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

[blk-dslr]

whoa! that's some amazing shots, tempted.

[gmazza]

this photo is with Canon MP-E @ 2.5x and f/9

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/5838129914_7d8be12e72_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5838129914/)

The second shoot of the sequence, a view from below

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/5837576955_0e734aca97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5837576955/)

[emmalish]

That's amazing, gmazza. Is that a wee worm I see in the 1st photo?

[mbcBulldog]

this photo is with Canon MP-E @ 2.5x and f/9

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/5838129914_7d8be12e72_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5838129914/)

The second shoot of the sequence, a view from below

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/5837576955_0e734aca97_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/5837576955/)Great shots Gustavo!

[bjolly]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5889967674_d6241b15df_z.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Now you guys are just showing off! haha.

[gmazza]

That's amazing, gmazza. Is that a wee worm I see in the 1st photo?

No, it's a parto of the leaf that the wasp cut down

[AbPho]

I haven't posted here yet, and the examples are already all most excellent. But here is a recent shot of mine.

CheerS!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6123/5982728724_0c6792852d_b.jpg

EDIT: Never mind. I posted an image on the previous page. :D Silly me.

[Madweasel]

I've been using this lens for a couple of years now, but have never got round to contributing to this thread. For most of that time I was using the 40D, but have now started using the 5D MkII. At first I used either 580EXII or 430EXII on a Kirk macro flash bracket, but eventually succombed and bought the MT-24EX, which really does make things easier.

This first example is a very recent 3-shot stack on the 5DMkII. The original image is cropped a bit here, to try to show as much detail as possible (though the full res original has even more - the resolution of this lens is quite staggering). This Dolychopid fly is only about 1cm (0.4in) long.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/5D0109-11stacksmall.jpg

This is a 14-spot ladybird larva, tucking into an aphid. Two shots stacked on 40D.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1small--5.jpg

This is a common malachite beetle, only 6mm (0.25in) long. I think this was made from 3 shots.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/IMG_0070-71-73small.jpg

These are hairs in between the spines on the back of a Knot Grass moth caterpillar, pretty-much at the full 5X on a 40D.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1small-6902.jpg

And finally, my most extreme shot with the MP-E65. This is a 6-shot focus stack at 5X, again on the 40D, using a focus rail. It's the fangs of a Salmon Pink Birdeater tarantula (moulted skin), lit by 430EXII on one side and 580EXII on the other, both with homemade diffusers. You can clearly see the orifices through which the venom is delivered.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr2stack7305-11small.jpg

[gmazza]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/6006230991_09f6ae07ed_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6006230991/)
Robber Fly Holcocephala fusca 4 img stack (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6006230991/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

[AtomHeart]

I'm 93% sure that in 2 weeks I'll be joining the ranks of this thread with a new MP-E 65mm purchase...along with an MT-24 EX, diffusers, lens hood, etc.

This lens has narrowly beaten out the EF 300mm f/4L IS as my next lens, and I should have the necessary funds in two weeks...now the excruciating wait. Tic toc, tic toc...

[Traveller1981]

I am totally jealous. I've just got into macro photography, and have had my eye on this lens for a long time, but just can't justify the cost at the moment. Loving all the photos though!

EDIT - just read the entire thread. You guys have some skills. How on earth do you keep the bugs still enough for these shots?

[Lester Wareham]

I'm 93% sure that in 2 weeks I'll be joining the ranks of this thread with a new MP-E 65mm purchase...along with an MT-24 EX, diffusers, lens hood, etc.

This lens has narrowly beaten out the EF 300mm f/4L IS as my next lens, and I should have the necessary funds in two weeks...now the excruciating wait. Tic toc, tic toc...

Nice to hear which way you decided, you will love it I am sure.

[Goincarcrazy]

I broke mine out again last night. The bugs have been really quite sparse this year, other than mosquitoes which swarm you as soon as you step outside, but after rain we had yesterday, I thought it'd be a good time to go bugging.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6027654429_1d1d7d77d5_b.jpg

My first Jumper!!!
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6027655105_8e98391a50_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6028255232_cefde47834_b.jpg

[AtomHeart]

Well, macro has always been my biggest passion since I got into photography 10 years ago, and when I upgraded to a decent camera, the 7D, I promised myself that I would get the magic mole as soon as I could swing the funds. Not sure how I got swayed into considering the 300mm f/4L but I've come to my senses. With my last camera I spent countless hours crawling around on the floor of my basement, garage, and barn to get less than 1:1 shots of bugs, mold, fungus, and such. I have a feeling this lens, at 1:1 and above will become all-consuming.

[x_tan]

Wonderful shoots everyone!

[Goincarcrazy]

One more Robber Fly:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6030690237_1025a09c9f_b.jpg

[AtomHeart]

Beautiful^^^ What magnification? Any focus stacking?

[Goincarcrazy]

Thanks!

No focus stacking was used. I've never had much luck with it as I handhold most of the time. That shot is handheld at around 3x magnification with the MT-24ex + stofens.

[Traveller1981]

Thanks!

No focus stacking was used. I've never had much luck with it as I handhold most of the time. That shot is handheld at around 3x magnification with the MT-24ex + stofens.


That shot is exceptional. And even better that it was handheld. I would so love this lens!

[Goincarcrazy]

Thanks! This type of robber fly is very photogenic, so I give the credit to it and it's little mustache.

This lens is very addicting once you get the hang of it. You'll find yourself contorting in so many different positions to get steady and to get the shot on the smaller things in life! Very specialized, but for what it does, there's nothing better!

[Traveller1981]

Haha, I hadn't noticed the mustache!
Regardless it is a great shot!

[AtomHeart]

Here's my plan for focus stacking...can someone with experience with this equipment tell me if I'm daft?

Set the 7D to high speed shooting (8 fps) then open the aperture all the way to 2.8 to minimize the output needed by the flash...that should minimize refresh rate on the MT24-EX flash unit, and hopefully it can then keep up with 8 fps for at least a couple seconds. Then, depress the shutter button, and just slowly sway back and forth with the DOF scanning the subject at full shooting speed...once the flash unit stops and needs to recharge, stop shooting to let the flash cool.

This should give me many (16+?) shots of the subject with the point of maximum focus at various points across the subjects depth, all taken within 2 seconds of eachother. Then it should just be a matter of sorting them into order from closest to furthest focus plane, and doing focus stacking in Photoshop. Any flaws in that plan?

Since I don't have the equipment yet, all I can do is previsualize how I'm going to use it. Haha!

[Goincarcrazy]

At 2.8, you're DOF is going to be so razor thin that you WILL miss spots even with rapid fires. This lens is very unforgiving and focus stacking handheld is nearly impossible for any magnification great than say 2x. Your movements have to be in millimeters to get correct stacks.

I know some people can do it, other can't...I'm in the can't pile. I just try to make do with a plain old single exposure, haha.

[AtomHeart]

Sounds like its going to be a game of aperture vs. flash refresh rate to see how much DOF I can give myself, and still have the flash firing at 8fps. Then sway VERY slowly. I'll report back after I have the lens and flash, and can give it the old college try.

I see what you mean, though. Just looked at the DOF table. If the animal is 5mm wide, and I have .4mm of DOF, and I take 16 shots, I would have to be extremely lucky to have gotten shots that fill in all the gaps. If I shutter down to f/8 to give me over 1mm DOF, now the flash is probably gonna have to work too hard, and will need a recycle time between each shot. At the DOF for f/2.8 we are talking more like 40 shots to make sure everything was caught, which is 5 seconds of shooting at full speed, and I don't think there's any way the flash will be able to flash 8 shots per second for 5 seconds is there? I guess I'll find out. Haha. Maybe an external battery pack for the flash unit to minimize refresh times would make the critical difference.

I'm not talking about a perfect sequence of shots here, where each next shot moves in just enough to cover the next slice. I'm talking about chaotic spraying of the target back and forth several passes at 8fps in desperate hopes of catching all parts of the critter, then arranging them in an order that works after the fact. Maybe just concentrating on the front half of the insect? That would reduce the area needing coverage to 2.5mm Much better odds with a .4mm DOF.

Man I'm excited to get this thing and start practicing. This is the sort of challenge that revs my ram-jets.

[peterbj7]

Remember that if you shoot RAW + JPEG as I do you won't achieve 8fps, not for more than a second at any rate.

[AbPho]

I think you are approaching this from the wrong end. Take your time. Try to capture that perfect focus first (the eyes, etc). Then if the subject has not moved be ready to add to that. Capture what you need for the amount of focus you want if you have the time with your chosen subject. Going in there an spraying like Rambo is not going to help your technique. :D

[AtomHeart]

Peter, no JPG here. Just raw in manual mode so no slowing for metering, and obviously no slowing for autofocus with this lens. The limiting factor will be the flash.

AbPho, Lol. Fair point. Think I'm gonna need an eyepiece extender or even an LCD viewfinder. Gonna be doing a lot of delicate focusing.

[Traveller1981]

I agree with AbPho, any kind of swaying even with a normal macro lens, let alone when you have up to 5x magnification, will have you miss the focus you are after. You need to be moving your own body millimeters to change focus point with such narrow DOF.

[Lester Wareham]

With the MPE I shoot at f11 at life size and f8 above typically, if focus stacking I tends to use the slower speed (5fps ?), some conscious movement might be needed at life size but above that just random movements is generally enough (assuming handheld here) although much depends on the situation and how well supported you are.

8 fps produces a hell of a lot of frames and I generally only use it with fast moving small birds to catch the correct pose.

[AtomHeart]

Another excellent point. "sway" probably isn't a good term when the range of movement is 2mm in either direction. When thinking in those terms it's probably harder to LIMIT my movement to that range than it is to "sway" that much.

It's clearly going to be a different mindset and set of skills. A week from Tuesday I'll place the order for overnight delivery. Woot!

Is there a chart anywhere that shows the effective image size at each magnification level for the 7D's 1.6 crop sensor? For the 5x do you just divide the sensor dimensions by 5?

[AbPho]

Is there a chart anywhere that shows the effective image size at each magnification level for the 7D's 1.6 crop sensor? For the 5x do you just divide the sensor dimensions by 5?The MP-E user manual shows DOF and magnification charts.

Sensor size is irrelevant at 1:1 magnification. It mean 1 unit of measure of your subject equal that much on your sensor. So, a 1.6 crop sensor is around 22.5 x 15mm. At 1:1 that is what you will be capturing.

[Madweasel]

... For the 5x do you just divide the sensor dimensions by 5?
Yes, so the whole frame is only 4.4mm wide. I think you're underestimating the power of the MT-24EX. Like Lester, I wouldn't necessarily recommend 8fps, but if you raise your ISO to 200 or 400, the flash will have plenty of power for many shots. Start slowly; the lens takes time to master, but it does repay patient practice.

[AtomHeart]

Thank you, that's what I needed. I'm going to draw the capture size at each magnification to look at. Will help drive into my brain what magnifications needed for different situations and objects.

[Goincarcrazy]

Here's a tip! If you can swing it, live view is an amazing help at focusing to me as well since the viewfinder gets so dark with this lens attached! So if you run into that problem, keep that in mind.

And is it just me or does anyone else have a hard time finding their subject sometimes and have to search around for it?

[AbPho]

And is it just me or does anyone else have a hard time finding their subject sometimes and have to search around for it?
Yes. If that happens I go down to 1:1, find the subject, then extend the lens out while tracking the subject.

[moltengold]

thanks all

i think i need this lense :)
i love to shoot small tiny things
but not Insects
Probably a tiny screws in my watch :cool:

[PACO11]

One more Robber Fly:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6030690237_1025a09c9f_b.jpg


That image is incredible! This is definitely the next lens!

[Goincarcrazy]

Thanks! It's definitely an addicting lens. Here in Florida, the summers are almost too hot to go bugging, but when I suck it and go anyway, I'm always happy I did!

[AtomHeart]

A week from tomorrow till I order mine!

The stupid 100mm 2.8L IS had to go on sale and tempt me...but I'm going to TRY to stay the course...magic mole, magic mole, magic mole...

I really need both, but I don't know how I can come up with an extra $1000 right now. Unless, of course, if I make due with my 420EX flash for a while, and buy the MT-24 EX in a few months when I can swing it. Hmmmmm.

[Goincarcrazy]

I'll admit, I think the 100L IS would be a much better way to spend the money. You're so limited with the 65mm that its more or less just a novelty lens unless your into entomology or something. The IQ of the 100L (along with the standard 100 macro) that if you bought a set of 150 buck kenko tubes, you can get about 3x total mag with IS, plus you'll be able to use it for many other things besides macro...so not to talk you out of the MP-E, but if you're building your lens inventory, I'd go with usefulness for the money before specialization.

But don't get me wrong, we'd love to have you over here in the Mole Hill!

[AtomHeart]

I could actually afford all three:

EF 100mm 2.8L IS
MP-E 65mm 2.8
MT-24 EX

If I were willing to get them used in "like new - " condition from KEH.com.

[moltengold]

I could actually afford all three:

EF 100mm 2.8L IS
MP-E 65mm 2.8
MT-24 EX

If I were willing to get them used in "like new - " condition from KEH.com.

if you get the MP-E 65mm 2.8
why do you need the EF 100mm 2.8L IS for ?

[AtomHeart]

Hard to take a picture of a frog with an MP-E 65mm. The largest object I can photograph is a postage stamp.

My other lenses both have a maximum magnification of .21...so there's a big gap in my lenses from .21x to 1x. The MP-E takes care of 1x - 5x...but there's still nothing for .21 - 1 for things like flowers, and dragonflies, small frogs, and portraits of prairie dogs.

[moltengold]

aha ,, you are right :)
me too i need to buy the MP-E 65mm 2.8

[Lester Wareham]

Hard to take a picture of a frog with an MP-E 65mm. The largest object I can photograph is a postage stamp.

My other lenses both have a maximum magnification of .21...so there's a big gap in my lenses from .21x to 1x. The MP-E takes care of 1x - 5x...but there's still nothing for .21 - 1 for things like flowers, and dragonflies, small frogs, and portraits of prairie dogs.

As I said, you will need a standard macro also, one of the 100mm would be a good choice.

[AtomHeart]

The problem I have is that I currently have a 70-200 f4 IS. What I really want is a 100L macro and a 300L f4 IS. For now I'll have to make do with the 70-200 at "pseudo macro" magnification. I'll upgrade to the other two lenses in time. The $70 off the 100L is enticing, but doing without the macro flash isn't really a worthwhile option I don't think. For now the 100mm zone of my kit will have to settle for the 70-200 at lower magnification.

[Goincarcrazy]

or you can get tubes and throw them on your 70-200mm for about $150...

[AtomHeart]

Probably an excellent stop-gap. :-)

[AtomHeart]

As such, I just purchased a set of kenko tubes to hold me off from needing the 100mmL and also grabbed a 1.4 extender to hold me off from needing the 300mmL. I can then use these accessories on the other lenses when I get them, so it's not just a stop-gap, but an investment. Woot! Next Tuesday I can now order my MP-E and MT-24.

[Madweasel]

Although the MT-24EXis excellent and I now use it, it's by no means essential with the MP-E65. Several people use a 430EX on an adjustable macro bracket for illumination.

Here's an example arrangement (the flash would have a homemade diffuser fitted in use).
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/lr1small-4989.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Yeah, my first shots were taken with a 430EX on a modified flash bracket that I picked up for next to nothing on ebay. Worked great for what I needed back then, but being able to control 2 light sources with bugs really helps the mood of the shot, I'll say that.

[AtomHeart]

Great! That's the plan. Tuesday I'll order the lens and the Kirk flash bracket, then a month later I can get the MT-24 EX.

[Traveller1981]

Madweasel - where did you get your bracket from and how much was it?

What are the recommended flash brackets for the 430EX for macro work? I've seen some c-shape brackets on ebay that look pretty good for the money.

[Madweasel]

I've seen lots of bracket solutions, including some homemade efforts. I got the Kirk macro flash bracket from Warehouse Express for about £50. Not cheap, but the best I found.

Here's a link: http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-kirk-macro-flashbracket-1-4-tripod-socket/p1006405

I must say though, the quality and flexibility of the MT-24EX are worth it if you can run to the high cost.

[Traveller1981]

Thanks. That's a bit more than I wanted to spend as I do plan to get the MT-24EX fairly soon (ish), and just wanted something to get me by until then.

I was thinking this C-Shape Bracket (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250858142822&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649)

[Madweasel]

I guess in its "macro" arrangement it wouldn't be too bad, but it's not so adjustable. Have a look in the macro forum and do a search on brackets - I should think there are lots of examples there. I know several people have had a go at making their own from bits and pieces. I'm afraid to say I was a bit too lazy for that.

[AtomHeart]

I'm going ahead with the Kirk bracket from B&H ($69 US) since I can continue to use it for my other lenses on extension tubes once I get the MT-24 EX for the MP-E 65mm.

[Lester Wareham]

I'm going ahead with the Kirk bracket from B&H ($69 US) since I can continue to use it for my other lenses on extension tubes once I get the MT-24 EX for the MP-E 65mm.

If you want to use the macro flash on non-macro lenses all you need is the correct microlight adaptor ring, this screews in the end of the lens to provide the flash mount.

[AtomHeart]

I did it!! I placed the order!! It will be here tomorrow. I'm so excited I think I peed my pants a little bit! Wooot!

I will start posting pics to this thread ASAP. Now it's time to start saving for the macro flash.

[Goincarcrazy]

Awesome! I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

[AtomHeart]

First test shot:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6078184527_535a9682e9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6078184527/)
Mullard (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6078184527/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

It appears that it works. HOLY MOLY! I'm gonna have me some fun...

What a badass lens!!

[AtomHeart]

Wow, even a green tomato becomes something bizaare through the eye of this lens. You can see every cell in this cherry tomato's skin. And even evening photos are nice and sharp...gotta love that about flash photography. Seems the 420EX is doing an ok job for now, until I can get the macro flash.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g318/Jumbaught28/IMG_9285.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Looks like its doing great...and you for that matter!

[AtomHeart]

3X
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6104278715_9b00fc5c16_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6104278715/)
Tiny Spider Focus Stacked (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6104278715/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

3X
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6080392566_5aea60889b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6080392566/)
TINY Spider on Painted Siding (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6080392566/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

[AtomHeart]

2X cropped...
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6083214917_21d198d2b7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6083214917/)
Metallic Moth (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6083214917/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

2X
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6090434739_bf2c90264a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6090434739/)
Metallic Moth (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6090434739/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

[AtomHeart]

Cricket Nymph? I'm not sure exactly what this is...

3X
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6080533210_68a9801572_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6080533210/)
Bug (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6080533210/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

And I even tried focus stacking for the first time. Took three shots of this thing, and stacked them manually in photoshop to get a little more depth of field. Worked well, so I think I can handle more than three next time.

2X
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6080631627_a443c04dca_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6080631627/)
Focus stacking... (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6080631627/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

[AtomHeart]

I had high hopes of this thread waking back up, and many contributers posting pics again. :-( *sniffle*

[Goincarcrazy]

Sadly the triple digit heat coupled with 90% humidity has me indoors most of the time, even at 7:30 at night its still in the 90's here. Plus I got another toy that I've been playing with. A 600L, also known as an MP-E for things far away, haha.

I'll hopefully be back out when this heatwave breaks.

[AtomHeart]

Haha congrats! Enjoy that one!

[AtomHeart]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6131380845_1eb73dca3d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6131380845/)
Funnel Web Spider (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6131380845/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

[AtomHeart]

Found a dead marigold laying in a pile of pine needles beside a log...It was nice enough of a subject that I spent a good bit of time there under that pine tree getting the shots I really wanted. I like the results.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6134817584_697760b64f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6134817584/)
Marigold 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6134817584/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6134489988_1ff392b825_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6134489988/)
Marigold 3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6134489988/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6134491536_c10d25e70e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6134491536/)
Marigold 4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6134491536/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

[AtomHeart]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6165245982_fa113c880b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165245982/)
another world (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165245982/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6165236954_dd5ea05c5c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165236954/)
crystal forest (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165236954/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6165241258_aae2b909a0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165241258/)
scintillating (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165241258/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6165237622_e39681a20d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165237622/)
peaking (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165237622/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6165244822_afd62730f9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165244822/)
vortex (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6165244822/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

[Goincarcrazy]

Wow, what on earth is that?!

[AtomHeart]

That is a ...

[Goincarcrazy]

so MP-E's are water proof? lol. I was thinkin it HAD to be some sort of sea creature.

[Vydunas]

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt175/Mosc/1-24.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt175/Mosc/11-6.jpg

http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt175/Mosc/1bb.jpg

[AtomHeart]

Spectacular Vydunas!

[Goincarcrazy]

Wow, spectacular first post Vydunas, and welcome to POTN! Are those photos focus stacked by chance? They look incredible!

[Vydunas]

Thanks for compliments:)

yes, they are stacked.

[Goincarcrazy]

What program are you using to stack? Sadly I've lost track of what people are using these days, haha.

[Vydunas]

What program are you using to stack? Sadly I've lost track of what people are using these days, haha.

Zerene stacker, Helicon focus.

[lankforddl]

Zerene stacker, Helicon focus.

Can this type of good quality focus stacking be accomplished with CS5?

[AtomHeart]

I just tried this earlier this week, and found myself underwhelmed with CS5's focus stacking abilities, but if your shots were taken very carefully and with plenty of overlap it does an "acceptable" job. For stacking handheld shots, the best bet seems to be manual stacking in photoshop, and not using the "auto-blend layers" option. You can let photoshop align the shots for you, however. It does a great job of that. Just do your own masking and painting on the masks.

Bottom line, CS5 does an ok job, if you have it. Better than combine ZM I'm my experience. It's biggest problem seems to be that it leaves slight halos of blur around the layers it cuts in, and you can't simply cut in closer with a tiny brush because there's only transparency under the blur. Kinda awkward. Haven't tried the two other programs mentioned, so they may be better.

[Madweasel]

My experience with CS5 is similar to AtomHeart's. In some situations it does very well, but quite often it needs some help, and because of the way it does the blending it's not always straightforward. The auto align is usually a helpful start to manual blending.

[Vydunas]

The same here. In my experience, the zerene stacker best choice.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6178077502_5e1937b026_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6177551207_96c78bf6c7_b.jpg

[gmazza]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6212861484_cf522cf868_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6212861484/)
Green stratiomyidae (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6212861484/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6181325560_606bb5f431_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6181325560/)
Mother wasp and eggs 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6181325560/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6138250785_49507fc517_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6138250785/)
Jumper spider cleaning feet (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6138250785/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

[AtomHeart]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6218742143_ff5465a0ff_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218742143/)
Gummi Face (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218742143/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6218740021_7053274857_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218740021/)
mountain (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218740021/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6219262024_178cb864ef_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6219262024/)
Gummi Porn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6219262024/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6218742783_5db22dc53a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218742783/)
Repetition (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218742783/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6218741385_37f1568eb4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218741385/)
Big Bear (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218741385/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6219264976_f0c01924d5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6219264976/)
Marshmallow Core (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6219264976/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6218738305_82442db181_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218738305/)
Crevasse (http://www.flickr.com/photos/highdeaf1080p/6218738305/) by highdeaf1080p (http://www.flickr.com/people/highdeaf1080p/), on Flickr

[bjolly]

6/52 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37589035@N05/6274451094/in/photostream)
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6274451094_78e7316c57_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37589035@N05/6274451094/in/photostream)

[dubstylz]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6212861484_cf522cf868_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6212861484/)
Green stratiomyidae (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6212861484/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6181325560_606bb5f431_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6181325560/)
Mother wasp and eggs 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6181325560/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6138250785_49507fc517_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6138250785/)
Jumper spider cleaning feet (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6138250785/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

Beautiful set, i realy like them, are they natural light? looking at the exif it says no flash, im even more impressed if they are natural light, ive not seen NL shots from an mp-e before.

[Madweasel]

You can do natural light at the lower magnification if the light is good, but in the last shot above in particular you can see the flash diffuser reflected in the spider's eyes. The lighting on the others looks to me like diffused flash too, which as you say is the norm for this lens.

[gmazza]

Beautiful set, i realy like them, are they natural light? looking at the exif it says no flash, im even more impressed if they are natural light, ive not seen NL shots from an mp-e before.

Noone of them are natural light only, is manual flash trough a PC cable (this could explain the no flash in exif) In the spider shoot the long exposure did the job for the blue sky but the spider features are flash.

As a curious note, in another series of jumper spider shoots, tried several shoots and he always jumped to my flash diffuser. The photo below is 1/25s (for expose to the sky), he jumped before the flash (so this is a all natural light shoot).

The time to prepare a jump is less than 1/25s then, and there was enough time to capture few details of the face, but the image is predominantly exposed to sky.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6039838281_e82623bb29_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6039838281/)
Jumper spider "soul" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6039838281/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

This was the proposed photo:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/6039837693_49816fd914_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6039837693/)
Jumper spider full body portrait (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6039837693/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

[jdmturbosol]

I need a dedicated macro flash. These samples are amazing

[dadgummit]

Woohoo, I found one of these on KEH for $700 in Ex+ condition. Hope to have it this weekend!

[Vydunas]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6332177561_62d03de1dd_b.jpg

[thebund]

Just pulled the trigger on this lens. (I partly blame you guys for that)

[gmazza]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6441355933_b46193a0e5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6441355933/)

[Madweasel]

To bring this thread into the New Year (not so new now), here's a five-shot focus stack I took earlier this month. It's a springtail, Dicyrtomina saundersi, only about 2mm long. Taken on 7D at 4X and slightly cropped.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i192/garlicpickle/Canon/0907-11stacksmall.jpg

[peterbj7]

Can someone please explain what a Focus Stack is, and how to make one?

[Madweasel]

Can someone please explain what a Focus Stack is, and how to make one?
It's a simple principle to tackle the problem of shallow depth of field, which is especially noticeable in extreme macrophotography. You take a series of shots from the same angle, each with the plane of focus in a slightly different place on the subject. Then in post-processing software you combine the sharpest parts of each image to produce a single image with a greater depth of focus than is possible in a single image.

With the MP-E65 set to high magnification, small apertures notably degrade the image through diffraction, so the better option is to open up a little for sharpness and then stack images for DOF. Of course it needs a steady hand and a willing subject (any movement between shots can make it hard or impossible to achieve a smooth blend).

[peterbj7]

What PP technique do you use to combine the pictures?

[Madweasel]

Photoshop (full version) can do it, but sometimes needs a bit of manual tweaking. There are dedicated packages like Zerene Stacker and others that do a better automated job. You can do a manual job with Photoshop by aligning the images as layers and then erasing the right bits of each one to leave the sharp parts. That can be a bit time-consuming, depending on the scene and the number of individual images you are blending. I often use two or three, but sometimes as many as five or six. If you have a tripod setup and a still subject you might do many images: you'd need software to do it for you in that case.

[gmazza]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6536891679_61064c4f80_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6536891679/)
Talinum paniculatum (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6536891679/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6572052581_d34ac9cc94_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6572052581/)
Crematogaster ant and membracidae mutualism (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6572052581/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6826061855_b84a786037_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6826061855/)
Jumper spider canibalism (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmazza/6826061855/) by Gustavo Mazzarollo (http://www.flickr.com/people/gmazza/), on Flickr

[gatorlink]

This lens is a lot of fun. It seems that no insect is too small for it, including those that are barely visible. This isn't one of them, but the point remains .

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6778878902_2d84ea325c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gatorlinked/6778878902/)

[Martin G.]

great shot Ryan, beautiful lighting and nice detail on this gorgeous eye!

[gatorlink]

Thanks, Martin. That shot is at 4:1. I'm a little embarrassed to say that, on a second look, I forgot to clone out the sensor dust! :oops:

[buzzyrabbit]

Just ordered this lens to go with the 100 macro:D

[John_N]

Well, you guys have done it - after um'ing and ar'ing almost since I got a DSLR I've finally taken the plunge and got up the nerve to buy the MT-24EX + MP-E 65mm combo - ordering today! (It'll cost me the 5D though!)

[gatorlink]

Just ordered this lens to go with the 100 macro:D

Well, you guys have done it - after um'ing and ar'ing almost since I got a DSLR I've finally taken the plunge and got up the nerve to buy the MT-24EX + MP-E 65mm combo - ordering today! (It'll cost me the 5D though!)

You won't regret it. It's so much fun to have access to the world of the truly tiny, like this 3mm varied carpet beetle, for example:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6954275257_f4cb45b708_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gatorlinked/6954275257/)

[laxative]

A couple of my old shots, revisited.

http://i.imgur.com/1aUe1l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ePzxNl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/CRl9ml.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/15EnSl.jpg

[John_N]

Those are some great shots - I know I'll be frustrated but if I can get anything close to those I'll be well chuffed!

Well, my kits on the way - due tomorrow :)

[cancan7]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6888677920_daaa687ce4_b.jpg

taken at about 2X magnification

[John_N]

All great shots - I forgot to upload my best image so far...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/7029272679_6466f471b4_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/magsnorton/7029272679/)
Fly Profile - Crop (http://www.flickr.com/photos/magsnorton/7029272679/) by magsnorton (http://www.flickr.com/people/magsnorton/), on Flickr

[ceriltheblade]

Despite your expressed worries, it seems that you got a good understanding of the lens! Nice shot!

[nccb]

My tripod is dirt cheap and I don't have the proper flash gear to get insanely sharp pics, but figured I'd contribute here anyways during my brief tryout with this lens!

A quarter...

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5319/7095043659_295f970aa2_c.jpg


Our friend the roly poly bug...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7095035279_cb8e2584d9_c.jpg

Some salt....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/6948966736_abc427a773_c.jpg

[nccb]

I have mine for sale currently if anyone wants to check it out....

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1175628

[gatorlink]

I have mine for sale currently if anyone wants to check it out....

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1175628

That's a shame; you're obviously using it to wonderful effect.

[Goincarcrazy]

That time of the year for bugging again! First spoils of the year! Didn't have much time as light was getting very dim.

Ant's walking their pets
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7104317145_5115ae3fc4_b.jpg

Pink Katydid nymph
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/6958299834_d255af3294_b.jpg

[Goincarcrazy]

Another:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/7108440987_2419b82e99_b.jpg

[J.Evo]

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/120/c/7/c7c4163a1ac8939ba8b3c43bd4cd9154-d4y1yux.jpg
http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/120/9/c/9cec5cd6462485b5ea1e4d23b6be48fa-d4y1yxs.jpg

[MarkivAntony]

Unknown insect: MP-E 65m with MT-24EX

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/6941853322_b14417ea2c_b_d.jpg

[Madweasel]

Unknown insect: MP-E 65m with MT-24EX

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/6941853322_b14417ea2c_b_d.jpg
Nice shot. It's an immature plant bug, but I don't know what species.

[ncsa]

Guitar string - B @ 3:1
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7195281434_e1815eb526_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncsabkk/7195281434/)
x3 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ncsabkk/7195281434/) by ncsabkk (http://www.flickr.com/people/ncsabkk/), on Flickr

[John_N]

Thats unusual and well done.

[ncsa]

Thanks - I know not the normal colourful critter but not many of those around here at the moment :)

Thats unusual and well done.

[Winwin]

What a lovely lens... I've wanted one for over a year. Anyone want to sell me one? ;)

[TheSpenner]

Placed an order for mine a few days ago... can't wait to join in on this fun :D in the meantime I'm working on a bracket for a custom flash setup to use. Woop!

[Winwin]

Placed an order for mine a few days ago... can't wait to join in on this fun :D in the meantime I'm working on a bracket for a custom flash setup to use. Woop!

Me too! I got a Manfrotto 445 (think it was that number) focusing plate with mine along with the lens from someone from Fred Mir. for $850 :) So excited

[TheSpenner]

I was going to play around for a bit before getting a focus plate, but I'm thinking I'm gonna need one.

First pic, newspaper :P how exciting. It was the closest thing next to the box the lens came in

http://i.imgur.com/5TNAa.jpg