MP-E65 f2.8 1-5x Macro

introduced 1999

The MP-E65 f2.8 1-5x Macro Photo lens is a very specialised lens. Unlike Canon’s other Macro lenses, which focus from infinity to life-size, this is for close-up only. It is dedicated to macro photography from life-size images (1x) to images five times life-size (5x).

Some readers may recall that Canon included a couple of macro photo lenses in their line-up for A and F series cameras in the 1970’s and 1980’s. However, although the 20mm f3.5 and 35mm f2.8 lenses enabled magnifications up to 10x, this was only possible when they were used with the Canon Auto Bellows unit. The new macro photo lens, with an EOS mount, needs no additional accessories to reach 5x magnification.

Not surprisingly, the new lens is not autofocus, but it does provide full AE metering with EOS 1, 1N and 1N RS cameras. It can also be used with most other EOS cameras, but requires exposure compensation at some or all magnification levels (depending on model).

Focusing can be carried out using the focusing ring on the lens. In place of a distance scale, this is marked with a magnification guide. For fine focusing, Canon recommends that the lens and the camera are placed on a focusing rail, fixed to a tripod. You can then preset the magnification required and move the camera and lens back and forth in front of the subject until the subject is in focus.

EOS magazine, September 1999, page 4

Focal length and maximum aperture: 65mm 1:2.8
Lens construction: 10 elements in 8 groups
Diagonal angle of view: 18°40' at 1 x magnification
Focus adjustment: manual focus, front group linear extension
Closest focusing distance: 0.24 m/ 0.8 ft., 5 x magnification
Filter size: 58mm
Max. Diameter x length, weight: ø 81 x 98mm, 710g