sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

This is a focus stacked dorsal view of on of my Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs. I use them quite often for experimenting for it helps me evaluate one session from another as a basis of standard.

This image was taken with a Mitakon 85mm f/2.8 1X to 5X macro lens set at a bit over 2X at f/4.0 with ISO max of 400 and auto shutter speed with constant diffused lighting.

https://zyoptics.net/product/mitakon-creator-25-85mm-f-2-8-1-5x-super-macro/

Here's what I've learned with using this lens so far for those who may be interest in one:

1. It is very well build, buttery smooth to operate and at a more than fair price of $550. I give that 5-stars.

2. It provides a long working distance through all of the magnification ranges. This has advantages although it also has disadvantages due to the physics of light which causes the intensity to diminish with the square of the distance. Flash power or constant lighting will need to be adjusted to compensate for the distance from the light source to the subject. I give that 3-stars.

3. With a longer working distance the effective f/stop leads to diffraction so the sweet spot of the lens is in the f/4 to a max of f/5.6. I give that 2-stars when shooting subjects with hairs or fuzz.

4. The lens unfortunately has internal glare. Rats..! Looking into the back of the lens when holding it up to a light shows a lot of reflective glare and I have yet to find a way to work around it. I did flock the last 2-inches inside the lens although that is not the source of the glare. If anyone has ever used a helicoid extension tube they may understand what is happening. Images may tend to look milky or have haze. I give that 1-star.

5. The lens is rather compact for what it is and it is not very heavy so it feels proper on a small mirrorless camera. It is easy to hold and it has good balance regardless of what power it is extended to. I give that 5-stars.

6. The lens comes with a very nice LED ring light that is powered from an external source. It also comes with a Arca Swiss tripod mount which is also very well build and the lens feels securely mounted with no noticeable wobble, torque or orbiting. I give that 5-stars.

In summary, the Mitakon 85mm 1X to 5X macro lens has its place in my inventory of macro gear which I believe will make a good walk-around lens on my mirrorless cameras. With the lens mounted twin flash head macro flash rig it should be able to produce enough light to illuminate and to freeze the subject.

I have far better options for studio work that are less than $100 in total investment so better work will be produced by them. For special occasions I will use my D810 with the Nikon 200mm AF-ED f/4 although it is a beast to carry although hard to beat in what it can do.

I hope that some may find this review helpful and thanks in advance to all who view and for your comments, suggestions, question and critique.

(Download)

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Whatevere you use you'll produce good work, sippy.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Kpmac. I like the lens for a lot of reasons although it may have a few drawbacks for the way I use my gear. I haven't had many opportunities to take it outdoors for there is not a lot happening right now and taking pictures of dead grass and leaves leaves is not very thrilling.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

That is impressive on download and would be hard to beat at 2:1.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Brenda. I enjoy experimenting and I also enjoy sharing my results and what technical information I can for those that may have an interest.

tinusbum Loc: east texas

excellent stack!!!!!!

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Tinusbum. The journey of learning is never ending.

RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks for dropping by.

napabob Loc: Napa CA

nice well focused image

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Napabob. I'm looking forward to seeing pics of your spider families again so please share when you can.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Sippy, thanks for the review. I wondered about this lens when you first posted some photos from it. This photo is awesome and needs a DDL to realize how sharp it really is.

Greg

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Thanks, Greg. I like the lens for what it is and I'm fairly confident that it will work well in the field taking single shot macros. It will be nice to have something that will allow me to adjust the amount of magnification based on the size of the subject rather than a fixed 1:1 ratio.

I am very impressed with the working distance of this lens having become accustom to being only an inch or two away with my setups. I have a dual head on lens flash that should provide enough punch to freeze the subject. Of course all that is lacking is everything that spring brings us. Eagerly waiting in Missouri.

dsturr

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Incredibly sharp detail (which would be extremely valuable for a "connect the dots" endeavor).