The Canon MP-E 65mm F/2.8 1-5x Macro Unique Lens Review

[@garywagstaff7142]

It’s worth mentioning that along with a focusing rail (I use a RRS rail) it also needs LOTS of light. A strobe/ring light is highly recommended.

[@davidepiras4011]

If you shoot a still subject you might try focus stacking with Helicon focus, it’s an amazing software

[@zedpassway4140]

focus stacking auto in camera needs auto focus. Otherwise you need a $500 focus rail.

[@DerPhiL]

Focus stack for this lens? you have to move the camera xD really crazy.

[@budrowilson]

You put up a comparison of the Sigma 35mm f/1 4 Art lens being 1x maximum magnification against the MP-E lens at 5x ... However, the Sigma only has a magnification of 0.19x, a fifth off what you displayed in the video. In addition to being completely inaccurate, it seems quite unfair in the comparison.

[@PhotoFeaver]

I don't say the Sigma is a 1x macro, in fact I say it's a non-macro lens. I reference to 1x magnification on the Canon EF 100mm F2.8, which at its maximum magnification is 1x macro lens

[@budrowilson]

@@PhotoFeaver At timestamp 3:09, you're showing the sample image from the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 with a "1X" label beneath it and then a sample image from the MP-E lens that's taken at 5X magnification. You should have used the sample image from the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 at its max magnification for the left-hand 1X comparison.

[@CrisURace]

Kinda want a lens like this :D

[@BWWGL9]

Nice Review,,, please tell us what FOCUSING RAIL you are using.. Sure appreciate you REVIEWS. THANKS

[@liamtaylor849]

I was just looking for that myself. Typing focusing rail on amazon seems to give some promising results

[@laika25]

Excellent info. Thanks.

[@drtnrao57]

In your video macro ,there a problem of plane of focus.AS the angle of the the lens so ,should be the plane of object. Then total area becomes focused. Thanks for this great video. I got this lens for 700$ American dollars in Jan 2024.

[@mt-images8804]

Does this lens work with RF to EF adaptor so I can use this lens with R5 or R7?

[@71janas]

Yes it will

[@mt-images8804]

@71janas Thank you! As soon as it becomes spring in Montana, I'll put it together on the R7 with my macro rail and tripod and give it a whirl.

[@71janas]

@@mt-images8804 You´re welcome. use it myself on my R5.

[@sjyap0525]

May I know ,is this a auto focus lens ?

[@kutang9689]

Can this lens take photo with subject size 4.5 X 4.5 inch? I tried but it focused only on the center I could not get the whole thing in one photo.

[@stephenmallin1605]

No, photographing a subject of that size is not possible with this lens. The largest possible size of a subject you can photograph if you are using a full frame camera is 24mm x 36mm, which is 1:1... meaning the subject is rendered at actual size on the camera sensor. The Canon 65mm MP-E is a very unique lens. The full usable range is restricted ONLY from 1:1 to 5:1 which means a 5X magnification.... Think of this lens as a microscope. You can not shoot a portrait or focus to infinity. A lot of light is needed to get optimal results, use flash or studio strobe for best results. Remember at 1:1, you need to increase the amount of light by 2 f/stops, which is 4X more light. Using this lens at higher magnification, you need even more light on the subject. I've used this lens for many years, and do not like to shoot it stopped down beyond f/8 due to the damaging effects of lens diffraction. I always use a motorized focus rail and do focus stacks. It takes a lot of practice to master this lens. Excellent results can be expected. Have fun.

[@rivergate950]

@@stephenmallin1605 what brand focusing rail do you use that is motorized??

[@gurhanpekuz1813]

This makes sense . When you shoot macro photography, You move the camera . You do not focus by lens . Simple

[@carlosazevedophotography8892]

Is this lens as sharp as the 100mm at 1x?

[@OhhhhhhhBugger]

Which 100mm? There is the EF 100mm, EF 100mm 'L', and the RF 100 1.4x 'L'

[@mr.rockybit]

really interesting!!

[@DerPhiL]

This review would have needed reallife photos... not from a SD card... go out... or try those plants in your flat/house. No words to the quality if you go to f8.0 or f11?! no comparison -.-"