Canon MP-E 65mm f2.8 1-5x Macro Lens

[oldgit]

Ok. I'm tempted.

I've read the reviews that range from "a completed git to use" to "the perfect macro lens". They all say not for the beginner, I accept that and dont think I am (dont go there).

So have you got one, would you recommend it for landscapes and portraiture :bonk:

Has anyone got one for rent/lend so I can have a dabble before sloshing the dosh?

 

[Splog]

Ok. I'm tempted.

I've read the reviews that range from "a completed git to use" to "the perfect macro lens". They all say not for the beginner, I accept that and dont think I am (dont go there).

So have you got one, would you recommend it for landscapes and portraiture :bonk:

Has anyone got one for rent/lend so I can have a dabble before sloshing the dosh?

Why would you want a macro lens for landscapes and portraiture

 

[Joe T]

Maybe try a Sigma 105mm or Canon 100mm - both work well for macro and portraits.

 

[Deleted member 3428]

It is a complete git to use at 2x but at 5x it's like trying to focus manually on an eye of a needle at dusk and that's no joke. I use the mt-24 macrolite which has lights to aid focussing and I use them above 3x in daylight. Focussing is done by moving back and forth as there isn't any focussing ring like normal lenses and distance ranges from 10cms at 1:1 to 4cms at 5:1. It's a great lens and rarely off my 40d. Buy and enjoy

 

[Canon Bob]

A little warning OG.....you'll need a macro flash of some sort to get worthwhile use out of the MP-E.

Bob

 

[oldgit]

Why would you want a macro lens for landscapes and portraiture

Maybe try a Sigma 105mm or Canon 100mm - both work well for macro and portraits.

Had one for years. 105 Macro non DG version and I mean years. Its so old that the barrel paint/coating is sloughing off. Still its a great lens.
Slow to focus as a 3 legged tortoise after a 5 course banquet, but I'm not selling it.

It is a complete git to use at 2x but at 5x it's like trying to focus manually on an eye of a needle at dusk and that's no joke. I use the mt-24 macrolite which has lights to aid focussing and I use them above 3x in daylight. Focussing is done by moving back and forth as there isn't any focussing ring like normal lenses and distance ranges from 10cms at 1:1 to 4cms at 5:1. It's a great lens and rarely off my 40d. Buy and enjoy

I'm so tempted, but its a lot of wonga to buy and not like

A little warning OG.....you'll need a macro flash of some sort to get worthwhile use out of the MP-E.

Bob

Hmm thats 2 for lens + macro flash. More wonga.


.... hmmmm ...

still tempted, but try before buy?
Anyone know anywhere you can?

Ta

 

[StewartR]

.... hmmmm ...

still tempted, but try before buy?
Anyone know anywhere you can?

We don't have one at LensesForHire (yet), but we'll happily buy one for you if you're serious. All you need to do is commit to hiring it for two weeks - and I imagine it might take a fair bit of time to get the hang of this lens anyway! - and give us a couple of weeks notice so that we can shop around and get a good price.

Assuming we can pick one up for a bit under £700, you'd be looking at around £60 for a two-week hire, plus about £7 if you want to insure it (you don't have to), plus about £9 each way for delivery if you're not local to Maidenhead.

Please feel free to drop us a line (the email address is on our web site) if you think you might be interested.

 

[Werecow]

So have you got one, would you recommend it for landscapes and portraiture :bonk:

I'm sure i've read this lens is so specialised that it can't infinity focus, so the landscapes thing is definitely out. I'm betting portraits are too.

Not sure whether you were joking but just thought i'd say
I know i use my sigma macro as a general lens quite often.

 

[rockkeeper]

kerso doing them for £530

 

[gaffer]

We don't have one at LensesForHire (yet), but we'll happily buy one for you if you're serious.

That's a good idea. I have an MP-E 65 and I would recommend this as a good plan because it is such a different, unusual and difficult lens to use. You certainly want a couple of weeks to get the hang of it.

But you would really want to hire an entire macro kit to stand a chance with it. Something like:

- Solid tripod with geared column and geared head.
- Focusing rail by Really Right Stuff
- Macro flash. I think that the Canon Twinflash is more suited to the very short working distance.

And, of course, a box of flies

Andrew

 

[scraggs]

It's a cracking piece of kit but it's a lens you need a lot of patience with to get the hang of, tbh the MP-E is the only reason I haven't jumped ship to Nikon, but as others have said ideally you need the Mt24 flash especially for the focus lights because unless its really bright you don't see much above 3X mag.
I doubt you would regret buying it, it's my most used lens.

Edit: I personally think to get the best from the MP-E a tripod and focus rail is a waste of time and too restricting, you need to develop a good handholding tecnique it' not that hard.