Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x macro lens

[troypiggo]

Not using this baby much these days. But if you're into macro, it's the only lens that does 1x to 5x lifesize (without extension tubes etc). I'll post some pics of it and macros taken with it over the weekend.

https://www.canon.com.au/camera-lenses/mp-e65mm-f-2-8-1-5x-macro
Lens date code is UU1200

Price: $850 plus postage via Paypal or Direct Deposit

To give you an idea of the magnification, here are some shots I've taken with it. Notice the one showing my finger for scale (this probably wasn't taken with this lens, can't remember) and the red nymphs. The shot of the red nymph on leaf is the same size as the ones in shot with my finger, and that is not a cropped photo.

[troypiggo]

I'm keen to see this lens moved into the hands of someone who will use it. Reasonable offers considered.

[graham.hobart]

Hi Troy, I have a 1000D and an old 350D plus a 5D mark II which is too noisy for astro, would this lens suit any of these? I have no idea as have never done macro before.
Graham

[OneCosmos]

I use the 65mm macro with the 5D mark ii and it is perfect. The best lens for micro available from any manufacturer. It kind to of needs the Twin flash though as the distance to the lens can be a matter of centimetres which prevents light getting to it

[troypiggo]

G'day Graham. I used in on a 40D and my current 5DII. Works fine on either.

That being said, this lens is specialised for macro only. It does not focus beyond say 100mm from front of lens. If you haven't done macro before, probably not the best to start with this one. And as Chris mentions, you usually need a flash to get enough light. Doesn't need to be twin light, but will need flash of some kind.

[troypiggo]

Awesome sales pitch, Troy. First person shows interest and tell him don't recommend for those new to macro

:doh: :stupid:

[graham.hobart]

cheers guys- thanks for the honesty!:thumbsup::thanx:

[troypiggo]

Price drop

[OneCosmos]

I do agree with Troy but I would also say that I never found using the lens a challenge at all. The only weird thing is understanding that focus is not only manual but a matter of moving the whole camera and lens physically back and forth. Depth of field becomes a real issue and interestingly, so does the choice of subject possible. I never took a single real image at 5x. For one thing you can't hand hold that and insects etc have this annoying idea that they don't have to sit still near the tripod but, more importantly, nothing you can see unaided looks any good at that level of magnification! Not even a tiny ant would fit in the field at 5x. I found about 3x to be perfect for very small things. It is the only modern macro I've ever used but as a young man I had a pair of canon auto bellows and used film. That was difficult, expensive, (film and processing) and frustrating. Out of a roll of 36 only a couple would be keepers. With the 65mm 80% are keepers and you see them straight away��

In short, don't be scared of this lens but absolutely don't consider it unless you are prepared to buy some kind of flash unit. The twin flash unit is really perhaps the best compromise.

[xp1965]

Hi troy whats the new price ...Feel free to email me if you like

[troypiggo]

G'day Trevor,

Price was updated in the original post. PM sent.

[xp1965]

Hi Troy

I will be in Brisbane on Wed can you email me plz I have tried to reply to your private message but it does nt send for some reason

Thanks Trevor

[troypiggo]

G'day mate. Got your PM. I'm up at Astrofest Tue to Sun sorry.