Macro Set-up

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william.c

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Hi all, I am new to this forum and would like to seek some opinions from you folks. I have a Canon 500d in its last leg, think it is the time for me to upgrade. I mostly take portraits and street photography, but I get into macro recently. So I would like to get some advise which body I should get if I am going to buy the MP-E for macro? A full frame or a crop factor one is better for the MP-E? Thanks all.
 
I would think very carefully before getting the MPE at all - do you want to shoot really really tiny things (ie well under 1cm)? If not then it's much easier to use a normal macro lens (ie 100mm) and stick a Raynox on the front for more magnification if needed. (I used an MPE for years before switching to 100mm + Raynox and have not regretted it!).

If you do want one - maybe a 750D/760D would do the job?
 
Personally I think if you want to get into macro a set of extension tubes is the best buy as long as they are fully auto.

And they can be used with almost any type of lens since they have no optics.

And you don't just buy the MPE, you also need all the lighting as well because it REALLY cuts down the light!
 
I never liked extension tubes as you lose the ability to focus at a greater distance (something the MPE wont do anyway.) Assuming that money isn't an issue I'd choose a macro lens over tubes every day of the week unless there's some other factor I haven't thought of. When I had a DSLR I had a Sigma 150mm f2.8, it was a very nice lens. These days I use an old manual 50mm f2.8.

PS.
Actually I suppose another factor is what you want to photograph. If it's something that's likely to be frightened and run or fly off then a longer working distance might be an advantage and that could influence your choice of gear.
 
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woof woof said:
I never liked extension tubes as you lose the ability to focus at a greater distance (something the MPE wont do anyway.) Assuming that money isn't an issue I'd choose a macro lens over tubes every day of the week unless there's some other factor I haven't thought of. When I had a DSLR I had a Sigma 150mm f2.8, it was a very nice lens. These days I use an old manual 50mm f2.8.

PS.
Actually I suppose another factor is what you want to photograph. If it's something that's likely to be frightened and run or fly off then a longer working distance might be an advantage and that could influence your choice of gear.
Click to expand...

Compared to most macro lenses tubes are much cheaper and as I mentioned much more versatile.

I have used my set with several lenses from the Canon 50mm f1.8 to the 70-300mm L lens.

The last one allowed me to get great images while at least 2-3 feet away from the subject:

Macros/10 Aug 2011/5538

There are more here taken with various lenses and attachments (including extension tubes) and on several cameras from the 350D to the 1Ds MkII:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/20926615@N05/albums/72157623715955928
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