Messages

541

Lenses / Re: Canon MP-E 65 Add on's & Tips

« on: January 08, 2011, 01:44:56 PM »

Wound up watching that whole video thanks for sharing - there were some good reminders in there especially on AF modes in which I tend to lean on center focus more so and perhaps should not.

542

Macro / Re: Canon MP-E 65 1x-5x 2.8 Macro Lens example photos

« on: January 07, 2011, 10:33:19 PM »

Taken with Canon EOS 7D, MP-E 65 F/11  1/100 @ 2x magnification.  Used Canon MT 24EX Macro Flash.  Flash set to Manual.  "A" flash @ 1/2 and "B" flash @ 1/64 positioned at approx 270º on macro ring.  No diffusers.  Hand held.  No post processing - taken as is.

543

Lenses / Re: Canon MP-E 65 Add on's & Tips

« on: January 07, 2011, 05:48:43 PM »

Great piece of information.  I never saw that blip on AI Servo for Macro.  There's no listing in the 7D LCD with respect to a name called Macro Ai Servo (I have 100mm on now with Ai Servo in place) but I would assume if you are in AF with AI servo on, it just kicks in - there's no menu listing per say.  for some reason I can get in closer to the subject in Manual then with AF spot metering.  The lens can't focus closer then say about 4 or 5 or inches in AF (I forget what the min. focus distance is)

Correct on the trade off 1.6 with the APS-C vs. FF

PS - if you recall where you read that info please send it along - thanks for the help.  You def. know your stuff

544

Lenses / Re: Canon MP-E 65 Add on's & Tips

« on: January 07, 2011, 12:07:52 PM »

You are right about all you say.   I had forgotten about the 2 stop vs. 4 stop with macro despite its a hybrid IS and sure, 2.8 is certainly not suffice for all situations especially in greater need for DoF.  Have you tried using Hi Speed Flash sync with the 24EX?  or when you shoot are you in manual mode mostly ?

Ok, now I get the reason for no vignetting - thanks for that.  I did notice the narrower barrel at the base of the lens so the 58 to 67 as you say has no bearing.  Good to know.  Flake said he was tired of getting a variety of macro rings for each of his lenses that might warrant the 24EX.  That's one of the main reasons he got the Dual Macro Flash Holder.  of course it provides a greater amount of flexibility however he stated its a bit cumbersome to carry.

I am thinking of putting the camera (7D) in AI Servo or AI Focus full time this should help mitigate that moving subject in the wind syndrome

All these options are good but there's so many options one can get easily overwhelmed when the moment calls for the photo.

Rev

545

Lenses / Re: Canon MP-E 65 Add on's & Tips

« on: January 06, 2011, 09:54:19 PM »

Neuroanatomist:  I had a hunch you were going to say all of that.  And follow each of your points / reasons for the 58C and 67C though one question remains to be answered:  with the 67C stepping down to the 58mm Macro 24 EX Flash..any vignetting or other issues that might occur while stepping down?  As I've got the 100mm IS USM L 2.8 and don't see much need for a flash (at least at this point) unless you feel its imperative.

Rev

546

Software & Accessories / Re: Please help me choose a macro flash

« on: January 06, 2011, 02:04:22 AM »

but the MT-24 fits right on the MP-E, the 100mm USM, and the EF-S 60mm with no adapters.

Go find one used and either get a pair of Stofens or make your own diffuser as the light that close to the subject gets mighty hot without it.  If you're interested in macro, you simply can't beat the coupling of the Twin light with the MP-E...pure magic!

Side note on that 100mm Macro.  The new version 2.8 IS USM L has a 67mm circumference.  It is a pretty amazing lens in itself with the Hybrid IS and over 50 lpmm at certain F-Stops.  if you are planning on the MP-E 65 the MT 24EX then is a must have as Goincarcrazy states.  I tried using the MP-E 65 with and without the flash and it just doesn't offer the same ability to exploit the MP-E 65.  The 24EX is essential.  Get ready to empty your wallet as you will want the Sto-Fen difusers, a macro rail and possibly a Dual Macro Flash Holder to get the flashes off the ring adapter.  Don't forget the 58mm UV filter as well -easy to bump into objects and don't want to scratch that lens.  Patience and loads of fun!  PS the MT 24Ex has an A&B setting for grouping.  It can also be a master or a slave along with the 580 EXII as an example so you can have A+B+C and all wireless provided your camera allows.

547

Lenses / Re: Canon MP-E 65 Add on's & Tips

« on: January 06, 2011, 12:22:46 AM »

Good point - I have pushed the lens into branches, flower parts, etc., and definitely recommend a UV filter.  I have a B+W MRC UV on there (as on all my lenses).  However, the filter prevents you from mounting the MT-24EX to the groove on the front of the lens.  My solution is to screw a Macrolite Adapter 58C onto the front threads of the filter.

Interesting on the filter.  I was able to put the MT 24EX on the MP-E 65 and then screw the UV on the macro lite.  I wound up getting the 58C but don't know if there is a need a this point.  Anyone have any ideas how else I can use the 58C when the UV screws on to the lens or the flash after its on the lens.  Don't get its purpose (the 58C)

548

Macro / Re: Canon MP-E 65 1x-5x 2.8 Macro Lens example photos

« on: January 05, 2011, 10:26:56 PM »

taken @ 5x inside of a Daisy F13 with MT 24EX on E-TTL.  This will have to do no bugs to be found, locally anyway.  Still bumping into things on day 2 but bruises are getting smaller 

549

Macro / Re: Canon MP-E 65 1x-5x 2.8 Macro Lens example photos

« on: January 05, 2011, 08:31:05 PM »

Tice: damn..I'm a humbled after seeing those shots and compared to you guys and have lots to learn.  Tice really nice work..I've been reviewing macro photos for over 6 months solid and yours rank in the top 5%.

With respect to the diffusers - do you have any photos you care to post on your creations?  sounds like you've done quite a bit to master just the right amount of light

That makes a lot of sense what you say with respect to angles and not necessarily dead on center.  I caught some of this today (day two with the lens and flash).  it was very difficult (for me) to find the focus point and as you may recall, the lens takes some getting used to.  PS - did you see the link the Flake had sent me on a different thread?  if not go here:  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220640935659&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
this may help with respect as an alternative idea to a diffuser, pulling the flash heads further away @ any degree you like

Tice - how did you ever get those bug shots without scaring the critter away or getting stung?  At 5x and 4x I kept bumping into my plant (subject) for starters let alone trying to get it in focus.  Did you refrigerate your subject matter?  use Macro rail on tripod, use a cable or live view?  any and all insight would be much appreciated. - thanks for the photos

550

Macro / Re: Canon MP-E 65 1x-5x 2.8 Macro Lens example photos

« on: January 05, 2011, 12:48:45 PM »

not familiar with the precision matte focusing screens you speak of but it sounds like I should look into this.  thanks for offering those settings.  so here's the BIG question I am sure everyone wants to know:  How do you get so close without the insect flying away as in the case with the DeerFly? and are your images cropped or actuals ?

Have you noticed a big difference with the Diffusers vs. not?  I've read other state they don't help as the objects are too close to have any effect

Thanks again - Rev

551

Macro / Re: Canon MP-E 65 1x-5x 2.8 Macro Lens example photos

« on: January 05, 2011, 12:45:29 AM »

Here's the 1X taken with the MP-E 65 and the actual flower taken with the 100mm 2.8 prime lens at a slight distance (not as a macro photo).

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Macro / Re: Canon MP-E 65 1x-5x 2.8 Macro Lens example photos

« on: January 05, 2011, 12:32:41 AM »

Great stuff !  just got my lens and 24EX today--looking forward to exploiting the hell out of it.  I should probably get a macro rail as well..very nice work.

As you know, the lens is Sooo sensitive to any movement so I would imagine you shot these with a macro flash ?  By the looks of your photos are these all F16 ?  excellent depth of field or are you stacking?

553

Portrait / Re: Let There Be Light!

« on: January 05, 2011, 12:29:19 AM »

Not clear on your statement of :  second shooting.  I think your acronym CPS is for Canon Professional Service?  Just guessing here.  I've heard of it and should probably join as I think I meet the mi.n requirements.

Calling on a pro here (i.e you) but I am interested in getting some lightweight/starter portrait gear for simple friend family shoots nothing completely pro but half way decent.  Do you have a recommended list you might suggest ? I do have the 580 EX II and MT 24EX flash for starters and two nice tripods but that's it.  I am missing the umbrella, stand and probably a few other items.  I have not finished reading the strobist URL yet (only a few pages) but it seems some of those items mentioned may be a bit out of date ?  Your thoughts - TIA

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Lenses / Re: Canon MP-E 65 Add on's & Tips

« on: January 05, 2011, 12:15:06 AM »

Well its comforting to know all of this - quite helpful especially the rocking idea - thanks.  I received the lens and 24ex flash today.  Still waiting for the 58C.  Did a few test shots on a tripod which I will post to the MP-E 65 lens group.  All in all, the lens is everything I thought it would be - just fascinating.  I am still contemplating the dual macro flash gizmo Flake wrote about but it appears with certainty that a macro rail is essential especially if focus stacking or no flash is being used to have the ultimate control.  Did you say you had acquired a rail?  someone mentioned the really right stuff rail but geez after blowing $1600 who wants to spend another 6 bills on the rail when those $50 china rails apparently work well according to to the reviews I've read..open to any thoughts? 

555

Lenses / Re: Canon MP-E 65 Add on's & Tips

« on: January 03, 2011, 07:16:12 PM »

That's pretty cool you were able to hand hold the MP-E 65 @ 5x.  Someone else in this thread said it could not be done.  What F-stop did you use and I am assuming the MT 24EX flash was connected  -thanks again