MP-E 65 or 100mm L IS

JohnN

JohnN

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So, what would you do?

I have the 100mm 2.8 already but cannot raise the funds to get the MP-E as well, but don't really want to part with the 100mm, however an upgrade would be within reach (assuming I only need about £300 after the sale of the 100mm)

I could just stick with the one I have but IS does seem very attractive.

BTW if anyone wants to free up some cash and do a swap I'd be game :naughty:
 
Actually I think I answered my own question!

Just put up a want to trade in classified :D
 
Aye, thats the problem, whereas the 100mm I already know to be very good and a decent range too, upgrading to the L can only make it better.

Anyway fingers crossed I've the trade up here and at another site.
 
Yeah, the 100mm is far more versatile. I've shot quite a bit with the MP-E 65 myself and while the results are great, it's a lot of work to get the focus right (in fact you tend to end up having to do some focus stacking a lot of the time), and for best results with it, you need to invest in a decent ringflash, or preferably that twin mounted macro flash which will set you back an additional £500 or so.
 
You'll also benefit from the IS with your AutoTubes which makes focus just that little bit more achievable with so little DoF.
 
I have to say I'm really wanting a set now, all I have to do is find one cheap!
 
AndyB1976 said:
You'll also benefit from the IS with your AutoTubes which makes focus just that little bit more achievable with so little DoF.
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I see you've got the IS version Andy (as I have) but do you really think there's any tangible benefit from the IS when you've got tubes behind it?

Bob
 
Yeah Bob I do think there is some benefit.

If you check liveview at x10 you can see the image stabilisation working but I do take your point. My technique handheld ain't great :lol:, nor do I have a decent flash/modifier to work handheld at decent shutterspeed, aperture or ISO with the tubes on.

Personally I'd like to get a rail onto my 410 geared head but its just all a bit too restrictive for insects.


Andy
 
AndyB1976 said:
Yeah Bob I do think there is some benefit.

If you check liveview at x10 you can see the image stabilisation working but I do take your point.
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Thanks for replying Andy. I wasn't actually making a point but raising a question. It may be the the defficiencies in your technique are different to the ones in mine. Once I'm beyond lifesize then the errors I normally see are focus errors based on fore/aft movements. The lens will correct for shake and shift but not in the axis where I need it.

Bob
 
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Looks a lot like the OP has answered his own question ref. the 100L v MP-E question.

I have both and find the 100L to be a super macro and a great, versatile lens for candids and portraits at weddings.

The MP-E, as has been mentioned, does macro >1:1 and that is it.

So, if you want the best macro lens around with all the hassle of lack of dof, the inability to handhold at the highest mags (you may have better technique than me) , lighting problems unless you use a decent ring or MT24 flash but some unique images the MP-E is for you.

For every other circumstance the 100L is tops.

Just my 2p worth.
 
In part the need to an additional outlay of another £500 put me off the MP-E (well for now!), but as I'll soon sell the non-L 100mm its sort of makes it cheaper... well by my dodgy maths :)
 
Canon Bob said:
Thanks for replying Andy. I wasn't actually making a point but raising a question. It may be the the defficiencies in your technique are different to the ones in mine. Once I'm beyond lifesize then the errors I normally see are focus errors based on fore/aft movements. The lens will correct for shake and shift but not in the axis where I need it.

Bob
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No probs Bob :thumbs:

I also get focus(technique) errors at 1:1 especially with the subject moving in three dimensions.

So giving it some more thought I can see how IS can be less relevant (although I still think it helps a little) whereas DoF, subject movement and the focal shifts fore and aft have a greater potential margin of error at 1:1 or higher than actual camera shake.


Andy
 
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