Canon Macro Lens - MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x

I am getting a loan of a Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro lens for a few weeks and having read a bit about it it seems like it'll take a fair bit of learning on my part.

It is not just capable of true macro (1:1 on sensor) but actually 5 X life size onto the sensor.

What did worry me is the fact that this thing can have a depth of focus of 1/10th of a mm

Oh well - prepare for some duff shots I guess.

If anybody has used one - all tips welcomed.

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Prod...acro/index.asp

http://myrmecos.wordpress.com/2009/0...5x-macro-lens/

Blimey - costs a bomb! Look forward to the results

How exciting! Have fun!

I was so close to buying one (and a ring flash) but decided to get a different lens instead due to how specialisised the lens is and the fact I wouldn't have as much opportunity to use it as the one I did end up buying. However I would LOVE one so I will be watching the shots you produce with interest

Having read a bit about it - I think your right.

This thing is very specialised, more like a microscope than a macro lens. I very much doubt I'd want to pay for one as a more general macro would be of far more use.

That said - I'm keen to have a play for free

Enjoy your play time Phil looks a very impressive lens xxx

Because of lack of DOF maybe extension rings wil be a better option.

Bazza

Certainly for me Bazza - yes !

There's a few macro lenses that I'd like but to be honest if I had money to spend on a lens just now it would be a long one not a macro one.

I've been swithering over tubes (with electrical contacts) or perhaps Raynox 150 or 250 which are amazing and considered a good alternative at a similar cost to tubes.

For macro 'pros' and maths fans - this lens is the 'bees knees' in the true sense of the word in that it's a lens dedicated to taking huge images of the most tiny objects. From what I can gather it isn't much use for bugs in the garden as they're too big. Even on a still day - the magnification is so large that it looks like a hurricane is blowing.

It's a lens best suited for extreme close-up in a studio and if extended to 5X - the lens performs best on a 'rail' which can be adjusted in micro mm.

There's an amazing image on the web somewhere of a flea's face. Magnification was so large and dof was so 'thin' that 20 shots were needed to be to get the whole of the face (front to back) in focus. The 20 shots are then stacked to allow the whole of the flea's face to appear sharp.

Amazing - yes. But not my idea of fun.

I'll have a play though and report back.

I really miss not having a macro lens, I loved my Oly one. Every time I save up for one, something else catches my eye I would love one by the summer though, as I love doing flower shots.

Can't wait to see the shots, you produce

Please don't expect much lol

Might get it Friday - if not next week sometime.