Canon MPE-65mm Super Macro

[Mark Thorpe]

Hey just found this (http://www.vividlight.com/articles/2914.htm) I would be interested to hear anyone's feedback. manual so it should work with a Birger mount? Right?

Thoughts?
Mark.

[KETCH ROSSi]

Yes Mark, it will work on Birger just fine, however there are several notes to consider before purchasing the Canon MP-E 65/2.8 1.5X Macro.


A) This lens as it extends greatly when multypling the X of the macro, will be a great challenge on any mount if this is not stabilized, and here especially at the maximum Macro capacity this lens will need not even a wissell of wind, as even you breathing on it wil make the image shake.

B) This lens also it is not a true f/2.8 true out the entire range of the macro multiplier, which I mean is that every time you extend the Zomming mechanism to multiply the Macro capability to its maximum, you will loose several Stops, and when fully extended to use it at its greatest magnifing capacity, the lens will be basically a black hall, you will need tone, and truly tone of light to light up your subject.

B) This lens can be very frustrating to use for some one that has not had any experience with Microphotography, and it is not the best choice, but it can be tone of fun once you do mastered.


If I was to suggest a macro I will go with: EF 180mm f/3.5L MACRO USM FILTER SIZE: 72mm $1,239

This lens is also very sharp and I consider this to be the best Macro option available, period! If you are looking for something a little faster I'll suggest to go with the 200 f/2.8 II with a diopter, a close up lens like the Canon 500D or Tiffens, or even the great Red Rock 72mm lens from their 35mm adapter system sold separately at their web page.


Found here:http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=10397

This lens is fantastic in both quality of its build and the integration that can be achieved with the RED/BIRGER, and even so it is slower the MP-E, this remains at 3.5 true the entire range, and as it is fixed and uses the same 72mm filters it will integrate well with the rest of the L primes, excluding the 24L wich is 77mm in is front element.

Hope it helps.

Ciao

[Mark Thorpe]

Hey Ketch,
Thanks for the input. I guess I should have enough light with 2 x 600w of underwater HMI lighting! If thats not enough then I would be against using this option. I have also developed my own, bastardized, stabilizing system for underwater. I don't think any shot in Natural History is done on the first take. Just keep going til you get it.

I love a challenge. I have used diopters in the past, both single element and multi element achromatic diopters. I would never consider using single element filters again and am also looking to get away from having to double up on glass with the multi element diopters. Even with these $500 century Achromatic Diopters I was getting very slight aberration at the top end of tele travel. I was even stacking the +2 o to the +3.5 with great results on miniature shrimp but again the aberration was almost doubled and as such I want to get away from using additional glass diopters.

I also have the Tamron 90mm f2.8 which is a phenomenal lens, super sharp and relatively fast.

Cheers,
Mark.

[KETCH ROSSi]

You are most welcome Mark.

Then if you are up for the challenge, and one it will be for sure, just get one, You can always returned if not happy, but I do believe that if you pass the challenge you will love the capability of this lens, but the 180L remains king in lower lighting conditions and ease of use, also because it does not extend like the MP-E.

Let me know how it turns out.

Ciao

[Hans-Georg Daun]

I agree with Ketch: the MP-E 65 is an interesting lens, but rather difficult to work with. In particular, if you want the magnification ratio to be constant, you'll have to focus by repositioning the camera; you'll need a stable support and a macro rail. You'll probably also need a ring light with it, I cannot imagine your HMI lights being usable at the short focusing distances this lens requires.

More info here: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=46&sort=7&cat=2&page=3

[Steve Murray]

Hi Mark,

I think this is the lens you want. Very sharp, F/2.8, a bit shorter than the 180mm and internal focus. Plus much less $$$.
: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/194451-USA/Canon_4657A006_100mm_f_2_8_USM_Macro.html

Also you can use these on this lens for extreme CU's and also on many other Canon lenses for better results than CU lenses: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375102-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGC_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html