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Fun with the new Venus Laowa EF-M 65mm 2x Macro

Started Mar 5, 2021 | Discussions thread
OP R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,528
Re: Fun with the new Venus Laowa EF-M 65mm 2x Macro
1

Cameleon wrote:

Well done, R2!!! Amazing and Impressive Photos!!!

Thank you, and right back at you!

I observed that those pictures taken with Laowa 65mm were around 1500 x 1080 pixels. The maxiumum resolution of EOS-M6 II is 6960 x 4640 pixels. I then compared with similar photos that I had taken with EOS-M50 / EF 100mm f/2.8 macro IS. All of my photos were above 2000 x 1400. The maximum resolution of EOS-M50 is 6000 x 4000 pixel. So when using Laowa 65mm, due to angle of view limitation, you need to crop more, aren't you?

Actually I simply resized these for web viewing (to 1080 high), so that's why the posted images are this size. I did do some cropping to taste though. Maximum frame size can in no way be gleaned from the images I posted. I can however post a full size image file if you'd like.

For these shots I had the Laowa 65mm set to 1:2, so I wasn't pushing the lens by any means (I knew that I had a lot of leeway to crop with the M6ii's 32 MP sensor). At the Laowa's maximum mag ratio of 2:1 though it'll fill the frame with a subject 11mm wide (twice as much "magnification" as the 100L), but at a shorter MFD however.

When I compare the mating photos, I also observe that for the same frame, using f/8 with EF 100mm got more DOF than using f/11 with Laowa 65mm. (check the wings)

DOF with the Laowa is definitely greater than with the 100L. It's a matter of physics. I think what you are seeing is due to a different positioning of the Cabbage Whites' wings (your butterflies are side-by-side, and are more closed, presenting a thinner subject depth).

EF 100mm f/2.8 macro IS supports the built in focus bracketing / stacking function in EOS-M6 II

Yes, I've used the M6ii's Focus Bracketing function quite a bit (with several lenses). It is a wonderful tool. Unfortunately it can't be used with flash tho.

so I think it is more suitable to use the 100mm macros lens.

Yes and no. I have owned quite a few macro lenses (plus close up lenses and tubes and teleconverters), and each has its particular strengths and weaknesses.

The 100L is indeed an excellent lens (I've owned 2 of them), but it shares space with a lot of other truly excellent macro lenses.

I thinks I would be OK to use the focus bracketing function in EOS-M6 II to get an uncropped photo with enough DOF.

Yes indeed, extending DOF is the Focus Bracketing function's big draw. I also like to be able to pick individual frames out of the stack for use separately. That way I can choose the best focal plane(s) from the bunch.

Although Focus Bracketing cannot be used with flash, I do have a neat LED setup that works great for this...

Note: My rig is set on a tripod only so that I could photograph it. I never use a tripod when out in the field.

The butterflies are around 2 feet above my eye level, I had to hold up my hands and used the vari-angle LCD. It was very difficult to see the bufferflies clear, so I didn't do manual handheld focus bracketing/stacking... some bee and fly photos taken with EOS-M50 / EF 100mm f/2.8 macro IS.

Beautiful photos sir! Thanks for posting!

R2

ps. Here's one of the full size image files (lens set at 1:2)...

Click on "original size"

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