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Canon MP-E 65 1x-5x 2.8 Macro Lens example photos
neuroanatomist:
--- Quote from: Goincarcrazy on January 05, 2011, 08:55:04 AM ---The precision matte focusing screens, although dark with this lens, REALLY help with focusing.
--- End quote ---
It was my understanding that the benefit of the precision matte focusing screen is really for lenses faster than f/2.8, since the laser etching on the standard screen which is intended to brighten slow (e.g. consumer) lenses limits faster lenses to VF brightness equivalent to about f/2.5. I've certainly confirmed that with my 85L and a standard screen, where stopping down from f/1.2 onwards with DoF preview, the VF does not get any dimmer until I hit ~f/2.5 (although on my 7D, it's clear that the light is getting in since the transmissive LCD in the VF is much more 'washed out' at f/1.2 than f/2.5, even though the scene brightness is unchanged).
Since the 'brightness' of the VF changes in tandem with the DoF seen through the VF, the standard focusing screen is showing you a DoF equivalent to ~f/2.5, even with a wider aperture lens. Thus, precision focusing screens are better for fast lenses because they are showing you the true DoF at apertures faster than f/2.8.
However, I was not aware that there was a significant benefit to the precision matte focusing screens with for manual focusing with f/2.8 (like the MP-E 65mm) and slower lenses. I could see the benefit of a split screen and microprism, but not sure about the benefit from the plain matte screen. Can you elaborate?
Tice Lerner:
Hello! Here are a few from me. :)
European Paper Wasp single shot taken at 3x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100
European Paper Wasp single shot taken at 5x magnification, f11, 1/250th sec ISO100
Jumping Spider leaping at my lens - single shot taken at 3x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100
Dragonfly single shot taken at 3x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100
European Paper Wasp single shot taken at 3x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100
Two Japanese ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis) on a leaf mating. I spotted them around 1:30am. This was taken hand held at 3x magnification and an aperture of f/13 at 1/250th sec, iso100. The final image consists of 4 photos with 4 different focal planes stacked.
Bumblebee single shot taken at 3x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100
Honey bee single shot taken at 3x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100
Ant single shot taken at 3x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100
Eye of a huge snapping turtle - single shot taken at 1x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100
Macadameane:
Those are very impressive and sharp even at higher magnifications, Great Work!
What type of lighting did you use?
Goincarcrazy:
Very cool stuff Tice!
neuroanatomist: your explanation is correct, and it might be my own little weird quirky way of focusing on stuff that close, but having such a shallow DoF showing through the VF against something like a ladybug that's filling up the viewfinder shows me exactly where the midpoint of where this lens is focusing. From there I just simply adjust in my head about where the outer extents of my DoF are gonna fall. I guess it's more of a guide for me to know that what I want in focus will be in focus. With the normal focusing screen, a lot of times it seems like most of the bug is in focus, which doesn't help me at all for placing the focus point where I need it.
In a weird way I guess the precision screen would help with stacking too, allowing you to see minute adjustments as you go. So yeah, I definitely see your point. It helps me, but may not help others.
Goincarcrazy:
Oh, and Rev: yeah the stofens seem to help, but I only have them because the guy I bought the MT-24ex from threw them in for free. There are many cheaper and better alternatives to diffuse the light. Check out photography-on-the.net as I've seen many DIY's for macro lighting setups.
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