Macro - greater than 1:1

Messages
184
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
I've got a Canon 100mm IS macro. I've been doing some reading, and from what I can gather there are 2 ways of getting >1:1 magnification: Add extension tubes, or attach a reversed 50mm with a male-male connector. Is that correct?

What's the best solution for >1:1? The reversed 50mm sounds like a good idea, as I'll use the 50mm outside of macro as well.

Cheers
 
The canon MPE-65 is the best solution. Will cost a little more than a set of tubes and a 50mm though.
 
im on nikon but the priciples are the same. i can get close to 5:1 using extention tubes and a 2x teleconverter with my tamron 90mm

but your lucky with canon in having access to that gorgeous lens :) save your pennies.
 
You already get >1:1 with your 550D as this ratio is for full frame. To go even higher (not sure what your target is), tubes and a 2x are a good solution. Reversing a 50mm on the front will give massive magnification but the lens will be extremely close to your subject. The Canon MPE-65 essentailly has built in variable extension tubes.
 
Cool, maybe I'll pick up some extension tubes then. I'm not sure I'd get much use out of a TC other than with my macro.

I'm just starting out in macro, I figured I'd give the 100mm a go first, and test the waters, before I invest in something like the MPE-65. It does look sexy though :D

Thanks!
 
How small is very small?

Think I'm going to try extension tubes first, and then if I need to get in closer I'll try the reverse lens.

Was up way too late last night looking through the rigs in the macro forum. Amazing!! Serious rig envy! :) I need to get an external flash, will see if I can pick up a 2nd hand 430EX or something.
 
I used the 105mm macro (1:1) and reversed 50mm - working distance was <1cm
Didn't use tubes as rear element would probably be touching... ;)

the reverse was the same as the tubes magnification wise, but working distance is something like 5-10cm.

Might be more but I can't remember which way round you need the lenses.

Definitely get the extension tubes as you can use on all lenses, but save for a proper 1:1 lens (105-150 maybe..?) to get some working distance! :)
 
Haha I didn't expect the working distance to be THAT small!

I'll play around.. can't wait to go bug hunting this weekend ;)
 
Back
Top