Info needed on Canon 500D close up lens

I already own the Canon 100mm Macro, but often find the variable reach

achievable with the 70-200IS mounted on my 5D preferable.

 

The downside to using 70-200mm range (with or without 1.4x adapter) on a FF

camera such as 5D is, due to the closest focusing distance being what it is,

and the nature of a full frame perspective, some small objects such as

butterflies are hard to capture in a manner that "fill the frame" as much as

I'd like.

 

With the 500D mounted, can the entire zoom range 70-200mm be used to

effectively focus on an object, primarily hand-held (I detest lugging tripods

around), from whatever close up distance required (~50cm)?

 

Anyone have experiences or suggestions that they can share for using the 500D

close-up lens on 70-200IS with a full frame camera? Links to samples also

most welcome.

 

Thanks in advance.

I should probably also add that I own the Kenko tubes contraption, and find it too kludgy.

I use Canon EOS 10, 10s, 10QD or 30D/BG-E2 + 70-200/2.8 IS, Tamron SP Pro 1.4x TC, 77mm 500D and the Kenko Extension Tube Set (12mm, 20mm & 36mm) for close up work.

 

Here is an online calculator that will help with comparing magnification between combinations - http://ca.geocities.com/lokejul/jlcalc.htm

 

I've found that I need to be very aware of my handholding technique to give myself a rock solid platform... Even the smallest movement of my pulse can cause blurred shots at these magnifications.

 

Using a tripod can be a major PITA with macro, but the results are worth it. I have a Olympus Varimagni Finder (1.2x / 2.5x angle finder) that I sometimes use for critical close focussing.

For a 500D on a EF70-200/2.8L,

 

Range of working distant: 360mm (min) to 500mm (max)

 

Magnification range: ~1:6.5 @ 70mm to ~1:1.7 @200mm

Hi Nels, Unfortunately I don't have the 500D but I know what you mean about tripods and having the Image Stabilization for critters like butterflies is *very* nice! My .02 cents: Try the 500D and if for whatever reason you don't like it (although I suspect you will) you can always Ebay it for pretty much what you paid. I'd go for it myself but I'm in Virginia and there won't be any butterflies around here for at least another couple of months. ;-) Good luck!

Just ordered the thing from amazon. Hope they ship it with some butterflies considering all the stuff I order from them.