Thanks for the reminder of this option. Your tutorial inspired me to dig a long owned, but rarely used 52.5 mm extension ring out of the drawer, install it between 300mm f/4 and DSLR, and head out on a prowl for suitable subjects. It was a rewarding morning. I did use a cabled release rather than programming a delay between shutter button press and exposure. The Nikon D850 supports live view silent mode. Watching the subject in live view with thumb on the cabled release trigger I could instantly fire an electronic shutter exposure with no mirror or mechanical shutter delay or vibration the moment the subject was still. The morning was calm, but even a very slight puff moved the subject, especially subjects well-suited to this approach, standing tall and isolated. I shot 20 or more exposures of each subject, then selected the sharpest later, inspected at 100% in Lightroom later. I'm pleased with the results; the venerable extension ring will be getting out in the field more often.
Wild garlic: Beautiful plant, gorgeous smell, wonderful to photograph, delicious to eat, absolute thug in the garden. (but as I love eating it, I'm still winning that battle at the moment)
Thank you mate. I really enjoyed this - nice to do something a little different now and again. The sounds and smells in that woodland are just wonderful. Take care.
Paul, I wanted to offer a tip on shooting vertical flowers. Rather than always keeping them straight up and down, cock your camera and have the stem enter near a corner on a diagonal. Just as in landscape, diagonal lines add a dynamic look and tension and can often be appealing. In my opinion, this works better on portrait orientation than landscape but it can work either way based on the scene. We normally see flowers such as the garlic you were shooting straight up and down. When we see them from a different perspective, it often grabs the attention. I noticed you did have one photo at the end that is similar to the effect but I think it was just naturally leaning a bit.
Hi Paul another nice video I don't have an extension tube unfortunately so not going to be trying this anytime soon. Until next time take care and stay safe and saneeeeeee
I just use my Olympus EM-1 MII with built in Focus stacking and get instant results with or without off camera flash..and the results are EXCELLENT.....
Nice longlens macro with extension tube. I'm just about to finish a video about extension tubes in my series about macro photogrpahy on a budget. Thank you for sharing your video.
I use my Canon 7D Mk 2 with the 100-400mm Mk 2 lens. The minimum focus is under 1m so I can get close. It is great for macro shots. Loved this video Paul. You explained things so clearly, it was easy to understand.
Thanks Paul given me the idea of getting an extension tube although I have found my 12-60 Lumix gets me closer to subjects than my 100-400 due to the closer focusing distance so will likely use that.
Joe Marano I use extension tubes with short lenses for still life shots but with my 70-300mm to photograph bees and insects which might get spooked if too close. Longer lens also lets more light get to the subject
@@jlr3636 That's true but in this use case my kit zoom is a better choice as it's lighter and easier to set in position but of course yes for insects the long zoom is better :)
Another beneficial video. I have used my 90mm macro but will give my 70-200 with converter a try...flowers are blooming in back yard. Excellent project to try under stay at home requirements. Keep up the very useful tips and good work.
Longer lenses can be good for flower photography. What I forgot to mention is that you also have the benefit of not needing to get as close as with a macro lens - this avoids trampling flowers etc.
Right down my street, thanks. I'm shooting most insects on a 70-300 non macro and still waiting on extension tubes to arrive for closer focus. Nearly all shots are at 300 mm handheld in good light but you often need to keep back to avoid scaring things.
I use a Sony 100-400mm lens with and without the 1.4 teleconverter for close up. It’s not “Macro” because its not magnified, but the 400mm sony gets surprisingly close. With a full frame camera, it can be cropped down nicely.I shoot almost entirely freehand too, but it takes a lot of practice.
The flowers look like Ransoms or Wild Garlic. Ramsbottom in Lancashire was named after them, Ransoms Bottoms. I use a Canon EOS M6 mk2 with a 70-200 EF L lens.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography Sorry, I spelled it incorrectly Paul. I made the comment before you named them. Beautiful patch of flowers. Once had a Pub near Ramsbottom but now live in SW France.
Alex Lancashire Photography: I'm originally from the Rossendale area and I always wondered how Ramsbottom got it's name.....now I know thanks to you :-)
Hi Paul, great video and as usual well presented. I have the 1dX2 with the 70-200 and a 2X extender will this work with the 25mm extention tubes at the fullest zoom?
Paul Miguel Photography Hi Paul, I cant seem to focus on anything, I’m using manual focus and I’ve tried auto but it tries but stays blurred also my camera a 750d turns off and refuses to turn back on unless I take the battery out and put it back in. They are only cheap tubes so I didn’t expect miracles but I thought they’d be a start, regards Julie
@@julietowersey you probably won't be able to autofocus reliably or at all unless you're using yoiur camera brand's extension tubes. I presume you're on a tripod because manual focusing a macro while handheld is extremely difficult. Even with an extension tube there's a minimum focal length for a given lens. Try moving the camera around with the lens at mimimum focus, in live view. You'll see at what distance the lens achieves focus, so you'll have a starting point to mount your tripod and fine-tune manually. Good luck!
Unless you’re already very close to your subject, I suspect you haven’t gotten close enough yet while using your extension tubes. Handhold and move ever closer and see if you don’t see it come into focus.
Thanks for the free camera lesson. Question: The instant you put that long lens on the autofocus and auto anything went away? Right? I'm shooting pics of "stuff" thru a telescope using eyepiece projection. We are THAT bored. Thanks again.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography you're seriously telling me to put a telescope in manual mode? The camera is in manual or it wouldn't work at all. Do you even know what a t-ring is?
I've used an extension tube on a telephoto lens (the Canon 400mm F/5.6L) to shoot butterflies, handheld. It lets you get close enough for near-macro results but stay far enough away to reduce scaring them off. And I've just ordered a tripod with no center column for flower photography. Getting down to subject level is so important!
Theres a 3" column I want for my tripod, and I've noticed a few that you can flip the column upside down as well. Hoping to try that with my 70-200 with extension tube.
@@smashexentertainment676 I already have the short center column installed. Still can't get close enough to the ground. The FLM tripod I just received goes down to 3.5 inches and up to 68 inches. Perfect! Can't wait to use it.
Yes, RAW. I do very little processing. In fact, on these images, no contrast adjustment, slight vibrance - that's it. Obviously re-sizing ans sharpen for web.
I have a Nikon D3500 with 70-300 mm lens. I want to learn more about macro photography of flowers: plan on going into Rocky Mountains soon to take wildflower pictures. Is the camo u use a flocked lens hood? Any other suggestions for a newbie? This was great. Thank you
Hi Patricia. This lens has it's own lens hood - it has taped camou on it as I'm mostly a wildlife photographer. I'd try shooting at the longer end of the zoom - you'll get lovely backgrounds. Also try to add some deliberate foreground blur - I love that!
Great video, Paul! (And great to hear a lovely, warm Northern accent). From Wednesday onwards (13 May 2020), we are encouraged to get out and take more exercise.... so I think I’ll have a go at shooting (BANG!) wild flowers. At every point of your video, I learnt something new. (I’m a late in life amateur... and I normally take portrait shots and urban landscapes). Stay safe (and alert!).
Extension tube warning - I purchased a mid price set, used with 70-300mm lens, first time using for extended time my lens fell off my camera crashed to the ground. Turns out 4 small screws cracked the plastic when assembled at factory. I was sent a replacement, I inspected before using and discovered cracking at same place on multiple tubes. I was refunded full price. The tubes worked fine for shooting bumblebees before they self destructed.
Good info. Jerel. I tried cheap ones first and had constant problems with camera-lens communication. Got the Canon tube months ago - never had one problem!
Paul Miguel Photography I had no problem with communication, I didn’t purchase the lowest price but paid about $60, I patched them with super glue. Obviously not the best way to go, but will get me by till I get a better set. I now support the lens at all times while using the tubes, never let it hang just from the strap. I was lucky to have a lens hood which took the impact
I really enjoyed your video what was the name of the head that you had attached to your Manfrotto trypod.I have a Fugi 80 Macro lens and I find it heavy for my Manfrotto Trypod. I also like taking wild flowers with Macro but I have problems with carrying weight so I have to adapt.Glenys
Sorry but your photos are not macro but proxy The macro starts from 1:1 which means that on a full format sensor the field must not exceed 36mm If the field exceeds 36mm it is not macro Far too many people confuse proxy with macro
@@PaulMiguelPhotography Haha yeah, I've honestly been staring at the Laowa 25mm 2.5-5x lens for ages, haven't quite decided to hit checkout yet. Tempted. Honestly can't decide if I want to take macro that seriously, I mean I've got a random RF 35mm for 'macro', it's fun, I guess.
good question. A friend once suggested this and I've done it ever since. I leave on 5300 Kelvin and I find it just gives really consistent results. I only ever change it for twilight and night time shooting!
not really macro, its flower photography, macro is when you get right inside the flower and shoot the stamens and pistils, for your flower shots I use Olympus em1 mk2 with the 40-150 Pro hand held, for macro I use the 60mm which allows focus stacking in camera, might be time to get rid of your dinosaur and big heavy tripod
" So observe the effects of the mercy of Allah - how He gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed, that [same one] will give life to the dead, and He is over all things competent." Qur'an 30:50 You will not disappear. You will not rot under the ground Who created you from nothing; He will give body and life again. Infinite and will have a life worthy of human beings. Death will be the beginning of eternal life. 1893bayram
Nice video Paul, but these are not Macro images. They are barely close-ups. I'm sure this name usage drives true Macro shooters bonkers. Similar to your normal photography being Wildlife, not Nature.
Thanks for the reminder of this option. Your tutorial inspired me to dig a long owned, but rarely used 52.5 mm extension ring out of the drawer, install it between 300mm f/4 and DSLR, and head out on a prowl for suitable subjects. It was a rewarding morning. I did use a cabled release rather than programming a delay between shutter button press and exposure. The Nikon D850 supports live view silent mode. Watching the subject in live view with thumb on the cabled release trigger I could instantly fire an electronic shutter exposure with no mirror or mechanical shutter delay or vibration the moment the subject was still. The morning was calm, but even a very slight puff moved the subject, especially subjects well-suited to this approach, standing tall and isolated. I shot 20 or more exposures of each subject, then selected the sharpest later, inspected at 100% in Lightroom later. I'm pleased with the results; the venerable extension ring will be getting out in the field more often.
Great stuff. I hope you enjoyed yourself. Using a cable release is actually better because you can fire at the moment of least movement.
Love seeing actually used gear
Cool video
The birds sound was lovely
It really was loud that day!
Thanks Paul. Great tip about the extension tube
Always a pleasure Paul
Cheers Ian.
Wild garlic: Beautiful plant, gorgeous smell, wonderful to photograph, delicious to eat, absolute thug in the garden. (but as I love eating it, I'm still winning that battle at the moment)
Another very good video Paul mate.👍🏻
Thank you mate. I really enjoyed this - nice to do something a little different now and again. The sounds and smells in that woodland are just wonderful. Take care.
Great stuff Paul, thank you!
Thanks
I also use telephoto lens (with short MFD) for these kind of flower shots, it's super easy and beautiful.
Scientists kill Covid, I'm dying to go out and take photos! Fantastic video, Paul.
Thanks for the great video. I'm going to cook now ... got hungry while watching.... something with garlic :)
Nice tutorial, Paul. I have never tried extension tubes in my photography so this was definitely interesting to see.
Paul, I wanted to offer a tip on shooting vertical flowers. Rather than always keeping them straight up and down, cock your camera and have the stem enter near a corner on a diagonal. Just as in landscape, diagonal lines add a dynamic look and tension and can often be appealing. In my opinion, this works better on portrait orientation than landscape but it can work either way based on the scene. We normally see flowers such as the garlic you were shooting straight up and down. When we see them from a different perspective, it often grabs the attention. I noticed you did have one photo at the end that is similar to the effect but I think it was just naturally leaning a bit.
Great advice! Yes, that is true - I've done it with other subjects although probably not flowers. Really well explained. Cheers
Great videos, Paul. Thank you!
Hi Paul another nice video I don't have an extension tube unfortunately so not going to be trying this anytime soon. Until next time take care and stay safe and saneeeeeee
Thank you Paul giving us something to do over long weekend and fun too A great budget Macro video
Nice vid Paul, some excellent tips n tricks. Thank you. Ted.
Hi Paul, great video to start the day with, has give me some inspiration for the long weekend. take care, Ian
I just use my Olympus EM-1 MII with built in Focus stacking and get instant results with or without off camera flash..and the results are EXCELLENT.....
Nice longlens macro with extension tube. I'm just about to finish a video about extension tubes in my series about macro photogrpahy on a budget. Thank you for sharing your video.
Sounds a great idea. Thank you
Thanks for sharing Paul
Great video Paul, I wish I could get out there and have a go.
Great film Paul, some brilliant tips and lovely photos.
Thank you Stewart, much appreciated.
Brilliant mate.
Great video,great subject and very well explained.Thanks Paul.
Thanks Roy. That's nice feedback
Wonderful video.
Very well done!!
I use my Canon 7D Mk 2 with the 100-400mm Mk 2 lens. The minimum focus is under 1m so I can get close. It is great for macro shots. Loved this video Paul. You explained things so clearly, it was easy to understand.
Many thanks Pauline. I meant to mention about other lenses - yes your lens is perfect for this, a great option.
Helpful... Thanks...
I actually already use a 300 mm telephoto lens for macro photography. I always get asked what macro lens I use on Instagram though.
I do the same. But I don't consider these Macro images. Close-ups is the better definition I believe.
Thanks Paul given me the idea of getting an extension tube although I have found my 12-60 Lumix gets me closer to subjects than my 100-400 due to the closer focusing distance so will likely use that.
Joe Marano
I use extension tubes with short lenses for still life shots but with my 70-300mm to photograph bees and insects which might get spooked if too close. Longer lens also lets more light get to the subject
@@jlr3636 That's true but in this use case my kit zoom is a better choice as it's lighter and easier to set in position but of course yes for insects the long zoom is better :)
So beautiful - thank you Paul
Aww.. thank you Kim.
Another beneficial video. I have used my 90mm macro but will give my 70-200 with converter a try...flowers are blooming in back yard. Excellent project to try under stay at home requirements. Keep up the very useful tips and good work.
Longer lenses can be good for flower photography. What I forgot to mention is that you also have the benefit of not needing to get as close as with a macro lens - this avoids trampling flowers etc.
Great video. Very helpful man
Hadn’t tried my 200-600 yet. Thanks for reminding me. Love your lens 😀. That thing has seen some use 😆. Good video. Subbed btw.
Yeah, that works! Thanks!
Nice Paul, and I'd like to see a review of that Manfrotto head.
I'll probably do that Chris. Haven't used it much yet though.
Very nice image and vlog. I have a macro lens but will try this as well.
Thanks Brenda. Good advantage of this technique is when you can't get physically close to the flowers as you need to with a macro lens.
Nice one buddy and yup agreed stay sane 👍 take care mate all the best JP
Turn of the lens image stabilizer to as it will always cause movement when it tries to stabilize the image.
Maybe a butterfly video?
Hoping to make one soon. I also did this: czcams.com/video/DNuPdxP80YA/video.html
Right down my street, thanks.
I'm shooting most insects on a 70-300 non macro and still waiting on extension tubes to arrive for closer focus. Nearly all shots are at 300 mm handheld in good light but you often need to keep back to avoid scaring things.
I use a Sony 100-400mm lens with and without the 1.4 teleconverter for close up. It’s not “Macro” because its not magnified, but the 400mm sony gets surprisingly close. With a full frame camera, it can be cropped down nicely.I shoot almost entirely freehand too, but it takes a lot of practice.
Sounds good. Yes, there are options - it really depends on the camera.. and how close it will focus too.
The flowers look like Ransoms or Wild Garlic. Ramsbottom in Lancashire was named after them, Ransoms Bottoms. I use a Canon EOS M6 mk2 with a 70-200 EF L lens.
Yes it's wild garlic - the flowers are also called ramsons.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography Sorry, I spelled it incorrectly Paul. I made the comment before you named them. Beautiful patch of flowers. Once had a Pub near Ramsbottom but now live in SW France.
Alex Lancashire Photography: I'm originally from the Rossendale area and I always wondered how Ramsbottom got it's name.....now I know thanks to you :-)
Hi Paul, great video and as usual well presented. I have the 1dX2 with the 70-200 and a 2X extender will this work with the 25mm extention tubes at the fullest zoom?
Great video Paul-next year I'm DEFINITELY having a macro 1-1!!!
Looking forward to it mate. We can do flowers, insects..
@@PaulMiguelPhotography I'll settle for staying upright lol!!!
Hey Paul, great video, can we have an extension tubes explained video, I’m really struggling with mine. Thanks x
Hi Julie. What difficulty are you having?
Paul Miguel Photography Hi Paul, I cant seem to focus on anything, I’m using manual focus and I’ve tried auto but it tries but stays blurred also my camera a 750d turns off and refuses to turn back on unless I take the battery out and put it back in. They are only cheap tubes so I didn’t expect miracles but I thought they’d be a start, regards Julie
@@julietowersey you probably won't be able to autofocus reliably or at all unless you're using yoiur camera brand's extension tubes. I presume you're on a tripod because manual focusing a macro while handheld is extremely difficult.
Even with an extension tube there's a minimum focal length for a given lens. Try moving the camera around with the lens at mimimum focus, in live view. You'll see at what distance the lens achieves focus, so you'll have a starting point to mount your tripod and fine-tune manually. Good luck!
Thanks John! I’ll give them another go
Unless you’re already very close to your subject, I suspect you haven’t gotten close enough yet while using your extension tubes. Handhold and move ever closer and see if you don’t see it come into focus.
1/50th of a sedond seems quite long when the flowers are moving in the wind
It is. I just prefer to try and keep the ISO down.
Thanks for the free camera lesson. Question: The instant you put that long lens on the autofocus and auto anything went away? Right?
I'm shooting pics of "stuff" thru a telescope using eyepiece projection. We are THAT bored.
Thanks again.
Hi Mike. I make sure I switch the lens to manual.
@@PaulMiguelPhotography you're seriously telling me to put a telescope in manual mode? The camera is in manual or it wouldn't work at all. Do you even know what a t-ring is?
Nice
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I've used an extension tube on a telephoto lens (the Canon 400mm F/5.6L) to shoot butterflies, handheld. It lets you get close enough for near-macro results but stay far enough away to reduce scaring them off. And I've just ordered a tripod with no center column for flower photography. Getting down to subject level is so important!
Theres a 3" column I want for my tripod, and I've noticed a few that you can flip the column upside down as well. Hoping to try that with my 70-200 with extension tube.
@@BrianVanderwal yeah, I could invert my column but then I'm futzing around with an upside-down camera and tripod legs in my way. Too much hassle. ;)
@@JohnDrummondPhoto you can buy short center column for some tripods. Or cut your current one))
@@smashexentertainment676 I already have the short center column installed. Still can't get close enough to the ground. The FLM tripod I just received goes down to 3.5 inches and up to 68 inches. Perfect! Can't wait to use it.
Quite a heavy setup to carry around in the woods … I prefer to jump on my bike and just take the 5DIII and 100 mm macro with me, no tripod.
Great (and timely) video. I would assume that you are shooting RAW? Curious on how much PP would be needed. great images.
Yes, RAW. I do very little processing. In fact, on these images, no contrast adjustment, slight vibrance - that's it. Obviously re-sizing ans sharpen for web.
Hi paul loved the vidio why did you not use a flah to freeze the subject
Hi Paul. I just don't like the effect of flash. Much prefer natural light.
I have a Nikon D3500 with 70-300 mm lens. I want to learn more about macro photography of flowers: plan on going into Rocky Mountains soon to take wildflower pictures. Is the camo u use a flocked lens hood? Any other suggestions for a newbie? This was great. Thank you
Hi Patricia. This lens has it's own lens hood - it has taped camou on it as I'm mostly a wildlife photographer. I'd try shooting at the longer end of the zoom - you'll get lovely backgrounds. Also try to add some deliberate foreground blur - I love that!
Useful video thank you. Can I ask which tripod you use, I’m after one without a centre column (weight is not an issue).
Thank you. It's Induro CT404.
Great video, Paul! (And great to hear a lovely, warm Northern accent).
From Wednesday onwards (13 May 2020), we are encouraged to get out and take more exercise.... so I think I’ll have a go at shooting (BANG!) wild flowers.
At every point of your video, I learnt something new. (I’m a late in life amateur... and I normally take portrait shots and urban landscapes).
Stay safe (and alert!).
Thanks for the compliment! Hope you got out to have a go. Take care.
Extension tube warning - I purchased a mid price set, used with 70-300mm lens, first time using for extended time my lens fell off my camera crashed to the ground. Turns out 4 small screws cracked the plastic when assembled at factory. I was sent a replacement, I inspected before using and discovered cracking at same place on multiple tubes. I was refunded full price.
The tubes worked fine for shooting bumblebees before they self destructed.
Good info. Jerel. I tried cheap ones first and had constant problems with camera-lens communication. Got the Canon tube months ago - never had one problem!
Paul Miguel Photography
I had no problem with communication, I didn’t purchase the lowest price but paid about $60, I patched them with super glue. Obviously not the best way to go, but will get me by till I get a better set. I now support the lens at all times while using the tubes, never let it hang just from the strap. I was lucky to have a lens hood which took the impact
Jerel - to spare us the agony you've experienced - what brand was it?
Do you recommend a tube and do you have a link to fit the canon 100-400 5.6 lens please?
i would recommend the proper canon one.
I really enjoyed your video what was the name of the head that you had attached to your Manfrotto trypod.I have a Fugi 80 Macro lens and I find it heavy for my Manfrotto Trypod. I also like taking wild flowers with Macro but I have problems with carrying weight so I have to adapt.Glenys
Hi Glenys. It's a 502AH - I think there's a couple of versions. It's fairly heavy, about 1.5 kg
@@PaulMiguelPhotography Thank you Glenys
Sorry but your photos are not macro but proxy
The macro starts from 1:1 which means that on a full format sensor the field must not exceed 36mm
If the field exceeds 36mm it is not macro
Far too many people confuse proxy with macro
It is true.
That's such a cute lens lmfao
It really is. I keep meaning to get some neoprene for it.. then nobody can see how battered it is!
@@PaulMiguelPhotography Haha yeah, I've honestly been staring at the Laowa 25mm 2.5-5x lens for ages, haven't quite decided to hit checkout yet. Tempted. Honestly can't decide if I want to take macro that seriously, I mean I've got a random RF 35mm for 'macro', it's fun, I guess.
I noticed you were using colour temperature'K'. Any reason?
good question. A friend once suggested this and I've done it ever since. I leave on 5300 Kelvin and I find it just gives really consistent results. I only ever change it for twilight and night time shooting!
not really macro, its flower photography, macro is when you get right inside the flower and shoot the stamens and pistils, for your flower shots I use Olympus em1 mk2 with the 40-150 Pro hand held, for macro I use the 60mm which allows focus stacking in camera, might be time to get rid of your dinosaur and big heavy tripod
Yes you are right, it isn't 'macro' - I guess just flower photography with a big lens.
This isn't macro photo. Is flower photo
You are absolutely right. Shouldn't really have called it 'macro'.
Nice close up photography advice, but not really "macro".
Yes, you are right Alan. I wanted to do another, proper macro, video in the same location but the flowers look quite poor now.
In my country we don’t use meters, so it’s hard for me to understand.
A metre = approx 39 inches ...
" So observe the effects of the mercy of Allah - how He gives life to the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed, that [same one] will give life to the dead, and He is over all things competent."
Qur'an 30:50
You will not disappear.
You will not rot under the ground
Who created you from nothing;
He will give body and life again.
Infinite and will have a life worthy of human beings.
Death will be the beginning of eternal life.
1893bayram
What?
Nice video Paul, but these are not Macro images. They are barely close-ups. I'm sure this name usage drives true Macro shooters bonkers. Similar to your normal photography being Wildlife, not Nature.
Well I guess I’d call it semi-close ups.
Whats your Insta ID Paul?