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thartl · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 910

So I am tired of my Macro Lenses have a limited focal distance. I want to get closer. I have in the past shot the MP-E 65mm 1-5x manual focus lens - but that manual focus was really hard. And If I remember right you focused by moving the camera body/lens - not on a focus ring. It was also too close at the 5x....hard to focus and light. and almost 1,000 bucks.

I am looking now for reversing rings or extension tubes. Whats the best set up for extreme close up macro - say the eyes of a fly? I might need to purchase the 50 mm macro lens too - but it might be worth it. Is the Canon Extension Tube EF 25 II and a 50 mm macro what I am looking For? Can I use it with my 135mm macro?

I saw one thing from NOVOFLEX - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/197010-REG/Novoflex_EOSRETRO_Reverse_Lens_Adapter_for.html
But not sure if thats good for me or not - seems pricy and hard to use.

Any recommendations out there?

vclements · Posted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:58 pm

Bellows are nice as they offer variable extension - but can be pricey.

Extension tubes would be the next best bet. The only disadvantage being that unlike bellows the distance and thus the magnification is fixed.
A focusing rail is a must for extreme macro work like fly eyes.

Hopefully Jens, our local insect/macro expert will chime in with more hands on specifics.

thartl · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 910

yah - I have been looking at some bellows - but I am not sure how "into" it I want to get, and if that is an immediate purchase. Maybe the 180mm Macro and the extension tube. I really like the idea of reversing rings, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of those available for canon EOS systems.

The other issues I need to look at are lighting - I need a ring flash I think for those macro shots that are outside of the studio.

thartl · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 910

http://www.linkdelight.com/index.php/Focusing-Rail/Macro-Focusing-Slide-Rail-Lens-Bellows-for-Canon-Camera/Detailed-product-flyer.html#at

http://www.linkdelight.com/index.php/Macro-Extension-Tube/Auto-Focus-Macro-Extension-Tube-Set-Metal-for-Canon-EOS-Camera/Detailed-product-flyer.html#at

Does anyone have experience with this site or these products? I really would like to purchase the Bellows Kit but the price scares me (its so much cheaper than everywhere else.)

Or should I just go with the MP-E 65mm? Alot of reviews say they use focusing rails with that lens too - and that might be my solution to not have to move the tripod back and forth. What Rails would work best with it?

vclements · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:25 pm

after reading the add this concerned me:
"while using an f50 lens, and is 1.32-5.1:1 that of f28 lens."
Either they do not have very good proof readers - or do not have a clue.
I think they mean 50mm and 28mm!!

With regards the the extension tubes, they quote AF operation - which in reality is going to be completely useless at those mags!
While the extension tubes contain no optics to degrade the image, if the mount is not solid, the tube will cause the lens to flop around like a dying fish.

If the mounts are not parallel within a reasonable tolerance you could end up having focus issues as the lens is no longer parallel to the sensor plane. Obviously the greater the magnification - the greater the issue.

Best to stick with the OEMS.

thartl · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 910

Thanks Vince (and Jens.)

I purchased canon bellows and rails from linkdelight.com. Hopefully I get them in a timely manner, I am rather excited.

I also purchased KENKO tubes, set of three, and the Canon 50mm f2.5 macro (I hope I like that, wanted the 180, but pricy,) along with battery and grip for my 5dmkii from BH. I love that store, but they dissappointed me with their bellows selections. Novoflex is way pricy, looks nice. I figure that even if I bought the novoflex I would buy these other items anyway, so if this other bellows doesn't work I have a head start with the tubes and lens.

Thanks again. I will post some macros once they arrive!