Jen,jsp wrote:Thanks so much for looking in. I'm full of curiosity to know what the better optics are now. [smile] I wondered if you would have a minute to tell me? I'm really chasing great optics with this, and keen to not do anything daft by buying something that turns out to be second best.
I just did a quick test to see if the Mitty 2x covers full frame DSLR without vignetting. Unfortunately, I'd call the test inconclusive, as I did get vignetting--but it was a hard-edged vignette, which makes me think it was the converging lens I chose (micro-Nikkor 200mm IF-ED), rather than the objective. Though I use FF in the field, I shoot almost entirely AFS-C in the macro studio; hopefully, someone who routinely shoots FF in the macro studio can test coverage of the Mitty 2x for you on a converging lens whose FF behavior is well-understood.
In terms of chasing better options for 2x, ugh--it's a long conversation. I have some ideas, but since my opinions are mostly based on APS-C, I'm ill-equipped to answer the question of FF coverage. Also, I've done no rigorous parallel testing at 2x.
Ideas, though:
Rodenstock Apo-Rodagon-D 2x 75mm f/4.5: This lens is designed specifically for use at 2x. I use and like this lens. It's a bellows lens though--so you would need to remove your converging lens from your rig, and substitute in a bellows or tubes of the proper length.
Printing Nikkor 105mm f/2.8: This is an amazing lens--almost a legend, a bit hard to find, and rather expensive. It is optimized for 1x and is exquisite at 1x magnification. I've used it some outside this range, as well, with quite good results. Recent work by forum members suggests adding a 2x teleconverter to get 2x--something I want to try. Again, this is a bellows lens.
Some of the Canon macro lenses come to mind. I have the 35mm, and if I ever get around to doing a careful test at 2x, will definitely include it. This said, I tend to think of this as a 3x lens. Again, a bellows lens.
A lens I like at 2.5x is the Nikon M Plan 2.5x/0.08. Very nice, but you must crop the corners, as it vignettes on APS-C. If a bit of cropping is acceptable, though, this is a very nice optic. (Bellows lens.)
This quick list is far from complete--am speaking only of some of the optics I own and use. The 2-3x range is a magnification for which there are many lenses and many opinions. A careful tester could spend weeks attempting to clear these waters.
--Chris S.