Intro to macro

[PortalRealm]

wtf, this aint macro

[dubstylzmw]

I love the way so many people here are saying macro can ONLY be done with a dedicated macro lens, NOT TRUE, there are many ways, reversing a lens, extension tubes, diopters and even modifying lenses by removing the front elements, it does not matter what equipment is used but its only true macro if its a ratio of atleast 1:1. I have many set ups for shooting macro and only 1 of thoes setups is a dedicated macro lens but all my setups are atleast 1:1

[MrSteenh]

@dubstylzmw says:

“@MrSteenh how exactly did you work out macro can only be done with a macro lens, if you reverse a lens on ext tubes and are getting a ratio over 1:1 then its macro!”

This not about size.

Definition of a Macro lens is 1:1. Adding extension tubes to a macro lens will make the size of the object bigger but keep the ratio – ex. X:1

Using a reverse lens and extension tubes on a fixed lens will magnify the object but not keep the ratio.

You will end up with X:1.x.

[Detjo]

I think its wrong to tell the beginner he'll use an extension tube (1.22) and then not use it! (5.39)

Thus, I agree this should be 'close-up' and not macro. It might have been macro if he did use the extension tube.

[MrSteenh]

There is too much cheating in many tutorials about macro photography. Many times not using macro lenses but tube sets or reversed lenses. This will never end. How people take their photos I don’t care but using the wrong terms in a tutorial is misleading the newbie’s. My advice to newbie’s is – get your information from professional photographers.

[proudy03]

This man has stated. *A basic introduction to macro photography*. So why would he delve straight into the extreme technicalities of dedicated expensive equipment with challenging tiny subjects and controlled environments? What he teaches us is that you don't need specialist expensive equipment and this type of photography is in reach of the average Joe. He demonstrates the basics perfectly and people should be more appreciative of this gentlemen and the effort he has put into helping others.

[proudy03]

Very useful video thanks. To those saying this is not macro; it is. Just because it's not an extreme close up of insect eyes or water droplets doesn't make it any the less a macro photo. Macro is close photography, this is close. It's just not extreme. To say macro can only be done with dedicated lenses is so naive, there are many ways to do it and this is a part of the fun, exploring new techniques. There is no right or wrong method or equipment.

[cheveyo45]

@proudy03 You obviously don't know what you are talking about. This is NOT macro photography by any stretch of the imagination. True macro photography is close up photography of at least a 1:1 ratio. A 1:1 ratio means that the image would be the same size on film (negative) or sensor as in real life. This can be achieved on a DSLR by a macro lens, extension tubes, or a magnifying lens. He does show a extension tube briefly but if you look at the setup, he never uses it in the shot.

[proudy03]

@cheveyo45 I know very well what I'm talking about thanks. What's the point in being so rude? I get the impression you're extremely critical of other other peoples methods and techniques? and anything different, or none-textbook is deemed wrong to you? So anything other than a 1:1 ratio is not macro? You also say macro can only be done with macro lenses. So a macro photograph that is taken with a different method other than dedicated macro lens, is not a macro photo at all? Then what is it?

[cheveyo45]

@proudy03 I don't care what methods people use. I DO object to someone posting a tutorial about a subject and then totally misleading any newcomer to the subject. And if you actually took the time to read my comment above, I do NOT say that macro can only be done with macro lens. I mention extension tubes and magnifying lens. Reversing a lens could also be thrown in there too. As far as what to call the photo he did... maybe closeup but definitely not macro.

[proudy03]

@cheveyo45 Not misleading. He talks about macro elements throughout the video. Everything he mentions is perfectly applicable to macro. Hes very informative about it. Regardless of whether you think it's macro or not, this video is undeniably useful to any budding macro photographer and it's a perfectly good introduction to macro/close up, whatever you want to call it. If anyone's not reading comments, it's you. There's no point in being so arrogant and rude. Why did you watch this video??

[cheveyo45]

@proudy03 This is the last comment I will return as you are obviously content being ignorant. I am a professional photographer who has taught small classes. I watch videos to see what I can recommend. If you are content being ignorant, fine. But if you would walk into any stock photo agency with this photo calling it a macro, you would be laughed right out of the room. Ditto with anyone who knows photography. If someone posts a video tutorial, it should be accurate so not to confuse a newbie.

[proudy03]

@cheveyo45 Calling someone ignorant after comments you have made? Hypocrite. God help those people you teach. Are you as rude, arrogant and patronizing to them also? I guess we're just 2 clashing photographers which is daft. Think of what the world would be like if people with same interests didn't clash and instead all unified with a common interest. The things we would learn and the advancements that would be made, but instead we're stuck with sore thumbs like you sitting on high horses.

[markyxxx82]

I don't think I need a 70 to 200 lens to do a shot like that....their is some telephoto lens with macro capability to do a shot like that subject...

[gasknr]

he is right though, it WAS a very shiny leaf! LMAO

[FurballRZ]

i like the video but i think macro isn't befitting, though i liked the lighting adivce, though i prefer low f and my hand with an iso of 100

[dwnestgrl23]

the final photo sucked... i mean really.. .that's all you got?



[TheTranquilityBase]

What the hell were you thinking when you started to put this video together? You just come across as some patronizing idiot with more kit than sense. The only people who like this video are people who are as clueless as you.

I could have taken a better shot, in a split second, with my Nokia N8 and tweeted the bugger before you even had time to flash yer 'L' glass.

Camo gear is optional - leaf is going nowhere.

#Fail

[cheveyo45]

That is a poor title for this video. This has nothing to do with macro photography. It may have some good info for a beginning photographer but nothing to do with macro.

[MrSteenh]

@cheveyo45 - Agree. Macrophotography can only be done with macrolenses. It's wrong to make a tutorial for macro shots using a tube set. Nothing wrong with tube sets, however it's NOT macro shots.

[cheveyo45]

@MrSteenh Whats worse, if you check out the setup he uses, he never installs the extension tube for the shot. At least I can't see it installed on the camera.

[MrSteenh]

@cheveyo45 - There is too much cheating in many tutorials about macro photography. Many times not using macro lenses but tube sets or reversed lenses. This will never end. How people take their photos I don’t care but using the wrong terms in a tutorial is misleading the newbie’s. My advice to newbie’s is – get your information from professional photographers.

[brotherbear59]

Really well done!.....extremely helpful and well explained.

[aloh7]

thanks,i found several useful tips.

[cblue624]

Nothing was shown on seting up reeferds just audio why?

[Theokondak]

Well the vast majority of viewers probably are new to photography and new to macro, so you can't expect them having tools like Black,Silver and Gold reflectors right?Instead, myshelf i'm fixing such thigns in applications like photoshop or GIMP.

[AdlerChalk]

I feel some people will turn away from this. So much technical info (still in 2010)

The good news is, you can look at the back of your screen. If it looks good that is all that counts!

Later, maybe look at the more technical side after you have a taste for it.

[65bullets]

this video sucks...

the 70-200 lens could be used as a macro lens with 5-6 extention tubes :P

but its not.

[Puddi77]

Wasn't this supposed to be an introduction to macro?

I didn't see a single macro shot in there.

[TomJamesmtb]

That was honestly the worst tutorial i've ever watched. The end results was shit! and his setup was stupidly expensive. not impressed

[AnthonyArroyoFilms]

I love how he spent 8 minutes setting up a shot that is like a simple snapshot for most pros.

[pianoman6639]

This is just not Macro it is only just close up to be honest...

[DarkHorseIOM]

Very unprofessional

[kitty3309]

Why so complicated?

[Cashfromnl]

watch my vid on youtube

[junaid20i]

Remember if you teach lessons unprofessionally, people will treat you as a non professional. You should use the right equipment for the right purpose. You are doing the same thing as you are teaching how to operate Mac and you working on simple pc.

[Recon9143]

@junaid20i the term "Macro" is getting super close in detail of small things, him using a 70-200mm and getting really nice macro shots doesnt mean hes doing things wrong, A macro lens is only recommended not HIGHLY needed if you can get good shots. People when buying a DSLR for the first time get zoom lenses. This is to show how you can do Macro with your standard zoom until you can afford to get a macro lens.

[dewdrops18]

i like closeup photography

[dewdrops18]

hello sir nice video.

i have a question for you. can i fit any lens to my cannon a550? it coast 200$

[DarkShroom]

really useful for newbies like me thanks :)

[HatroVille]

Is macro lens nescessary? Can't I use Extreme zoom lens to satisfy Macro look?

I'm new to lenses

[markusbob]

Hey :) If you want to focus really close to a subject, a macro lens is needed as this is what they are built for. Even if you zoom all the way in with your lens, it wont be able to focus as close to a subject as a macro lens would. If you would like to know any more, don't hesitate to message me.

[HatroVille]

Ohh I see...

How about this,

A lens has "Min Focus Distance", say 0.25 meter...

So that means If i keep my camera at at a distance of 25 cm further than the subject...that means I can zoom and still focus right? cuz my camera is in position of the minimum focus distance.

Thx Bro

[markusbob]

Yeah that's correct. The minimum focusing distance usually applies to how close the lens can focus when fully zoomed in. (if its a zoom lens) Not to get too technical, but a the difference between a normal and macro lens is the size of the image that is projected onto the cameras sensor/film, a normal lens will make an image around 1:5-1:8 the actual size, where as macro lenses will go as big as 1:1 life size! This means the size of the image projected onto the sensor is the size of the subject.

[HatroVille]

Thanks. I'll note what you say and might consider a macro lens thx,.

[squishy949]

depends how close you want to go

most long lenses wont get past 1:4 magnification which isn't good enough for most small subjects.

If you have £500+ pounds to spend, the sigma 180 or 150 mm are both great macro lenses

[QSue22]

thanks for the video - much appreciated.

[przemowlkp1982]

WTF!!!!

[135Weird531]

an extention tube? lolz, never heard of it, how much did it cost?

[GimliG35]

extension tubes are hollow attachments that go in between the lens and the body, it gives you a much closer focus range. They range from $100-600+

[135Weird531]

thanks dude

[markusbob]

You can get cheap ones off of ebay for like $15 or less. The only problem with them is that they don't have the electrical contacts for the lens which means the aperture is set to its widest & you can't auto focus :)

[SalPedi]

Excellent tutorial...I've watched it a few times.....but I don't use all the equipment this chap does. I shoot all my macro with extension tubes which cost much much less than buying a Macro lens. If you want to see what I'm talking about, just click on my name above here, salpedi and it will take you to all my macro shots and my other videos. thanks..

[audioslave187]

singletonj - good job.

[Redblurz]

thx for the great vid

[anoblemanforlife]

Very good video! Makes sense and the reflectors were a plus. Thanks!

[heinrich1900]

you have one badass lens there mate

[whbcanes93]

whats the name of that tripod head

[buggsteg]

Is that really macro photography?

Isn't the idea of macro to come really close to an object and shoot the smaller details? He shoots the whole leaf or i am i wrong?

Maybe he must show the whole leaf to make himself understood?

[LatencyDK]

Your right, this isn't macro :D

[gilegraam]

no the REAL macro photography is the details, or better the lens, which have at least 1:1 magnification, which tells you that at certain distance subject becomes lifesize on the senzor to get the details. but you need special macro lens for that, and 70-200 ain't one of them. it's 180mm L for canon and 200mm f/4 for nikon

[mouimen]

whats the best lens macro for sony a350? like close up macro to take pics of insects

[makeshiftvidios]

Awesome video I started photography a few weeks ago and its good that you covered all the terms

[scaredweepel]

Canon 100mm F2.8 EF MACRO USM Lens! If you like Marco, use a 'macro lens' you'll have better results. For a fraction of the price you'll learn a whole lot more, and your pictures will naturally improve.

[blindeyesbleed]

well, im getting a canon macro lens soon so hopefully itl be good for the job, i still dont know why i got a thumbs down tho lol XD whoevr did it

[scaredweepel]

not sure either! Shallow depth of field is a very good look for macro, i'd advice anyone to open their aperture and go lower than f16 - Granted it's keeping a lot more of detail at f16, but the problem is, it looks like a boring leaf on a log! Then again that's all the subject matter is. There's a million great examples of macro on the web! Lighting is very important, so take his advice on it + a good tripod is also a most! look at a focal length of around 100mm, normally £200-£300. Good start!

[blindeyesbleed]

i mean i got the sigma lens like i sed above ^^ and i get some pretty good shots wiv it...recently come runner up in a comp with it lol, but im like in college so dont have that mcuh money but im getting the macro lens for me bday

[scaredweepel]

ok I see :) good luck with it all!

[blindeyesbleed]

cheers thanks for the advice :)

[singletonj]

Yes he's using a Canon 70-200L but that is not the point. Many people when buying a DSLR for the first time get a zoom lens. This is to show how you can do Macro with your standard zoom until you can afford to get a macro lens.

The photo was shot by pete at f16 so both the bark and the leaf would be in focus.

Lets see what you can do then?

[xjoncamposx]

Sorry, if you're going to title a video "Intro to macro" and proceed to not follow macro by definition, the end product will not be good. He's taking a semi up close shot of a leaf. If he were in fact doing macro (1:1 or even 1:2 by some standards) the entire frame would consist of the tip of a finger or two.

[xjoncamposx]

In addition, if this video were somehow directed towards the audience that want to do macro with their kit lenses you should say so, and if so, you should actually show how it can be done with a kit lenses, i.e. reversal technique, close up filters, TC's, ect.

[ChaosRiddenReaper]

@scaredweepel

can i ask is the Canon 60 f2.8 Macro Lens good. im a beginner but looking to buy a good macro lens, i only have a basic 18- 55mm IS lens on my 500d cannon.

[kanebianco]

@ChaosRiddenReaper try reverse lens, I just start to learn as well, and when I try it, I'm amazed. Oh and I use 18 - 55mm kit for sony alpha.

[NLS87]

@scaredweepel you're so fucking stupid.

Telephoto lens are ok for macro, if you fit them extension tubes, they can do 1:1 and provide you a huge working distance. And apertures like f/16 and beyond are plain normal for macro because the subject is so close that the DOF is very shallow.

[voguifly]

Great video! And very well explained for a beginner like myself. Thanks!

[decnat007]

Very informative Tutorial ! Thanks

[Bocarandasteve]

Good profesor, please put more

[ydrjtt]

yes yes please

[blindeyesbleed]

I recentley bought a Sigma 70-300mm dg macro lens for my canon eos 400d. Im pretty new to the dslr scene and i was wondering if this would be suitable for very close up macro photography? thanks

[achal89]

even i own the same lens like urs..but can we put in the category of maco lenses?...means isnt it just a telephoto lens?..

[blindeyesbleed]

well its classed as a telephoto, but it has a macro option which leads me to believe its sold off as a "macro" but i think it is telephoto :)

[northernpatriot54]

I have the same lens. It isnt macro. I think the best magnification I could get was 1:4.5 and w/ the standard 28-90mm lens that came w/ my camera I ended up getting 1:3.5 magnification. Which is weird, but better for close-ups. The Sigma is a mere telephoto.

I actually just reverse mount my lenses and get extreme macro ability. IDK if Id recommend it for beginners as much, but I can get roughly 3.2:1 magnification w/ my standard lens reverse mounted.

[blindeyesbleed]

Thanks for the help, much appreciated. :)

[scaredweepel]

My advice would be to buy a macro lens! Their made for good reason!

[MRF195]

yeah thanks . i have been modifying and adapting various macro lenses onto my handycam with seemingly good succes sfor a few months now and would appreciate all the advice you have as i have no background knowledge on photography.

[tjrizing]

Very informative. thank you..

MORE MORE MORE PLEASE...

[impu]

Great work. I am curious why don't you use a True Macro lens instead? For example, Canon 100mm Macro or 180mm Macro lens?

[miller7345]

thank you,good video

[eosuser]

Very nice video, thanks for the great tips, going to try them out,with my new EOS 400D, hopefully I will get some great shots.Please can we have some tutorials like this. :)

[photo1geek]

cool, i love your videos and im really learning from them, i never knew that was a depth of field button and i never knew thats what a shutter release cable was. Im also seeing how much work really needs to be put into a photograph. sincerely photo_magic or Joe from the cafe!

[battlingpig]

nice thanks. please could you do a video which explains f-stops on telephoto lenses? when i was taking photos of the lunar eclipse i over exposed them all because i didnt know about the f-stop on my telephoto lense. thanks a lot, good work :)

[heziz]

thanx 4 this