Macro Lens Help Please

SpikeK6

SpikeK6

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Spike
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I currently have canon 100mm macro non L and I get some great results from it, but I have noticed recently that with age my hands are not as steady as they should.

I really like my macro and would love the MP-E65 but again it does not have IS and its only 65mm so would have to get much closer to the subject- is that right? or does the greater magnification allow you to be further away but achieve the same result?

I have never used a tripod when shooting insects but I guess you need a really sterdy tripod with a slide bracket fitted??

I was looking at the L version with the IS but again its only 1 to 1.

All help much appreciated and comments as to which way to go.

spike
 
The MP-E65 starts at 1:1 and goes to 5:1.....you don't want an MP-E with unsteady hands.
The 100L macro replicates your 100-nonL with the assistance of IS although this isn't overly useful at 1:1...you might get a little assistance from it.

Perhaps flash is the way to go as the flash duration can give you exposure times equivalent to 1/2000th or faster.

Bob
 
Thanks for that Bob.

I do have a tripod that will do what I want, its just I find sitting waiting for stuff to land where the camera is pointed a chore, bit like sitting in a hide waiting for birds, well not a chore as such more so nost times I do not get that much time to myself to go out with the camera.
I do use a flash set up when out with the camera but i still find my keeper rate is not that good at times. Maybe the L lens will help a little more oooh decisions decisions.
 
I use an MP-E hand held all the time but it's a very unforgiving lens and you need the macro twin flash to get the best out of it. For the first 3 months I thought mine was faulty as I couldn't get a sharp picture (and I have shot a LOT of macro on my Pentax gear) Gradually things have got better, my keeper rate is still very low though and the fact you have to get so close to the insects when using the extra magnification doesn't help as they keep buggering off just as you get near.

When you get it right though .... Wow. :love:
 
Mike.P said:
I use an MP-E hand held all the time but it's a very unforgiving lens and you need the macro twin flash to get the best out of it. For the first 3 months I thought mine was faulty as I couldn't get a sharp picture (and I have shot a LOT of macro on my Pentax gear) Gradually things have got better, my keeper rate is still very low though and the fact you have to get so close to the insects when using the extra magnification doesn't help as they keep buggering off just as you get near.

When you get it right though .... Wow. :love:
Click to expand...

This is what i was thinking, might just stick with the L version when i sell mine.

Thanks for the imput
 
Mike.P said:
You can always put a set of tubes on the L if you want to get closer ... after all, I believe the MP-E is just a variation of that (just a neater solution)
Click to expand...

Thats is another solution, have to look into some of them when i get the new lens.
:thumbs:
 
SpikeK6 said:
....I do use a flash set up when out with the camera but i still find my keeper rate is not that good at times. Maybe the L lens will help a little more oooh decisions decisions.
Click to expand...

If you're having problems when using flash then I can't see that IS will bring anything to the party...excellent lens that it is.

It sounds like (and sorry for this) that you might need to hone your skills a little and dismiss the notion that shake is the cause of the problem. Typically macro users fight to avoid a fore-aft movement and the IS won't help you in this axis.

Bob
 
Looking back through my pics and taking on board what you have said Bob I think you could be right about User error on my behalf, like you say there is little error for movement on the for and aft axis.

I do get some really good shots when I am focused on what I am doing so maybe with this in mind I might have a go with trying the MP-E65, as this was the lens I was originally looking at getting as I love the results it produces and get myself a dedicated tripod mount with a slide and see what that produces, and if it is not working I can always sell it and get the L next time anyways.

Thanks for your help Bob it has made me think about maybe where I was/am going wrong.
 
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