MP-E: Increasing distance between lens and subject?

[nuffi]

Is it easy to increase room between the MP-E 65mm lens and the subject, and still shoot at 5:1 or better?

Can you just shove extension tubes on this lens like you can on other lenses? Does an extender work like that?

What is the normal distance between the subject and the lens at 5:1?

I am thinking of getting one of these lenses for an ongoing project, but am worried that it might not be practical because of this logistical problem.

[LordV]

Extension tubes do not do much with an MPE-65- and they certainly will not give you increased working distance. A TC will give you increased working distance at the expense of some IQ loss.
At 5:1 the working distance is about 1.5 inches in front of the lens. With a 2X TC guess you will get 5:1 at a working distance of 2.25 inches in front of the lens.
Brian V.

[nuffi]

Extension tubes do not do much with an MPE-65- and they certainly will not give you increased working distance. A TC will give you increased working distance at the expense of some IQ loss.
At 5:1 the working distance is about 1.5 inches in front of the lens. With a 2X TC guess you will get 5:1 at a working distance of 2.25 inches in front of the lens.
Brian V.


Thanks for the response, Brian.

I will figure out a way to make that work. I think I can't afford any IQ loss with this.

I've seen your rig, with the flash mounted on a cool thingamuhbob... What different flashes do you use? What sort of exposure do they give you?

Thanks again!!

Nuffi

[gjl711]

Will a TC really give you increased working distance? I though all they do is magnify the image. Although thinking about it, you can have the lens set to 2.5 or 3.5 magnification and get 5:1 so I guess there will be a bit more space in there. Hmm.. Gonna have to play around a little tonight.

[LordV]

Nuffi - I now just use 430Ex flashguns. No problem with exposures- you just need to use FEC to correct for the background brightness. ie +ve FEC for bright BGs and -ve FEC for dark or no BG.

GJL - I was assuming the lens would be set for 2.5X mag and the 2*TC used - this will give you the same working distance as 2.5X but 5:1 mag.

Brian v.