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

[JohnKoerner]

It is my understanding that, generally, Nikon cameras accept Canon lenses—but that Canon cameras do not accept Nikon lenses. Is this correct?

If the above general answer is yes, then my specific question is will the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macrophoto work on the D300? The reason why I ask is that Nikon has no equivalent super-macro lens that shoots in a 5:1 like the Canon MP-E 65mm lens does ... but if the Canon lens fits and works just as well on a Nikon D300 then this would make the Nikon even more compelling for me than I originally thought.

Does anyone have any direct, personal experience using the Canon MP-E 65mm lens on a Nikon D300?

I would be grateful for any feedback.

Thanks,

Jack




.

[Tony Beach]

It is my understanding that, generally, Nikon cameras accept Canon lenses—but that Canon cameras do not accept Nikon lenses. Is this correct?

It's the other way around -- i.e., Nikon lenses can work on Canon cameras and focus to infinity but Canon lenses mounted on Nikon cameras cannot focus to infinity.  Because of this I am unaware of any Canon lens to Nikon F mount adapters.  Theoretically (if you could find or manufacture an adapter), you could probably do what your interested in for the higher magnifications, but the lower magnifications of the lens would be lost.

[Kagetsu]

The MP-E 65 is definantly a specialised lens, more so then any other lens in the Canon range. It can't effectively be used for anything short of macro photography... I've used on once a long time ago. As much as I enjoyed it, I had more use for extension tubes and primes.

My suggestion is to look into those or bellows, as there'll be no easy way to mount an EOS lens to a Nikon body. The EOS mount is physically bigger then the Nikkon mount is... However, if you DID find one, you'd have very little difference between using this lens to Nikkor lense of the same variety (of which, as you said, there is none).

The only problem is the aperture settings, which would be perminantly stuck at f/2.8.

EDIT: Look at the Tokina extension tube kit... I have a set, they're cheap, and easy to use, plus they retain electrical contacts so apertures (at least for Canon) are useable.

[JohnKoerner]

Thanks for the replies.

I haven't bought either a Nikon or a Canon system yet. I am about to take the "Nestea Plunge," and really am just waiting for the initial "buzz" to wear off on the new Canon 50D so I can see where the prices/features of it play-out next to the Nikon D300.

Most of my photography is macro, and the Canon/Nikon 100/105mm lenses are comparable, while the Micro/Nikko2 200mm eclipses the Canon 180mm. The thing is thoug, for super-macro at 5:1 Canon has the MP-E 65 for which Nikon has no answer. I also have an interest in bird photography, and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens (though old) is still held in higher-regard than the mediocre Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED lens equivalent.

What I was thinking was that, if I got the Nikon D300 I would have the better body, and I could get all the nice Nikon lenses---and then add the Canon MP-E 65 to my collection---under the assumption that it was the Canon lenses that fit on Nikon bodies.

However, it looks like my understanding was exactly bass-ackwards: it is Nikon's lenses that fit on the Canon bodies ... hmm ...

I guess I could forget about Canon's MP-E 65 on a Nikon and use bellows/extensions, but is there any 100-400 mm lens that is considered stellar that fits on a Nikon D300? I wish one of these two companies would just go ahead and make "the best of everything," so that I could make up my mind easier, LOL

Jack

[tony Rosca]

[Hi Jack,
I see you like MP 65 and 100-400 L from Canon but Nikon is looking good too. You should think what lenses you'll use the most for your type of photography and go for that system. Somehow you will never have the best of everything with only a camera brand. can you consider to go with both brands?  I am a sucker for lenses and i burned a lots of money to end up using only one or two lenses for 90 percent of my work. Any good birding spots in your area ?

[D White]

You may want to take another look at the Canon 180 macro before saying that it is "eclipsed". It has got to be one of the sharpest lenses period. This is one thing I know.

[JohnKoerner]

Hi Jack,
I see you like MP 65 and 100-400 L from Canon but Nikon is looking good too. You should think what lenses you'll use the most for your type of photography and go for that system. Somehow you will never have the best of everything with only a camera brand. can you consider to go with both brands?  I am a sucker for lenses and i burned a lots of money to end up using only one or two lenses for 90 percent of my work. Any good birding spots in your area ?

If only there was enough disparity in the lenses ...

My own goals are macro and (eventually) telephoto-zoom. Given my bass-ackwards understanding of cross-system lens compatibility, I think I will stick with Canon.

As for good places to go birding, all over my property really  I am on 50 acres of Florida wilderness, so I don't really need to go anywhere. Sadly, however, at this point all I have is a G9 which, although neat for macro, isn't worth a quarter for bird shots  



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

You may want to take another look at the Canon 180 macro before saying that it is "eclipsed". It has got to be one of the sharpest lenses period. This is one thing I know.

Many of the reviews I've read suggest the Nikon 200 micro is better than the Canon 180 macro, albeit not by much. But, of course, the hidden variable is sample copies ... so if you got a particular (stellar) sample copy, then all of those reviews might not apply to you. If that is the case, congratulations  


Jack




.