Canon MP-E65 Macro 1-5x Lens

[tsaieh]

Can't help it and bought MP-E65 yesterday from a seller here. awesome lens. i tried handheld 5x to capture the ball on the ball point pen and the print on a magazine paper. wao. will try more tomorrow with my MT-24EX twin light. I was looking for focusing rail. anyone can recommend me? must be reliable and good built. Does the Velbon Mag Slider good?

 

[ywh]

ManWearPants,

Quite a number of the shots in the link you showed could be achieved with a dedicated macro lens with a 2X teleconverter on a APS-C body. The below link shows an image I shot some years back on a 40D with the MPE-65 (uncropped). That was at full 5X.

Tripeaksimagery

Tsaieh, the best macro rail on the market right now has to be the ReallyRightStuff. I use the dual axis version and yes, it is very very expensive but at extreme magnifications, you will need the rail to be rock solid as well. The gear adjustments has to be as refined as possible and the Velbon Mag Slider will not cut it.

 

[Hacker]

Can't help it and bought MP-E65 yesterday from a seller here. awesome lens. i tried handheld 5x to capture the ball on the ball point pen and the print on a magazine paper. wao. will try more tomorrow with my MT-24EX twin light. I was looking for focusing rail. anyone can recommend me? must be reliable and good built. Does the Velbon Mag Slider good?

You can try out the RRS focusing rail.

 

[tsaieh]

Yup. it is possible. i have taken a dragonfly portrait at 4X magnification handheld before.

Can the MP-E65 take such closed up as seen in the link below or there are other lenses that can do such magnifications?

Stunning Photos of Sleeping Insects Covered in Dew | Impact Lab

 

[lightning]

Used to try this lens and it can be really a chore to keep turning the focusing ring. But that's what it's made for, slower manual focusing for pin-point accuracy. If u really need to get so close and take mainly still objects, then yes. Else, the 100mm f/2.8L macro is gd enough.

I think this is misleading. There is no focusing ring on this lens. This is a fantastic lens, I have used it outdoor hand held most of the time. I find using it with a tripod is a pain. With proper breathing technique and practicing moving your lens forward and backward will help you enjoy this lens a lot. To use this lens, please buy together with the twin Macro flash, you need the "pilot" light to help you see your subject clearly.

My investment in this setup cost me about $2.2K (Lens + Flash)

 

[tsaieh]

yes. i find it hassle to use tripod too. handheld is more easy. when you mentioned :" pilot " light, what does it mean? i am also using the Macro Twin light too. and add 2 diffuser on it. want to cut down as much reflection on the subject as possible.

 

[lightning]

yes. i find it hassle to use tripod too. handheld is more easy. when you mentioned :" pilot " light, what does it mean? i am also using the Macro Twin light too. and add 2 diffuser on it. want to cut down as much reflection on the subject as possible.

The twin Macro Flash have 2 lamp that help to light up the subject during focusing, that is very helpful. I tried the Manfoto macro rail, very hard to use. Especially if you are outdoor and the subject is not 100% still. Hand holding is much easier after some practice.