Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Photo - Magic Mole

[lance v]

Ive tried Live viewing but it doesnt work to well. Because when your main source of light is the flash the live view has to turn off for about .5 seconds to get the exposure, by that time youv moved lol or shaky hands....

[Lester Wareham]

Are you guy shooting handheld ? I have this lens, just recently, and it drives me crazy to try and get good shots, well mostly the bugs wont stand still hehehe
I like the 100 and 180 a lot, this one is proving more dificult, I am ordering a RSS head for it to see if I can get anything more out of it and also a ring to mouth my two 580eX II flashes

Generally yes, but if I can I do use a monopod but that is more to take the weight of camera, lens and flash.

[JClaude]

So Lance, if I may pick your brain, these images, are they outdoors or just stuff you setup in controlled environment?
Guess I do need the foam mat so I can lay down more easily :D

Ive tried Live viewing but it doesnt work to well. Because when your main source of light is the flash the live view has to turn off for about .5 seconds to get the exposure, by that time youv moved lol or shaky hands....

[lance v]

So Lance, if I may pick your brain, these images, are they outdoors or just stuff you setup in controlled environment?
Guess I do need the foam mat so I can lay down more easily :D

Haha sure you can! All out doors(bloody grass was wet so i got wet). i have only ever taken one this inside and it was a complete flop i find it easier if there in their natural habitat and all happy and safe feeling!

[dimakim]

If I understand everything correctly, this lens alone will not do, right? I need some other equipment such as special kind of flash or other light source? What would you recommend?

[lance v]

If I understand everything correctly, this lens alone will not do, right? I need some other equipment such as special kind of flash or other light source? What would you recommend?

Yes you will definately need a flash. Most people here use the canon MT-24 twinflash( i personally use this) and find it to be great but it is expensive. Its easy to use how ever as you just sit the flash heads on the end of the lens. If your going to take alot of shots with this lens its well worth it tho

Others use normal speedlights like the 420ex and 580ex on flash brackets, i cant tell you how easy they are to use or set up, but you cant argue with the results people on here get with them!

[Lester Wareham]

If I understand everything correctly, this lens alone will not do, right? I need some other equipment such as special kind of flash or other light source? What would you recommend?

Take a look at my page on Canon macro kit http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/Macro_Equipment.htm

I too use the MT-24EX, this has some very useful features for use with the MP-E missing from the ring flash (you can activate the focus assist lights by a double tap on the shutter button) as well as being much more flexible. A lot of people get very good results using an ordinary flash on a bracket but my experience of that is it is very bulky.

[lance v]

you can activate the focus assist lights by a double tap on the shutter button)

Huh i never knew that lol i always just pushed the 'lamp' button. is that a custom function??

[doomba]

Wow, all these hardware is pricey. so i geuss i will need to start saving....

[Lester Wareham]

Huh i never knew that lol i always just pushed the 'lamp' button. is that a custom function??

Yes it is, a Flash CF that is, I am not at home at the moment so I can't look it up.

Go to the back of the manual for the twin flash specific stuff, most of the manual is in common with the ring flash.

That double tap is enough to justify the twin flash on it's own with the MP-E IMHO.

[whaase]

This may sound like a dumb question, but at 5:1 do you see that magnification in the view finder? Or do you just focus, shoot and hope to get a good shot?

And how are you guys getting so close without the creatures taking off? :)

[lance v]

This may sound like a dumb question, but at 5:1 do you see that magnification in the view finder? Or do you just focus, shoot and hope to get a good shot?

And how are you guys getting so close without the creatures taking off? :)


No you dont see what magnification in the view finder but it is written on the lens itself when you extend it!

Most of them do fly off, but with practice and moving SLOW u get alot of good shots

[Lester Wareham]

This may sound like a dumb question, but at 5:1 do you see that magnification in the view finder? Or do you just focus, shoot and hope to get a good shot?

And how are you guys getting so close without the creatures taking off? :)

No you dont see what magnification in the view finder but it is written on the lens itself when you extend it!

Most of them do fly off, but with practice and moving SLOW u get alot of good shots

What would be handy is if it were recorded in the EXIF, be a great aid to ID, rather than having to remember were you at 1:1 of 3:1 for that bug.

Doubt somehow there is a sensor to encode this though.

[lance v]

What would be handy is if it were recorded in the EXIF, be a great aid to ID, rather than having to remember were you at 1:1 of 3:1 for that bug.

Doubt somehow there is a sensor to encode this though.

That would be very nice!

[pcook]

Hi,

I LOVE macro shots. I currently have a 100mm macro lens and some Kenko extension tubes. I'm considering getting an MPE, but to justify the cost, I would like to know what the major advantages are when compared to just using my existing setup.

Looking forward to your comments...

[troypiggo]

100mm macro and Kenko tubes will give you about 2:1 magnification at min focus distance. MP-E 65 will give you 5:1 with just the bare lens. You can still add tubes to it for even higher, but I've rarely seen that attempted. MP-E is very sharp at typical apertures of f/5.6-f/11.

Down side is that it can't focus to infinity. 1:1 is as wide as it can go. So I wouldn't get rid of the 100mm macro lens, but rather keep it to supplement the MP-E 65.

[Lester Wareham]

What would be handy is if it were recorded in the EXIF, be a great aid to ID, rather than having to remember were you at 1:1 of 3:1 for that bug.

Doubt somehow there is a sensor to encode this though.

Sorry to quote myself, but someone reported to me on another forum that when they used a MP-E on a film camera with a databack feature (uses LEDs or something to imprint EXIF type info on the margin of the film strip) this included the magnification set.

So it seems this can be reported by the lens but the modern cameras don't include it in the EXIF, or if they do it is not documented.

Anyone who knows more please share.

[Collin85]

Just a quick question to all the MP-E guru's here - is it easy to master the manual focus for a lens like this? Since the lens is manual-focus only, I keep getting the feeling that I'll be getting quite alot of OOF shots with just a standard viewfinder. Live View would really shine here right?

[troypiggo]

Most macro is MF anyway. Best to move your body back and forth slightly to get the fine focus. I don't have LiveView, but understand a few have attempted to use it for macro, but reverted back to the viewfinder. So no, LV didn't shine.

[Collin85]

Best to move your body back and forth slightly to get the fine focus.

That's what I currently do. The problem is the hit rate of getting that 'fine focus'. Live View would make that job much easier, no?

Some comments from people here who has experience with this lens and LV would be appreciated.

[troypiggo]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=422710&highlight=live+view
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5492363&postcount=4
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5500338&postcount=11

[Headshotzx]

Just curious: Has anyone actually like, slapped/killed a mosquito and taken a macro shot of it with this lens? Something like 3:1 - 5:1. Interested to see what it looks like.. of course there can't be any claims that no insects were harmed >.>

[lance v]

Just curious: Has anyone actually like, slapped/killed a mosquito and taken a macro shot of it with this lens? Something like 3:1 - 5:1. Interested to see what it looks like.. of course there can't be any claims that no insects were harmed >.>

No but have been dum enough to do this

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2254719968_1237982060_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2173/2253922247_a934b56de2_o.jpg

[troypiggo]

:lol: I'm giving that a go next time one dares to bite me. Then I'll photograph the roadkill afterwards. Mwuhahahaha.

[lance v]

:lol: I'm giving that a go next time one dares to bite me. Then I'll photograph the roadkill afterwards. Mwuhahahaha.
haha yea i really regret not geting closer to c all the parts working, but it landed on such an awkward part of my arm.....next time il take an "assistant" :D:D

[luigicomencini]

My first shots with this lens

292126

[yabbie]

I'm still figuring this one out, here are a couple - flying duck orchid at 2x (I think), with twin flash:

[yabbie]

And a hammer orchid, 2x (think) with the twin flash:

[lance v]

Few more

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3011/3024573854_2b90d23655_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3024572184_b56a19658d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/3024571746_373566917b_o.jpg

[winkles]

just got myself one of these so cant wait to use it. Will be spending sometime at the weekend so look out for some snaps. :) Some great shots in this thread, hope to be able to add to this one day.

[lbcyalater]

I have to ask, are most of these shots done by just the lens its self or do you still have to use extention tubes to get those extreme close ups?

[Lester Wareham]

I have to ask, are most of these shots done by just the lens its self or do you still have to use extention tubes to get those extreme close ups?

Are you talking the MP-E?

It provides 1-5X unaided, an ordinary macro lens like the EF 100mm, EF 180mm or EF-S 60mm provides 1X max. ie the MP-E takes over where an ordinary macro lens stops.

Try reading my macro kit page http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/Macro_Equipment.htm

Here is a review http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/mp-e-65.shtml

You can add tubes and even TCs to get more magnification but handling will get extreme.

[laxative]

This thread has way better images than Canon puts on their brochures!

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/pallo.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/pullok%E4rp%E4nen.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/studioshotti.jpg/_small.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/_MG_4879-Edit.jpg/_small.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/_MG_4836-Edit.jpg/_small.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/h%E4mpsy.jpg/_small.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/kaalimato.jpg/_small.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/sirkka01.jpg/_small.jpg

[macro junkie]

mpe with no flash

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3450952419_2072fc78af_o.jpg

[Perry Ge]

^ WOW! :shock:

Ho-ly mo-ly. I hadn't stumbled upon this thread before. These shots are insane.

[macro junkie]

^ WOW! :shock:

Ho-ly mo-ly. I hadn't stumbled upon this thread before. These shots are insane.
mpe-65bw!

[Plasmodic]

So apparently you have to be 2cm from your target to focus at 5x magnification. How can you do that with flies and things...wouldn't they fly away??

[macro junkie]

So apparently you have to be 2cm from your target to focus at 5x magnification. How can you do that with flies and things...wouldn't they fly away??
hahahaha i wish..at 5X your be around 43mm away from subject

[Plasmodic]

Well that's still 4.3cm, that's pretty close. Do you find it hard to take photos of winged insects (as they are most partial to fly away) being that close?

[laxative]

Partly you get used to it and partly you prevent the issue by getting out when the weather aint perfect so that the flies would run a little slow.

Two from today and one from last year which i havent occured to me while i was browsing images until now.

I hate the bokeh this lens produces. Oh well, you can't get everything perfect on a lens :)

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/ilkeekarpa.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/sinivihr.jpg/_small.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/vanhakarpa.jpg/_small.jpg

[macro junkie]

Well that's still 4.3cm, that's pretty close. Do you find it hard to take photos of winged insects (as they are most partial to fly away) being that close?
yer.il shoot them when its cold.in the morings..i also like to bait insects with honey..trap em and bait em.thats how i got this shot yesterday.after i got about 6 shots it flew off

bigger image - Original (867 x 1300) http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3467022919_ecc0a07dfe_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3467022919_e8186e3dbf_b.jpg

[laxative]

^ Very nice shot! :)

Lester Wareham : Haha, i just noticed your avatar. Quite funny :D

A couple of new ones again:

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/mckoppa.jpg/_small.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/blackant.jpg/_small.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/autotallikarpanen.jpg/_small.jpg

[macro junkie]

funny how nikon dont do a lens like mpe-65..Are they stupid?Theres a damand for it..so i would of thought they would of made one.

[Goincarcrazy]

New owner of this lens since yesterday and I'm hooked. I'm still learning and adjusting to the MF only but coming off of the 100+tubes, it's a pretty easy adjustment. Here are some from my first day of shooting, all hand held.

1. I think this was at 2.5x
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/3493613367_1f61e3fdf9_b.jpg

2. 2x
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3493612445_211614bda5_b.jpg

3. 3x
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3562/3493612051_40d87f4988_b.jpg

4. 5x
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3493611681_ceddd4faf8_b.jpg

[laxative]

A couple of new shots.

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyhamahakki.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyvalmis3004.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyhamahakki0205.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/spiideri2804_4.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/spiideri2804_5.jpg/_small.jpg

[Double Negative]

^ Okay, that last shot is really creepy. It's like the thing has normal eyeballs, looking straight at you.

[macro junkie]

^ Okay, that last shot is really creepy. It's like the thing has normal eyeballs, looking straight at you.
crab spider..yer there very weird looking..i see u live in new york.wow..have u done any panoramic shots at night in the middle of the shops and big tall sky scrapers..im think get up high on one of them buildings and do a big panorama shot..at night..would be wicked.

[Goincarcrazy]

I was lucky enough to have a Deerfly in my garage that was willing to cooperate:


http://fc04.deviantart.com/fs43/i/2009/130/a/8/Antenna_Cleaning_by_NC_Photography.jpg


http://fc04.deviantart.com/fs45/i/2009/130/b/3/Psychedelic_Fly_by_NC_Photography.jpg

[laxative]

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/karpanen3004.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyhamahakki2804.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/murmurhamahakki0805.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/siira0805.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/siccekarpanen_orig.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyhamahakki0805.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/kerttu1005.jpg/_medium.jpg

[Hatch1921]

Good to see the thread is still alive. Great shots all!

Hatch

[laxative]

Trying to keep it as alive as i can :D

Jumping spider from 2.5x to 5x :)

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyhamahakki_3_1_1205_02.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyhamahakki_3_1_1205.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyhamahakki_3_1_1205_03.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hyppyhamahakki_5_1_1205.jpg/_medium.jpg

[Leex70]

Is there anything else (but bugs and spiders) what you can shoot with this lens?
Does it have a limited focussing distance?

[Goincarcrazy]

You can shoot anything that's the size of your sensor or smaller. As far as limited focus distance...yes, quite. at 1x mag you're limited to about 4 inches away from the subject and at 5x mag you're about half an inch away.

[Leex70]

It is amazing what you can do with this lens, but certainly only for within that 4 inch reach as i understand.

Thats a little to single puposed for me i guess, i think i go for a 100mm so i can use it as a portaitlens also.


You can shoot anything that's the size of your sensor or smaller. As far as limited focus distance...yes, quite. at 1x mag you're limited to about 4 inches away from the subject and at 5x mag you're about half an inch away.

[jaybird]

A couple of new shots.








http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/spiideri2804_5.jpg/_small.jpg

HMOG!!! That thing looks evil

[Daniel2000]

I'm soo looking forward to get this lens, but I'm glad I came to see this thread
I think I'm going to get a normal macro lens first, THEN the MPE-65
I didn't realized that it had a maximum focus distance
and all those shots are incredible :D

[laxative]

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/murkku_5_1_1305_01.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/mehilainen_2605_01.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/karpanen_2605_01.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/kultakuoriainen3005_01.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/hjyyts%E4%E4ssflai.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/daddylonglegs1608.jpg/_medium.jpg

[MrContact]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3923688851_45da4ce2f0.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3927402384_5b88a33f14.jpg

[JReady]

Mr. Contact - That second shot is beautiful!

[buddhasghost]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3431102332_fcb03b921a_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3389421890_64be75ba5e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3422296023_0040fd0c6c_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3389282421_9331f3aeac_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3422737575_f86b47c486_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3473009882_13c793fdbb_b.jpg

[Kramer80]

what a disgusting and beautiful thread

[MrContact]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3924756352_fe5527c7d5.jpg
Before I manufactured homemade diffusers on the 24ex

[Tony-S]

Just a couple from this past summer. The mosquito is on my finger.

[racketman]

5DMKII and MP-E65 example

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4076873715_4b5538343e_o.jpg

[themadman]

How much working distance does this lens have?

[Daniel2000]

here what I found

Minimum Focus Distance 0.78"(5x) to 1.02"(1x)
and the maximun focus distance is not very much over the minimum as I'm told

[macro junkie]

bw!

[costojanku]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3473009882_13c793fdbb_b.jpg

Hey, that´s funny - have a look at mine... A bit of cropping and they would look even more the same.
However, I took it with 100 mm macro - sorry for invading your thread but I couldn´t resist :)

[EdBray]

here what I found

Minimum Focus Distance 0.78"(5x) to 1.02"(1x)
and the maximun focus distance is not very much over the minimum as I'm told

Completely incorrect. There is no minimum or maximum focus, the focus is entirely dependant on magnification and at a certain magnification there will be a working distance.

How much working distance does this lens have?

1x 101mm or 4"
2x 63mm or 2.5"
3x 51mm or 2"
4x 44mm or 1.7"
5x 41mm or 1.5"

These figures were taken from the lens barrel.

[troypiggo]

Completely incorrect. There is no minimum or maximum focus, the focus is entirely dependant on magnification and at a certain magnification there will be a working distance.


Of course there's a min and max focus distance. Put the lens at 1:1 and that's the max focus distance, put it at 5:1 and that's min focus distance.

[EdBray]

Of course there's a min and max focus distance. Put the lens at 1:1 and that's the max focus distance, put it at 5:1 and that's min focus distance.

Granted, my poor communication skills, what I meant was there is no maximum or minimum focus for a given magnification just a working distance.

The post I was replying to suggested that at the different magnifications there was a min and max focus distance, and even they were incorrect!

So max focus distance (at 1:1) is 4" and the min focus distance (at 5:1) is 1.5"

[Don Komarechka]

I love this lens - and not just for insects. :)

http://don.komarechka.com/images/potn/focus-stacked-snowflake.jpg

[richierich1212]

this thread is awesome

[Leex70]

Hey, that´s funny - have a look at mine... A bit of cropping and they would look even more the same.
However, I took it with 100 mm macro - sorry for invading your thread but I couldn´t resist :)

That must be his twin brother...(or sister, i really cant tell :lol:)

[flakspammer]

The lens is indeed really nice, although somewhat hard to work with at first. I'm still working on it, but it's much easier after you get to know how far you need to be away from the subject.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4305990002_7f09f12ea0_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4260962393_70c3370f6d_b.jpg

[gordon67]

5DMKII and MP-E65 example

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4076873715_4b5538343e_o.jpg


that's incredible, it never ceases to amaze me what's possible with the right combination of skill and a good lens. well done.

[laxative]

^ That picture really is something. Very well lit!

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/40.jpg/_medium.jpg

[mpke]

Nice shot laxative!

[laxative]

Thank you, mpke! :)

[rx4pain]

I would love to see a pic of the camera taking a pic! What it takes to acquire these shots. Are you setting up the camera on a tri-pod in front of a flower or whatever the backdrop, then dropping in the subject and firing with a remote?

Awesome thread!

[Lester Wareham]

I would love to see a pic of the camera taking a pic! What it takes to acquire these shots. Are you setting up the camera on a tri-pod in front of a flower or whatever the backdrop, then dropping in the subject and firing with a remote?

Awesome thread!

Checkout the macro talk section and in particular LordV's macro FAQ linked below.

[laxative]

I found a fly, I found a fly! :) Wee.
http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/43.jpg/_medium.jpg

[S7000]

Just a couple of oldies. :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3592/3393313393_a648d9462b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3397906799_08f7b2a5e5_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4287270645_3c28bdd537_b.jpg

[laxative]

And yet some more! :)

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/51.jpg/_medium.jpg
http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/47.jpg/_medium.jpg
http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/49.jpg/_medium.jpg
http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/50.jpg/_medium.jpg
http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/48.jpg/_medium.jpg
http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/52.jpg/_medium.jpg

[Atsumi]

I'm seriously envious of everyone good with this lens. I still have troubles with my 100mm. Any lighting tips?

[laxative]

I'm not good at giving tips. Still working on my light. :-)
Here's a couple new ones again.

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/54.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/55.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/makrokuvia/56.jpg/_medium.jpg

[philthejuggler]

At the 1x end of the MP-E...

http://www.philhackettphotography.com/img/v11/p274181141-5.jpg

[ben_r_]

I'm seriously envious of everyone good with this lens. I still have troubles with my 100mm. Any lighting tips?
Yea, get a Canon MT-24EX Twin Light Flash if you dont have one already! Pretty much a necessity with this lens!

[mäger]

cool and expensive :x

[macroshooter1970]

just to keep it going.

[philthejuggler]

Focus stack of 69 images:

http://www.philhackettphotography.com/img/v5/p1059419598-5.jpg

[Double Negative]

^ 69 shots?! Wow... Can't argue with the DoF resulting though... Nice.

[Deep Pocket]

I was just wondering, what magnification do you guys usually use this at?
what is your flash setup?

I'm debating replacing my 100 2.8 Macro with 2x set of tubes with this..

[macroshooter1970]

I was just wondering, what magnification do you guys usually use this at?
what is your flash setup?

I'm debating replacing my 100 2.8 Macro with 2x set of tubes with this..


I use it from 1:1 to 5:1 depending the size or what I want to do. If I need to stay above 1:1 I'll use the 100mm Macro with no tubes. All depends on what you want at the moment. 580ex flash on a bracket.

[Deep Pocket]

I use it from 1:1 to 5:1 depending the size or what I want to do. If I need to stay above 1:1 I'll use the 100mm Macro with no tubes. All depends on what you want at the moment. 580ex flash on a bracket.

Ah I see. Where do I get one of these "brackets"?

preferably cheap as possible.

[macroshooter1970]

you can make your own, get ideas from here http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142566 or something like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/15544-REG/Delta_46190_Flip_Flash_I_Bracket.html whatever you come up with really.

[philthejuggler]

^ 69 shots?! Wow... Can't argue with the DoF resulting though... Nice.

Thanks! Perhaps 69 was overkill - was a first attempt!

Phil

[philthejuggler]

http://www.philhackettphotography.com/img/v17/p910482802-5.jpg

[peterbj7]

A couple of questions. Is the operating distance such that a ring flash is necessary? And is this lens better on a FF or a crop camera?

[Deep Pocket]

A couple of questions. Is the operating distance such that a ring flash is necessary? And is this lens better on a FF or a crop camera?

For flash, either a flash bracket or ring flash is required since just mounting it will result in the lens blocking the light (and the flash isn't exactly aimed towards where the subject is)

[peterbj7]

cool and expensive :x

You said it brother.

[emmalish]

After ages of thinking "man I want that lens!" I finally broke down and ordered one a few weeks ago. Just got a call that it's in. I'm SO stoked!! I can't wait to play with it this weekend!!

[philthejuggler]

A couple of questions. Is the operating distance such that a ring flash is necessary? And is this lens better on a FF or a crop camera?


Lens is fine on FF or 1.6x crop. I wouldn't recommend a ring flash as light won't hit the subject at higher mag's. Use an off camera flash on bracket or bite the bullet and get the MT-24EX.

Phil

[Martin G.]

I love this lens, a few pictures that I had posted in the macro section already this year. I cannot believe I have waited so long to get one!

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/IMG_8248.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/2010-06-11-1830.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/2010-06-11-1901.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/2010-06-04-2022.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/2010-05-21-1758.jpg

Take care

Martin

[Leex70]

I love this lens, a few pictures that I had posted in the macro section already this year. I cannot believe I have waited so long to get one!

Take care

Martin


Beautiful shots..!

[K6AZ]

I just received this lens yesterday and it is amazing, basically turns your body into a microscope. I may even need to try bug phootography with this but for now my intended purpose, coins much closer than I could get with any macro.

http://www.k6az.com/temp/7d_09565x.jpg

[BJWOK]

correct me if i'm wrong, but as a complete noob when it comes to macro photography, this lens would not be suitable to frame say, a frog in it's entirety, correct? i mean, it would be perfect to frame the eyes only, but not the entire body? right?

[troypiggo]

Correct. At 1:1, it's maximum focus distance, you'd only be able to fit in part of the frog as big as your sensor.

[BJWOK]

hmmm yes i thought so.

i wonder what macro lens would be the better choice for me then?

my lens line up:
16-35L
24-70L
70-200L

[troypiggo]

There's only about 6000 "which macro lens" threads in the lens section ;) Suggest you have a search around there.

Usual questions - what's your budget, what do you want to shoot, will you be wanting the lens for other styles of photography (eg typical one is portraits)?

Initial recommendations for beginner macro photog are around 100mm focal length - good balance of working distance, ease of use and economy. Something like the Tamron 90, Canon 100, or Sigma 105.

[Wawrzysz]

very impressive, opens up new possibilities in photography, hope to see some more samples soon.

[BJWOK]

Usual questions - what's your budget, what do you want to shoot, will you be wanting the lens for other styles of photography (eg typical one is portraits)?

thought that was pretty clear by my two other posts?

[troypiggo]

thought that was pretty clear by my two other posts?

What other 2 posts? You only want to shoot frogs? And you have some L glass so budget isn't an issue? I haven't gone back through this thread to find your posts, as it's a thread about the MP-E 65. That's why you should a) search previuos threads about macro lens recommendations, or b) start your own thread.

[BJWOK]

mate, the two posts by me after the coin one by K6AZ.

the thing is: i am thinking the 100 macro or 180 macro would not get used for me for anything other than macro, as i do already have the 24-70 and 70-200 for portrait work so maybe a dedicated macro IS the way to go. but then i'm thinking i don't want to be 1:1 ALL the time...

hence my original question.

thanks for the tip but i did already search for macro lens recommendations and didn't come up with anything other than that the mp-e 65 is 1:1 and the others (100 and 180) can be used as portrait and macro.

lots of people are recommending this lens for one reason or the other right here in this thread, i'm asking those users/owners with one whether it would suit my particular needs.

[troypiggo]

Here's my thoughts. Shooting at 1:1 takes practice. If you get one of the macro lenses around 100mm FL, it allows you to start shooting at slightly further distances, slightly less magnification, then you can work up to shooting at 1:1. Then when you get comfortable shooting at 1:1 and MFD, you can then maybe get tubes to shoot up to 2:1, then worry about shooting at higher mags.

I believe most of the guys here that own the MP-E would also own and have started with some other macro lens as well. And use them both pretty regularly.

I would advise against getting the MP-E as your first and only macro lens. It will only frustrate you and you'll likely end up getting rid of it and giving up on macro.

[K6AZ]

Here's my thoughts. Shooting at 1:1 takes practice. If you get one of the macro lenses around 100mm FL, it allows you to start shooting at slightly further distances, slightly less magnification, then you can work up to shooting at 1:1. Then when you get comfortable shooting at 1:1 and MFD, you can then maybe get tubes to shoot up to 2:1, then worry about shooting at higher mags.

I believe most of the guys here that own the MP-E would also own and have started with some other macro lens as well. And use them both pretty regularly.

I think you're right. I also own the 100mm f/2.8, 50mm compact macro, and the 180mm Tamron macros. Each has a purpose.


I would advise against getting the MP-E as your first and only macro lens. It will only frustrate you and you'll likely end up getting rid of it and giving up on macro.

Good advice. I've been shooting macro for years and the MP-E was a completely new experience for me and took some time to get right. This is not an easy lens to use handheld. The coin shot I posted was done on a copystand with a rail carriage which makes focusing pretty easy. I haven't even attempted a handheld shot with it yet.

[Naturalist]

correct me if i'm wrong, but as a complete noob when it comes to macro photography, this lens would not be suitable to frame say, a frog in it's entirety, correct? i mean, it would be perfect to frame the eyes only, but not the entire body? right?

I've been shooting frogs and other such things using the EF-S 60 Macro. If your rig does not support it, you can go EF 100 Macro.

[Lester Wareham]

correct me if i'm wrong, but as a complete noob when it comes to macro photography, this lens would not be suitable to frame say, a frog in it's entirety, correct? i mean, it would be perfect to frame the eyes only, but not the entire body? right?

You want the 100mm or 180mm for that, the MP-E is a specialist macrophoto lens.

It would be best to post other more general questions in one of the many macro lens threads or the talk about macro section rather than a specific thread on the MP-E. You are more likely to get the advice you seek in those areas.

[Goincarcrazy]

I had an MP-E about a year ago (Page 13 & 14), sold it for a 180L and regretted that decision ever since. Not that the 180L macro is a bad lens (in fact it's the sharpest lens I've ever used), I just love what the MP-E can do and now that I have both this lens and the MT-24EX rather than a rigged up 430ex like last time, the new results should be FAR superior to the old.

I'll post pics as soon as I can.

[prayharder]

Hey, I just found out that the 1.4x Teleconverter Mark II works with this lens...not sure why you would need to get closer with it, but it works in case you want to.

Here is a shot I took with mine today...

Ben

[Cole_Schmitt]

I love this lens - and not just for insects. :)

http://don.komarechka.com/images/potn/focus-stacked-snowflake.jpg

I have never gotten into macro, although I have always been interested in it. But, this picture makes me want to buy an MP-E65 and MT-24EX... Maybe this Spring when I get my 70-200 2.8L IS paid off...I hate being 17 sometimes.

Quick question for you insect guys: How do you get the critter to stay still long enough to get set up, focus, and take however many shots it takes to get a good one?

Awesome thread, awesome pictures, awesome lens.

[Don Komarechka]

I have never gotten into macro, although I have always been interested in it. But, this picture makes me want to buy an MP-E65 and MT-24EX... Maybe this Spring when I get my 70-200 2.8L IS paid off...I hate being 17 sometimes.

Quick question for you insect guys: How do you get the critter to stay still long enough to get set up, focus, and take however many shots it takes to get a good one?

Awesome thread, awesome pictures, awesome lens.

For the record, I used the MR-14EX for the snowflake shots :)

And for reference, here is a shot taken with just natural light, no flash:

http://don.komarechka.com/images/potn/droplet-army-potn.jpg

[Gekko18]

Hello,

here is a Rose flower

[Kalison]

Ridiculous!

Oh my goodness this thread has so much awesome.... I am speechless after all 19pages.

[gmazza]

some recent ones:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5510181615_d78d6ae6a4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5510181615/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5451759738_532eb27f13_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5451759738/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5507061840_e09ef9c8aa_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5507061840/)

[tsmit]

Thanks Hatch,
This is a flower, I have no idea what kind but it's very small. Photo is often thought to be of fruit. Shot at 3x mag.
Thanks again, Mac

It's the heart of a violin.

[Kramer80]

gmazza, the video you made of the jumping spider and its ever moving retinas was amazing. great stuff, man...always looking forward to your stuff on flickr :)

[gmazza]

gmazza, the video you made of the jumping spider and its ever moving retinas was amazing. great stuff, man...always looking forward to your stuff on flickr :)

thanks :)

Tried some videos with the 7D and MP-E but find too hard to keep the steadiness and with a tripod I lost focus due to subject movement. A monopod was a good compromisse as reduce the shakes to some extent and still allow some freedom to focuse.

[peterbj7]

How usable is this lens if you don't have specialised lighting equipment?

[Norkusa]

How usable is this lens if you don't have specialised lighting equipment?

I was thinking the same thing. I've had my eye on this lens for a while but I really don't want to buy a macro flash just so I can use it.

[Martin G.]

I was thinking the same thing. I've had my eye on this lens for a while but I really don't want to buy a macro flash just so I can use it.

you can use your 580 on a bracket, no need for the special flash

[Norkusa]

you can use your 580 on a bracket, no need for the special flash

Really?! Even on a bracket, I thought the 580 wouldn't be 'direct' enough for the MP-E. I always assumed you needed one of the two Canon macro flashes or else you're going to get harsh shadows.

[Goincarcrazy]

Many macro die-hards have created some AMAZING diffusers for 430's and 580's out of everyday household items. A good lot of them have better results than most who DO use the dedicated macro flashes. Just search macro diffuser and check out of the DIY's.

[Martin G.]

Really?! Even on a bracket, I thought the 580 wouldn't be 'direct' enough for the MP-E. I always assumed you needed one of the two Canon macro flashes or else you're going to get harsh shadows.


I use mine with the 430 EXII on bracket, here are a few shots of mine handheld, most of these are between 1:1 and roughly 3.5:1 if I remember right.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/IMG_0192-1.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/2010-08-06-2125-1.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/IMG_8947-1.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/IMG_8248-1.jpg

this one I specifically remember to be at 5:1

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/2010-09-17-1133.jpg

Sometimes, shadows can be a bit of a problem, but most of the time, it is just fine. Since a bracket will cost you a few bucks compared to a twin flash, I think it is an interesting option.

If you go in the macro section, you will see that LordV uses also a flashgun on bracket... since pictures speak for themselves, I suggest you have a look!

Good luck

Martin

[Norkusa]

Those look great, Martin. I think you've just convinced me to get the MP-E. :)

Curious about your bracket setup though. How is the flash positioned on it? Off to the side or up top? Just trying to get an idea of how close the flash is to the subjects in those shots you posted.

[Martin G.]

It is positioned to the side, here is a picture, of course, it is not static, you have to play with it and position as desired depending of magnification.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/IMG_1845-1.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/IMG_1846.jpg

[Norkusa]

Thanks for posting those Martin. I thought *you had* to have a dedicated macro flash to use the MP-E but obviously you've pulled it off without one.

Now off to Macro Talk to learn more. :)

[gmazza]

This is a merge of two photos that combine stitch and focus stack, taken with Canonn MP-E @ 1x the magnification is too big to fit all moth features so opted to merge two photos.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5150/5588619770_48ba642191_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5588619770/)

[NatX]

not as pro as others but just to share (=

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5615267044_06bb08a376_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/livingtestimony/5615267044/)
Summer and Winter, Spring time and Harvest - Ant Portrait (http://www.flickr.com/photos/livingtestimony/5615267044/) by LivingTestimony (http://www.flickr.com/people/livingtestimony/), on Flickr

[emmalish]

not as pro as others but just to share (=



That's fantastic, NatX!

[NatX]

thanks emmalish! you're too kind (=

[Goincarcrazy]

I believe he's just truthful. That shot actually made me smile cause the ant "looks" happy. I've been trying to go find bugs in the woods by my house, but sadly the first bugs to come out are the mosquitoes and those take away any bit of fun the other bugs could bring. Hopefully I'll have come more to contribute soon when I get to a fairly local butterfly/bug garden.

[gmazza]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5594326719_e582aaa857_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5594326719/)

[bjolly]

First outing with my new (to me) mp-e 65mm!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/5655037234_08960b3f3b_z.jpg




http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5654258937_523db8de65_z.jpg




http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5654980319_3bdd801293_z.jpg


Posted larger versions here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1032604

[emmalish]

I loooooove that 3rd shot. Wish it were mine...

[bjolly]

I loooooove that 3rd shot. Wish it were mine...

Thanks!

[AbPho]

Paper Wasp
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/5701506433_e2900e9ccc_b.jpg

[emmalish]

Fantastic shot! Love the colours.

[BJWOK]

So after some stalling I bit the bullet and got my copy of this lens.

Did a review on my lighting setup and first test shoot over here (can't post it here as it would void the posting image rules)

http://www.friendlyphotographyforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=516

[Martin G.]

a few from yesterday

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/Season%202011/IMG_8966-b.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/Season%202011/IMG_8830-b.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg85/tarantulacanada/Season%202011/2011-06-10-2103-1.jpg

Martin