Intro to Macro Photography - Demo with Dedicated Lens and Extension Tubes

After receiving many questions regarding macro photography, I decided to create an introductory video to help provide a better understanding. Macro photography is a dedicated discipline which opens a whole new creative world. If you have never attempted macro shots, you are in fun ride!:)

You do not need expensive gear!:) All demo shots in this video were taken with a Nikon D3400 and either a dedicated fixed 40mm macro lens or a set of extension tubes. You can use just about any entry level DSLR for macros (i.e. Canon T6i/T7i, Canon SL2, Sony a6000/a6500, Panasonic, etc.).

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Kenko extension tubes are relatively good/solid in my opinion. If you are looking to save more on tubes, let me know in the comments below, and I search for some viable alternatives.

Music by: Mise Darling - Alive (Doing It Right)

[GiacomoMaglio]

Finally somebody making it precise and simple; your way to explain things is rare. I'm making this comment here but I could have chosen anyone of your videos. I subscribed to your channel about a week ago and the level of satisfaction with my photos is already dramatically increased. Thank you very much!

[hermeticumable]

It’s amazing how this guy can turn absolutely everything into a piece of art using a camera.

[pimplefivehead]

I know this video is a year old, but I just wanted to say your photography videos are the best for beginners. Your videos are detailed and very easy to understand.An added bonus is I also use a D3400 which you use quite a bit in your videos. Thanks for all your help.

[ritaweygint]

Thanks for the concise description of how the extension tubes are used to attain 1:1 image! I love macro photography!

[yogendrareddy]

OMG. The most awaited video and is seriously underrated. Love the way you try to make everything clear.Thanks.

[OFGW]

I am happy to see you do this video on macro photography. The fixed 40mm lens is truly amazing. I also want to add it is a multi use lens, not just for macro. It works great for street photography, landscapes, portraits, product photography etc. it also gives beautiful bokeh. I really hope to see you explore this lens as a general purpose lens in an upcoming video.

Your videos and the addition of that 40mm lens as my first prime truly changed my photography. It is a razor sharp, quality lens that is relatively inexpensive. I happen to think it is the perfect match for the D3400.

Thanks again for all your content. I upgraded my kit some time ago but I always learn from and get inspired by your videos.

[anujasharma]

Excellent Video and great Macro photography on display. Loved the way you summarized . I have been doing closeups for quite a while and macro had been on my cards. Your video has further motivated to go out and shoot macros now. Thanks in my opinion is a small word to convey how grateful beginners like us feel towards you, for inspiring to photograph within a budget.

[ChameleonzDream]

I really really enjoy watching you. the way you speak is soft and confident. I appreciate all the hard work and dedication you offer us.

[DjPorkchop]

Ha, I forgot I had watched this video and just came back and watched again after your latest. Quality as always! This video peaked my wifes curiosity about macro and she quickly understood that us as hobbiest would not be buying to many macro lenses 🤣 she was sticker shocked. So tubes it is for us. This 40 isn't real bad though. I would love to have it in my arsenal. I really liked how you broke it down by lens, lens with tubes, then the genuine macro. Nicely done.

I am a few 3 or 4 hours South West of you and can't stop in to Roberts but would love to thank them for helping you out on your channel. Many thanks to Roberts!

Stay safe and be well!

[miroslavturiak]

Amazing photos! I really loved matches, a bug and the eye, but really all of them were great!

[wolfydragon]

So glad I've come across your videos helped me a lot to understand how to use my camera, because I didn't have a clue what I was doing at first. only recently got the Nikon D3400. So practicing as much as possible before I take my kids to Florida.👍

[MNA]

Love your videos. They are super helpful and are helping me become a better photographer. Thank you!

[munarong]

Thanks RealWorld for another inspiring video! I like that you always saying like "have fun with your photography" which is so true and it is almost the only thing I struggle with. I'm a storyboard artist, we're basically overthinking at everything (is good for storytelling from scripts, but often bad for life in general).

[ultraniusmaximus]

I'm a little late in posting this, but there are actually 4 ways to take macro shots. There is the filter that you mentioned, that acts as a sort of magnifying glass on the front of your lens; there's the dedicated macro lens; there are the extension tubes which, from my experience have best of quality-price balance; but then there's the fourth way, and that is simply taking off your standard lens, turning it completely around (180 degrees), and holding it backwards in from of your camera/sensor. Think of it as looking through a telescope from the opposite end. Because it magnifies the image before hitting the sensor, it'll magnify any images coming in from the end. It's a bit finicky, but it is an option, and it's 100% free.

[drsquidius]

just want to had that you can use a reverse ring and turn your lens backward in order to shoot true macro. I did with my old nikon D60 and an 18-55mm lens. Of course your on full manual mode with this solution, but if you are poor like me, its incredibly cheaper than any of the other solutions! Also, concerning the High F number with a slow shutter speed making the macro pictures taken outside all blurry, I strongly recommend the use of an external flash or if you got money, a specialized ring flash made for macro.

[lullabysweet]

Great video, simple instructions. There's one more way (other than the three you mentioned) to shoot macro: reverse mounting. In fact, it is cheaper because you can use older versions of Canon (FL, FD, etc), Nikon (non-AI), Minolta, Pentax (K mount), etc that are of fantastic optics with the right adapter for the modern DSLRs.

[nonyabizwax]

Im I got so busy dancing to the music o forgot about the picture. Had to watch it twice. Nice photos too.

[muhammadosama]

This is the best channel on YouTube for photography.

[melissag]

Whenever I need help or information I always watch your videos! They’re so detailed and informative but easy to follow!

[goldenfrogEsCoSes]

I had great fun with inexpensive extension tubes and produced some great images, but they are a LOT of work. My Tamron 90 mm macro lens has just arrived - a significant investment, but I´m sure it will be worth every penny.