Tell me about the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens ....
Discussion
I'm thinking of getting a macro lens and the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X has been suggested by one of the lads in the local camera club
He doesn't have one, nor does anyone else in the club or anyone I know, so it's nit as if I can borrow one to try it.
Have any of you got one?
What's your opinion on it?
This is it ...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-MP-E-65mm-Macro-Came...
He doesn't have one, nor does anyone else in the club or anyone I know, so it's nit as if I can borrow one to try it.
Have any of you got one?
What's your opinion on it?
This is it ...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-MP-E-65mm-Macro-Came...
I've got one ![smile](/inc/images/smile.gif)
Hmm - where to start... It's like the evil genius of macro lenses. It can do things no other lens can do (ie 5x magnification) but it's a swine to use. No auto focus (no manual focus for that matter!), no zoom, no stabilisation, nothing. The focus distances are very small - ie you need to be within a few inches of the subject which can be tricky if it's a twitchy insect. Not a great idea if you are new to macro I would suggest, it's only for the committed geek![biggrin](/inc/images/biggrin.gif)
Oh and you'll need a flash - not really going to work without one.
If you get it working you can get stuff like this though so it's worth it![smile](/inc/images/smile.gif)
Bluebottle Macro by Dibbly Dobbler, on Flickr
![smile](/inc/images/smile.gif)
Hmm - where to start... It's like the evil genius of macro lenses. It can do things no other lens can do (ie 5x magnification) but it's a swine to use. No auto focus (no manual focus for that matter!), no zoom, no stabilisation, nothing. The focus distances are very small - ie you need to be within a few inches of the subject which can be tricky if it's a twitchy insect. Not a great idea if you are new to macro I would suggest, it's only for the committed geek
![biggrin](/inc/images/biggrin.gif)
Oh and you'll need a flash - not really going to work without one.
If you get it working you can get stuff like this though so it's worth it
![smile](/inc/images/smile.gif)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5588/14909722020_75b7b4ba1d_b.jpg)
Oh and there's a macro thread on here where a few MPE users hang out ![smile](/inc/images/smile.gif)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
![smile](/inc/images/smile.gif)
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
My understanding is that particular macro lens can only be used for macro, as it doesn't have the focussing range to be used for more 'normal' photography. Personally I would opt for one of the 100mm macro lenses as they are easier to use, but can also be used as a normal lens if you find that macro photography isn't really your thing once you've tried it.
DIW35 said:
My understanding is that particular macro lens can only be used for macro, as it doesn't have the focussing range to be used for more 'normal' photography. Personally I would opt for one of the 100mm macro lenses as they are easier to use, but can also be used as a normal lens if you find that macro photography isn't really your thing once you've tried it.
Yes you're right - max focus distance is around 5 inches iirc so useless for anything other than macro (and close range macro at that!)It's horses for courses really. When you're after the ultra-small (these springtails are around 1.5mm), there not much to touch it for convenience and usability.
We are family ... by Ed Phillips 01, on Flickr
![](https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8603/16114833529_d49af9ede0_c.jpg)
For a fraction of the price, could you not buy a bellows and use any of your current lenses?
Used to do this in the old days of 35mm film
Might be a good way to master the technicalities of lighting and DoF
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nicna-Macro-Lens-Bellow-Ca...
Used to do this in the old days of 35mm film
Might be a good way to master the technicalities of lighting and DoF
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nicna-Macro-Lens-Bellow-Ca...
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