A fun fact - this video is an expansion, or a spin-off from the original macro photography video done by my friend from Finland, Matti Sulanto. You can go and view the original video done by Matti about a year ago here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5sgFP0WQ-aI.html And yes, I made a guest appearance in that video too, sharing briefly the same wireless flash off camera technique for macro shooting as demonstrated in this video.
Ok, Robin - this is it, I finally subscribed. Not because of your (very good) advice, but because of your initial comment on respectful behaviour. Show, what kind of human being you are. Beautiful. Thank you :-)
Enjoyed that. Respecting the insects and their environment, is so important. The practices that are being used by certain photographers is shocking, and their reasoning, even worse.
I fully agree with you, the worst I heard was bringing the insects home and have them frozen in the freezer so they can't move. And during defrosting, they get the water droplets all over the insects for added impact shots. They claimed this did not harm the insects because they were cold blooded. To me, we harm them the moment we touch them!
Thank you Robin some really good tips there. Only I would add is on my E-M10ii I also turned on Live View Boost to On1 which then helps to see the subject in low light conditions using manual and fast shutter+high f number.
Robin..thank you for sharing ...my initial adventure into MFT was about 10 years ago...EPL6 ..even bought the AIR...for the solar eclipse...i thought I would do an up grade to the OM5 and pair it with the 60mm macro.. I remember your awesome images and guessed that you had done a review on this set up...and here it is ,,thank you again
Excellent Robin! You make macro look so simple..... and I know, from experience, it's certainly not. Really enjoyed this video and it gives me something to aspire to. Thank you.
Your pictures are phenomenal! This is the sort of photography I really want to get into, right now all I have is a Panasonic Lumix LX10 and a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Snap-On Lens, which I hold in place using a Magfilter. But so far I've been unable to capture anything as crisply as I would like. I'm afraid I might have to sell my gear and upgrade.
Insect Macro is the only thing I use my phone camera for and the only reason I buy the Pro iPhones. I love this photography so much. It's truly nature's artwork.
Wow! I actually watched your latest macro video first, and followed the link to this one. Really great with all the technical tips! Thank you 🙏 Now I have to get out and practise, fail and practice - over and over again 💪
I think this is the only video explaining the setup. You’re a life saver! I could find no help in the flash and camera manuals, nor on the Olympus website. Granted, the flash came out way before the newer cameras.
I am a hunter, and Conservationist, I also love my Olympus camera and gear. Your tutorials are a great help, I am very appreciative of your commitment. Now that I am retired I can spend much more time outdoors getting great pics. Thanks again mate.
Thanks, Robin for being such a valuable resource for the Olympus community. I recently purchased a m1 mkiii and the Olympus fl-50R flash. I was setting up the flash in slave mode (trying auto and manual) and setting the camera flash settings to Fill and manual, and was using the tiny fl-lm3 as a trigger. I was having no luck. The fl-50r was firing, but the output was all over the place. Then I finally came across this video, explaining how to set up everything using RC. I can’t wait to get out and work with this correct setting. Thanks, again. I’m a subscriber, and always look forward to your next video.
great pics for handheld Macro Photography, I normally try to use focus stacking with my E-M1 ii which gives you bit more depth of field and you can use f 4 or even f 2.8. But then you need a tripod which is not always possible of course and it will not work with the flash.
I do enjoy your videos, its great that a real photographer breaks the establishment rules in order to get the shot. To many non practical people out there. In an Emergency I have used my smart phone LED to illuminate a small insect. Also despite the usual rule of expose to the right in order to get an increase in shutter speed in poor light I have exposed to the left and recovered highlights in after processing. It better to compromise than not get any shot at all.
ive been sneaking out in the middle of the day time with a big umbrella , i use it to block the sun, so my flash can freeze the subject, because ..i'm using an olympus camera too, but ...it's an olympus E-420, i found this camera at a thrift shop and it's like new, i think it was made in 2008, it only has 10 megapixles but for such an old camera it has SO many features i wouldnt have thought i would find on it, it's really a fantastic dslr imo, i bought an adapter to use some vintage minolta lenses on it, i'm waiting for it to arrive in the mail, this is an old video i know but i was excited because hes using an olympus too lol
Robin or do you prefer Mr. Wong? I I miss the Tropical Forest (Jungle), However Living in High Desert of New Mexico I have found other things to use my Macro lens on. One day I would like to return to Vietnam to see the Jungle once again. I am from the old film days but, have, moved forward to the Digital age. I enjoyed your Video.
I love your videos and how you share your wonder for nature! I am just starting my journey in the macro photography world and about to get a new mirrorless camera. Was thinking Nikon z6 mark ii but now I wonder if an Olympus like yours might be better 🤔
Robin, I've been religiously following your blog ever since I switched to OMD system 4 yrs ago. It's very pleasant to see you on video with the very tips I need for great insect photo shoot. Awesome tips!
Thanks for visiting my blog, I am glad you found me here too. It was a pleasure doing the video and am glad I could help out. Do go out and shoot more!
@@moccy I have not used the STF-8 before, and am keen to try. The STF-8 is a fixed position flash so it may not be as flexible as my wireless technique where I can move he flash anywhere I want it to.
@@robinwong Thanks Robin for the fast reply! You're right, it can't reach out some hidden areas. Btw, how do you manage to shoot macro with one hand? Do you use the 1:1 magnification or with any magnifier? I've struggled with 2 hands not to mention 1 hand! Awesome shots, Robin!
@@moccy most of the bugs that I shoot do not require full 1:1 magnification. Except the super tiny white spider for example. Yes I admit it is not easy!
Great video Robin. You must have an amazing area where so many bugs reside! My woods here in Pennsylvania, USA does not compare at all. I’m not afraid of bugs, just don’t have any so easily found. Thanks for the tips. BTW, I too still use my FL50 flash with great results too!
Hi Robin, I’m curious about your flash set-up. Hi know you use off-camera with both hand-held. Do you use the small flash that comes with the camera to trigger the full-size flash, or do you use a controller? I have the FL-700WR and don’t know whether to get the radio controller or just use the optical trigger, which I realise has limitations. Cheers, Craig
Thanks for all you do, Robin. You're a great explainer. In my Nikon days I used the 200mm macro lens. Then in my Canon days (until recently) I used the Canon 100mm macro lens. I like the extra working distance. I am waiting for the Olympus 100mm macro. I will buy it the moment it is available. Any idea when this will become available?
Robin, great video. You make this look so easy :). You got some great shots with this video. I am looking forward to trying some of these techniques out.
It is not too difficult once you are used to the technique, but I understand this may not be suitable for everyone. Give it a try, who knows it may work for you!
HELP - I'm interesting in buying the following, but can't find them: * FL-50R is discontinued. Is there a suitable (small) replacement, or should I get one used? * "Gamilight mini square softbox" doesn't pull up anything on the internet. Do you mean Gamilight Box 21 with small mount?
Hi Robin. Thank you for the macro photo video. I really enjoyed it and am trying out with my Olympus camera and flash setting. I have synchronized the external FL-50R with the FL-LM3 attached to the camera body. When I hit the camera shutter release button, both the FL-LM3 (has it on the 'ON' switched mode) and the FL-50R flashes. Is this what it is supposed to do? Please help. I'm very excited to go out and shoot some bugs. Thank you.
Hi Robin, thank you for your video, big fun! I suppose you have a flash on your camera, i wonder why you are nit using it with a difuser? I am considering to buy the lens
You are a Great teacher. I just order my 60mm macro lens. I have try do macro but i think 90% is out of focus. Sometime i move or the bug move in the wind. And than i see you make the shoot white one hand. I have i long wat to go.
If you are bringing your G9 over, or any Micro Four Thirds camera, I may have additional macro lenses for you. We can help each other hold wirelesss flash! If you choose to use this technique of course. There are many ways to get a macro shot.
Wow. Such a great video and images Robyn. I’m expecting delivery of my 60mm Olympus macro today after viewing your review. No better time to stay home and learn macro. Thanks for sharing your tips
Respect the insects, it's their home.... well said Robin, we all need to understand and practice this. Mankind has made too many things extinct already and it looks like we are far from finished : (
Thank you for another great video, Robin. I wonder. Could you tell me if the little flash that comes with my old em1 markiii will trigger a good tt350 or godox v8620 or even a olympus FL700WR? Sorry for the question. I know nothing about flashes and the terminology is new to me.
Hello and thank you for all your so good explanations and tips. One question : witch Gamilight Box 21 Portable Soft Box are you using the Small Mount or Large mount. I have a godox TT685O.
Hi Robin Enjoy your content always. Just wondering when you use flash. Do you use ttl or manual and what are your starting points. Thankyou for all your efforts.
OG this is great! I've 🐝 looking for this type of tutorials.. actually I have an important Q about this.... Can I use a macro 105 mm lens to shoot this kind ok pictures?? I have a Nikon D750 ... I wish I could shoot one day like you do!🙂
Excellent video! Odds are, since you're shooting in the shade and using a flash, image stabilization (IS) isn't doing anything for you. The short duration of the flash is freezing the motion in the scene, and most IS systems really don't work if the subject is closer than 3 meters from the lens. No harm in using it, just that it's not really doing anything for you.
False. I made this test myself to prove how wrong this claim is. I rely heavily on ambient light. The "short duration of flash" will freeze part of the image, but other parts that move will still leave a motion blur (much like rear/second curtain sync flash). It all comes down to how much you balance the flash exposure vs ambient light.
@@robinwong IS only compensates for your motion, and not the motion of the subject. If you're recording any motion it's because you are shooting close to the natural light exposure for the scene (within 2 to 3 stops). At higher magnifications the IS becomes even less important due to the reduction in ambient light entering the lens. At low mag IS is probably helping you some, but only because you're moving a lot.
@@robinwong Wanted to add: If you are shooting close to the natural light exposure and there is even the slightest breeze you'll record the motion anyway, even with IS. Happens to me when I'm trying to use natural light to expose the background and the subject moves. Look at the shadow above this pair of mating Asian Beetles -it's due to motion while the shutter was open: flic.kr/p/2j4uCHj The only reason why the subjects are sharp is because I had the flash set to second curtain sync.
@@JohnKimbler at close to full 1:1 magnification, I challenge you to do this experiment yourself. With our without flash, doesn't matter, take two shots. One with IS turned on, one with IS off. You will see how much the IS greatly benefited full magnification shots for macro photography. The difference is day and night. At such extreme magnification, even just by 1mm hand movement (what else were we talking about?) Is sufficient to throw everything off.
@@JohnKimbler before we are strayng too far from the point of original discussion, you claimed in your first reply to me that IS does nothing for helping with movement. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
Hi Robin love your videos! Are your images in this video stacked ? How did you get the whole subject in focus because I find it almost impossible ( I am new to macro photography) Thanks.
so if you are shooting at 2.8 do you move your focus of the sequential images by eye or do you use a tripod? im honestly confused what's the best way to do insect macro and whether focus stacking is better than simply going to f16 or f18
The problem with your videos is that you make us want to buy almost lenses you tested lol I don't have E-m1 mark ii ordered yet but already think about 45mm1.8, 25 mm(or 17mm), now 60mm for macro ah and I forgot flash... By the way which flash would you advice for beginning? I have an old flash cobra sb900 from my Nikon kit... I don't think it's compatible?
@@nalkur I bought a godox tt350o with X1t transmeter (they are on their way to me) . I saw it from a video of Rob Trek. Saying that it seems that Robin, Rob are very good advices for micro 3/4...i follow them.
I have the same flash FL50r. Using the OMD EM1 MK2 the RC mode doesn't seem to work. If I try to use the FL50r as a slave it seems to be out of sync (RC IC off).
Hi Robin.. I have question : do you use focus peaking in macro? I tried to set it to a button but I'm not sure it really worked... Maybe I activated something that make focus peaking doesn't work?
Is the Olympus 30mm macro lens any good for insect and flower macros? The 60mm is a little out of my price range right now but I'm looking to get some practice taking macro shots.
