Macro Focusing Rails

[OsmosisStudios]

Just wondering what some people are using as a macro focusing rail. I've looked at a few and am a little lost when it comes to which ones to get/not get. Im hopfully looking for something I can add onto my current tripod head instead of a full-on macro head.

[Jo.T]

look for a 2 way rail forward/back and side to side or is that a 4 way , i picked mine up with my bellows was well worth it, they get a lot of use bellows not so much, im pretty sure this is the one i got
Macro Focus Slide Rail & Bellows fr Nikon D80 D300 K3O | eBay

Cheers Jo

[sk66]

How serious are you wanting to get with macro work?
If you just want something to ease/improve focusing a simple 2 way (fore/aft) cheap rail will work...

For just a little more it's worth getting a cheap 4 way. (I import some products from that company)

Those are basic tools.... If you want pro tools that will last forever, you are looking at over $200 for a 2way rail.... A lead screw type is generally smoother/more precise than a geared track. About $350 (RRS/Hejnar Photo). I've never bought from RRS but they have a great reputation. Chris of Hejnar Photo is a nice guy and his products are very nice. (He's making the custom MonoRails and clamps for me).

[OsmosisStudios]

I was looking at something simple like this: Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - 454 B&H

[sk66]

IMHO, that's not worth $64 more than the one I posted...

[OsmosisStudios]

I hadn't honestly taken a look at the one you linked to: I'm not exactly encouraged by the lack of detail in the description. I'm terrible about buying online: Im big on fit-and-finish. There's also no mention of how much it will support or is rated for.

[sk66]

They are all about the same until you get into the big money....probably made by the same company so if you can find a description for Velbon , Flashpoint (Adorama), or other similar product it should apply.

I would expect the Manfroto to be a little better quality than the cheap imports. A little digging shows that it is a lead screw design which should be better. Apparently the "quick release" locking lever causes a shift which can be problematic for focus stacking.

[sk66]

BTW, you could consider a x-y stage to move the subject instead of a rail. Depending on what you are doing this might be a better choice. Of course, it's getting more expensive as well.

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I was looking at something simple like this: Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - 454 B&H

It's the first and only rail I've bought and has been in regular use for about 7 years or so. I've had a go with some cheap and chearful rails that mates have but I reckon the Manfrotto is the next best thing to one of the £200 rails.

I've used mine with a fair few macro lenses and some heavy bodies aswell as a macro flash hanging off the end off the lens.....the rail has always seemed nice and rigid with whatever weight I've put on it. I guess the maximum load is a good bit more than a typical macro setup.....it's a fair lump of metal