Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS USA

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I purchased theMP-E 65mm for a demanding macro project and I want to share my findings. At 5x magnification the depth of field is less than paper-thin: To be precise, at f2.8 (which means actual f8-11 at this magnification) DOF is about 1/50 mm! Stopping down to just f4 already introduces IQ degradation thru diffraction, slight but noticeable. Therefore, without the technique of (motorized) focus stacking there is zero DOF at 5x magnification.
But if you're up for the challenge to work very precisely, to a point where your macro set-up rivals a scientific lab experiment, that is where this lens truly shines and leaves all other macro lenses on the market behind! Tack sharp corner to corner, no field curvature, practically no distortion.
I attached a picture taken with the 65mm, it shows the motto 'In God we trust' embossed in a US quarter (image size reduced by 75%)

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

When I first got this lens I thought I'd made a big (expensive)mistake getting it. The main concern was it does not have any way to focus. The lens is used by moving the lens and camera to or from the subject until it is in focus. Luckly I have a tripod slide to deal with parallax errors when stitching panoramic pictures together. This worked great with the macro lens.
Next issue was getting the images sharp enough. Now that all cameras come with auto-focus they do not have split screens to aid with fine tunning focus. This issue was resolved by a friend who does a lot of videography with his Canon camera. On the EOS 5D mkII, live view you can zoom the image by 5 or 10 times. This allows you to fine tune your focus before dropping out of live view and taking the picture.
Now that I have overcome these issues I love this lens. It is great when nothing big is inspiring me I can look very small. All the way down to a bee's eye.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I was expecting a lens really difficult to use with all that i've read on it. It's easier than i thought and after only a few minutes i got an amazing shot. With this lens we get a whole different outlook on the small world, everything becomes interesting.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This macro lens is made specifically for extreme close-in macros, and it does that job very well. Its dedicated focal range is only 1.6" to 4", depending on the magnification used, and it requires manual focus. The retracted size is very compact, and the support collar/bracket provide well-balanced support. Plenty of working light is necessary for accurate focusing.

The high magnifications require solid support for both the subject and the camera/lens. The camera should be on a solid, smooth-operating focusing rail. I'm currently using RRS macro rails, but they really have too much play for this exacting work. The small distance from the back of the support collar to the camera may cause pro body cameras to impinge on the support foot when rotating the camera orientation, requiring removal and replacement of the lens during rotation.

Use: Once you set the desired magnification, focus is achieved by varying the distance to the subject with the focusing rail. DOF is extremely thin at these magnifications, but astounding, fully-focused macro images can be created by shooting a progression of frames while changing focus in small increments to cover the full depth of the subject. An image-stacking program can then be used to composite those frames into a single image. This process requires meticulous work, rock-solid supports, a lot of patience and considerable processing time for the image stacking program to run. The output image may require some retouching to eliminate some stacking artifacts. The results can be amazing.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

On one hand, the finest Macro I have used. On the other, the most prone to dust intrusion (of any lens) I have ever owned. After two uses, in studio and with great care, the lens ended up with internal dust. If not for dust, I would have happily given this lens 5 stars, but in many ways the dust issue is just too much of a problem for me and I am selling the lens (with full disclosure). I made my buying discussion, in large part, from B&H Review pages, but after experiencing the dust problems, I found countless examples online.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I got this lens because I was interested in true macro photography and because my work with a 100 mm macro lens did not provide the results I wanted.
This lens provides spectacular results. Clear, crisp, true color images. You can get up to 5x magnification, although I haven't seen the need for that degree of magnification. Well built with a good tripod collar. Expensive but worth it.
However, there is a learning curve with this lens and it takes some getting used. You will definitely want to experiment with it. It is difficult to focus and you need to get as close as possible with the camera and lens itself and then fine focus. A good tripod is a must.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Stupendous! This is not a "plug and shoot" lens, it is not easy to use. But if you have some experience, or ar willing to practice often, this lens is capable of magnificent images. Limited only by your imagination.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Great for macro photography on labs.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This lens starts off where the others leave off. It goes from 1-1 to 5-1 actual size of image. The regular macro lenses sold by Canon, Nikon and so on goes to a same size (1-1) image.
This lens is for those who know what they are doing with macro photography.
It has no ability to focus. You move the thing closer or further from the subject. The depth of field is minuscule at magnifications above same size.
I would recommend using no more than f11 as it is some what fuzzy at f16 at all magnifications. It's critical f stop is some where just below f8.
If you are into focus stacking this is the lens for it. Focus at the furthest part of the image you want sharp and then, at f8, move the focus forward toward the closeest point you want in sharp focus, expose a fraction of a milameter at a time. Then stack each image together in a focus stacking program.
If you want straight up shots - use a strobe. Or, using the provided tripod mount, lock the thing down as solid as posable, use a remote release and mirror lock up to make the exposure.
This lens has great possibilities but I contained a little more detail above as to how I use it because this baby is not for point and shooters or auto focus junkies. It requires meticulous attention to detail to use and a lot of patience. But in competent hands - It rocks!

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This lens is a world unto itself. Very challenging to get used to, yet the rewards are great.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This is one of the of the nicest lenses I have. Good for making small stuff big and great in detailed work where you want to see a fine detail or pattern. Tripod and focusing rail not a must have to use the lens but an asset.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Been using this lens with my MR-14EX ring flash.
Still in learning curve, but this lens is not as hard to master as some of the reviews would have you believe. If you are used to macro lenses in general, you will get the hang of this.
Start with X1 and work your way up. I have a Canon 50D and mostly photograph bugs.
The MR-14EX is very bright and I need to use the hood for the lens to prevent stray light.

I also had to adjust the exposer compensation in the camera menu way down to prevent overexposer.

As others have said, you will want a 4 way focus rail and tripod to get the higher mag's of X3 to X5, and you want to use the highest possible apperature (f/11 to f/22) to get any DOF at all.

Mostly, it will take a lot of patience and practice as a lot will depend on the subject you are shooting.

A very fun and exciting lens, but be prepared to buy extra's to bring out the best it can offer.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Old school manual focus that takes me back, but this is a specialised lens for macro work. This lens gives amazing details even at up to 5 x macro mag.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

What can I say that hasn't already been said? I shoot macro almost exclusively and this is the best lens available for extreme macro. I had been using the 100mm macro with extensions and diopters to go beyond 1:1 and kidding myself the MP-E wouldn't be much better. I can tell you from experience that no form of enhancement to a 1:1 lens will get you results even comparable to the MP-E. The crisp, sharp detail and deep contrast is beyond compare. I still prefer the 100mm for 1:1 because the DOF at f/22 is so much better than the MP-E, but anything 2x or beyond is where the MP-E truly shines. Be prepared to focus stack for best results, and I don't recommend shooting above f./10 or things start to get fuzzy.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Using lens on home made copy stand, Manfrotto slide, light box to capture ancient 16mm film frame by frame. Film is too brittle to run through any commercial machine. Canon 5D with this lens set slightly over 2x macra works well. Really tough to get things set up and, because film is warped laterally and linearly and will crack if any attempt made to flatten it, focusing is critical and must be done on each frame. 300 feet of film to go.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Sharp optics, but as would be expected for extremely close work, depth-of-field is extremely shallow, even when used in lowest mag (1X). A focusing rail is essential so you can make a focus stack with PhotoShop or other image processing software.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

This Lens pass's more than advertised, the definition of a bee's head is fantastic.Definitly needs the ring flash for support or extra lights.
The delivery from B&H Photo Video, I am very impressed with (4 days) America to New Zealand, Thanks B&H.
Cheers Bob

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I use this lens with a macro ring flash and am amazed at the shutter speeds I can utilize. I have not tried this lens out doors and only use it in a controlled environment. However, it is not as difficult to use as some reviews state. This should not be your first macro lens as it obviously is only applicable to a limited number of uses but once you master other macro lenses, this will truly get down to the hairs on the hairs.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

Was hard at the beginning but once u get the tricks u can get a very good image . Very sharp and crisp. Need tripod most of the time and good lighting. But over all im very happy with the lens . The best macro lens from canon.

Comments about Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Manual Focus Lens for EOS:

I do a predominance of macro photography within the medical world. Some tiny things just simply need to be seen. This lens will capture things no other macro lens is capable of. I have mastered the other lenses in Canon's product line (60mm, 100mm, 185mm...) and stack extenders to boot... They are not even close to what this lens can do. I will say that the other lenses are good enough for bugs and flowers of most varieties and if you are looking at getting a good general lens for macro use... get the 100mm macro IS. If you need to get the hairs on a knit... this lens will do it. It is not easy to use as others have said.