Had one and its a tough lens to use, need to be focused, no pun intended !! Steep learning curve but worth it at the end.

 

Working distances are incredible short so it is a commitment to use, would suggest to try one out for yourself before purchasing, best to rent !!

al

I have not used the 65 macro, but do use a 180 macro, oftentimes with a 2X TC attached. Works quite well, assuming that you manually focus utilizing live view with the 10X zoom feature.

Hi Chauncey

 

This lens is different, no autofocus, will give magnifications from 1X to 5X live size. Working distances are right up agains the lens. Different world than the 180 with 2x, that allows you to stay away form subject with the magnification ratio is not in the same league.

al

a lens very challenging, but learning to use it gives a lot of satisfaction.

I use it only on a tripod and natural light specialmente.Mi staking deal of focus, and it is really super. you are a person who does not give up you should buy it.

I think that it is not a lens to use if you try to freehand results qualitaa 5X

Simply put the MP-E 65 is the best high magnification field lens made. You can go from 1:1 to 5:1 with several twists of the helicoid. The minimum magnification of 1:1 does limit whole subject size you can capture to the size of your camera sensor.

 

As others have noted there is a steep curve. If you want increased DoF, i.e. shoot f8 or smaller, a diffused flash is a must. You won't find many off the shelf solutions that produce consistent results. DIY solutions, speed light/homemade softbox diffuser produce, DIY diffuser heads for MT-24EX, etc. produce the best results. Shooting handheld at high magnification (2X plus) is doable but requires practice. Working distance at 1:1 is ~4 inches. At 5:1 working distance is ~1 inch.

 

Overall an excellent lens if you want magnifications greater than 1:1. If you're not interested in high magnification macro you would be better served with a quality 100mm macro - good working distance and less weight than a 180mm

I think to begin you have better use the Canon 100mm. you dont need to approach the subject (insect) so much, it is much easier, although I have experience only with the 100mm

FWIW...I routinely use my 180 macro attached to a 2X TC, with/without extension tubes added.

Chauncey, I am curious to know if your extension tube costs you in détails, I mean do you loose any detail using it ?

 

Pierre - You don't lose detail or resolution with tubes but you do take a hit in illumination. Further the end of the lens is away from the sensor the darker it gets. Teleconvertors don't suffer from illumination loss but image quality takes a hit. You can expect to see a loss in detail and resolution with a TC.

Hi William

 

Agree with you on the tubes, one further point is that they will slightly increase magnification.

 

Regarding the converters, the 1.4X is acceptable regarding sharpness but there is a difference(quality). With the 2X I don't think its worth using, Best way to find out is comparing for yourself. Use a target and check.

 

For most of the bugs I go after, find using the 1.4X a necessary evil for getting enough distance from the subject.

al

Hi Alfred,

 

To expound on slightly increase magnification, this is proportional to the length of tubes used. Roughly speaking every equaling of focal length in tube length increases magnification by a factor of 1. So 50mm of tubes on a 50mm 1:1 macro lens affords the photographer a 2:1 magnification. On a 180mm 1:1 macro lens one would need ~180mm of tubes to get 2:1 magnification .

 

Agreed on the 1.4X TC. My 180 takes incredibly sharp and detailed photos by itself or with tubes. I tried the 1.4X and the IQ hit was noticeable to my eyeballs. As with all things in photography there is no free lunch, rather what is more palatable to the individual. Adjust the setup to better accommodate a deficiency in one area and there are adverse effects in other areas. It's what makes photography challenging and enjoyable - the choices we make and the effects to our final image.

Hi William

 

Thanks for the clarification regarding the tubes, makes sense. I knew it wasn't much.

 

One other point for the converter is the AF speed, in macro does not make any difference since manual is the most often use. With bird flight photography its a killer, will lose close to 40% in speed ! Keeper rates goes way down.

 

Regarding quality, I find the biggest difference in the shots that are almost tack sharp, with the converter unusable ! Do use them when there is no choice but rather stay away, the 180 gives plenty of room !!

al

I recently purchased Canon's newest EF 2X TC III to use on the 180 macro as well as my 300 mm f/2.8 lens. The improvement over my older 2X TC is significant beyond description.

My latest interest is shooting hanging water droplets resulting in superior IQ, providing my photo-stacking technique is up to par. Unfortunately...they have failed to meet my artistic desires as of yet.