Macro lenses choice, or stay with current gear?

Hello,

I want to enter macro world. So wondering which lens is better option from two of these used:

• Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens - 500$
  
• Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens - 700$
  

1. But maybe if i go with Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens in 1:1-1:2 level it would be +- same as Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens. And in future I had reserve to go further to 3-5x magnification? What are your thoughts?
   
2. Maybe I don't need to invest in separate lens for macro. Please look at my equipment list, maybe I already have handy lenses? (I order reverse ring for my 18-55, but I believe it is in different league.
   
3. It will be enough external flashes? Or Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX Flash must have?
   

• Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera
  
  
• Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens - almost useless after I bought Canon EF-S 15-85mm
  
• Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens - briliant lens!
  
• Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
  
• Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM Lens
  
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens
  
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens - must go!
  
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens - must go!
  
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens
  

• Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash
  
• Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash
  
• Canon Speedlite 420EX Flash
  
• Flash triggers
  
• Lambency diffusers
  

• Kenko Extension Tube 12mm
  
• Soligor C/D4 DG tele-convertor 1.7X C/AF
  

If I was you, I'd go for the 100mm. It's worth remembering that you'll never be able to shoot a subject much larger than 22mm on your APS-C body if you go for the MP-E. Something as simple as a wasp or bee will not be possible (unless it's a small example and very tightly framed).
Secondly, the MP-E really needs the MT-24 to get the best from it.
Thirdly, the 100mm will allow you to hone your technique before going to the more extreme levels with an MP-E.

Bob

If you like macro at the end you will get both and a macro flash.
imho you will be better off starting with 100mm and tubes + one of your flashguns on a bracket with a small softbox.
I like mp-e more, but use my 60mm with or without extension tubes more often - it is just a smaller and easier to use lens. will buy either 100mm or 150mm macro soon as well.

This is really a question for the macro forum. I would recommend the 100mm f 2.8 macro. It has multiple uses and will be less demanding while you go through the learning process. If the 100mm is not enough I would then suggest learning to use the lens with tubes. This might give you all you want in macro, If this still is not enough then I would investigate the MPE 65 by renting it. This is a difficult lens to use requiring for the most part some form of speedlight and or a tripod.

The MP-E is a very difficult lens to master and I would not recommend it for a first macro lens. It is incredibly fun, but it can be frustrating also.

i've had the 60mm, 100mm and 100mm L macro lenses. I couldn't see any IQ difference in them, they're all very good. I still have the 100L, I like the feel of it and IS is sometimes useful. I'd get it again.

I've got a 100 f2.8 L macro and I had a MP-E65. I use the 100 far more often as I like to shoot handheld and find it much easier and faster to use than the MP-E. I really got the best from the MP-E when indoors as a slight breeze is like a hurricane when focussing at 5:1. I had an accident just after getting the MP-E and struggled with moving about to focus, so I ended up selling it and getting a 70-200 instead.

Thanks for replies. Seems that everybody of you recommends to get 100 mm. And if I am not mistaken MP-E65 is already sold.

BTW. In near future I will make update to FF - 5DMk2.

Shift7 wrote in post #14224342
BTW. In near future I will make update to FF - 5DMk2.

In that case, sigma 150 2.8 OS macro.

You'll appreciate the extra focal length on FF.

To get to 3x to 5x (3:1 to 5:1) magnification, you would have to be photographing some detail which is no larger than 3-5mm in actual size...do you really think you will want/need to do that?

Also, you need to understand the extremely close distance that would be entailed, to get such magnification... the MP-E allows only 41mm of working distance at 5x

And are you prepared to light that very close object properly?

It sounds like you have not done macro before. IMHO I don't think the MP-E is a lens to just start into the macro realm. Macro, as many/most types of specialized photography, takes some learning. Get a 100mm macro (or a 150mm, or a 180mm) and learn that lens first. Get some extension tubes when you want to go beyond 1x magnification. If you get hooked and like it, then the MP-E 65 will still be around. If you get the MP-E first, I could see someone new to macro (like you) getting frustrated and giving up before they even truly got started with macro.

On a side note is you go the 100mm macro USM route, pick up a generic tripod collar for it to. It will make certain things easier for macro.