The ultimate macro setup?

I currently do a lot of reverse macro work, and I'm getting close to 5x magnification if not more with a single reversed EF 17-40 f/4L. However, I want to get much closer. I'm looking at getting into microscopy, but before I do, I want to take the camera as far as possible. So,

Camera -> Extension tubes -> 1.4x teleconverter -> EF 70-200 f/2.8L -> EF 17-40 f/4L (reversed)

I have no idea if this will work or how well if it does, but since I own both lenses and I want a teleconverter and extension tubes anyway, I'm gonna give it a go as soon as I get the converter and the tubes. Any thoughts, ways to make it better or more microscopic?
Also, could I add a second converter behind the tubes?

get a trinocular microscope with dslr adaptor - you know you want it!

racketman wrote in post #7475153
get a trinocular microscope with dslr adaptor - you know you want it!

Yes I do!! But that's $$ and a lot of intelligence that I may not possess. I've been looking around a lot of microscopy websites, and it is intense. All kinds of math-like stuff and lighting techniques. Bright field, dark field, diffusion, etc. In time, Racketman, in time.

Think the most extreme setup I have seen was one with about 500mm of extension tube and I think an enlarger lens on the end giving over 10:1 magnification- it was mounted vertically so did a good impression of being a microscope.

Brian V.

500mm ext. tube?? They make em that big?

gregpphoto wrote in post #7475929
500mm ext. tube?? They make em that big?

just buy several sets and join them together - or make your own.

Would either of these two setups potentially work? Except I forgot some rings to get the bellows onto the front of the 70-200 in the top one.

gregpphoto wrote in post #7475929
500mm ext. tube?? They make em that big?

No this was a DIY setup using I think an aluminium pipe
Brian V.

gregpphoto wrote in post #7476231
Would either of these two setups potentially work? Except I forgot some rings to get the bellows onto the front of the 70-200 in the top one.

Not sure what #1 would do.
More normal to place any extensions (ext tubes or bellows at the camera end). Think with this form of extreme macro it's a case of suck it and see- Suspect you are going to run into very close focusing problems plus attendant lighting problems.

How does the 1.4x effect the macro magnification?

Coppatop85 wrote in post #7480569
How does the 1.4x effect the macro magnification?

Wouldn't it magnify the initial lens by 1.4? Thereby giving you increased magnification?