Does the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 have image stabilization, and is it practical handheld?
Asked 8/24/2010
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I'm comparing the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 macro to the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro, especially for use on a Canon EOS 450D. Does the MP-E 65mm include image stabilization? If not, is it still usable for handheld shooting, or is camera shake likely to be a major problem?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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The MP-E is a tricky lens to use, requires practise and more practise. A set of macro flashes (MT-24EX) is often recommended.
I would go with 100mm lens unless the goal is to take photos of the fly's eyes.
Originally by user729. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user729
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
No — the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 does not have image stabilization.
It’s also a very specialized macro lens, designed for extreme magnification rather than general macro use. At high magnifications, even tiny movements are exaggerated, so handheld shooting can be difficult, especially as you approach the lens’s higher magnification range. In practice, many users rely on techniques like faster shutter speeds, careful bracing, controlled breathing, or added lighting/flash to reduce blur.
The MP-E 65mm can still be used handheld, but it takes practice and is generally considered challenging. It also focuses only at very close distances, making it much less versatile than a 100mm macro lens.
If the goal is general macro photography, the 100mm macro is the easier and more practical choice. The MP-E 65mm is better suited if the specific goal is extreme close-up work at very high magnification.
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