MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens

phildoug

phildoug

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Phil Douglas
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I have been taking macro shots for quite a few years, I love the butterflies, moths and insects, in fact any small critter that comes into view!

My current kit is a Canon 5d3, combined with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS. I mostly shoot handheld without flash in good light, it’s been an awesome combination, and a slight improvement over my previous 5d2 body. Generally, I am very happy with the images I get.

However, in order to get even closer and open up another level of photography. I have been considering purchasing the Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens, given reviews it would appear it can be used handheld up to 2x magnification if combined with a good flash such as the Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX or the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II.

Has anyone any experience with the above combination that can offer their options or experiences on using the MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens?
 
With the right techniques it can be used handheld at 5x with a teleconverter and extension tubes.

It's a fantastic lens, sharp enough but heavy, and it does take some perseverance initially to get to grips with it. There are other ways of getting these types of magnification, and cheaper too, but what it does offer is convenience between moving between various levels of magnification, and the range is perfect for going and discovering all kinds of invertebrates.

My all time favourite lens, it really is a unique experience, but perhaps not suitable for everyone. They main thing you need to concentrate on is getting the lighting right, and getting enough of it at the higher magnifications, especially when hand-holding. Canon's companion twin flash will double your costs, but great if it's within budget. Alternatively look to get some kind of flash bracket and some diffusion as early as possible and you can use a standard flash or whatever you currently own. I personally wouldn't bother with a ring flash.

Take a look in the macro section at the macro equipment thread for some ideas.

It should suit the 5D3 well, and I know a number of people who use this combo, although I don't currently own that camera body.
 
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I'm sure you've done your research, but I should also add that compared to your current 100mm macro you should expect to have to improve your bug stalking techniques, as you'll need to get much closer. Thankfully the really small guys don't really notice you are there, as long as you keep an eye on your shadow. No autofocus or IS of course, but the effectiveness of these are lost at higher magnifications anyway. You can't focus to infinity, so there is no going after subjects larger than 1:1 - this will rule out many of your larger butterflies and moths unless you are focusing on specific detail, but your longer focal length is already better suited to these subjects anyway. For an alternate here, check out the Loawa 60mnm F2.8 macro which does let you go to infinity, but only a maximum of 2X magnification (it's still a very good range when out in the field).

My only real gripe with the MP-E is that it deserves more aperture blades. It only has 6 blades, which can make your bokeh balls less than rounded. It's not a big issue, but you will be using a lot of high apertures (effective if not actual) and with everything else on this lens being so well built, I would have preferred a bit more thought in this area.
 
phildoug said:
I have been taking macro shots for quite a few years, I love the butterflies, moths and insects, in fact any small critter that comes into view!

My current kit is a Canon 5d3, combined with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS. I mostly shoot handheld without flash in good light, it’s been an awesome combination, and a slight improvement over my previous 5d2 body. Generally, I am very happy with the images I get.

However, in order to get even closer and open up another level of photography. I have been considering purchasing the Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens, given reviews it would appear it can be used handheld up to 2x magnification if combined with a good flash such as the Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX or the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II.

Has anyone any experience with the above combination that can offer their options or experiences on using the MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens?
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Not used it but I know a man who does use it almost exclusively for macro with the twin flash set up. He told me that it took a while to learn how to start getting the best out of it.

Link to his Flickr. You'll need to trawl through it as he uses it for other stuff as well.
 
I used a MPE-65 for years - recently changed it for a 100mm + Raynox for extra mag when required. Have not missed the MPE once! If you are using it out in the field it's a faff - no working distance at all. Unless you really need more than 2x mag I would not bother - keep the 100mm and buy a Raynox for £50 :)
 
No you'll be fine I think as the Raynox will fit 52-67mm filter size and your 100L is 67mm I believe.

Without wanting to open up another can of worms - if you want to get serious about macro you'll need to get the lighting sorted out. I have a MT24 which is great but I have several layers of diffusers to soften the light which is otherwise very harsh. Suggest you get yourself over to the macro forum and talk to the experts :)
 
Mike, I have being doing close up work for a few years now, just handheld with the 100 2.8 L, got a few good images over the years. When I have the time to get out and about, thought about a flash a few times. The MT24 looks great.

A few can be found here:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/phildoug/

I tend to switch to the 100 2.8 L when the good weather appears!
 
WingTsun said:
Gary, why not just use an adapter and go for it? You'll be pretty much manual everything anyways.
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I did consider doing just this TBH.

Although I do have a 105mm , a Canon 500D close up lens, and a reversing ring which I could reverse another lens on the front.
That would give me enough magnification I guess !
I really should make the effort and shoot more macro, as I do enjoy it.
 
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