Mp-e 65

[Dave]

Anyone got any tips on using an MP-E 65? I'm struggling to produce much that's worth keeping.

[pinxos]

Re: Mp-e 65

Hi Dave,
I've been using mine for about a year now and agree it's a very difficult lens to use. Virtually all of my shots have used flash (MT24-EX) to try and minimise camera shake and freeze any movement. I also use a very sturdy tripod!! If you're using the higher end of magnification, the DOF is virtually non-existent. I've started experimenting with DOF stacking utilities which allow you to build up a picture made of several layers of the same shot focused slightly apart. The utility then merges them all together to give a shot which has the combined DOF of all the shots. Here's some useful links I found on the WWW:-

Combine ZM - focus stacking utility

http://www.hadleyweb.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/CZM/News.htm

Combine ZM tutorial/discussion

http://www.flickr.com/groups/macroviewers/discuss/163367/

http://www.digitalgrin.com/showthread.php?t=61316

MP-E 65 use

http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/macro.html

Most of my early shots were pretty naff as well but with practise I'm sure they'll get better!!
hope this helps

[Dave]

Re: Mp-e 65

Thanks for that. Wayne Schmidt's approach of building a platform to mount subject and lens makes a lot of sense. Back to the drawing board. Interesting site too!