply beautiful, I love the fact that you know your subjects, well a lot about them is what I mean! This lens looks pretty cool, mind you-you are a very good photographer, well, very very good tbf! So I’ve started to take notice of what’s around me close up when out landscape shooting and shooting closeups with my Panasonic 24-105 which has some macro credentials, although I’ve also invested in a Nisi macro filter which I’m absolutely loving as its ligh5 and easy to attach and detach. Those shots are incredible btw, so lovely because they’re taken in nature garden and not pinheaded. For that reason I’m now a subscriber, got a feeling I may just learn a lot from you! 👏📸
Great, was hoping to see your thoughts on that one, I'm waiting on the 50mm 2x for m43 and also thinking I'll feel spoiled by the auto aperture, but after all those years we deserve it lol
Spider sex doesn't look as much fun as I imagined :)). Gorgeous photos and what a lens! So interesting to see your setup. I have fantasised about doing macro photography, but have really never looked into it. I always thought you needed a tripod and always wondered how you could get the shot without the insect moving away. Now I know, a steady hand is all you need and a steady hand I have so, yay!
Damn, now that they added the aperture coupling there is now a new lens on my list to get. 2x, good working distance, coupled aperture now I just need a little money.
And then I watched the video and you DID film some Turtles! Weird lol. I would love to become a photographer, but just cannot afford it right now. I used my first camera (a Kodak I think) when I was a 1 year old😮 and have been fascinated with the art ever since. A great video with loads of helpful info. Thank you💚
Equipment like this is a perfect example of an old adage.
Better equipment doesn't allow you to take better photos, it allows good photographers to take good photos more easily.
You talk about how using this lens feels like cheating. From my perspective I just see a great photographer demonstrating his skill with all limitations lifted.
Your work inspires me a lot!
Because of your videos, I was encouraged to buy my first professional camera, now saving for my first macro lens. Greetings from Mexico.
Great to hear - thank you Sergio!
I have absolutely no use for this lens atm but this video makes me want to purchase it. This is beautiful and a must have…just because this video.
I think I can easily say this the best review of a product I have ever seen. I envy your calmness.
Beautiful photos. Beautiful video footage. 👍
Thanks Micael!
Incredible - stacking with free handed shots, what a steady hand
1/100s exposure freehand macro is wizardry.
I am one of your biggest fan...love your work sir
David Attenborough would be proud of this. Well done.
One good thing about you is that you truly prove it is not about the gear. You use an old Pentax camera and third party lenses but your images stand head and shoulders above most others. It does show that there is no substitute for skill.
Nice work! Impressive! Just bought one of these 2nd hand.
Wow I will get this lens for sure
Amazing. A very relaxing and informative experience - beautiful pictures, soothing voice, lovely music, factual review, zen bushland ... really, really good. 😀😀
What a beautiful set of photos! I would like to know how you stack pictures hand held. Thanks for sharing 😀
I have watched this video several times...Finally got the Laowa 100mm and it did not disappoint...Man this lens is sharp!! Thanks for the great video Thomas.
Incredible set of photos.
Great work, supreme talent.
WOW, Superb video.
Magnificent shots!
Thank you for sharing your appreciation for this lens and the tiny world at your feet. I'm very anxious to try it out, even knowing I won't be getting the images that you do, it may work to get me closer to my subjects. Thumbs UP and I wish you all the best. Every bee hive seems to have its own resident jumping spider, so I have lots of access to them.
Love your photos and sharing sir!
What lovely place and effort to take shots incredible iam being still watching this
I recently bought the Laowa 100mm f2.8 & absolutely love it! The quality of the build is excellent. I shoot mine on a Canon EOS R with the EF adapter. I can't say enough good things about the Laowa.
Post some pics
It's always a joy to watch your videos!
Thank's for all! (Especially for the impact you made on my photography years ago!)
Beautiful! Wow! Thanks!
Not the usual content I watch but really enjoyed this and subscribed!
Best video yet! I've been envious of your photography skill in the past, but now as someone who has had to do online instruction due to the pandemic, I'm envious of your on-screen presence.
What a great presentation! Thank you! Just got the lens today and can’t wait to use it!
I came to see a review of a Laowa lens... and yet here I am watching a nature documentary. What an unexpected delight. Thank you!!
the video is such a joy to watch. The silence of the woods. The slow walk, when looking for little critters is something i do as well. Still waiting on my laowa 100. Thanks for sharing such wonderful images. Greetings from Austria
Amazing job!
Remarkable photography. Thanks for the video.
Fabulous video Thomas. You may not think your macro photography has improved, but let me say these images in this video are the best macro images of their type I have ever seen. By their type, I mean field macro photographs, of inverts, usually in situ. Top class mastery of lighting. This is exactly how I envisaged perfect lighting when I set out on the odyssey to trying to improve one the horrible specular highlights, which used to be the norm in macro flash photography. Not only was it distracting, but you couldn't see the texture and features of the inverts very well. Great clarity, along with top class framing and composition. And of course the real secret of macro photography, perfect placement of the plane of focus relative to the subject. Lovely colours and perfect processing.
I've been thinking about getting this lens. Not been getting too much with the MP-E 65mm lately. Probably old age and not finding it so easy to get into all the awkward spots, but could do with more magnification than your average 1:1 macro lens. I use the Canon 100mm L IS a lot. It's a nice sharp lens, but unfortunately suffers from bad LoCA, so you can get this weird fringing on out of focus elements, that is difficult to get rid of.
Thanks Stephen! Thanks as always for the kind words and support, I appreciate it!
I've used the MPE and Canon 100mm quite a bit in the past for work - fine lenses in their own right and I'd probably have them if I was a Canon-user. Having infinity focus + 2x magnification is a real nice combo though for field-use and I'd be lost without it now!
Gorgeous! Thank you
Spiders are amazing animals! I love them so much! Thanks for nice photos
I have bought this lens, but still can’t skip any of your videos. As always, incredible work!
I've seen multiple reviews of this lens. It clearly is superb. On my short list of future acquisitions. Coupled with Thomas's absolute genius for stunning macro images, and gentle humility: a beautiful combination.
Love what you do, and how you do it your way -regardless of the tools you have tried all along. You are truly talented.
What a lovely video, full of amazing shots and pleasant, gentle narration. Thanks a lot!
Love IT!!! Ordering one for myself.. Thank you Thomas you have been so informative, great and beautiful video, all freshen up now seeing the green and all the great macro / micro pics you have shared.. .Thank you so much for sharing this .!
OMG, that springtail on that weevil's head was just amazing.
your videos are perfect, i am very grateful to have access to such good content, it inspires me too much, thanks
A privilege to have your name on the lens.
Thank for making this video! I ordered the lens today. I am amazed that you hold a spider on your skin!
Always a treat to receive notification that you’ve uploaded video. Lens looks like it’s something I should consider!
This lens is an absolute bargain at a mere $449, and even though I'm happy with my Canon 100mm f/2.8 I am sorely tempted to get one. Fantastic photos as usual Thomas, and I never tire of jumping spiders.
It sure does look good. I have the Sigma 70mm macro, which is fantastic, but is limited to 1:1. It does have autofocus and such though. The 2:1 the Laowa offers looks great and makes it super tempting.
WOW... what a beauty and relaxing video.
Ого, именной объектив! Круто!
Beautiful 😍
This is my dream macro lens.🔥 Such a calm and relaxing video as always..👍
Videos so good I have to watch them twice. Please keep it up!
The pics look great. The lens may be relatively expensive, but for something that gives you years of satisfaction it is a bargain
Absolutely enjoyed this video. Great photos and nicely narrated. 👍👍👍
Stunningly beautiful images
This is amazing!!!
Incredible, incredible work! You are gifted in this art
Fantastic work!
Just Wow ! My L-Mount version of this lens arrives tomorrow and I stumbled across your channel while refreshing my mind about the lens (ordered last August !). such beautiful images - thanks for sharing.
Most relaxing and informative video ever! I need this lens now and looking forward to more videos like these from you 💚
This was amazing, Thomas! Great work with the lens. I've been wanting to try this lens since using their probe lens for filming wildlife.
Great video and review as always :)
Thanks Stewart!
Shooting 100mm at 2:1 magnification at 1/100? Are you a robot? That is incredible steadyness. I can barely do a 60mm at 1:1 at that speed. Thanks for the video Mr. Shahan. I love results you get with older, cheaper gear and some creative setups. Also, Kudos to Laowa for getting you a Pentax mount!
The main illumination is from a flash with a short enough duration to freeze subject motion. A shutter duration of 1/100 was enough to prevent the background from exposing as black. Well diffused flash lighting is one of the key elements to great insect macro photography, as displayed by one of the masters here.
@@rogeryoung3587 Good call. I'm rookie at macro work, didn't even consider the short flash duration. Thanks for the education.
The other great technique he is using, is resting his hand against the lens. So when the camera moves, his hand and the spider follow right in step. It is like the spider is sitting on the glass when you do this.
Seriously I still can’t imagine getting sharp shots handheld. Still working on my technique.
@@bewbtewb As David Reece describes, another useful technique is to hold the insect's 'perch' in your left hand, then rest the lens against that hand and make tiny adjustment to focus the subject by flexing that connection.
Beautiful work as always
Thanks for a fantastic review of this fantastic lens. I’ve had my eye on a few macro lenses but this one looks like a definite candidate for my Christmas wish list.
luv the shots w/ your reflection in the arachnid's eyes. thank you for this channel!
Stunning stuff. FANTASTIC
Incredibly beautiful photos and loved the way you've put the video together: slow-paced and calming, just like a walk in the forest.
Thank you Thomas Shahan! I love closeup, You're my Coach!
Tell me please, what is a music in this video?
Thank you Oleh! Music is my own - no name!
@@terser Very nice music 🎼🎵
I have this lens too, its soo much fun and quite easy to use.
Fieldtrips to the woods have increased by 1000%.
Also had alot of fun in a toymuseum and Märklin exhibit.
I was having trouble choosing between the 7artisans macro and the meike macro lenses to photograph my jumping spiders... I think you solidified my choice to go with this Laowa 100mm 2x. Stunning photos!
smart move, Laowa. He just sold this lens.
Yes...he sold out
@@d.k.1394 What does it matter if its such a great lens, If thats all you have to do to keep some money getting in, youtube doesnt pay that
well at 68k subs
@@MP1MP1MP ok
Always such a great pleasure watching these behind the scenes videos. Thanks for sharing Thomas. I’m itching to go out and shoot now. If only we weren’t still in lockdown here :(
Are u in vic
@@d.k.1394 yep, in Melbourne
@@JordanDeanFilms I thought so, we are just out of it now!
Your diffuser is wonderful.
Wow, I didn't think I was into macro photography until RUclips made me stumble upon your video! The colours of the compound eyes have totally hooked me! I need to take a picture like yours at all costs.
fabulous
WooooOOW ! 56*/3 Thank you Thomas, so beautiful! (Thanks Venus Optics for the clever move & acknowledgement)
Always enjoyed your videos
THANKS A LOT! Awesome movie, really nice work.
Nice relaxing video. I was looking for a new lens 👌
wow that laowa is a rockin lense- wish i had known about this lense earlier- very impressive-
Thank you Thomas, after much research I had kind of plumped for this lens for my beautiful ladies birthday present.
Having watched you creating such sublime photography with it, it's a no-brainer.
Canny move by Venus Optics, gifting the gifted of this world with the lens, to hopefully inspire and motivate mere mortals into aspiring for equal greatness.
I wish I could have a steady hand like he has,,, My hands have more shake ... than Jerry Lee Lewis lol. Beautiful MACRO, I have only used my Laowa 100mm in my studio. After looking at your photos, I guess I need to try some outdoor things> THANKS
Great video!!
Hi Thomas. Your macro images are stunning! I started testing the Laowa 100 f/2.8 Ultra-Macro for the Nikon Z mount, and have a question please...How do you achieve pin sharp focus exactly where you want it?? On my Laowa, while it IS indeed razor sharp when I DO achieve optimal focus, I find that the focus ring "throw" is quite small/short, meaning that even a very small turn results in the focus point moving closer or further on the subject! I find that it takes several attempt, with super-fine rotation of the focus ring, before I achieve what I feel is optimal focus/sharpness. Thank you sir, and again, your images are superb!! Regards, SteveTQP
I have this lens, and while I'm nothing like as good as Thomas, I love it, and it's even replaced my Tokina 100mm 2.8 as my go-to macro
How it compares to the Tamron 90mm?
Answer him!
Amazing work Thomas! Your results with this lens are spectacular and have convinced me to by the 100 2x. They remind me of what I would (very rarely) achieve with the Canon MP-E 65mm - which was such a pain to use it put me off macro!
Beautiful images. I recently purchased a 60mm Laowa 2:1. It is great. But the lack of aperture coupling to my Nikon makes focusing at f11 or f16 tricky.
Yikes, I gasped at 1:17 eek! Top-notch images as always, and it's awesome that they put your name on the lens. Your woodlands look very similar to ours but I tend to stay out of them in the summer months, so hot and full of mosquitos LOL But, now I want to go!
Thanks Liesl! Woodlands are the best! This video is the product of a summer full of poison ivy rashes, ticks, mosquito bites, horse-flies...
I have the 65mm version for fuji and love it.
Nice! Considering Fuji if/when I have to leave Pentax
Thanks!
Very nice video, thank you. As I am just in the process of looking for macro lens, was about to purchase Pentax 100mm 2.8 1:1, I went immediately to Laowa web site. The price for other mounts is competitive, but the pentax is not available as of now. They didn't mention the timeline of the pentax release by any chance? Thank you.
I to have been waiting for a Pentax mount as I prefer doing macro with my K1ii over my Sony A7Riv but noticed there is no K mount option.
Thank a lot Thomas! Like ever, your videos are so nice and clear. i have been considering this lens to grow up my gear, over the MP-E 65 mm that is only a macro lens. After seeing your video, all my doubts were clarified. It's definitely a must-have lens.
Thank a lot Thomas! I hope we can share a macro travel in Colombia some day! You have a friend here!!
Best regards
This video is a piece of art 😲, thanks!
If you happen to see my comment I'm wondering when you list 2:1 f/11 do you mean the aperture reading marked on the lens or the actual aperture? Do I remeber correctly that with this lens at f/11 marking at 2:1 the actual aperture is f/33? Derived from: f = f x (1 + magnification).
Nice photos. What program you use for the ken burns effect?
Looks like an amazing starting lens for me for macro. Definitely exceeds my expectations in terms of quality for the cost. I bought one today. Hoping it works well for me. I’m gunna grab a flash and a diffuser too.
For a while I've been thinking about buying this lens and your video just convinced me about it. My only problem is you make its use look so easy and it's not that easy for sure. :D
Those spiders are simply beautiful, I love the fact that you know your subjects, well a lot about them is what I mean! This lens looks pretty cool, mind you-you are a very good photographer, well, very very good tbf! So I’ve started to take notice of what’s around me close up when out landscape shooting and shooting closeups with my Panasonic 24-105 which has some macro credentials, although I’ve also invested in a Nisi macro filter which I’m absolutely loving as its ligh5 and easy to attach and detach. Those shots are incredible btw, so lovely because they’re taken in nature garden and not pinheaded. For that reason I’m now a subscriber, got a feeling I may just learn a lot from you! 👏📸
Great, was hoping to see your thoughts on that one, I'm waiting on the 50mm 2x for m43 and also thinking I'll feel spoiled by the auto aperture, but after all those years we deserve it lol
Thanks! More and more tempted by little MFT systems all the time...
Love this lens and my Pentax but they're so HEAVY with the twin flash and all...
Spider sex doesn't look as much fun as I imagined :)). Gorgeous photos and what a lens! So interesting to see your setup. I have fantasised about doing macro photography, but have really never looked into it. I always thought you needed a tripod and always wondered how you could get the shot without the insect moving away. Now I know, a steady hand is all you need and a steady hand I have so, yay!
Damn, now that they added the aperture coupling there is now a new lens on my list to get. 2x, good working distance, coupled aperture now I just need a little money.
And then I watched the video and you DID film some Turtles! Weird lol. I would love to become a photographer, but just cannot afford it right now. I used my first camera (a Kodak I think) when I was a 1 year old😮 and have been fascinated with the art ever since. A great video with loads of helpful info. Thank you💚