Wide Angle Macro and the Venus/LAOWA 15mm Macro Lens

Ғылым және технология

A not terribly technical overview of wide-angle macrophotography and some of my thoughts on the Venus/Laowa 15mm macro lens.
Venus Optics: www.VenusLens.net
www.ThomasShahan.com
Special thanks to Kathleen Neeley of www.KinkPrints.com for helping out with shooting video.

Пікірлер: 447

  • @hcvincenzo
    @hcvincenzo7 жыл бұрын

    That photo at 4:30 with the waterfall in the background is just killer. Totally stands out from the usual macro stuff. Nice work.

  • @lsdustyrhodes
    @lsdustyrhodes7 жыл бұрын

    Your images are beautiful and otherworldly. They deserve to be published.

  • @snailcatcat451
    @snailcatcat4518 жыл бұрын

    You speak like you would for a TV/News station. We need more youtubers like you. Thanks for this video

  • @kofiskingley5336
    @kofiskingley53368 жыл бұрын

    Thomas Shahan you are the Bob Ross of photography

  • @kasparssarnovskis9539

    @kasparssarnovskis9539

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thought the same thing

  • @duwekapak

    @duwekapak

    4 жыл бұрын

    *macrophotography

  • @clintjohnson2460

    @clintjohnson2460

    4 жыл бұрын

    Happy bugs......... happy little bugs.....

  • @hamzawildlife

    @hamzawildlife

    Жыл бұрын

    Best description of Thomas so far 😂🙏🏼🤍 such soothing voice, amazing content and teaching. 🙌🏼

  • @ScreaminMadMurphy
    @ScreaminMadMurphy8 жыл бұрын

    I never told you (primarily because i subscribed during a dormant period) i find your work incredibly moving. You have found life at it's most alien, and have recognized it as Life, then captured it's beauty. How amazing is this creature that will fit a hundred times in your palm? Ever since i was knee high i've marveled at the (mostly lack of) differences between macro and micro. Everyone has astronaut phases and microbiologist phases. Some people have the luck to own a microscope and a telescope at the same time. I haven't until recently. What i have always loved about the universe at large, and what you have captured, is - mere size is unremarkable. The fact that You, these arthropods, Myself, or ANYTHING exists is extraordinary. The drama of life at the scale we are on is incomparable to the drama at the macroscopic stage where entire star systems are obliterated in the flash of a dying star. But what's that compared to things that happen in the microcosms we ignore every day? Incredible wars for survival are fought hundreds of times a day everywhere all around us. I love that you sing to the spiders. I have those videos on a separate playlist that i go to when i'm feeling left out. There's a kind of tenderness for Life that untold billions would otherwise have completely disregarded. It's special, and it's part of why life on this planet is beautiful. You knew it or you wouldn't have this channel - for one brief moment (a great lengthy trial for the subject) you held in your hand an organism thousands of times smaller than you (The subject did grit it's mandibles and hold fast upon the undulating and pulsating surface of the being thousands of times it's mass and size) and contact was established. You both did stare at each other. There is no denying this. The salticid likely didn't recognize the camera as being separate from you, and definitely didn't know what was happening, but it Was looking at you as you looked at it. You might have sang to it then. i've noticed a lilting motion in some videos. You recognize these as living beings, and what's more, you know that they are experiencing you in the same way. I've raised millipedes for a few years (primarily because i love arthropods, secondarily because where i live they're easy pets), centipedes before that, and spiders intermittently all my life, and it's interesting and always disheartening to see how people will shy away from these creatures. Invertebrates play an understated role in our world. Those in chitinous exoskeletons are all the more important for their diversity. They're undoubtedly the most alien creature we can realistically expect to encounter, and there's estimates of some 30% of their multitudinous lot that we haven't even discovered yet. They make surprisingly nice pets, and great meals. They're responsible for quite a bit of technology and medicine we have, and have helped our horror movie database immensely. That i've never met a salticid i didn't like should be more than enough proof, but failing that i can always give them your channel. In short I'm glad you're getting to people who MIGHT spare a moment in which they might decide NOT to step on something that cost like 40 bucks to ship here. Also what is a "massive invasive species infestation" anyway? To me that sounds like spaceship earth. Hell, emperor scorpion stings don't even hurt that bad. Keep up the good work.

  • @terser

    @terser

    8 жыл бұрын

    +ScreaminMadMurphy Thanks for commenting - glad you appreciate and understand what I do.

  • @radudumitrescu1

    @radudumitrescu1

    5 жыл бұрын

    That was such a lovely read. My heart was touched by the both of you.

  • @Herbert2892

    @Herbert2892

    4 жыл бұрын

    This conversation remember me of something i read about William Harvey, the anatomist that discovery our bloody circulation, in the end of the life when a friend asked him about the biggest loss in his life and he didn't say a word about his beloved ones deats - that's natural - his biggest loss was a detailed manuscript where he wrote for years about hundreds - even thousands - of insects that was destroyed by Oliver Cromwel soldies (1642). That was the biggest loss in his life, he said with a grief expression . A true scientist.

  • @koolkutz7
    @koolkutz78 жыл бұрын

    Awesome ideas and brilliant viewpoints.

  • @cardiacade
    @cardiacade8 жыл бұрын

    Just when I thought I didn't need another macro lens! Thanks for the review Thomas, this lens will be a fine addition in relation to my ecology work.

  • @louiseducator
    @louiseducator8 жыл бұрын

    What a great video. Thank you for making it. I already have the Laowa 15mm but it is helpful to see how someone as talented as you is using it.

  • @ramelsen
    @ramelsen7 жыл бұрын

    Thnx for showing us this beautiful review of that lens. Stunning shots!

  • @Needacreate
    @Needacreate8 жыл бұрын

    I've had an eye on the Pentax 10-17 Fisheye for quite a while, but I must say your video has made me want it even more for its incredible versatility. Not only that, in the little more than eight minutes of your clip I feel I have learned more about macro photography than I could possibly have from watching hours of lesser talents' videos. Keep up that tremendously inspiring work, Thomas!

  • @dennishardinglandscapephot3540
    @dennishardinglandscapephot35403 жыл бұрын

    Your videos are a breath of fresh air and beautiful work!

  • @LarsRichterMedia
    @LarsRichterMedia7 жыл бұрын

    Excellent review of the LAOWA 15 mm, Thank you very much Thomas!

  • @timholland3040
    @timholland30407 жыл бұрын

    You have inspired me. I am one of those that thinks bugs as pests even though I love macro. I will change my perspective. Simply wow. Thank you and happy new year.

  • @PiepGuy
    @PiepGuy5 жыл бұрын

    These are incredible photos! this is the type of quality I aspire for my work, even as an amateur.

  • @Phantom1963
    @Phantom19634 жыл бұрын

    As always.... exceptional work Thomas💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

  • @dagr8ape
    @dagr8ape5 жыл бұрын

    This video was amazing to me. Your shots were beautiful and the the information, stellar. I love the perspective of this lens and plan to own it soon. Best video on this lens online. Thanks!

  • @FrederickDunn
    @FrederickDunn Жыл бұрын

    I may have missed this in the explanation/demonstration. With the dragonfly and others that showed the environment, are those stacked, or a single exposure? If those are un-stacked images, that's a huge advantage for me. Thank you as always for your excellence in photography and for sharing what you do and how you do it.

  • @prabhakarrao4922
    @prabhakarrao49227 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video. Excellent narration and background music. Thank you

  • @stellaq3306
    @stellaq33065 жыл бұрын

    Thoroughly enjoyed that 8m09s - thank you. Interesting lens... love that tilt adjustment idea! Beautiful images! 👍

  • @johnhymanful
    @johnhymanful8 жыл бұрын

    You are an amazing talent. Thank you for sharing it with us.

  • @subseeker

    @subseeker

    6 жыл бұрын

    John Hyman And ads.

  • @DapurFithryOfficial
    @DapurFithryOfficial5 жыл бұрын

    What a greet life, free and enjoy every moment you spending with your camera and object, love it.

  • @MrAfterglow
    @MrAfterglow7 жыл бұрын

    I must commend you Thomas on a great put together video, so many annoying people try to do videos on KZread, this was one of the most professional videos I've seen, very detailed information, content, and narration, your voice is very engaging and pleasant on the ear and goes hand in hand with your video content. Really enjoyed it, keep up the good work, thankyou.

  • @shadownec

    @shadownec

    5 жыл бұрын

    Woow amazing pics bro where you take that, come to Ecuador when you want, congrats

  • @starwarsfanforlife
    @starwarsfanforlife6 жыл бұрын

    It's always great to see the pictures you capture!

  • @radudumitrescu1
    @radudumitrescu15 жыл бұрын

    Inspiring. I love your videos. Amazing photography and such a soothing voice.

  • @rfrf4351
    @rfrf43516 жыл бұрын

    Really appreciate this video with all of this beautiful & great images.

  • @angieg.4621
    @angieg.46214 жыл бұрын

    Simply amazing review. I had to watch twice because the first time I was distracted by the cool flash diffusers. :D This was very interesting and super-helpful. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

  • @AlokeshBagchi
    @AlokeshBagchi8 жыл бұрын

    i just purchased the lens from the venus site.... Thank you Mr Thomas! Merry Christmas..

  • @BeerBellyDK
    @BeerBellyDK7 жыл бұрын

    Incredible! This was a whole new side of macro photography for me. You got some beautiful shots as well. Great job, and thanks for the video. :)

  • @jamesstudd9776
    @jamesstudd97764 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant video and what an amazing lens, it is taking me a while to learn how to use this lens but i have much more confidence using it after watching this video.

  • @francisbauzon3763
    @francisbauzon37637 жыл бұрын

    Really inspiring shots, and great video. Thank you.

  • @Raychristofer
    @Raychristofer8 жыл бұрын

    Very legit video, I really appreciate how you review this lens outdoors in real use, cant stand reviews that sit at a table fifteen minutes and finally say I just got it and havent used it yet. awesome

  • @terser

    @terser

    8 жыл бұрын

    +Raychristofer - Thanks! I appreciate you appreciating my style! Sometimes I worry I don't get technical enough - but there's other channels for that!

  • @tom-we5vr
    @tom-we5vr8 жыл бұрын

    I love the video. I just discover your channel and I love the ambiance! It's relaxing and beautiful. Your photography are amazing! :)

  • @lightwavz
    @lightwavz5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! This is the mind's eye vision I have of what I shoot just without the equipment to back it up. Also, great to know there are other serious Pentax shooters out there. I have never given up since my first K1000!

  • @markharris5771
    @markharris57717 жыл бұрын

    I've seen your videos before and I must admit whenever I watch them I always find your approach to this subject, calm, well thought out and sympathetic to your surroundings. I watched this thinking the lens may be a gimmick, which to a large part it is, but that doesn't make your shots any less beautiful. I actually have the Tokina version of the 10-17, and although I use it as a superwide lens on a crop body with some editing to reduce the distortion, I have never thought of using it close up...until now. Thank you for that, and thank you for another view into the beautiful world you specialise in.

  • @Thelittletrianglestudio
    @Thelittletrianglestudio6 жыл бұрын

    Really nice, informative, calming and documentary feeling video!

  • @AndreVandal
    @AndreVandal8 жыл бұрын

    Now I want this lens... great selling video.

  • @fritz9880
    @fritz98807 жыл бұрын

    You're an excellent photographer. Thanks for sharing your work and talents.

  • @with_a_g
    @with_a_g8 жыл бұрын

    I have been thinking of getting a wide angle lens for landscapes, but since I do a lot of macro as well I might consider this lens. Love your work as always. "The world is never more revealing than when it is studied in intimate detail."

  • @AlokeshBagchi
    @AlokeshBagchi7 жыл бұрын

    Dear Sir, I am following your work from last about 2 years! It's wonderful! I got the Laowa Lens. It's packed and received scratchless! As you said, it's a superb, but very difficult to use lens! I am extremely happy and pleased! Wish to join your workshops! Thanks and Regards! Alokesh Bagchi

  • @danielvazquezguevara3842
    @danielvazquezguevara38423 жыл бұрын

    Love your explanation style! Quite soothing voice.

  • @joeyc923
    @joeyc9238 жыл бұрын

    This was a great review, not just of a product but as a discipline. As a wedding photographer I've taken a few wide-angle macro shots of wedding rings with my 24mm f1.4 (rather than my usual ring shot go-to, a 60mm), but you've inspired me to try this technique more often!

  • @asteriascelesta
    @asteriascelesta7 жыл бұрын

    amazing video.. love how you tell the story of the whole process.. thanks for making my day :) cheers

  • @valeriyshvetsov7022
    @valeriyshvetsov70228 жыл бұрын

    Got mine yesterday at BH!! Can't wait to use it in the wild! Thanks Thomas!

  • @andrewmoyer1427
    @andrewmoyer14277 жыл бұрын

    incredible shots

  • @etact8888
    @etact88887 жыл бұрын

    venus should pay u for the best promotion video ever.

  • @TheM750

    @TheM750

    4 жыл бұрын

    Right? It has me looking to buy it now.

  • @MrGflan

    @MrGflan

    4 жыл бұрын

    This is why it’s really hard to monetize creativity. Not a knock against the artist, but it takes a knowledge of marketing and business to reach great success as an artist who makes money, versus a great artist who does not. I admit, I’ve published bird photography before, but would be miles ahead if I was able to reach the people who want to purchase my art. You notice how you see mediocre artists with mediocre images making good money sometimes? This is because they are effective at marketing their brand and connecting with people. Lastly, I’ve emailed this artist, messaged him on several platforms and never got any response to the questions I’ve had. If you want to be successful, you have to engage with your audience and followers, even on the most minute of scales of acceptability.

  • @mnz3211
    @mnz32117 жыл бұрын

    Hi Shahan, I'm fan of your videos. Great narration and beautiful photos.

  • @cytan71
    @cytan718 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the informative video! Have ordered one, and hope to try out wide angle macros!

  • @periurban
    @periurban8 жыл бұрын

    Some great pics! A very wonderful wee lens.

  • @36Bananapies
    @36Bananapies8 жыл бұрын

    Your photography is incredible and inspiring...

  • @mengshun
    @mengshun8 жыл бұрын

    Awesome. Great presentation and photos. Thanks!

  • @dch2896
    @dch28967 жыл бұрын

    Great Macro work. Thank you for the awesome review.

  • @mr.oddlyfox6934
    @mr.oddlyfox69345 жыл бұрын

    Incredible lens in your hands. Very neat video.

  • @odys__4763
    @odys__47637 жыл бұрын

    This is the first video I've seen of your channel, and it's very calming. I will subscribe to your channel.

  • @danulis
    @danulis7 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful photography! Wow!

  • @zehuangcozbb
    @zehuangcozbb8 жыл бұрын

    Great images! thank you for sharing! Happy new year~

  • @donaldklopper
    @donaldklopper6 жыл бұрын

    Glad I saw your artwork. Thanks for sharing!

  • @welshsteve2009
    @welshsteve20094 жыл бұрын

    So glad I came across this video. Great video and really beautiful images. This lens has now been added to my wishlist 👌 Thank you 😀 Liked and Subscribed 😉

  • @blackpete
    @blackpete7 жыл бұрын

    i really like the idea of this lens! Great video and really interesting pictures!

  • @stephenbarlow2493
    @stephenbarlow24938 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful video as usual. I've been fascinated by the potential of wide-angle macro photography for a long time. However, I've never really found the perfect lens for it. Currently my Panasonic LX7 compact is one of the best I've used for it. Although it's not really wide enough and the working distance is too close. Don't be so hard on yourself about your wide-angle macros. They are as good as any I've seen. Sure other photographers have taken some pretty cool wide-angle macro photographs, but I've never seen anyone who I'd say has really mastered it, and who's developed a reliable style, such as in other fields of macro photography. Plus a really big thanks for helping to popularize macro photography, and for using macro photography to promote interest in invertebrates. IMHO, macro photography is one of the best means of re-connecting people with the natural world.

  • @sittingstill3578
    @sittingstill35782 жыл бұрын

    Eastern Oregon is so stunning. Thanks for sharing some of their residents.

  • @kareno8634
    @kareno86344 жыл бұрын

    LOVE the Critters! Great Job, Thanks!

  • @joeshmoe7967
    @joeshmoe79674 жыл бұрын

    Very cool l. Love your work. Inspiring in all ways. Cheers

  • @Tzadeck
    @Tzadeck7 жыл бұрын

    This is awesome. Also this is the only video I've seen of yours, but I'm subscribing.

  • @JionniCastillo
    @JionniCastillo8 жыл бұрын

    this looks awesome! I've been getting into macro photography and this looks so cool!

  • @hughcoleman3866
    @hughcoleman38664 жыл бұрын

    I use this lens for Landscape and love the perspective and context it offers. I agree 100% with your comments on sharpness as at F/16 and set at infinity, it seems sharp from here to... Infinity!!!

  • @Dustinrhoades
    @Dustinrhoades5 жыл бұрын

    Great vibe, Thomas

  • @nancymabry
    @nancymabry6 жыл бұрын

    These are awesome tips! Thank you so much for sharing!

  • @Lepiworld
    @Lepiworld8 жыл бұрын

    Wonderful video as usual !

  • @Michael-fw5ef
    @Michael-fw5ef5 жыл бұрын

    I like when you can see what is in the background. Makes the picture have more overall value.

  • @verbraekenchristophe8233
    @verbraekenchristophe82336 жыл бұрын

    Nice video!beautiful macro pics too!👍

  • @RichieWilliams
    @RichieWilliams7 жыл бұрын

    WOW - amazing photography.. well done :)

  • @planecrazyish
    @planecrazyish8 жыл бұрын

    Great photos! and great info. Thanks

  • @DaveLundy
    @DaveLundy8 жыл бұрын

    That's a fascinating lens. If it had auto aperture, I probably wouldn't hesitate to buy one. I would also like auto focusing, but not having that wouldn't bother me as much. Thanks for the video, Thomas. I always enjoy your work.

  • @microminstrel
    @microminstrel Жыл бұрын

    great video, man! loved the images, too!

  • @heidiannemorris
    @heidiannemorris8 жыл бұрын

    Great to see another video Thomas ♥ beautiful shots Your lady friend is very beautiful too ;) Happy Holidays to you all x

  • @jamochl
    @jamochl7 жыл бұрын

    I was skeptical at first but this is really cool! Great video

  • @otoskope
    @otoskope2 ай бұрын

    Thanks for an excellent review. I sometimes dabble in macro, and just found this lens 2nd hand for a good price - been wanting it for a long time. I especially liked the comparison with optical alternatives. That itself is very educational. I have tried reverse lenses, front and back adapters of various kinds, and your examples were very interesting to see.

  • @axxaxaax4556
    @axxaxaax45562 жыл бұрын

    Very nice job whatever the lens is. Congratulations.

  • @streglof
    @streglof8 жыл бұрын

    I love your videos! they are sooo relaxing :)

  • @JaimeVillacis
    @JaimeVillacis Жыл бұрын

    I don't usually comment on videos, but man!...such great photos! Congrats

  • @CambodiaWonder
    @CambodiaWonder3 жыл бұрын

    I really love your channel!

  • @Nikita_Brus
    @Nikita_Brus2 жыл бұрын

    HOOOLY COW! What a lens! would love to see something like this in Cinema.

  • @CaptnJackHammer
    @CaptnJackHammer8 жыл бұрын

    Always so nice to watch your tutorial Thomas. Can you tell me if this lens is suitable for the latest Pentax K1 full frame camera

  • @steveg.shifletsr.6451
    @steveg.shifletsr.64516 жыл бұрын

    Incredible Work!

  • @Markeymarc321
    @Markeymarc3212 жыл бұрын

    Amazing photography

  • @spejampar
    @spejampar7 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video. I've been wanting to get one of these lenses ever since it was announced but I haven't gotten around to it because photography is still a hobby for me. After I pay off the two lenses I just bought, I think this might be my next purchase.

  • @VodkaVermouth
    @VodkaVermouth8 жыл бұрын

    thanks for inspiring video:) switched to shooting birds a couple of years before and now going back to macro!

  • @Pharesm
    @Pharesm2 жыл бұрын

    Love your video and the lens :) Off-road spider with headlights!

  • @naturemarveled9876
    @naturemarveled98767 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the video and tips. I understand the concept of one to one by seeing it in the real world.

  • @buddah610
    @buddah6108 жыл бұрын

    I have been thinking about delving into the world of macro for a while. I don't have a dedicated macro lens. I use reversal rings,tubes and my Pentax MX 1 is incredible at what they call "super macro". I don't think this should be my first lens but what a way to learn! Trial by fire! Lol! Beautiful images.... just beautiful.

  • @ktsimage
    @ktsimage8 жыл бұрын

    Wow, nice lens, nice pictures and nice video, thanks!

  • @SamFigueroa
    @SamFigueroa8 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this review/tutorial. Very cool.

  • @J0hnd03ph
    @J0hnd03ph8 жыл бұрын

    Very nice video! I first saw your post on Flickr about the dragonfly then i watched this great video.

  • @ProudNothing
    @ProudNothing5 жыл бұрын

    Wow, I need this lens. Great video!

  • @derpixelsucher1787
    @derpixelsucher17878 жыл бұрын

    Wieder ein Klasse Video. danke fürs zeigen.

  • @chosenideahandle
    @chosenideahandle4 жыл бұрын

    Love it. Great work.

  • @hughcoleman3866
    @hughcoleman38666 жыл бұрын

    I love this lens. I use it primarily for waterfall and general landscape photography. I find that at f/16 and infinity focus, it’s as sharp as sharp throughout the entire field of view! One of the few lenses I’m definitely never getting rid of!

  • 7 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video man! Very inspiring

  • @georgefspicka5483
    @georgefspicka54837 жыл бұрын

    Not only are the shots outrageous, I love the shooters philosophy :)

  • @danpalooza
    @danpalooza7 жыл бұрын

    Awesome locations!

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