Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
MP 65 MACRO LENS
Nov 2, 2013 17:42:25   #
BERT12 Loc: UK NORTHERN IRELAND
 
Hi all just new to here and first time asking a question
I am interested in a new canon MP 65 macro lens is there anyone out there owns one or used one love to know what you think of this lens, looking at some mags. people are saying canon 100mm f2.8L macro is hard to beat again has any one any knowledge of this lens
thanks Bert

Reply
Nov 2, 2013 18:16:08   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
I've ordered and worked with two of them for a research project.
Minimum magnification is 1:1... You will not have much working space between the front of the lens and the subject for lighting, etc. Unless you really know what you are doing, get something else. The 100 is a much better all-around lens. Works great as a portrait lens as well. The 65 would be good for portraits of bugs.

Reply
Nov 2, 2013 18:30:01   #
BERT12 Loc: UK NORTHERN IRELAND
 
Thanks for your quick reply

Reply
 
 
Nov 2, 2013 18:32:03   #
PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place
 
Bert12, shoot Nikon not Canon. But as GoofyNewfie stated a 100mm or 105mm would be a much better choice. Gives you a longer range, and, as stated great portrait lens also. Maybe a bit pricey though, Nikon 105mm macro is about $800 - $900.
Don

Reply
Nov 2, 2013 23:53:01   #
cactuspic Loc: Dallas, TX
 
The choice between the two lenses depends upon what you intend to shoot. They are both excellent lenses; they just are used to accomplish different tasks. The 100mm macro has a maximum magnification of 1/1. It can also be used a a general purpose lens since it focuses on lesser magnifications out to infinity. The MPE 65 has a minimum magnification of 1/1 and a maximum magnification of 5/1. If your intended subjects are the size of a grain of rice, then the MPE 65 will do a better job. If your subject is 2 inches long, then the 100mm will do a better job. Most people would find the 100mm a more useful and versatile lens. I have both lenses and use them both regularly

Reply
Nov 3, 2013 05:49:59   #
markomd Loc: Cary, North Carolina
 
Bert, you have excellent choices available but your problem will be insufficient working distance, as explained by the other writers.

I share Don's preference for Nikon glass but overall prefer Canon's ergonomics.

Nonetheless, I'll go with glass over camera every time and recommend that you do the same.

In your 'price range', the Tokina ATX series macro lens @ 100mm beats the pants off both Canon and Nikon's macro lenses and you can find it quite widely for about $400.

I'm thinking of purchasing one myself for my Nikon-based system.

Reply
Nov 3, 2013 06:07:08   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
PAR4DCR wrote:
Bert12, shoot Nikon not Canon. But as GoofyNewfie stated a 100mm or 105mm would be a much better choice. Gives you a longer range, and, as stated great portrait lens also. Maybe a bit pricey though, Nikon 105mm macro is about $800 - $900.
Don

I got a 105mm on ebay and saved a bundle.

Reply
 
 
Nov 3, 2013 06:14:29   #
cthahn
 
BERT12 wrote:
Hi all just new to here and first time asking a question
I am interested in a new canon MP 65 macro lens is there anyone out there owns one or used one love to know what you think of this lens, looking at some mags. people are saying canon 100mm f2.8L macro is hard to beat again has any one any knowledge of this lens
thanks Bert


You need to understand what makes a good macro lens. There only a few out there. When you understand what 1:1 magnification is, and how it is derived, then consider macro.

Reply
Nov 3, 2013 08:49:34   #
sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land
 
cthahn wrote:
You need to understand what makes a good macro lens. There only a few out there. When you understand what 1:1 magnification is, and how it is derived, then consider macro.


Theirs more than a few mate...

Reply
Nov 3, 2013 13:40:24   #
stevebein
 
Bert12,
Your question did not include the use you intend for the lens. All lenses suggested are outstanding, but not for all purposes. Teh MP 65 is a special purpose lens and a 100 f2.8 will not be the choice if you need the special purpose lens. As the person who said he has both and uses both, ifyou need both, get both. If not, then first define your needs then make a decision.It is like asking should I get a Ferrari or Prius. Which are your needs and goals, then make the decision.
Don't fall for the Nikon vs Canon games. Both will give you outstanding images as will many other brands.

Reply
Nov 3, 2013 16:09:49   #
napabob Loc: Napa CA
 
BERT12 wrote:
Hi all just new to here and first time asking a question
I am interested in a new canon MP 65 macro lens is there anyone out there owns one or used one love to know what you think of this lens, looking at some mags. people are saying canon 100mm f2.8L macro is hard to beat again has any one any knowledge of this lens
thanks Bert


I have both of them, the 65 is NOT for beginners, if your just starting in macro the 100 should be your first choice, the 65 has a much bigger learning curve. Another suggestion would be to take this conversation to the macro section, it's where the addicted bug shooters hang out

Reply
 
 
Nov 3, 2013 16:37:48   #
martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida
 
Ask these guys..
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
The Macro Group

Reply
Nov 3, 2013 18:36:08   #
stevebein
 
fstop22 wrote:
Ask these guys..
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
The Macro Group


Before you ask anyone, define your goals. Then people will be able to give more specific answers. Otherwise, this is a waste of time.

Reply
Nov 4, 2013 13:47:57   #
mikemilton
 
I have this lens. For what it does (and it is very specialized) it is a great addition. While there are other ways to get deeper into macro that 1:1, there are not any that I know of that are as simple and uncomplicated.

You might want a standard macro lens with a bit greater working distance as well and you definately need to know that this lens is macro ONLY but if it does what you want (1-5x) then go for it.

I also have the MT24 flash which is a good addition if you are at the higher magnifications.

Reply
Nov 4, 2013 15:42:45   #
photosarah Loc: East Sussex, UK
 
BERT12 wrote:
Hi all just new to here and first time asking a question
I am interested in a new canon MP 65 macro lens is there anyone out there owns one or used one love to know what you think of this lens, looking at some mags. people are saying canon 100mm f2.8L macro is hard to beat again has any one any knowledge of this lens
thanks Bert


Hi Bert

I have both lenses. The MP-E 65 is a very specialised and difficult lens. It magnifies up to 5x, but the d-o-f is almost zero and you will need a ring flash of one sort of another, and maybe an off-lens flash as well, because the lens will cast a shadow and there will be no light on the subject, because it is so close to it. If you want to photo insects, you will probably also need to photo-stack your images in order to get a decent photo, because otherwise you will only get a tiny fraction of subject in focus. This will mean using different software unless you have PS5or 6 or similar. PS Elements can't do stacking as far as I know. The 100mm macro is far more useful, and I use it a lot, but it will not produce such dramatic images.

Reply
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.