How far can I go with my 100mm f/2.8 L

Helvegr

I see some amazing shots in this forum, and there is a great deal of talent in all of them. Those MP-E 65mm shots really stand out.

I'm currently using the Canon 100mm f/2.8 L lens and really like it. However I only have a single 25mm extension tube. I just can't seem to get the type of magnification that I'd hope to see.

So I'm wondering, how many extension tubes (or tube length) should I be using? Does anybody have an example of how close you can get with 100mm?

Thanks!

Japers

I'm not big on using extension tubes but something I do (or used to do, I'm making the switch to Canon now, and the MP-E is coming soon) to gain extra magnification is add a 2x Teleconverter. At minimum focus a 2x TC effectively doubles your magnification and you don't lose as much light as you would with tubes..

Here's an example of a bottle fly I shot at 2x:
- Pentax K2000
- Bower 2x Teleconverter
- Sigma 50mm Macro Lens
- Sigma EM-140
- 1/180, f14, ISO 100

Lord Vetinari

A set of Kenko extension tubes (68mm) will take your lens to 2:1 max magnification (ie double your current max) and will lose less image quality than a TC will. Advantage of a TC is it maintains the same minimum focus distance whilst extension tubes will reduce it.
My own preference is for extension tubes rather a TC.
Example of sigma105 with full set of ext tubes
Brian v.

Helvegr

Thanks, this has been helpful. I'm thinking I first need to try increasing my tube length, that single 25mm tube just isn't enough. I'll try out the Kenko tubes and see how that goes.

Thanks!

paddler4

I too would opt for extension tubes, but I think it is a moot point, given your lens. From a note from Canon:

So regrettably your EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro is not compatible with this [1.4x] Extender.</pre>

I don't know about the 2x, which I did not consider.

I