@Corey Larson I too contemplated whether to purchase this lens for quite a while - and having owned it for a bit over a year now, I am surprised how often that I end up using it. It's certainly a bit tricky to use, but once you've practiced enough, the results are very unique 😃😃😃
True story. I just bought this lens, and I’m trying to figure out the idea way to use the flash. I have a youngnuo twin flash but I would need an adapter for it to work. I may end up using a different type of bracket somehow.
Your shot at 09:34 blew me away and fully sold me on the capabilities of this lens. Love the stopped down aperture, because what's the point in including a tonne of the background if it's then obscured by a shallow depth of field. Great vid!
Many thanks @Laowa - Venus Optics 👍 Thanks for continuing to make affordable and quality lens that greatly help macro photographers capture creative photos - that would otherwise only be possible in our imaginations 😃😃😃
Really good review of these UFO lens like some of Laowa products. One of the most interesting fact about this lens is the possibility to play with the Hyperfocal. Because it is an extremely short angle of you have a table with hyperfocal distances you can play with it and discover the pleasure to shoot with an almost infinite depth of field. It is like this I shoot many times because it is so fun to use a ultra wide angle on hyperfocal, and when you have true macro possibility added, it is a cheery on the cake.
Hello Neil! This is an absolutely fantastic presentation with all of the details people like me want to know. This lens will complete my kit, and allow me to show my subjects in their environment so I can tell more of the story with a single image. Well done and I wish you all the best!
Thanks @Frederick Dunn 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback, happy to hear you found it helpful, and hopefully this lens stands up to your expectations👍👍👍
I'm a picky SOB when it comes to UA-cam creators. But I really liked this video, AND your style. As a former technical writer, I appreciate your attention to detail and getting things correct.
Thank @GrantSR 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback and happy to hear you value the small details - it definitely requires a bunch more time and energy, but I couldn't imagine publishing something of less quality👍👍👍
So excited for this lens, I'm getting it for product photography. I normally shoot most of the images with a 100mm rf lens but I was always craving some more interesting angles and perspectives and I feel like this lens will be an amazing fit for that purpose.
You make it all look so easy. I've learnt so much just from the few other videos on macrophotography that you've shared here. Best subscription ever. Thanks
Thank you Niel! Your videos are very informative and educational. I like how you are exploring the foliage in BC. I will be sure check out some more of the wildlife when I am in BC next. Great video again
@Bela König certainly a great lens for both fields. Though, without full frame coverage when shifting - it's worth looking at Laowa's recently announced 15mm full frame shift lens 👍👍👍
This could make a nice APS-C 24mm equivalent lens for landscapes. (A crop sensor camera also helps hide some of the image degradation and darkening at the edges that test reviews found.)
so far, watched only 2 of your videos and I am impressed! Great presentation of a variety of subjects matters. Just awesome! Subbed! Looking forward to the rest and the future ones. Great channel and beautiful shots on Insta too. Keep up the great work and stay safe! Cheers, amicx
neil fisher - very rarely TBH as it’s just too close to the subject and I don’t want to go out armed with lights. I use the Laowra probe lens if I want to get super close and with its built in light I don’t need to take anything else with me. That said it’s not exactly the easiest thing to lug around either 😀
Many thanks @Melanie Toppi 👍 I lived in SK for a little of four years and absolutely loved every minute that I was able to get out and explore. It's certainly one of Canada's most underrated provinces with some unfortunate stereotypes 😃😃😃
Nice options for wide angle macro. Next time would be nice to see 24mm prime with extension tube. I have a few sets of extensions allowing me to get right combination for magnification with selected lens. Also 24mm prime is much smaller, allowing closer distance with less ‘stress’ on subject. Thoughts?
Yes, the angle of view from a 24mm focal length does seem a bit more flexible than 15mm. Personally, I use the 15mm f/4.0 because it allows me to capture video with focus pulls all the way from infinite to 1:1 😃😃😃
Great review. I've got one and I'm about to head out. The Z8 has focus peaking so it should help. I wanted to ask, how do you get that lovely banner at the bottom of your videos with the image metadata? Do you do this manually?
Many thanks @sinetwo 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃 Yes, I take the time to manually add EXIF data to shots - just figure it helps others learn and better understand how specific imagery is captured.
Quite the contrary @Chetan Khurana, when using high magnifications to capture macro imagery, AF with even the most advanced cameras is unreliable. Every macro photographer that I know uses manual focus, so there's no real need for AF in a lens dedicated to macro work 👍
What's the differences between this and the Laowa 15mm F4.5 dedicated shift lens that has a bulb lens in front, that one shift more? Is there anything else to take in mind other than the image circle for shift purpose can only cover APSC and not FF? But I'm glad this macro version has shift too, I am just a hobbyist photo and videographer and just what to take creative shots, I think this one give more creative use for lower price too and more versatile! Right?
@NetvoTV if you're after a dedicated shift lens, the 15mm f/4.5 is the better choice. This is really designed primarily for macro use... the shift is just a "good to have" feature 👍👍👍
Many thanks @Subash Ash 👍 I don't find that using a mobile device allows for adequate creative control for macro photography - nor do their incredibly small sensors and wide focal length produce 1:1 magnification.
Very well done and informative. How did you get so close to frogs without having them jump away. Question- When I am in a heavy green setting like the PNW browns come out purple. Purple pathways, and tree bark. Is that a WB setting that is off. How to correct. Happens on iPhone and Nikon Z50
Thanks @Ivan H 👍 Approaching frogs without them moving away can be very tricky and requires heaps of patience. I also find it helps to shoot with a polarizer, so that the front of the lens is replaced with a black surface instead of a giant eye like element. Dressing with neutral colours also helps. The predominately green colouration of the PNW can easily overwhelm a camera's auto white balance. Which is why it's important to shoot with manual white balance - either using a white card for a reference shot, or by dialing in a specific colour temperature. Hope this helps 👍👍👍
Great video, nice pics, thanks for your effort on doing it. I just got that lens but can't get a sharp image when shoting landscapes, eeven if using the tighter f number. Any idea why that happens or how to avoid it? Thanks in advance 👍
Many thanks @Overxpossed👍 Appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately, I can't offer much advice as I used this lens exclusively for macro work and never really tried shooting landscapes with it.
@@neilfisher hey mate, I think I figured how, yet not tested it, but doing few shots for stacking seems to be the answer! Never knew stacking is also used in landscape photography. I have seen so many pics of landscapes with ultra sharp grass and now I know how to achieve that. I thought years ago it was because some secret sharping luminance masks photoshop technique, which of course it is, but never figured out it was also stacking few pics. I must do a test and see how it turns out.
Hi Neil, thank you for the great education as always! I use several different camera systems for my filmmaking work and I wonder what if I use EF version to E mount with an adapter. Does it still do 1:1 practically? Or would I have to lower the ratio to have enough working distance? Hope that I make sense here.
Handsome man 👨 and the video was amazing and very well structured. I work with a Sony A7iii and it was very helpful to include which cameras this lens would work on. Would it be a direct fit? Or will I have to buy a mount? Love macro photography 😊
this is an awesome lense, i shot insects and to get that close with this lense is sometimes a problem, but the bigger problem in my case is the manual focus because i wear glasses and i would trust more an autofocus than my eyes :) ... i use the canon 100mm usm is ef 2.8 makro lense
Many thanks @Xavier Olazabal Mateos 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃 As for combability with a Nikon D7500, I don't know enough about various Nikon mounts to say for sure - you'd want to confirm your camera's mount type and the availability of Laowa's lens in your mount type 👍👍👍
Is the Loawa 15mm Macro capable of taking photos that are sharp enough and quality to the point of being blow up in prints and considered professional? Would love an answer to this question. Great channel BTW, subbed 👍🏼
Thanks @Jules P. 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍 The Laowa 15mm f/4.0 macro lens is crazy sharp and has been used in many high end productions - it's certainly up to the task of enlarged pritns 👍
@Jimmy Wilson, that's a good question 👍 My immediate thought is that there are still very few macro lenses that are capable of 1:1 with a focal length less than 50mm - in other words the effective 22mm focal length produced by this lens on an APS-C sensor would still be more unique than most standard macro imagery. Hope this helps 😃😃
Great video Neil ! I would like to ask your opinion between this lens which is true 1:1 macro and for example the Laowa 15mm F2 ZD which is not true macro (only 1:4), but has better optic quality and opens wider (can be useful for astro), and has a decent minimum focus distance (15 cm). Regarding the fact you found better to use this lense further than 1:1 ratio, would the 15mm f2 be enough, or you would miss the intermediate working distance ?
Hi. Love your videos. I just started out on macro photography. I am using a hand-me down DSLR Canon EOS 650D. And a kit lens EFS 18-55mm lens. Is that good enough to capture subjects in macro for now? Thanks.
Many thanks @ 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃 Unfortunately, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm is note able to produce 1:1 magnification. You could explore reversing your lens - it's an involved process, but does give you the power to capture true macro photos 👍👍👍
Fantastic video! I'm in a bit of a unique situation and wondering if you can help, I film tattoos being inked onto people! I've been looking for a good macro lens to zero in on the needling and art work of the pieces but because of the unique angles and distances required for the shots, and the fact that the artists want motion in the footage... my search for the right lens has been difficult to say the least! I'm curious if you have any suggestions for the right type of macro lens for capturing art on the human body! Thank you for the information and the way you convey it. :) I shoot on full frame btw
Thanks @Two Jacks 👍 Hmmm... that's a tough question. This lens might be a good choice for the task, as it would allow for a wide enough field of view to capture the needle's motion, the ink already put down, and the artist working. Having said that, its focal length might be a bit too wide - though it's hard to say.
@Rajat it's not a bad combination to consider. Using a 12mm extension tube wouldn't rob the lens of too much light and would give it a magnification near 0.4. It wouldn't be able to focus to infinity, though that really shouldn't be overly important is you're trying to shoot macro subjects. Definitely worth a bit more investigation, but it's something I'm considering with a 16-35mm 👍👍👍
Hey Neil, thanks for your great videos! Keep up the good work...one question, I ask myself as a filmmaker how useful this lens is for filming macro shots.Did you make any experience while filming? I am looking for this unique wide angle macro look a long time.
Yes, @Gaston Messier it's certainly possible to add an extension tube to a wide angle lens - and for many photographers this is probably a more cost effective solution. However, for those who send a large percentage of their time photographing macro subjects - this lens is a great choice 👍👍👍
Thank you for all the insights! I am about to buy a canon 100mm 2.8 L IS USM. Do you think the IS really makes a difference/is nessesary? Appreciate your help !
Thanks @Captain Ironbutt 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback. If you ever plan to shoot macro photos without a tripod or are interested in capturing macro video, then yes the IS makes a world of difference. 👍👍👍
dammmn, amazingly informative and super professional video! Just out of curiousity, can I ask what lens are you shooting yourself explaining the laowa lens? thanks a lot :)
@신촌연세로 I use a combination of lens to capture my on-camera segments, though typically it's a Canon 35mm f/1.4L MKI. It's an older lens and considered quite soft by many, but I feel that slight softness gives the footage a film-look versus video-look 👍👍👍
@@neilfisher Thanks for the reply. I totally agree that Canon EF 1.4 prime lens' softness has somewhat vintage look which is little more favorable than the sharpness you get from modern lenses when you shoot video. 👍👍👍
Hello bro how r u First of all thank you for your videos My question is: I need a lens for recording videos inside houses for sale / rental proposes and i need a wide angel lens can work in dark rooms proprely.. i want to purchase sony a7r iii for this job.. i photographer suggest me to get it.. do you agree with his.. and if no what is the best camera for me for the budget of 3000$ and don't forget to give me the best lens thank you so much
@AMARTIL Official there isn't any specific camera better suited to capture real estate photography - though a higher resolution sensor would be beneficial. Regardless lenses, I wouldn't say the Loawa 15mm f/4.0 Macro is the right choice for poorly lit real estate imagery - rather I would suggest looking at the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 ... which is a phenomenal lens 👍👍👍
@@neilfisher thank you so much for your reply *What about Sony a7r iii and what is the best choise (camera) for me to use the Loawa 15mm f/4.0 Macro lens* ? keep working bro best regards and i'll be a real follower of all your videos 👍👍👍
@Caroline Tudor, this is a question that keeps me awake at night. There are certainly specific species that are sensitive to any amount of light, regardless of duration or intensity. However, from the research I've done and the experts I've spoken with, the majority of amphibians are not overly sensitive to short, low intensity exposure to light. Having spent considerable time working with amphibians, I've gained valuable experiences in identifying behaviours and characteristics commonly associated with stress in amphibians. I've certainly witnessed amphibians become stressed when suddenly exposed to constant bright light used while capturing video. The best practice for using bright lights with amphibians to capture video, is to slowly increase the brightness - allowing the animal time to gradually acclimate to the light 👍👍👍
@Judy Wang - Yes, I do often use a polarizing filter with this lens and other macro lenses. They're helpful when photographing subjects with smooth and wet skin 👍👍👍
@ragil wicaksono I'd be hesitant to provide any comment on this lens' landscape capabilities as it's certainly not something I've tested or have enough experience with 👍👍👍
@Mr.modo I'm not sure if this is a sarcastic question or not. The honest answer is that I've shot extensively with both Nikon and Canon over the past twenty years, and although both systems are equally capable of producing quality photos in the right hands. I happened to invest more in Canon lenses - and to switch platforms would be a significant financial undertaking.
Hi Neil, Is there any similar lens that goes with Nikon Z system? The Laowa 15 mm f2 has similar focusing distance but not macro capabilities as far as I know. would it be very different?
Yes @MrIvanASanchez, the Laowa 15mm would be incredibly different. If you have a Nikon F Mount To Z Mount Adapter there is a F mount version of the Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro available.
@EagleAPI both of the lenses you mention are fisheye, whereas the Laowa 15mm is not a fisheye lens. So, I don't think it would be fair to compare these lenses as they're incredibly different. Additionally, the Canon EF8-15mm f/4.0L and Sigma 15mm f/2.8 are not macro lens: they can not produce 1:1 magnification. If you're simply looking for a wide-angle lens, you first need to question whether you're alright using a fisheye lens that creates such dramatic distortion? Otherwise, you should be looking at wide-angle lenses that are rectilinear. Hope this helps 👍👍👍
There is an entomologist, Piotr Naskrecki, who uses a Laowa macro lens and takes incredible pictures which showcase the subject and its environment. I highly recommend checking him out. instagram.com/piotr_naskrecki/
I was so blown away with how clean and well presented this video was. The very least I can do is subscribe!!! 😄
Many thanks @Daniel Perez 👍 Appreciate the feedback and support😃😃😃
One of the better videos I have seen on lenses. I appreciate how you tried something a bit different and broke it down.
Thanks @bk6020 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback and happy to hear you found it helpful👍👍👍
I've been thinking about this lens for a loooong time and yours is by far the most comprehensive vid on it that I've seen. Thanks for the review!
@Corey Larson I too contemplated whether to purchase this lens for quite a while - and having owned it for a bit over a year now, I am surprised how often that I end up using it. It's certainly a bit tricky to use, but once you've practiced enough, the results are very unique 😃😃😃
It's criminal that this video didn't have at least tens of thousands of views. Great work dude.
True story. I just bought this lens, and I’m trying to figure out the idea way to use the flash. I have a youngnuo twin flash but I would need an adapter for it to work. I may end up using a different type of bracket somehow.
Thanks @Jeff Bronson 😃 Very much appreciate the kind words 👍👍👍
I love the way you put in your camera settings in most of your shots, that is very beautiful and unique. Very helpful for beginners
Thanks @Kaka Mighty 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback and happy to hear you found it helpful👍👍👍
Your shot at 09:34 blew me away and fully sold me on the capabilities of this lens. Love the stopped down aperture, because what's the point in including a tonne of the background if it's then obscured by a shallow depth of field. Great vid!
This is awesome! Very educational and fun review. Love it! Thank you so much for reviewing our product.🙏🏻
Many thanks @Laowa - Venus Optics 👍 Thanks for continuing to make affordable and quality lens that greatly help macro photographers capture creative photos - that would otherwise only be possible in our imaginations 😃😃😃
This is a great lens for wide angle macro... Iv even managed to use diffused flash with it for working at low light & night macro photography.
This would be one of the most unique types of video I've seen so far, really detailed, filled with beautiful shots nd clips, phenomenal 👌
Thanks @Prasad Kadam 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍
Really good review of these UFO lens like some of Laowa products. One of the most interesting fact about this lens is the possibility to play with the Hyperfocal. Because it is an extremely short angle of you have a table with hyperfocal distances you can play with it and discover the pleasure to shoot with an almost infinite depth of field. It is like this I shoot many times because it is so fun to use a ultra wide angle on hyperfocal, and when you have true macro possibility added, it is a cheery on the cake.
Hello Neil! This is an absolutely fantastic presentation with all of the details people like me want to know. This lens will complete my kit, and allow me to show my subjects in their environment so I can tell more of the story with a single image. Well done and I wish you all the best!
Thanks @Frederick Dunn 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback, happy to hear you found it helpful, and hopefully this lens stands up to your expectations👍👍👍
I'm a picky SOB when it comes to UA-cam creators. But I really liked this video, AND your style. As a former technical writer, I appreciate your attention to detail and getting things correct.
Thank @GrantSR 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback and happy to hear you value the small details - it definitely requires a bunch more time and energy, but I couldn't imagine publishing something of less quality👍👍👍
Extremely nice video on Laowa 15mm shift lens. Thanks for sharing. 👌👌👌
Many thanks @Kishore Hublikar👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
Amazing channel! Starting my macro photography and your channel provided so far so much knowledge! Keep up the good work
Thanks @Paul Cristian Onofrei 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍
So excited for this lens, I'm getting it for product photography. I normally shoot most of the images with a 100mm rf lens but I was always craving some more interesting angles and perspectives and I feel like this lens will be an amazing fit for that purpose.
Your many reviews and educative contents are superbly presented.
Many thanks @pimuk rak 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
You make it all look so easy. I've learnt so much just from the few other videos on macrophotography that you've shared here. Best subscription ever. Thanks
Ha... if only it truly was so easy 😆 Very much appreciate your feedback @Philip Soon 😃😃😃
Thank you Niel! Your videos are very informative and educational. I like how you are exploring the foliage in BC. I will be sure check out some more of the wildlife when I am in BC next.
Great video again
Many thanks @Rajat Chopra 👍 Very much appreciate the feedback and happy to hear you've found the videos informative 😃😃😃
Good to see how easy it is to understand difference between these lenses, thank you!!
Thanks @Sunny Surwade - it's certainly a very unique lens 👍👍👍
@@neilfisher loved it...
as a macro and architecture photographer: this is a dream!
@Bela König certainly a great lens for both fields. Though, without full frame coverage when shifting - it's worth looking at Laowa's recently announced 15mm full frame shift lens 👍👍👍
Wide Angle Macros, imho, are ideal for product photography shots.
Sharp and wide enough to fit the product in the frame.
Try a focus rail and use focus stacking.
This is a great video. I’ve watched like 3-4 times already.
Thanks @Ginette 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍
I love that park! Love that lens! Great work, nice parallaxing!
Thanks @David Spidel 👍 It's certainly an under appreciated park 😃😃😃
This could make a nice APS-C 24mm equivalent lens for landscapes. (A crop sensor camera also helps hide some of the image degradation and darkening at the edges that test reviews found.)
so far, watched only 2 of your videos and I am impressed! Great presentation of a variety of subjects matters. Just awesome! Subbed! Looking forward to the rest and the future ones. Great channel and beautiful shots on Insta too. Keep up the great work and stay safe! Cheers, amicx
Many thanks @amicx 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
your videos.. always delighting and helpful
Many thanks @Sahil Brar👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
Good to see you back on UA-cam.
Thanks @Sijendra t 👍 Though I didn't really every leave... I just don't upload too frequently 😆😆😆
Great review. A fabulous lens - I purchased recently and it has already been used extensively.
Good to hear @paulsil1705 😃 Out of curiosity, how often to use it to shoot 1:1 magnification?
neil fisher - very rarely TBH as it’s just too close to the subject and I don’t want to go out armed with lights. I use the Laowra probe lens if I want to get super close and with its built in light I don’t need to take anything else with me. That said it’s not exactly the easiest thing to lug around either 😀
Wel that I never did. 15mm macro. Impressive. Thank you sharing this.
Thanks @Kersten Photo 😃 Macro photography at 15mm is certainly not something many consider tackling, but the results are surprisingly unique 👍👍👍
As usual, informative and good presentation. Thanks!
Many thanks @Z 👍 Greatly appreciate your support 😃😃😃
Thanks for the great video! Top production!!
Many thanks @OnZeit 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
I've watched a couple of your videos; really solid info and presentation, well done.
Many thanks @Moment Photography 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
This video was the final straw, I just ordered one.
Thanks @1955KR200 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback and happy to hear you found it helpful👍👍👍
Amazing quality! Thank you for sharing.
Many thanks @Pizzacaviar 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
My god, what a channel !
Thanks @@criticalpoint7672 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍
Great videos - I think I just watched 6! I think its partially because a lot are done in SK... great province and I can relate!
Many thanks @Melanie Toppi 👍 I lived in SK for a little of four years and absolutely loved every minute that I was able to get out and explore. It's certainly one of Canada's most underrated provinces with some unfortunate stereotypes 😃😃😃
mate, would love to see more videos from you, educational and relaxing. nice to find a fellow canadian photographer :)
Great work bro, spend my weekend watching your content. Keep it up, love from Toronto :)
Many thanks @Suranjit Banik 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
I bought the Opteka knockoff of this lens and it works wonderfully. It doesn't have the tilt shift function, but for $110 it was a steal
GOLD content! the shots, the explanations, the location. so much quality!! favorite, like, subscribe... I smashed every button.
Thanks @Harel Jann 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback and support 👍👍👍
Just discovered your channel. Very insightful content. Great work! :)
Thanks @Ants Australia 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍
Fantastic video, answered questions I didn’t know I had
Thanks @mattferg84 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback and happy to hear you found it helpful👍👍👍
As always, fantastic video!
Thanks so much @Christoffer Matsson 😃😃 😃
Very good video, can't believe this is the first time I found your channel.
Many thanks @Bruno!Tech👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
Great photos. That is an very interesting lens.
Thanks @Casper Pedersen 😃 "Interesting" is certainly the right word - it's also the right word for the photos this lens can produce 👍👍👍
Superb video! Answered all my questions
Many thanks @S Hassan 😃😃😃
Very well presented. Thank you.
Many thanks @RonnyQuest 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
Wow so pretty!
Thanks @Jun Ge 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍
Nice options for wide angle macro.
Next time would be nice to see 24mm prime with extension tube. I have a few sets of extensions allowing me to get right combination for magnification with selected lens.
Also 24mm prime is much smaller, allowing closer distance with less ‘stress’ on subject.
Thoughts?
Yes, the angle of view from a 24mm focal length does seem a bit more flexible than 15mm. Personally, I use the 15mm f/4.0 because it allows me to capture video with focus pulls all the way from infinite to 1:1 😃😃😃
That newt was really patient lol
I am glad I found your channel, you deserved million view :-)
Many thanks @Mam Seng 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
The temperate rain forest is possibly the best place to review a macro lens.
@Sheridan Hardy, true dat!
Thank you. Great video.
Many thanks @alan dash 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
txs for this video. Just ordered one.
Ooooo... very exciting to hear @Pat De Braekeler 👍👍👍
Great review!! Thank you
Thanks @Bagus Hernawan 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍
Good for macro storytelling
Great review. I've got one and I'm about to head out. The Z8 has focus peaking so it should help.
I wanted to ask, how do you get that lovely banner at the bottom of your videos with the image metadata? Do you do this manually?
Many thanks @sinetwo 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
Yes, I take the time to manually add EXIF data to shots - just figure it helps others learn and better understand how specific imagery is captured.
Very good quality for a review.
Many thanks @Kruin Kiuk 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
Great review Neil, I love the uniqueness of this lens
would you recommend it for video usage? corners don't look that bad for me.
Thanks @Vladislav Gavrilovski 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback - and yes, I would whole heartedly recommend this lens for video purposes. 👍👍👍
Wish they had an Auto AF version for Nikon F, hard to use.
Quite the contrary @Chetan Khurana, when using high magnifications to capture macro imagery, AF with even the most advanced cameras is unreliable. Every macro photographer that I know uses manual focus, so there's no real need for AF in a lens dedicated to macro work 👍
Great review, thanks a lot.
Many thanks @Po Kin Chow 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
I have this lens and love it. It's hard to use and I get plenty of dud photos but the ones that work are so good.
Totally agree @xwhite2020 👍 It's tricky to use and requires time to master, but when everything comes together - the results are fantastic 😃😃😃
What's the differences between this and the Laowa 15mm F4.5 dedicated shift lens that has a bulb lens in front, that one shift more? Is there anything else to take in mind other than the image circle for shift purpose can only cover APSC and not FF? But I'm glad this macro version has shift too, I am just a hobbyist photo and videographer and just what to take creative shots, I think this one give more creative use for lower price too and more versatile! Right?
@NetvoTV if you're after a dedicated shift lens, the 15mm f/4.5 is the better choice. This is really designed primarily for macro use... the shift is just a "good to have" feature 👍👍👍
You’re the man. Good job m8.
Many thanks @GermanyTechno 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
Loved your video..if possible Do a video on mobile macro photography too...using macro lenses like skyvik... apexel etc..❤️❤️
Many thanks @Subash Ash 👍 I don't find that using a mobile device allows for adequate creative control for macro photography - nor do their incredibly small sensors and wide focal length produce 1:1 magnification.
Very well done and informative. How did you get so close to frogs without having them jump away.
Question- When I am in a heavy green setting like the PNW browns come out purple. Purple pathways, and tree bark. Is that a WB setting that is off. How to correct. Happens on iPhone and Nikon Z50
Thanks @Ivan H 👍 Approaching frogs without them moving away can be very tricky and requires heaps of patience. I also find it helps to shoot with a polarizer, so that the front of the lens is replaced with a black surface instead of a giant eye like element. Dressing with neutral colours also helps.
The predominately green colouration of the PNW can easily overwhelm a camera's auto white balance. Which is why it's important to shoot with manual white balance - either using a white card for a reference shot, or by dialing in a specific colour temperature. Hope this helps 👍👍👍
@@neilfisher Patience and then some. I will look up how to set the color temp on this camera. Thanks.
Great video, nice pics, thanks for your effort on doing it. I just got that lens but can't get a sharp image when shoting landscapes, eeven if using the tighter f number. Any idea why that happens or how to avoid it? Thanks in advance 👍
Many thanks @Overxpossed👍 Appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately, I can't offer much advice as I used this lens exclusively for macro work and never really tried shooting landscapes with it.
@@neilfisher hey mate, I think I figured how, yet not tested it, but doing few shots for stacking seems to be the answer! Never knew stacking is also used in landscape photography. I have seen so many pics of landscapes with ultra sharp grass and now I know how to achieve that. I thought years ago it was because some secret sharping luminance masks photoshop technique, which of course it is, but never figured out it was also stacking few pics. I must do a test and see how it turns out.
Hi Neil, thank you for the great education as always! I use several different camera systems for my filmmaking work and I wonder what if I use EF version to E mount with an adapter. Does it still do 1:1 practically? Or would I have to lower the ratio to have enough working distance? Hope that I make sense here.
Handsome man 👨 and the video was amazing and very well structured. I work with a Sony A7iii and it was very helpful to include which cameras this lens would work on. Would it be a direct fit? Or will I have to buy a mount? Love macro photography 😊
The Sony A7iii's native E-mount would require an adapter to be compatible with this lens 👍
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. It means a lot 😊
Awesome video!
Thanks @Hakop D 👍👍👍
this is an awesome lense, i shot insects and to get that close with this lense is sometimes a problem, but the bigger problem in my case is the manual focus because i wear glasses and i would trust more an autofocus than my eyes :) ... i use the canon 100mm usm is ef 2.8 makro lense
Thank yo so much for the video! Would this lens work with a Nikon D7500? thanks
Many thanks @Xavier Olazabal Mateos 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
As for combability with a Nikon D7500, I don't know enough about various Nikon mounts to say for sure - you'd want to confirm your camera's mount type and the availability of Laowa's lens in your mount type 👍👍👍
Is the Loawa 15mm Macro capable of taking photos that are sharp enough and quality to the point of being blow up in prints and considered professional? Would love an answer to this question. Great channel BTW, subbed 👍🏼
Thanks @Jules P. 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback👍👍👍
The Laowa 15mm f/4.0 macro lens is crazy sharp and has been used in many high end productions - it's certainly up to the task of enlarged pritns 👍
Thank you , I learned so much.
Many thanks @Noelle Perrotta 👍 Appreciate the feedback. This really is a fantastic lens, that's heaps of fun to use 😃😃😃
Do you feel that the lens will still provide a unique perspective when used on an aps-c sensor with a 1.5x crop factor?
@Jimmy Wilson, that's a good question 👍 My immediate thought is that there are still very few macro lenses that are capable of 1:1 with a focal length less than 50mm - in other words the effective 22mm focal length produced by this lens on an APS-C sensor would still be more unique than most standard macro imagery. Hope this helps 😃😃
Great video Neil ! I would like to ask your opinion between this lens which is true 1:1 macro and for example the Laowa 15mm F2 ZD which is not true macro (only 1:4), but has better optic quality and opens wider (can be useful for astro), and has a decent minimum focus distance (15 cm). Regarding the fact you found better to use this lense further than 1:1 ratio, would the 15mm f2 be enough, or you would miss the intermediate working distance ?
Hi. Love your videos. I just started out on macro photography. I am using a hand-me down DSLR Canon EOS 650D. And a kit lens EFS 18-55mm lens. Is that good enough to capture subjects in macro for now? Thanks.
Many thanks @ 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃 Unfortunately, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm is note able to produce 1:1 magnification. You could explore reversing your lens - it's an involved process, but does give you the power to capture true macro photos 👍👍👍
Fantastic video! I'm in a bit of a unique situation and wondering if you can help, I film tattoos being inked onto people! I've been looking for a good macro lens to zero in on the needling and art work of the pieces but because of the unique angles and distances required for the shots, and the fact that the artists want motion in the footage... my search for the right lens has been difficult to say the least! I'm curious if you have any suggestions for the right type of macro lens for capturing art on the human body! Thank you for the information and the way you convey it. :) I shoot on full frame btw
Thanks @Two Jacks 👍 Hmmm... that's a tough question. This lens might be a good choice for the task, as it would allow for a wide enough field of view to capture the needle's motion, the ink already put down, and the artist working. Having said that, its focal length might be a bit too wide - though it's hard to say.
Any thoughts on using the Canon 17-40mm L series Wide Angle with an extension tube?
@Rajat it's not a bad combination to consider. Using a 12mm extension tube wouldn't rob the lens of too much light and would give it a magnification near 0.4. It wouldn't be able to focus to infinity, though that really shouldn't be overly important is you're trying to shoot macro subjects. Definitely worth a bit more investigation, but it's something I'm considering with a 16-35mm 👍👍👍
Hey Neil, thanks for your great videos! Keep up the good work...one question, I ask myself as a filmmaker how useful this lens is for filming macro shots.Did you make any experience while filming? I am looking for this unique wide angle macro look a long time.
could you use an extension tube with the wide angle lense ?
Yes, @Gaston Messier it's certainly possible to add an extension tube to a wide angle lens - and for many photographers this is probably a more cost effective solution. However, for those who send a large percentage of their time photographing macro subjects - this lens is a great choice 👍👍👍
this man shouldn’t be free
@md mohsin are you suggest I be incrassated?
Thank you for all the insights! I am about to buy a canon 100mm 2.8 L IS USM. Do you think the IS really makes a difference/is nessesary? Appreciate your help !
Thanks @Captain Ironbutt 😃 Greatly appreciate the feedback. If you ever plan to shoot macro photos without a tripod or are interested in capturing macro video, then yes the IS makes a world of difference. 👍👍👍
Awesome video man. Thanks. Really great demo of this lens.
Thanks @drelephanttube 😃 It truly is a fantastic lens and heaps of fun to use 👍👍👍
Good video!!
Many thanks @Gerardo Poveda Galeas 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
dammmn, amazingly informative and super professional video! Just out of curiousity, can I ask what lens are you shooting yourself explaining the laowa lens? thanks a lot :)
@신촌연세로 I use a combination of lens to capture my on-camera segments, though typically it's a Canon 35mm f/1.4L MKI. It's an older lens and considered quite soft by many, but I feel that slight softness gives the footage a film-look versus video-look 👍👍👍
@@neilfisher Thanks for the reply. I totally agree that Canon EF 1.4 prime lens' softness has somewhat vintage look which is little more favorable than the sharpness you get from modern lenses when you shoot video. 👍👍👍
Thanks
I love that photo of the newt. Can you tell me Will this lense go on a Sony A6400? Does it need some sort of adapter?
Yes, the lens is available in E mount
@@jacobshore4848 thanks!
Hello bro how r u
First of all thank you for your videos
My question is:
I need a lens for recording videos inside houses for sale / rental proposes and i need a wide angel lens can work in dark rooms proprely.. i want to purchase sony a7r iii for this job.. i photographer suggest me to get it.. do you agree with his.. and if no what is the best camera for me for the budget of 3000$ and don't forget to give me the best lens thank you so much
@AMARTIL Official there isn't any specific camera better suited to capture real estate photography - though a higher resolution sensor would be beneficial. Regardless lenses, I wouldn't say the Loawa 15mm f/4.0 Macro is the right choice for poorly lit real estate imagery - rather I would suggest looking at the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 ... which is a phenomenal lens 👍👍👍
@@neilfisher thank you so much for your reply
*What about Sony a7r iii and what is the best choise (camera) for me to use the Loawa 15mm f/4.0 Macro lens* ?
keep working bro best regards and i'll be a real follower of all your videos 👍👍👍
Wow! Very nice video. Subscribed :)
Many thanks @Pascal Kilian 👍 Appreciate the feedback😃😃😃
Does the flash cause any unnecessary stress?
@Caroline Tudor, this is a question that keeps me awake at night. There are certainly specific species that are sensitive to any amount of light, regardless of duration or intensity. However, from the research I've done and the experts I've spoken with, the majority of amphibians are not overly sensitive to short, low intensity exposure to light. Having spent considerable time working with amphibians, I've gained valuable experiences in identifying behaviours and characteristics commonly associated with stress in amphibians. I've certainly witnessed amphibians become stressed when suddenly exposed to constant bright light used while capturing video. The best practice for using bright lights with amphibians to capture video, is to slowly increase the brightness - allowing the animal time to gradually acclimate to the light 👍👍👍
What handheld flash are you using?
Do you use polarising filter with your macro lens?
@Judy Wang - Yes, I do often use a polarizing filter with this lens and other macro lenses. They're helpful when photographing subjects with smooth and wet skin 👍👍👍
Is it convenient to shoot landscape with this lens too? How about sharpness at distant objects?
@ragil wicaksono I'd be hesitant to provide any comment on this lens' landscape capabilities as it's certainly not something I've tested or have enough experience with 👍👍👍
what are you using the canon series for?
@Mr.modo I'm not sure if this is a sarcastic question or not. The honest answer is that I've shot extensively with both Nikon and Canon over the past twenty years, and although both systems are equally capable of producing quality photos in the right hands. I happened to invest more in Canon lenses - and to switch platforms would be a significant financial undertaking.
@@neilfisher I really love Canon products
Hi Neil,
Is there any similar lens that goes with Nikon Z system? The Laowa 15 mm f2 has similar focusing distance but not macro capabilities as far as I know. would it be very different?
Yes @MrIvanASanchez, the Laowa 15mm would be incredibly different. If you have a Nikon F Mount To Z Mount Adapter there is a F mount version of the Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro available.
Can I do landscape with this lens
Is this lens comparable to the:
Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM
and
Sigma 15mm F2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye
?
Which might be a sharper, better lens..
@EagleAPI both of the lenses you mention are fisheye, whereas the Laowa 15mm is not a fisheye lens. So, I don't think it would be fair to compare these lenses as they're incredibly different. Additionally, the Canon EF8-15mm f/4.0L and Sigma 15mm f/2.8 are not macro lens: they can not produce 1:1 magnification. If you're simply looking for a wide-angle lens, you first need to question whether you're alright using a fisheye lens that creates such dramatic distortion? Otherwise, you should be looking at wide-angle lenses that are rectilinear. Hope this helps 👍👍👍
Thumb up!
New to photography here. Might get this one soon for just 250 USD !
There is an entomologist, Piotr Naskrecki, who uses a Laowa macro lens and takes incredible pictures which showcase the subject and its environment. I highly recommend checking him out. instagram.com/piotr_naskrecki/