canon 180mm v MP-E 65mm

[loki1982]

I Currently have the Canon MP-E 65mm lens and I love it. The only thing I dont like is the extremely shallow DoF. Im thinking of getting the 180mm lens but my question is, it there a fairly major difference in DoF? From shots I see on flickr and other places it looks like there is a pretty big difference.

[RichardTaylor]

If the subject size, as recorded, is the same then only very marginally if at all.

See here,
Online Depth of Field Calculator

However an out of focus background will appear to be more out of focus when using the long lens.
See here:
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 L USM Macro Lens Review

The main advantage of using a long lens is that because of the greater shooting distance lighting the subject may be easier and also you are less like to scare the subject (like bugs etc) off.

See this also where a similar question is posted..
http://digital-photography-school.co...m-ef180mm.html

[Thunder_o_b]

You really should have a "standard" macro as well as the MP-E65. I chose the Sigma 150mm f2.8 and it has been just about the best lens that I ever had. The advantage in the standard macro lens is there are going to be times that you will want less that one to one, like say closeups of dragon flies.

Really, check out the Sig 150 as it now comes with optical stabilization Sigma 150mm f/2.8 APO-MACRO DG OS HSM f/CANO

Without OS, the one that I have.
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX APO Macro EX DG HSM Autofocus Lens 104101

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by Thunder_o_b

Really, check out the Sig 150 as it now comes with optical stabilization Sigma 150mm f/2.8 APO-MACRO DG OS HSM f/CANO

Have you heard any claims about how effective the OS is at minimum focus?

AFAIK Canon are the only ones claiming that their 100mm can give 2 stops of IS at 1:1. Nikon say their 105mm gives 4 stops on distant subject but convienently neglects to mention how useful it is at 1:1. I can't get a sensible answer out of the shaking sensor lot....just fanboys claiming it's great.

[Thunder_o_b]

Originally Posted by daft_biker

Have you heard any claims about how effective the OS is at minimum focus?

AFAIK Canon are the only ones claiming that their 100mm can give 2 stops of IS at 1:1. Nikon say their 105mm gives 4 stops on distant subject but convienently neglects to mention how useful it is at 1:1. I can't get a sensible answer out of the shaking sensor lot....just fanboys claiming it's great.

My interest is OS would be in the use at greater range, say for dragon flies and butterflies. I have heard that the OS-IS systems are really not all that effective at MFD.

I think that it will be born out that the best method for 1:1 and greater mag will still be a good flash rig, but time will tell I guess.

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by Thunder_o_b

My interest is OS would be in the use at greater range, say for dragon flies and butterflies. I have heard that the OS-IS systems are really not all that effective at MFD.

I think that it will be born out that the best method for 1:1 and greater mag will still be a good flash rig, but time will tell I guess.

Aye, I wasn't impressed when I tried the Nikon 105mm VR at a local butterfly farm when it was new. I've also tried the Sony system briefly.

I don't think there's any substitute for shooting macro from a stable platform TBH as even with flash you need to be steady to focus and compose anyway.

[Thunder_o_b]

Originally Posted by daft_biker

Aye, I wasn't impressed when I tried the Nikon 105mm VR at a local butterfly farm when it was new. I've also tried the Sony system briefly.

I don't think there's any substitute for shooting macro from a stable platform TBH as even with flash you need to be steady to focus and compose anyway.

Agreed ………...

[engrmariano]

im doing handheld macro with 100L IS on 550D, i can get decent keepers when i shoot no slower than 1/80 [1 stop from 1/160 (1/focal length theory)]...

[Thunder_o_b]

Originally Posted by engrmariano

im doing handheld macro with 100L IS on 550D, i can get decent keepers when i shoot no slower than 1/80 [1 stop from 1/160 (1/focal length theory)]...

I think that I was not clear. To me a stable platform can mean different things to different people. For me it is proper form and bracing handheld, It is a very rare thing for me to use a tripod in the field, even at 5:1 mag.