Help on getting beyond 2:1

I currently have the 100mm macro and a full set of kenko ETs. That gives me 2:1.

I'm in love with the MPE but I would like to try first a bit more of magnification before spending that much money on a macro only lens which I can only use from time to time (not easy to find bugs in the city ).

I'm thinking in stacking a reversed lens on the 100mm, but I dunno what to get. either a 28mm or a 50mm.

I understand the 28mm will give me 3.5:1 while the 50mm will give me the 2:1.

but how about working distance? and how about using the 100+50 rev + ETs?

what combo would be better in terms of working distance and light loss?

any help/tips would be great, thanks!

I'd use a 50mm lens- a reversed 50mm lens on a 100mm macro will give 3:1 not 2:1 (you forgot to add in the intrinsic magnification of the macro lens). Think the focus distance will be around 2" infront of the lens like this. You can use it with the tubes to get to 4:1 focus distance 1 to 1.5" in front of the lens. I used to use combos like this with my sigma 105 until I eventually got the MPE-65.
Brian v.

Ok Brian I guess in a nutshell you are saying the higher the mag the shorter the working distance,I guess that makes sense,duh

dick

Yep I did forgot I was using a macro lens. Good news then

@dicklaxt: no mater what kind of combo you use? I find that hard to believe...

I'm asking is that or is that not the case??????????If its yes then I tend to agree if not then why isn't it?

Just a question in trying to learn the ins and outs

i've had some success stacking an ultra wide angle reversed on my 100mm macro.
there's severe vignetting and distortion (diffraction) and only really seems to work around f/22 on my setup (don't know the mathematics around that).

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Different combinations will give you different working distances -but no matter what you use that working distance, and the differences between them, is pretty much irrelevant. It's best to go with whatever will give you the best image quality...

Warl0rd,
Well working distance is not much!
A Canon 100mm at 1:1 with a 50mm f/1.4 set at infinity focus reversed mounted, your subject will be a bit less then 1" away from the 50mm lens glass. If the 50mm is at its closest focus point the subject will be about .5" away from the glass. Getting light to a subject so close I find is very very difficult.

I bought a MF lens on ebay I guess in a few weeks I'll figure that out...

I have a bracket so I hope I can get the flash in front of the lens, at least without the ETs