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

[akiskev]

Here are a couple of recent shots with this lens:


EOS 5D Mark II, MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro @ 5x, 1/60 s, f/11, ISO 400, MT-24EX


EOS 5D Mark II, MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro @ 4x, 1/60 s, f/11, ISO 400, MT-24EX

Impressive shots!!

[LetTheRightLensIn]

The precision matte focusing screens, although dark with this lens, REALLY help with focusing.

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?

I always found the ratings the DSLR screens to be rather optimistic in terms of what speed lens you can manually focus well with. The stock screens, IMO, make it tricky to really nail things with not just stuff that is f/1.4 or f/2 but also f/2.8 and even for f/4 I find they help tremendously (even if things get darker). The stock DSLR screens are so poor for focusing, I almost feel like you don't want to trust them unless you are like f/5.6! They make things across the frame look waymore in focus than the actual photos.

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Hello! Here are a few from me. 


Jumping Spider leaping at my lens - single shot taken at 3x magnification, f13, 1/250th sec ISO100

How in the world did you time that? They jump at fantastic speeds and DOF at 3x, even at f/13, is almost zero!

[neuroanatomist]

I always found the ratings the DSLR screens to be rather optimistic in terms of what speed lens you can manually focus well with. The stock screens, IMO, make it tricky to really nail things with not just stuff that is f/1.4 or f/2 but also f/2.8 and even for f/4 I find they help tremendously (even if things get darker). The stock DSLR screens are so poor for focusing, I almost feel like you don't want to trust them unless you are like f/5.6! They make things across the frame look waymore in focus than the actual photos.

Thanks for the feedback!  Usually with the MP-E 65mm, I'm shooting in Live View, which obviates the focusing screen.  But sometimes I use the VF, and I have the Eg-S screen for my 5DII - so, I'll have to give it a try for macro with my f/2.8 lenses (MP-E 65mm and 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS), and maybe with something like the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, although AF usually does fine with that lens. 

[Sunnystate]

Here are a couple of recent shots with this lens:


EOS 5D Mark II, MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro @ 5x, 1/60 s, f/11, ISO 400, MT-24EX


EOS 5D Mark II, MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro @ 4x, 1/60 s, f/11, ISO 400, MT-24EX

Excellent work neuro!

For me MP-E 65 is the reason alone to stick with Canon, and I don't even consider myself macro photographer, more like curious photographer or something.
Would like to see people really pushing the envelope with this lens, not just a shots like with let's say 100mm macro with an extension tube.

[gmazza]

Another example, focus stacked from 4 pictures.


Robber Fly  Holcocephala fusca 4 img stack by Gustavo Mazzarollo, on Flickr

[xROELOFx]

wow! those eyes! unbelievable, very well done!

[gmazza]

Very few insects, the winter was more severe than expected, these are the last of september:


Jumper spider cleaning feet by Gustavo Mazzarollo, on Flickr

Patiently agreed on the pictures showing the eggs.


Mother wasp and eggs spring 2011 by Gustavo Mazzarollo, on Flickr

[corpusrex]

Very few insects, the winter was more severe than expected, these are the last of september:


Jumper spider cleaning feet by Gustavo Mazzarollo, on Flickr

Patiently agreed on the pictures showing the eggs.


Mother wasp and eggs spring 2011 by Gustavo Mazzarollo, on Flickr

Fabulous shots!

[Goincarcrazy]

A few from the end of summer:

[CornOnTheCoby]

Wow. That's all I can say really.

[gmazza]

[markIVantony]

OK I need some warning on the creepy spider pictures ! 

[Ryusui]

EOS 5D Mark II, MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro @ 5x, 1/60 s, f/11, ISO 400, MT-24EX

This has to be my favorite shot I've ever seen with this lens.  Damn.

[K-amps]

Amazing pics.... now you guys are making me desire the MP-E65.... sad thing is they dont have it for rental locally... 

Tice the jumping spider shot is amazing... the only way I could do it is set camera at burst mode and hope for the best