Do I need both macro lenses?

wippers

wippers

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Gareth
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Hi all,

I currently have a Sigma 105mm F2.8 macro lens which I have up for sale in TP. I want to upgrade to a Canon MPe-65 which I will buy with a MT-24 flash unit.

The question is - is there anything the Sigma 105mm will do that the MPe-65 will not?
Ie - Shall I sell or keep the Sigma? :thinking:

Any advice is appreciated.

Cheers
Gareth
 
Gareth,

Rick is correct they are very different animals. The MPE-65 does not focus to infinity, it is used for 1:1 and higher magnifications up to 5:1 lifesize.

It is a superb piece of optics, built to the same standard as an L lens, although not weatherproof. It requires some new skills to use it, the MT 24 is not only useful, I would say essential for the higher magnifications. I have seen people modify a flash bracket and cobble together a home made diffuser from a milk bottle and black cardboard which works extremely well.

If you to use the lens for more than very close macro work you need the Sigma as well. If you make your own flash diffuser for the 430/580 flash it will save you almost the cost of the MPE-65.

I hope this helps,

Paul.
 
Definitely both.

The mpe is a legendary macro lens, but you still need a good lens capable of the lower ratios, and the 105 fits the bill nicely.

The 105 focusses down to 1:1. The Mpe STARTS at 1:1, and focusses down to 5:1.
 
Cheers guys. I think you've convinced me to keep hold of the 105mm. I must say I find it a superb lens and absolutely pin sharp!

It may just take a little longer to save now! :)
 
used to have this dream of getting me the famous MPE :)

until i read a bit of how it works :thinking:

and then I ran far far away :eek:

but I will still get it one day :love:
 
P-Chan said:
used to have this dream of getting me the famous MPE :)

until i read a bit of how it works :thinking:

and then I ran far far away :eek:

but I will still get it one day :love:
Click to expand...

Hmmm - getting a bit worried now. Is there something I should know?

I know it's a manual focus lens so I'll have to adopt the "rocking" technique. I have done that with the Sigma.

Is there anything else I should know before buying one of these?
 
it's not just manual focus - it doesn't focus at all

the only way to focus for a given magnification is to move forwards/backwards

you can manually focus but this changes the magnification at the same time
 
wippers said:
Hmmm - getting a bit worried now. Is there something I should know?

I know it's a manual focus lens so I'll have to adopt the "rocking" technique. I have done that with the Sigma.

Is there anything else I should know before buying one of these?
Click to expand...

Gareth,

This article will tell you what you need to know about using the MPE with the added bonus of using the MT 24.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/mp-e-65.shtml

I said earlier this lens needs light to be useful and with the reduced DOF when stopped down, coupled with the light loss due to being at less than 1:1 you will need as much light as you can get on the subject.
I bought my MPE 2/3 years ago, the article above was a big help. If you are chasing moving bugs you will need to hand hold and develop the technique of rocking the camera/MPE/flash combination to bring the subjest into focus. If it is still lifes you are doing a macro rack is the way to go. Oh, read up on focus stacking :)

It is a fantastic lens that opens up a world that has not existed before you put the MPE on the camera. Enjoy.
 
Paul - Cheers for that. A really interesting read. I think the way I will focus is the same as I already do, but with a much smaller DOF. Looks like a chellenge but still going to take the plunge and get one - even more so now I've read that. :thumbs:
 
wippers said:
Paul - Cheers for that. A really interesting read. I think the way I will focus is the same as I already do, but with a much smaller DOF. Looks like a chellenge but still going to take the plunge and get one - even more so now I've read that. :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I thought it might make you even keener to try it. People have said it is a steep learning curve on this lens, I did not find it that steep, from what you say I don't think you will either.

Good luck and enjoy :)
 
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