Pin Sharp Macros

[Kev Lewis]

A couple of images taken with a Canon MP-E65 macro lens. Both are full frame and uncropped images of a pin and a water droplet. Both shot at 1/500sec @ f16 iso 100 using 3 flashguns in hi-sync mode

This one is about x2 lifesize on the sensor


and this one x3 lifesize on the sensor

[WestLothian]

Very sharp macros.
How did you light them?
Did you also use extension rings?

[Kev Lewis]

Originally Posted by WestLothian

Very sharp macros.
How did you light them?
Did you also use extension rings?

A flashgun at the front on both sides of the subject and one gun lighting up the background. The MP-E65 macro lens works from x1 lifesize magnification upto at least x5 magnification without using extension tubes.

[WestLothian]

Can it be fitted with a teleconverter and a Nikon adapter?
It would have been useful today, I had 68mm of extension and a 1.7 TC trying to get a 1mm spider with a Nikon 105mm Micro.
The lights would have been great too - thanks for letting us see.

[Kev Lewis]

Originally Posted by WestLothian

Can it be fitted with a teleconverter and a Nikon adapter?
It would have been useful today, I had 68mm of extension and a 1.7 TC trying to get a 1mm spider with a Nikon 105mm Micro.
The lights would have been great too - thanks for letting us see.

Sorry it's a Canon lens so no good for Nikons etc. Rather than add the x1.7 TC try fitting a shorter focal length lens with the extension tubes rather than the 105mm. Last options would be fitting the 105mm with an additional close up filter or reversing a manual lens on the front of the 105mm but the quality would be marginal

[JeffH]

Wow - superb shots Kev.

Jeff

[matt_xyz]

nice shots Kev. I've been reading about the MP-E65 and it's sounds like a very nice lens. The biggest problem using it in the field at anything like 5:1 must be finding a day when there is no wind whatsoever. I've been playing with my Sigma 150 with extension tubes today and the DOF is so shallow that even the slightest breath of wind makes it impossible to focus!

Matt

[glsammy]

Superb shots as usual Kev. I've not tried hi-sync mode, I'll have to read my manual!

[pressld2]

Stunning shots Kev. I particularly love the way that the yellow rose is lensed by the water drop.

Originally Posted by WestLothian

The lights would have been great too - thanks for letting us see.

I can highly recommend the Nikon SB R1 close-up kit. I'm using this, usually with a third SB R200 as well. Not that you have to use Nikon flashguns with Nikon cameras but the "creative lighting system" is very clever and vey versatile.

Dave P.

[Kev Lewis]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

nice shots Kev. I've been reading about the MP-E65 and it's sounds like a very nice lens. The biggest problem using it in the field at anything like 5:1 must be finding a day when there is no wind whatsoever. I've been playing with my Sigma 150 with extension tubes today and the DOF is so shallow that even the slightest breath of wind makes it impossible to focus!

Matt

Over x2 magnification forget handholding it lol If you push it out to x5 you need some serious light just to focus as the viewfinder is incredibly dark, I use a hi-powered LED torch. The Sigma and tubes are used alot more than the MP-E65 for general macro work