MP-E 65 vs. 100mm w/ Kenko (for beginner)

I'm thinking about buying a macro lens for my wife, but I can't really decide on which one to get. I've read all the posts I could find here, as well as many reviews and such.

I was thinking about buying the 100mm Macro (with Kenko tubes) since it's also a great portrait lens but my wife was blown away with the photos from the MP-E that many of you have posted here. How steep is the learning curve on the MP-E, and does it help you if you've learned to use the 100mm Macro first? My wife has mostly used the 50mm 1.8 reversed, but has never used a real macro lens.

I don't have the money right now to spend on a macro flash, so is it even possible to use the MP-E without flash — same with 100mm + Kenko? Oh and I have the 350D

Not really sure what more to say, just wanted some opinions from you guys and girls.

(Off topic, this is my first post but I've been visiting these forums for years on and off, and just wanted to thank all of you for all the great information and amazing photos)

dont quote me on this but from what I've read the MPE-65 lens has a very steep learning curve. For a beginner anyway.

It also doesn't focus at infinity. Whereas the 100mm does. With the MPE-65 as well, you will be needing to use a flash almsot every shot. (I think)

So it depends if your wife wants the massive magnification over the focusing distance.

I think the 100mm would be the best bet. but you can always go with the MPE and learn heaps from it.

boucher.

Steep. I would really not recommend the 65-MPE to someone as a first macro. At the very least this lens demands a good tripod with a focussing rail. Realistically it needs a twin flash rig.

If you cannot afford a twin flash rig right now I think a 1:1 macro setup is more plausible.

I'm having enough trouble focusing with my 100mm macro. I can't hold my camera steady and with such a narrow DOF, it makes it impossible for me =(.

ooo wrote in post #5262088
I'm having enough trouble focusing with my 100mm macro. I can't hold my camera steady and with such a narrow DOF, it makes it impossible for me =(.

You have a tripod right? That is a must have tool for macro.

Yep, I have a tripod. I read that most people hand held when they are doing macro with the 100mm though =(.

ooo wrote in post #5262130
Yep, I have a tripod. I read that most people hand held when they are doing macro with the 100mm though =(.

Only if you can live with almost zero DOF. I tend to shoot macro from f/11 to f/22 so handholding is a non-starter.

I doubt most macro shooters are handholding. Maybe just bug shooters and they are putting up with no DOF when doing so.

Some people use monopods as well. Still does a fair bit for hand holding.

boucher.

i would go with the 100 or even the 60 ef-s one. to get started. as far as tripod goes i rarely use mine. mostly handheld cause those little crittter don't stay still long enough. just about 90% of my shot are handheld or using part of my body for support.

Bill

Beginner and MP-E do not belong in the same sentence.

I use a 70-200 f2.8 IS with a set of Kenko tubes, I dont even own a Macro lens. The Kenko tubes make any lens a macro. Also I use a milk jug over my standard shoe mounted flash, 430 ex, tilted forward, gives me good diffused light for most situations as it is long enough to get past the end of the lens. THis rose was taken with this setup.

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Molnies wrote in post #5261945
I'm thinking about buying a macro lens for my wife, but I can't really decide on which one to get. I've read all the posts I could find here, as well as many reviews and such.

I was thinking about buying the 100mm Macro (with Kenko tubes) since it's also a great portrait lens but my wife was blown away with the photos from the MP-E that many of you have posted here. How steep is the learning curve on the MP-E, and does it help you if you've learned to use the 100mm Macro first? My wife has mostly used the 50mm 1.8 reversed, but has never used a real macro lens.

I don't have the money right now to spend on a macro flash, so is it even possible to use the MP-E without flash — same with 100mm + Kenko? Oh and I have the 350D

Not really sure what more to say, just wanted some opinions from you guys and girls.

(Off topic, this is my first post but I've been visiting these forums for years on and off, and just wanted to thank all of you for all the great information and amazing photos)

The two lenses are complementary, infinity to 1:1 and 1:1 to 5:1, so if she is serious on macro she will want both eventually. So which first:

The MP-E 65mm is a fantastic lens, specially for bugs (is you wife into bugs, cool). But it could be frustrating for a beginner to use due to the stalking skill required with the shorter working distances and the minimum magnification of 1X. You can use it in ambient light at low magnifications but to get the best from it you do need a macro flash or ordinary flash on a bracket.

The 100mm is a better place to start, she will be able to get some great shots of lots of subjects with this and developed her stalking skills. It will be better in some cases to have a flash but in extremes she can probably get away with the built in flash if she takes the hood off; I did this for a year on a 20D until I could afford the MT-24EX. The trick to make this work, increase ISO to 200 or 400 and use flash exposure compensation (FEC) to +1 to +2 stops. The lighting is flat but it means you can tackle subjects/situations you could not otherwise.

Tubes, these are very useful accessories, she will only need them with the 100mm if she wants to go beyond 1:1, a stack will get her to 2:1. The tubes are very handy with a telephoto lens in the 200-300mm range from things like dragonflies that are more difficult to approach.

Most people are fine with the Kenko brand, I had a very loose set that kept dropping the lens so I replaced them with Canon ones which are much better engineered and more solid although they look virtually the same.

Some stuff I collected about Canon macro kit http://www.zen20934.ze​n.co.uk …raphy/Macro_Equ​ipment.htm

Thanks for all the comments!

It seems like the best bet would be to get the 100mm now and save up to the MP-E with flash later on.

Lester, that link seems very useful, I will have to sit down and compare all the charts and details. Thanks!

ooo wrote in post #5262130
Yep, I have a tripod. I read that most people hand held when they are doing macro with the 100mm though =(.

I usually use a Monopod with the 100 macro when out in the field, it helps a lot.

gasrocks wrote in post #5262554
Beginner and MP-E do not belong in the same sentence.

They do in yours