There are a lot of interesting macro lenses, even older ones, such as the Nikkor 105mm f2.8 Micro AIS, even though it's only a 1:2 magnification (and hence not a true macro lens). Add an extension tube, and you'll get there. That's the beauty of macro photography, while you definitely can spend a lot of money, there are enough cheap and great options, allowing anyone to get into it. One thing I missed a bit in this video, is talking about what kind of macro photography the various lenses could be good for. As in, why and when would you pick the Laowa 15mm f4 macro over the 100mm f2.8 lens, just as an example.
As one of the most famous Nikon fans and long term nicknamed the Nikon guy on UA-cam, you didn't do Nikon micro justice in this episode. Nikon has long produced some of the best macro lens. Ais55mm af60mm af70-180mm macro, af micro 200f4 ed-if. Even dx 40mm isn't half bad. Nikon knows two things their long prime lens their micro lenses. F mount also has the legendary Voigtlander 125mm F2.5, ZF100 makro although at 1:2. I bet they are a cut above those new Chinese Korean offerings in terms of image quality.
I had the laowa 100mm and the Sony 90mm. Didn't care too much for them. I recently bought the sigma 105mm and it is absolutely amazing. Extremely sharp.
On a full frame sensor (24 MP or along these lines) the Laowa ultra macro is showing diffraction softening at f/5.6 at 5x because its effective aperture is f/33.6 so having f/16 is already overkill with effective aperture between f/56 (2.5x) and f/96 (5x) that's why it is a trap to tell people, especially beginer macro shooters, to stop down as they like it because their images won't be sharp. Diffracion softening starts at even wider apertures on smaller sensors (or very high resolution full frame ones like the Sony A7RIV) like f/16 with a sensor of crop factor of 1.5x instead of f/32 with the FF sensor.
Yes, you don't want to use very small apertures, e.g. f/22, f/32, because of diffraction, so there's no disadvantage to a lens that only stops down to f/16-22. Focus stack instead.
Maybe I missed it, but you didn't mention that a lens+extensiontube combo will not allow one to focus to infinity (Maybe there are exceptions). Very good rundown of available glass. Though for a budget shooter like me, extension tubes seem to be the far more balanced option (great results with the right lens pairings for the price of a piece of aluminium frankly). Cheers
A couple of things I would highlight to people wanting to do macro if they are a Sony shooter. Old macro lenses are super cheap. My Mrs loves her Canon 50mm FD F3.5 lens for macro. It is small and relatively light. She uses it on her Sony APS-C with an adapter during wildflower season here in CA. It was about $100. I have heard that the Nikkor AIS F2.8 Micro is one of the sharpest lenses ever. I actually wish I had bought that one for her (bought a Nikon film camera later - so would be nice to use it on that). It's around the same price. The 50 / 55mm tends to work well for APS-C because it fits the form factor well and gives you a good working distance once you take into account the crop factor. If you are looking for Macro for Sony Full Frame... the one Matt does not have is there is the 90mm F2.8 G. It is a truly amazing lens, super sharp, and much better working distance for full-frame - but is heavy! It also a pretty good portrait lens (although it is so sharp it can be a little unflattering by showing all the pores in someone's skin). Recently though I have found that I just use my 100-400mm GM. It has a surprisingly short minimum focus distance and I carry it hiking with me anyway (may even get an extension tube). I am thinking I may just sell the 90mm as I rarely want to carry the 100-400 and the 90mm on a hike.
I have bought the laowa 100mm during this quarantine to take photos of my watches and I absolutely love it, I wanted to pull the trigger since you did your first hands on more than a year ago!
For people interested in ultra wide macro check photos by Kurt Orion Mystery, Jasmine Vink, and few others. That Laowa 15mm Macro is extremely tricky lens to use(I shot few wide angles of Hump noses pit viper with that lens) but at the same time very much highly recomended by Herping community. Edit: there is such a thing as effective aperture associated with Mag ratio. Also Diffraction which creeps in much quicker at High mag ratios due to smaller effective apertures.
I rarely go over f.4 on my laowa 25mm 2.5-5x due to the rapid loss of detail when using high magnification. I use my lens for some of my focus stacks and sometimes I even play around with my nikon 10x microcope objective :D
4 роки тому+12
As a Canon Macro shooter I miss the mighty Canon MP-E65mm 1-5x Macro in a "Guide to Macro Lenses". Also, the focus on focus rings feels a bit weird. For video it is one thing, but when you're using a lens for photos at greater than 1:1 magnification, you're not going to bother finding the focus by turning the focus ring. You move yourself (and the camera) ever so slightly closer or further away and take the shot when the correct part of the subject is in focus.
Surprised you didn’t mention the bellows method. It’s not for everyone, but it does have a compelling case use, and there are many “used” bellows at bargain prices. Great video! Thanks.
I love my Olympus 60mm Macro 1:1. Many want to hit on what M43 doesn't do well. Reproduction and DoF is double to Full Frame equivalent. The 60mm Macro 1:1 also has a three position limiter and a quick switch to 1:1 focus.
Great point about m43. Takes you much closer to start with over full frame and crop with the same lens option. The olympus 60mm macro is also a super option.
Hey Matt - right up my street - again - I use all 3 of the Irix Cine lenses - I've been a pro for 30 odd yrs - commercial and fashion - studio operator now retired but still have the creative buzz - I now do close ups of cut flowers (Lilies etc) in B+W (backlit) and 'scapes' for dare I say it 'fine art prints for sale'!! Yeah I know; but the reason I went for the Cine versions (11, 45, 150) mounted to a Sony A7RIv is:-. 1). I can use a follow focus on the 150 - even with a macro rail focus is critical - even with the Sony A7RIV - *** and focus stacking and HDR and 9 frames stitched and well you got this far you may as well pixel shift as well - takes time ***- but boy is it worth it - printing onto Giclee and French paper is a sight to behold and I used to print Cibachromes from Scala!!!!!! 2). Consistency in all 3 lenses. Same size fronts and stuff - 3). They look epic - sorry but they just do 4). Price. 5) Their regular lenses are not available in Sony E Mount 6). I have manual aperture control - on the lens where I use another remote FF to control that too. I sold my GFX 50S kit and it paid for the whole thing!!!!! Kept the Broncolor lights as consistency of light is crucial here One is very happy *** I don't actually do any of that in reality except the pixel shift which is a truly wondrous thing Stay safe - keep posting - we all need you now.
For sufficient working room and effectively perfect optics, Canon and Nikon have 180/200mm pro macro lenses which are unsurpassed for macro work. Also, I like that you included the extension tubes, I was hoping you would.
For amateurs looking for creative ideas, don't count out some of the new phones. I was pleasantly surprised by my Iphone 11, it's got a surprisingly close focus and DOF. You need a tripod mount for the phone, and excellent light. The result is far less expensive than any dedicated macro lens, and better than any of my conventional non-macro Canon glass. The wide angle view from a phone up close feels more realistic compared to longer glass. I tried using extenders to get closer with my canon L lenses, but I found the lens ended up so close it was difficult to light the subject. As technology allows pixel count to rise in tiny sensors, some of the old yardsticks regarding sensor size and image quality can be eclipsed. I've also tried digiscoping with a dissecting microscope and a phone held a phone mount, with similar results.
I just ordered mine. Waiting anxiously for it to come in the mail. I was hoping he would go over it. Have you tried a achromatic close up on it? I'm curious if that would work.
I bought a used Micro Nikkor 55mm F3.5 manual lens and a Nikon F to Micro 4/3 adapter to fill my needs for a macro lens on my G85 camera. Without the matching extension ring (which I don't have) this lens give a 1:2 ratio on a FF sensor, on M4/3 with the 2:1 crop factor the lens will give 1:1. It's still a close focus at times, maybe I'll look for a 105mm F4 Micro Nikkor lens. I don't need the newer faster versions of the old Micro Nikkor as I'll be using them stopped down most of the time, and these lenses go to F32.
Interesting look at different possibilities in macro lenses. Since I came from the Minolta and then Sony A mount before converting to the E mount, I still use my old Minolta AF 100mm f/2.8-32 D Macro with the LA-EA3 adapter. I could use the LA-EA4 to use autofocus, but at 1:1, your not going to autofocus anyway. These lenses, in good condition, still sell for up to $500.
I’m a canon snob, and was really impressed by the Laowa lenses. Excellent construction and image quality. I find them very similar with no noticeable image degradation compared to canon
A few things, first of using a macro tube, belows or just increasing the magnification on your 5x macro lens DOES reduce the amount of light. The light that your lens gathers doesn't change but the image gets projected larger resulting in part of the picture the lens creates to fall outside of your sensor and that light is not going to be of any use to you. ;) Secondly, I missed the teleconverter in this video. A teleconverter increases your focal range without reducing your minimum focus distance and thus giving you a larger magnification.
55mm 2.8 ais macro lens which is very durable and sharp. Not 1 to 1 but a useful general purpose lens. I use it for flower photography and portraits. It's all metal construction is ideal in the field. I use it on my Nikon FE and on my Nikon D300s.
Thankyou for this amazing video. It's the first one I found showing what the closest focus is on these lenses :) I am currently using a 55 - 250 EFS Lense reversed with one of those cable connectors on my 5D for my first experiments with Macro photography.
I bought a used Nikkor Ai-S 55/2.8 Micro and it's extension tube for my D7200. Wanted a true macro lens and something that would double as intro to portrait lens. I had bought a set of macro tubes previously, but they didn't really suit the lenses I have. (Even the 55mm is a bit close at min focus) But they do let me go beyond 1:1 with both the 55mm and the 35mm DX lens I have.
Hi Matt, great T-shirt, Nippon Kogaku, but no Nikkor micro lenses? Great 200 Micro Nikkor f4, 105/2,8, 60 2,8, 85 PC Micro Nikkor 2,8D. It would be good to mention them too.
That is exactly what I want to do in a few days. Take lots of photos of my watches and other jewelry and posted here in UA-cam. But I ma fixing the place where I will be working. I am taking some studio stuff and put it away for now. Hope everyone is doing good and let’s share more content to get busy during this difficult times we are up against. Blessings
I have a Z9 and the Z 105 micro. But I hardly ever use that lens. The reason is I also have the Z 100-400 as well as the Z teleconverters. The 2x TC is almost permanently between the lens and body. I shoot wildlife and macro with this setup. It gives near macro at about 0.8 at 1m distance from the subject. It's perfect for Dragonflies etc. I simply can't get close enough to them for good close shots with the 105 micro. They just nick off :)
Hello Matt - I have a question if I may ask. I have a Canon 70D APSC body which I am very happy with, and I am now seriously considering a dedicated macro lens for it. However the ones on offer where I am are all full frame lenses, one is which is the Tamron SP AF 180mm F3.5 Di LD, which I like for its telephoto capability. Given the crop factor of full frame lenses on my APSC body, will this lens work, or will I have to drop back in focal length to get enough of the image on the sensor. Any advice you can give will be welcome! 9:46
Awesome video. A couple of weeks ago I started taking pics/filming insects (beautiful millipedes) in VA, KY, and TN - of course with normal lenses. I now understand much better how these lenses work and will be getting one soon. BTW - your backdrop is part of your "GEAR" but is not listed - any info on that particular backdrop (brand, where to buy)? Thanks.
I really need to invest in a macro lens. I’ve been using those macro extensions and autofocus is spotty. I know making a video comparing the selection of all those macro lenses would be tedious, but I’d watch it.
I have a 90mm and a 50mm True Macro 1:1 and the 90 is indeed a lot better for nature. But I like how the 50mm can be a great little lens to walk around in the city with AND if you see something small still switch into Macro Mode!
This video was really awesome .... I have been watching your videos for quite a long time, I wonder why I didn't subscribed till now. I have subscribed now. Thanks for this wonderful video
Great video! Exactly what I was looking for. I can’t remember the last time I watched all 24:33 of ANY UA-cam video. 😂. Not only was this the info I was looking for but I also use Sony and Nikon stuff. Thank you again!
Something that I wonder about is the combination of Extension Tubes with a Macro Lens like the 105 mm Nikon Z lens. I may expect the focus point to move behind the first glass which will make it useless - but please let me know if I should spend the money on extension tubes if I already have a dedicated macro lens? Thanks in advance... :)
Fascinating at the end such the discussion of extension tubes and adapters. Great video clips at the end. Might have been nice to know the prices involved. Maybe seeing how a long, regular macro like the Sigma 150 or 180 would have no been interesting. Great video!
That probe lens looks fun, but way too much money for something for me to just screw around with. Maybe I’ll rent it one day. What re your thoughts for a Nikon shooter, between the 200mm f4 macro or the sigma 150mm macro, mostly for insects?
It seems to me the definitions of macro and micro have changed since the days of film. My macro Nikkor lens allowed close in focusing following the general definition of macro. My micro Nikkor lens enlarged the subject as with a microscope.
Nice comparison. I wonder why major producers stopped manufacturing 200 mm lenses. Is there any reason? I personally very like my old Sigma 180mm. Better than Nikon 105 mm I guess. Unfortunately Nikon 200 mm is not in production anymore. Why this?
Matt... thanks for this but why no popular and affordable macro lenses..? 105mm macros 55 or 60mm macros How about the undisputed gem the Sigma 150mm f2.8.???
Hi Matt. Great video as always. Quick question if you don't mind. Which Tamron model did you demonstrate please? I've got the G2 SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO for Canon but it's minimum aperture is f32, not f64. With thanks!
Iirc the tamron 90's on the F- mount report effective aperture, since there is loss of light when focusing closer. The true pupil is still a f32 but with one stop of light loss it reports as f64. Not sure whether this is the case on other mounts/systems.
@@ChrisAurora Confirmed. Apparently no known brand of photographic equipment succeded in avoiding what has been recognized as a general law at least for the last 150 years, i.e. about the time when Augustin Fresnel published his integrals and observations on reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference in his "Oeuvres Complétes". I am quite curious to know if you consider acceptable the quality you can obtain with such a small aperture, especially when you shoot at 2:1 or higher ratios. May I suggest to forget about F/32 or f/64 and go for a much wider aperture & focus stacking instead? Or try a quantum camera...
Great video! I wish you had talked a bit more about diffraction, though. Also, I feel like I've heard somewhere that the closer you focus your lens, the less light it will let in? Is that true?
Question. Why macro lenses have appreture as 2.8 and we use 11.0 for taking pictures because of depth of field? Is this not the wist od money and weight? I don't use macro lens for portraits use another maybe 70-200 or so. Any ideas?
I had been a Nikon user for years, now I am FujiFilm. The Fuji 80mm f2.8 is expensive, has any one in this group own one and what do they think of it? Is it worth it's price tag?
Does the A7R IV really crop in 4k? Are you taking APS-C 1.5x crop. Because when I put my a7r iv into video it defaults to a crop, but I have a button for aps-c crop so I press that and I seem to get the full frame.
does it matter if it is 1:1 an 8mm big insect is 8mm on the sensor but when displayed on my 32 inch 4k monitor its way bigger than real life or printed huge the insect gets bigger
Nice one Matt. I even shoot the extension tubes with my Tamron 150-600. To be able to shot with a bigger shoting range. Except the true macro lenses I use, I often schoot with a reverse ring. Works pretty good as well. I demonstrate that in a few video clips if made lately. Thank you for this informative video on macro photography and your demonstration of a few lenses I was looking for. Keep up the good work of the last 8 years that I follow year videos. Stay save and healthy.
Legit question: why were no Canon lenses shown as an option? They have a nice 5:1 ratio MP65. The 100mm is a tack sharp lens too. Or should the title have been "Guide to Macro lenses for Sony and Nikon"? (no, honestly, it would have saved us Canon owners from watching all of this) Great video for those who are Sony and Nikon owners though. Thorough!
Enjoy folks! Links to gear shown:
EXTENSION TUBES
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Lens Mount adapter with Extension
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5X Macro lens
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Sony 50mm 1:1
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Tamron 90mm f2.8 to f64 1:1
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Tokina 100mm 1:1
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Laowa 100mm f2.8 2:1
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Voigtlander 110mm f2.5 1:1
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IRIX 150mm Macro Cine Lens 1:1
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@18:09 In fact, you do loose light by using extension tubes!
Another disadvantage of them is, of course, that you can't focus to infinity anymore.
Also when focused at close distance even without extension tube, the maximum aperture becomes smaller no longer at F2.8 usually down to F4 at 1:1
That'S why I prefer achromatic closeup lenses. They can also give you cool bokeh effects in some situations :D
There are a lot of interesting macro lenses, even older ones, such as the Nikkor 105mm f2.8 Micro AIS, even though it's only a 1:2 magnification (and hence not a true macro lens). Add an extension tube, and you'll get there. That's the beauty of macro photography, while you definitely can spend a lot of money, there are enough cheap and great options, allowing anyone to get into it.
One thing I missed a bit in this video, is talking about what kind of macro photography the various lenses could be good for. As in, why and when would you pick the Laowa 15mm f4 macro over the 100mm f2.8 lens, just as an example.
As one of the most famous Nikon fans and long term nicknamed the Nikon guy on UA-cam, you didn't do Nikon micro justice in this episode. Nikon has long produced some of the best macro lens. Ais55mm af60mm af70-180mm macro, af micro 200f4 ed-if. Even dx 40mm isn't half bad. Nikon knows two things their long prime lens their micro lenses. F mount also has the legendary Voigtlander 125mm F2.5, ZF100 makro although at 1:2. I bet they are a cut above those new Chinese Korean offerings in terms of image quality.
I had the laowa 100mm and the Sony 90mm. Didn't care too much for them. I recently bought the sigma 105mm and it is absolutely amazing. Extremely sharp.
On a full frame sensor (24 MP or along these lines) the Laowa ultra macro is showing diffraction softening at f/5.6 at 5x because its effective aperture is f/33.6 so having f/16 is already overkill with effective aperture between f/56 (2.5x) and f/96 (5x) that's why it is a trap to tell people, especially beginer macro shooters, to stop down as they like it because their images won't be sharp. Diffracion softening starts at even wider apertures on smaller sensors (or very high resolution full frame ones like the Sony A7RIV) like f/16 with a sensor of crop factor of 1.5x instead of f/32 with the FF sensor.
Yes, you don't want to use very small apertures, e.g. f/22, f/32, because of diffraction, so there's no disadvantage to a lens that only stops down to f/16-22. Focus stack instead.
Correct, my Laowa x5 is always on f4 - stacking for dof.
Maybe I missed it, but you didn't mention that a lens+extensiontube combo will not allow one to focus to infinity (Maybe there are exceptions). Very good rundown of available glass. Though for a budget shooter like me, extension tubes seem to be the far more balanced option (great results with the right lens pairings for the price of a piece of aluminium frankly).
Cheers
A couple of things I would highlight to people wanting to do macro if they are a Sony shooter. Old macro lenses are super cheap. My Mrs loves her Canon 50mm FD F3.5 lens for macro. It is small and relatively light. She uses it on her Sony APS-C with an adapter during wildflower season here in CA. It was about $100. I have heard that the Nikkor AIS F2.8 Micro is one of the sharpest lenses ever. I actually wish I had bought that one for her (bought a Nikon film camera later - so would be nice to use it on that). It's around the same price. The 50 / 55mm tends to work well for APS-C because it fits the form factor well and gives you a good working distance once you take into account the crop factor. If you are looking for Macro for Sony Full Frame... the one Matt does not have is there is the 90mm F2.8 G. It is a truly amazing lens, super sharp, and much better working distance for full-frame - but is heavy! It also a pretty good portrait lens (although it is so sharp it can be a little unflattering by showing all the pores in someone's skin). Recently though I have found that I just use my 100-400mm GM. It has a surprisingly short minimum focus distance and I carry it hiking with me anyway (may even get an extension tube). I am thinking I may just sell the 90mm as I rarely want to carry the 100-400 and the 90mm on a hike.
Watched about 50 videos trying to decide on a macro lens but this is the best and you've helped me end my search. thanks
Glad it was helpful!
What was your final choice?
I have bought the laowa 100mm during this quarantine to take photos of my watches and I absolutely love it, I wanted to pull the trigger since you did your first hands on more than a year ago!
Laowa recently released a 65mm f2.8 2x macro for aps-c. A smaller kit to shoot smaller things sounds about right.
For people interested in ultra wide macro check photos by Kurt Orion Mystery, Jasmine Vink, and few others. That Laowa 15mm Macro is extremely tricky lens to use(I shot few wide angles of Hump noses pit viper with that lens) but at the same time very much highly recomended by Herping community.
Edit: there is such a thing as effective aperture associated with Mag ratio. Also Diffraction which creeps in much quicker at High mag ratios due to smaller effective apertures.
I rarely go over f.4 on my laowa 25mm 2.5-5x due to the rapid loss of detail when using high magnification. I use my lens for some of my focus stacks and sometimes I even play around with my nikon 10x microcope objective :D
As a Canon Macro shooter I miss the mighty Canon MP-E65mm 1-5x Macro in a "Guide to Macro Lenses".
Also, the focus on focus rings feels a bit weird. For video it is one thing, but when you're using a lens for photos at greater than 1:1 magnification, you're not going to bother finding the focus by turning the focus ring. You move yourself (and the camera) ever so slightly closer or further away and take the shot when the correct part of the subject is in focus.
I'm not certain this guy has ever heard of Canon.
I’ve had an old Tokina 100mm macro for years and it’s really surprisingly good, even for regular photography it renders beautifully
Had that for a while. Regret getting rid of it to this day. Have a 105 Nikon and 180 Tamron now.
@@BernardSolomon my dream macro is the Nikkor 200mm micro
Surprised you didn’t mention the bellows method. It’s not for everyone, but it does have a compelling case use, and there are many “used” bellows at bargain prices.
Great video! Thanks.
I love my Olympus 60mm Macro 1:1. Many want to hit on what M43 doesn't do well. Reproduction and DoF is double to Full Frame equivalent. The 60mm Macro 1:1 also has a three position limiter and a quick switch to 1:1 focus.
Great point about m43. Takes you much closer to start with over full frame and crop with the same lens option. The olympus 60mm macro is also a super option.
Hey Matt - right up my street - again - I use all 3 of the Irix Cine lenses - I've been a pro for 30 odd yrs - commercial and fashion - studio operator now retired but still have the creative buzz - I now do close ups of cut flowers (Lilies etc) in B+W (backlit) and 'scapes' for dare I say it 'fine art prints for sale'!! Yeah I know; but the reason I went for the Cine versions (11, 45, 150) mounted to a Sony A7RIv is:-.
1). I can use a follow focus on the 150 - even with a macro rail focus is critical - even with the Sony A7RIV - *** and focus stacking and HDR and 9 frames stitched and well you got this far you may as well pixel shift as well - takes time ***- but boy is it worth it - printing onto Giclee and French paper is a sight to behold and I used to print Cibachromes from Scala!!!!!!
2). Consistency in all 3 lenses. Same size fronts and stuff -
3). They look epic - sorry but they just do
4). Price.
5) Their regular lenses are not available in Sony E Mount
6). I have manual aperture control - on the lens where I use another remote FF to control that too.
I sold my GFX 50S kit and it paid for the whole thing!!!!!
Kept the Broncolor lights as consistency of light is crucial here
One is very happy
*** I don't actually do any of that in reality except the pixel shift which is a truly wondrous thing
Stay safe - keep posting - we all need you now.
For sufficient working room and effectively perfect optics, Canon and Nikon have 180/200mm pro macro lenses which are unsurpassed for macro work. Also, I like that you included the extension tubes, I was hoping you would.
Great for still images, but not so for video.
For amateurs looking for creative ideas, don't count out some of the new phones. I was pleasantly surprised by my Iphone 11, it's got a surprisingly close focus and DOF. You need a tripod mount for the phone, and excellent light. The result is far less expensive than any dedicated macro lens, and better than any of my conventional non-macro Canon glass. The wide angle view from a phone up close feels more realistic compared to longer glass. I tried using extenders to get closer with my canon L lenses, but I found the lens ended up so close it was difficult to light the subject. As technology allows pixel count to rise in tiny sensors, some of the old yardsticks regarding sensor size and image quality can be eclipsed. I've also tried digiscoping with a dissecting microscope and a phone held a phone mount, with similar results.
Also, SONY's G 90mm Macro is a phenomenal macro lens, and is one of the sharpest, best designed lenses I have ever used.
Good compare. Thanks Matt. My own fave is Sony 90 f2.8 macro. I’ve also tried extension rings with it but DOF is razor thin.
I just ordered mine. Waiting anxiously for it to come in the mail. I was hoping he would go over it. Have you tried a achromatic close up on it? I'm curious if that would work.
I hear it's super sharp though.
I bought a used Micro Nikkor 55mm F3.5 manual lens and a Nikon F to Micro 4/3 adapter to fill my needs for a macro lens on my G85 camera. Without the matching extension ring (which I don't have) this lens give a 1:2 ratio on a FF sensor, on M4/3 with the 2:1 crop factor the lens will give 1:1. It's still a close focus at times, maybe I'll look for a 105mm F4 Micro Nikkor lens. I don't need the newer faster versions of the old Micro Nikkor as I'll be using them stopped down most of the time, and these lenses go to F32.
Interesting look at different possibilities in macro lenses. Since I came from the Minolta and then Sony A mount before converting to the E mount, I still use my old Minolta AF 100mm f/2.8-32 D Macro with the LA-EA3 adapter. I could use the LA-EA4 to use autofocus, but at 1:1, your not going to autofocus anyway. These lenses, in good condition, still sell for up to $500.
What an exciting vid of you waving your arms around with the Irix on the edge!
i have Nikon Z 6 camera and LOAWA 100 F/2.8 Z Mount exactly as you mentioned MACRO and Portrait and both doing great work
I’m a canon snob, and was really impressed by the Laowa lenses. Excellent construction and image quality. I find them very similar with no noticeable image degradation compared to canon
Another option is to use a reverse ring to reverse maybe 50mm and also use extention tubes. Then you will have macro and magnification.
There is light falloff with the macro tubes even though it isn’t due to the optics or f stop. Light dissipates with distance.
Recently purchased the Laowa 2x 100mm and absolutely love it. Sharp as sh*t with no CA. Replaced my Tokina 100mm which replaced my Tammy 90mm.
I just ordered that one for my sony a1. Loooking forward to it!
thanks for sharing your experience and tips dear.
A few things, first of using a macro tube, belows or just increasing the magnification on your 5x macro lens DOES reduce the amount of light. The light that your lens gathers doesn't change but the image gets projected larger resulting in part of the picture the lens creates to fall outside of your sensor and that light is not going to be of any use to you. ;)
Secondly, I missed the teleconverter in this video. A teleconverter increases your focal range without reducing your minimum focus distance and thus giving you a larger magnification.
Ed Hunter is there a loss of light while using a teleconverter?
@@kevinwinkler5037 Yes, a 1.4 TC will lose one stop of light and a 2.0 TC will lose two stops of light.
Ño
@@Hammncheeez yes
What a great and amazing video. I enjoyed every second. Thank you
Awesome explanation very helpful!
55mm 2.8 ais macro lens which is very durable and sharp. Not 1 to 1 but a useful general purpose lens. I use it for flower photography and portraits. It's all metal construction is ideal in the field.
I use it on my Nikon FE and on my Nikon D300s.
Thankyou for this amazing video. It's the first one I found showing what the closest focus is on these lenses :) I am currently using a 55 - 250 EFS Lense reversed with one of those cable connectors on my 5D for my first experiments with Macro photography.
I bought a used Nikkor Ai-S 55/2.8 Micro and it's extension tube for my D7200.
Wanted a true macro lens and something that would double as intro to portrait lens.
I had bought a set of macro tubes previously, but they didn't really suit the lenses I have. (Even the 55mm is a bit close at min focus)
But they do let me go beyond 1:1 with both the 55mm and the 35mm DX lens I have.
Hi Matt, great T-shirt, Nippon Kogaku, but no Nikkor micro lenses? Great 200 Micro Nikkor f4, 105/2,8, 60 2,8, 85 PC Micro Nikkor 2,8D. It would be good to mention them too.
Really great explanation and demo of macros... maybe the best I’ve ever seen!
Thanks Brad
Wonderful demonstration
I wanted to know about ur opinions about tamron 90mm g2 Marco and Nikkor 105mm macro lens please suggest
Awesome ! .. Nicely ..Great job uncle Matt Granger
Omg, you just saved me hundreds of bucks with the vello option. Thank you soooo Much Sir !!!!
That is exactly what I want to do in a few days. Take lots of photos of my watches and other jewelry and posted here in UA-cam. But I ma fixing the place where I will be working. I am taking some studio stuff and put it away for now. Hope everyone is doing good and let’s share more content to get busy during this difficult times we are up against. Blessings
I have a Z9 and the Z 105 micro. But I hardly ever use that lens. The reason is I also have the Z 100-400 as well as the Z teleconverters. The 2x TC is almost permanently between the lens and body. I shoot wildlife and macro with this setup. It gives near macro at about 0.8 at 1m distance from the subject. It's perfect for Dragonflies etc. I simply can't get close enough to them for good close shots with the 105 micro. They just nick off :)
Hello Matt - I have a question if I may ask. I have a Canon 70D APSC body which I am very happy with, and I am now seriously considering a dedicated macro lens for it. However the ones on offer where I am are all full frame lenses, one is which is the Tamron SP AF 180mm F3.5 Di LD, which I like for its telephoto capability. Given the crop factor of full frame lenses on my APSC body, will this lens work, or will I have to drop back in focal length to get enough of the image on the sensor. Any advice you can give will be welcome! 9:46
Great video. My favorite macro lenses are projector lenses, such as Golden Navitar 👍🏽
Nikon AF 105 2.8D still in use with my D750. Old "D" lens is a great deal. Nikon updated this lens with VR, but who need it?
Me too!
I'm quite a bit late here, but thanks for this information and rundown. Very useful and very helpful!
If you want a sharp macro lens have a look at a Sony 90mm 2.8 Macro, its the highest rated lens on DXOmark
DXOMark is garbage, but yes the 90mm is a good lens. The Voigtlander macro lenses are actually much sharper though, if you can believe it.
Sigma 105mm macro laughs at the Sony
Correct
No !
Awesome video. A couple of weeks ago I started taking pics/filming insects (beautiful millipedes) in VA, KY, and TN - of course with normal lenses. I now understand much better how these lenses work and will be getting one soon.
BTW - your backdrop is part of your "GEAR" but is not listed - any info on that particular backdrop (brand, where to buy)?
Thanks.
I really need to invest in a macro lens. I’ve been using those macro extensions and autofocus is spotty. I know making a video comparing the selection of all those macro lenses would be tedious, but I’d watch it.
I have a 90mm and a 50mm True Macro 1:1 and the 90 is indeed a lot better for nature. But I like how the 50mm can be a great little lens to walk around in the city with AND if you see something small still switch into Macro Mode!
This video was really awesome .... I have been watching your videos for quite a long time, I wonder why I didn't subscribed till now. I have subscribed now. Thanks for this wonderful video
Thanks! After a few years of using extension tubes, I finally decided yesterday to buy a macro lens. The timing of this video could not be better! :)
Which one?
Great video! Exactly what I was looking for. I can’t remember the last time I watched all 24:33 of ANY UA-cam video. 😂. Not only was this the info I was looking for but I also use Sony and Nikon stuff. Thank you again!
Sigma 180mm f/3,5 is amazing.
Thanks for video
Anything shorter than 100mm is usually too short. I have an OM System Zuiko 80mm f/4 on a bellows and that's the shortest lens I have.
That 200mm F2 lens though😔💘
Something that I wonder about is the combination of Extension Tubes with a Macro Lens like the 105 mm Nikon Z lens. I may expect the focus point to move behind the first glass which will make it useless - but please let me know if I should spend the money on extension tubes if I already have a dedicated macro lens? Thanks in advance... :)
TheTamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro doesn't go to f/64. Its minimum aperture is f/32. Some much older Nikon macro lenses have f/64 thought.
Please run a session on extreme macro via bellows if you would. Thank you.
thanks for such an useful video. i reaaally like your backdrop btw, is it just paper?
what about the Sigma 180mm F/2.8 APO lens? that's really nice macro lens
Fascinating at the end such the discussion of extension tubes and adapters. Great video clips at the end. Might have been nice to know the prices involved. Maybe seeing how a long, regular macro like the Sigma 150 or 180 would have no been interesting. Great video!
Cheers Larry. Prices change over time, and vary by country. That's why I include links that will take you to see the current local pricing.
That probe lens looks fun, but way too much money for something for me to just screw around with. Maybe I’ll rent it one day. What re your thoughts for a Nikon shooter, between the 200mm f4 macro or the sigma 150mm macro, mostly for insects?
Interesanti interesanti! Laba info
Would you say the NIKKOR 200F2 + Extension tube is as good as the Voigtländer APO Lanthar? or maybe better?
It seems to me the definitions of macro and micro have changed since the days of film. My macro Nikkor lens allowed close in focusing following the general definition of macro. My micro Nikkor lens enlarged the subject as with a microscope.
Nice comparison. I wonder why major producers stopped manufacturing 200 mm lenses. Is there any reason? I personally very like my old Sigma 180mm. Better than Nikon 105 mm I guess. Unfortunately Nikon 200 mm is not in production anymore. Why this?
Have tho older Tokina 100mm but great macro and also serves as a medium tele on my D500.
Really informative! Thank you a lot for your work!
Matt... thanks for this but why no popular and affordable macro lenses..?
105mm macros
55 or 60mm macros
How about the undisputed gem the Sigma 150mm f2.8.???
Beautiful work. Thanks for the detailed tutorial!
Why are Sony lenses limited to f22 compared to f32 with Canon and Nikon lenses ???
Hi Matt. Great video as always. Quick question if you don't mind. Which Tamron model did you demonstrate please? I've got the G2 SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO for Canon but it's minimum aperture is f32, not f64. With thanks!
its the one I linked in description. At closest focus, it goes down to f64.
@@mattgranger many thanks! I can't get mine to go down to f64 and pretty sure it's the same model. Probably human error but again great video
Iirc the tamron 90's on the F- mount report effective aperture, since there is loss of light when focusing closer. The true pupil is still a f32 but with one stop of light loss it reports as f64. Not sure whether this is the case on other mounts/systems.
@@ChrisAurora Confirmed. Apparently no known brand of photographic equipment succeded in avoiding what has been recognized as a general law at least for the last 150 years, i.e. about the time when Augustin Fresnel published his integrals and observations on reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference in his "Oeuvres Complétes". I am quite curious to know if you consider acceptable the quality you can obtain with such a small aperture, especially when you shoot at 2:1 or higher ratios. May I suggest to forget about F/32 or f/64 and go for a much wider aperture & focus stacking instead? Or try a quantum camera...
Great video! I wish you had talked a bit more about diffraction, though. Also, I feel like I've heard somewhere that the closer you focus your lens, the less light it will let in? Is that true?
Which one do you recommend for the Panasonic S1H?
L-Mount
What about the Nikon 105mm 2.8 af-s
Are most of these available in Nikon mount ?
WOW!!! Great info!!! my macro lens collection : 15mm 24mm 50mm 90mm 100mm 300mm. I do wildlife macro & my carry-alongs are 24 50 90 300
Matt great macro comparison .I have Zeiss 35 mm f2 .but when I reverse it have difficulty putting light on my subject. any thought on that.?
Question. Why macro lenses have appreture as 2.8 and we use 11.0 for taking pictures because of depth of field? Is this not the wist od money and weight?
I don't use macro lens for portraits use another maybe 70-200 or so. Any ideas?
Many people do use them also for portraits
How's the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 micro G lens? still worth to buy it and adapt to Z bodies in 2021?
Great content!
you are having way too much fun with all this
I had been a Nikon user for years, now I am FujiFilm. The Fuji 80mm f2.8 is expensive, has any one in this group own one and what do they think of it? Is it worth it's price tag?
Does the A7R IV really crop in 4k? Are you taking APS-C 1.5x crop. Because when I put my a7r iv into video it defaults to a crop, but I have a button for aps-c crop so I press that and I seem to get the full frame.
can you add extension tubes to a macro lens? and get in even closer??
Covered in video. Yes.
Eagerly awaiting the macro tutorial, flower photography comes to mind.
I would like to shoot macro with my X2D. What lenses would you recommend?
The 120 has the best reproduction ratio - at 0.5
which macro lens would you reccommend for the Panasonic S1H?
What about an extension tube on a macro :-)
Yes, you can do that.
does it matter if it is 1:1 an 8mm big insect is 8mm on the sensor but when displayed on my 32 inch 4k monitor its way bigger than real life or printed huge the insect gets bigger
Hi Matt how about sigma 150 macro ????
Nice one Matt. I even shoot the extension tubes with my Tamron 150-600. To be able to shot with a bigger shoting range. Except the true macro lenses I use, I often schoot with a reverse ring. Works pretty good as well. I demonstrate that in a few video clips if made lately. Thank you for this informative video on macro photography and your demonstration of a few lenses I was looking for. Keep up the good work of the last 8 years that I follow year videos. Stay save and healthy.
Thank you
You really need to stay around f5.6, f8, or f11 as diffraction starts early when shooting macro.
Great video
Legit question: why were no Canon lenses shown as an option? They have a nice 5:1 ratio MP65. The 100mm is a tack sharp lens too.
Or should the title have been "Guide to Macro lenses for Sony and Nikon"? (no, honestly, it would have saved us Canon owners from watching all of this)
Great video for those who are Sony and Nikon owners though. Thorough!
The three Venus lenses, the Tamron and the Tokina also come in Canon EF mount.
I would love a probe lens but the price.....ouch
Thanks m8! Fantastic learning curve. So easy to understand. Oi, Oi, Oi!