Canon MP-E65 Test

Kev Lewis · #1 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 09:17 AM

Just took delivery of this canon lens and it is flipping awesome

This is an uncropped image at approx x6 lifesize of a dead fly. Now all I need to do is sort out my technique lol

nightshade · #2 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 09:28 AM

Nice one,I bought one of those Maplin circuit board holder/stands,(for holding
pinned dead insects or reflectors) the sort with two adjustable arms and a
crocodile clip on each, around a fiver very useful

matt_xyz · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 09:29 AM

Now try it on a live fly

that's an impressive lens, Kev and I look forward to seeing your results with it. The DOF must be ridiculously shallow at 1:5 magnification. It will be interesting to see how much magnification you can manage 'in the field' - I've always assumed these extreme magnifications were more for studio work.

Have fun playing with it. It's a shame the insects are starting to disappear now.

Matt

Kev Lewis · #4 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

Nice one,I bought one of those Maplin circuit board holder/stands,(for holding
pinned dead insects or reflectors) the sort with two adjustable arms and a
crocodile clip on each, around a fiver very useful

I know the ones

I was thinking of getting a pair of "flex & stay" arms and fit them with a hi-powered LED bundle. The MR-14 ringflash just about covers the area at maximum magnification and the built in modelling lights are essential to get a decent focus

Kev Lewis · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

Now try it on a live fly

that's an impressive lens, Kev and I look forward to seeing your results with it. The DOF must be ridiculously shallow at 1:5 magnification. It will be interesting to see how much magnification you can manage 'in the field' - I've always assumed these extreme magnifications were more for studio work.

Have fun playing with it. It's a shame the insects are starting to disappear now.

Matt

They quote 0.2mm DOF at max magnification Matt lol so static subjects and focus stacking maybe the order of the day. My Sigma 150mm and tubes will still be very active as the Canon MP-E65 doesn't even focus beyond 6" !!! and starts at x1 magnification + the sensor crop factor of the 1D or 20D. So I couldn't take a picture of say a complete butterfly even if I wanted to

speckled wood · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 10:48 AM

Just been to look at the prise on Jessops, expensive ...... not a lens that you would buy casually.

eeyore · #7 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speckled wood

Just been to look at the prise on Jessops, expensive ...... not a lens that you would buy casually.

true although kerso in scotland is selling them at about £150 notes below the jesops price via ebay - and probably even cheaper if you deal direct.

Kev Lewis · #8 (**permalink**) 07-09-2006, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eeyore

true although kerso in scotland is selling them at about £150 notes below the jesops price via ebay - and probably even cheaper if you deal direct.

£550 + £10 p&P

Tobyh · #9 (**permalink**) 08-09-2006, 10:40 AM

That's some lens. You don't mess about when you get interested in something do you?

Speaking of focus stacking can I ask a (probably silly) question? - Is this technique pretty much only used on dead / non moving stuff in an indoors setup? I assume you need a focusing rail etc? Have seen some pictures from this technique and they are incredible. I'll try find you a link. To be honest you have probably found it already but I'll post back when I have one.

*edit* - ok try this one http://www.photomacrography2.net/for...opic.php?t=391

TobyH