Just Announced! Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens Available for Canon RF

[Canon Rumors]

I'm always one to love to see third parties do things differently than the OEMs, and one area that they indeed have done things differently of late is the high magnification macro lenses. This used to be Canon's foray, with the semi-legendary Canon MP-E 65mm F/2.8 1- 5x Macro lens that took you places you have never seen before.

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[Jethro]

Fascinating! I'd been wondering whether Canon would release an RF version of the MP-E 65mm, but nothing as yet. I'd like to see an MTF chart first, but for the price it looks very tempting.

 

[koenkooi]

I really wish electronic aperture control was standard on such lenses, focussing stopped down throws away a *lot* of light.

Also: it looks like all "sample" images are focus stacks.

 

[ThomasTH]

Also: it looks like all "sample" images are focus stacks.

That's quite common for macro and especially with more than 1:1 it is necessary most of the times, so why not?

 

[Jethro]

Here is a useful youtube review, using the lens on an R6, mainly shooting bugs (alive and dead!) with a rail for focus stacks:

- YouTube

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www.youtube.com

Generally very positive, especially at the price - with the caveat that it is 'more suited to studio and field use' - which makes sense at this extreme magnification. Other comments that it can have low contrast (although 'fixable' in post), and I'm not sure how that compares with the old MP-E 65mm.

The useful attachable ring-light seems to require an external power source, although frankly if you're already toting around a tripod and rail, a little power bank isn't going to kill you. It presents as very sturdy and well made.

He mentions the MP-E 65mm (being 3 times the price), but my understanding was that that lens had been disontinued for some time now? Maybe there are still new copies available in some stores?

 

[P-visie]

He mentions the MP-E 65mm (being 3 times the price), but my understanding was that that lens had been disontinued for some time now? Maybe there are still new copies available in some stores?

The post about the discontinuation of the MP-E 65mm is from november 2022: https://www.canonrumors.com/canon-officially-discontinues-the-mp-e-65mm-f-2-8-1-5x-macro/