I just took delivery of an MP-E 65mm. ... Up to now I've been using the EF-S 60mm macro combined with Closeup lenses and Extension tubes. So I tought I may as well throw myself in at the deep end and try and shoot @ x5 with my new baby...
The best reference I could find for these little guys is they are Red Velvet Mite, Trombidiidae. The first two images are shot x5 and resized to 1024 accross. The last two at about x3, cropped on each side then resized to 1024 high.
Hi Mike
I don't really have enough experience with the MP-E 65 to comment on it's IQ versus the EF-S 60. Maybe one of the more experience members of this forum can help you there. I do know the IQ of the EF-S 60 is excellent. I'll be keeping it for sure. I'd say mostly for up to 1:1 magnification and less.
The handling seems quite similar. Thought the EF-S 60mm is lighter. One definate, obivious advantage of the MP-E 65, is the ability to switch to higher magnification easily. I tend to get quite lazy attaching tubes or vice versa on the EF-S 60. With the MP-E 65 I just feel more empowered...
Hi Igor
These shots were taken handheld. They would practically impossible to take any other way. Those little critters are very busy and never stop moving. I was able to use a variation of Dalantecs ™Knee Pod. I used the OSheas™Finger Pod. The focus distance @ x5 magnification is 44mm (1.6 inches). About the width of two fingers.
I'm able to get from approx. 1x @ infinity to 3X at 1:1 on the 60 EF-s with a full set if tubes. So it sounds like they are fairly similiar in that range, while the MP-E 65 will allow you to go all the way to 5X.
I've been throwing on a 1.4x TC to try to get to 5X, but there is a noticable quality drop-off.
Never tried the fingerpod yet. I use the kneepod and fistpod quite often.
Mike
I had the advantage of a flat surface to rest my camera and hand on. Although these guys moved quite incessantly, focusing became quite easy for a change.
Jody
Thanks for the link. Excellent pic by the way. I've just added that to my favs. Looks like these guys are Predatory Running Mites. I have further indentified them with a google search. Really fast runners. Seems they feed on other Mites, Pollen, other insect larvae and eggs. They are not harmful to plants and not dangerous to those of the human species.
John
Looking at the quality of your images... I find that hard to believe.
... Up to now I've been using the EF-S 60mm macro combined with Closeup lenses and Extension tubes. So I tought I may as well throw myself in at the deep end and try and shoot @ x5 with my new baby... 
