[genotypewriter]

Can anyone suggest a good macro focusing rail which is wobble-free during precision adjustments and has a locking feature?



The locking feature is very important because I don't want the slightest amount of play or creep when the whole thing is moved (I need to be able to replicate this shot).



I've looked at the [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554343-REG/Manfrotto_454_454_Micrometric_Positioning_Sliding.html"]Manfrotto 454[/url] but as most people say, it's wobbly and the focusing knob feels terrible. The [url="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/193311-REG/Velbon_SUPER_MAG_SLIDER_Super_Mag_Slider.html"]Velbon Super Mag Slider[/url] feels very nice but I'm afraid it might creep or get accidentally re-adjusted because there's no locking feature.



Any other ideas?



Thanks!



GTW

[Guest]

[quote name='genotypewriter' timestamp='1298987888' post='6411']I need to be able to replicate this shot[/quote]



Does sound like "studio environment" not "trench war". If true, weight and size aren't issues, I suppose. True?



Ciao, Walter

[popo]

I got these budget macro rails off ebay and they seem to work ok, with friction/locking capability but I haven't tested how stable that is. The biggest problem I have is my tripod isn't stable enough when working at extreme magnifications...

[Brightcolours]

Novoflex makes beautiful focusing racks, but no locking (I have not seen any with locking)



http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/macro-accessories/focusing-racks/castel/

[miro]

Arca swiss is standard for such thinks.



If you search for budget solution you can take a look at giottos www.giottos.com

They produce decent quality thinks, but last 2 yaars the price are increased 40%, adding to this the really very terrible service in the Netherlands makes then no go for me.



Greetings,

Miro

[genotypewriter]

[quote name='Walter Schulz' timestamp='1298991245' post='6413']

Does sound like "studio environment" not "trench war". If true, weight and size aren't issues, I suppose. True?

[/quote]

Sadly weight and size are quite important. For example the Manfrotto one is the best in this regard because of its low profile and manageable weight. The Velbon's too chunky and the extra sideways movement is not necessary for me. The only thing I like about the Velbon is the smoothness of the adjustments.





[quote name='popo' timestamp='1299002803' post='6415']

I got these budget macro rails off ebay and they seem to work ok, with friction/locking capability but I haven't tested how stable that is. The biggest problem I have is my tripod isn't stable enough when working at extreme magnifications...

[/quote]

Thanks and that looks like an interesting one. Will check if they have a single directional version which would suit me best. How precise are the adjustments (e.g. how far does it move per one revolution)? As for your tripod situation... yes, it's quite difficult to get the best one. In case you're planning to get one, I'd pay special attention to the head because your current one seems like it has a plastic one, is that right?





[quote name='Brightcolours' timestamp='1299002944' post='6416']

Novoflex makes beautiful focusing racks, but no locking (I have not seen any with locking)



http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/macro-accessories/focusing-racks/castel/

[/quote]

Thanks, I've had a look. For such expensive gear (pun intended) the reviews I've seen them receive haven't been all that favourable. For example I've heard people say the knobs are too small, for example. And where I live, there's no one who gets these down for me to have a play with before putting all that money down <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />





[quote name='miro' timestamp='1299009604' post='6417']

Arca swiss is standard for such thinks.



If you search for budget solution you can take a look at giottos www.giottos.com

They produce decent quality thinks, but last 2 yaars the price are increased 40%, adding to this the really very terrible service in the Netherlands makes then no go for me.

[/quote]

I had a look but neither Acra Swiss or Giottos have macro rail. I agree, Giottos makes good quality products. I think they're like the Asian Gitzo <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Haven't checked the prices recently but I have one of their micro ballheads which was really well built.



GTW

[popo]

[quote name='genotypewriter' timestamp='1299034530' post='6421']

Thanks and that looks like an interesting one. Will check if they have a single directional version which would suit me best. How precise are the adjustments (e.g. how far does it move per one revolution)? As for your tripod situation... yes, it's quite difficult to get the best one. In case you're planning to get one, I'd pay special attention to the head because your current one seems like it has a plastic one, is that right?[/quote]

It isn't geared down if that's what you mean. One turn of the wheel will move a pretty big distance. For macro type working I would be making tiny turns to set things in place. It's been a while since I used it so I can't remember exactly and would have to look at it again later.



As for the tripod head, that was a cheap manfrotto I got early on. Updating it is low on my priority list as it is "good enough" for now. Supports a 300/2.8 I got earlier this week ok <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[genotypewriter]

[quote name='popo' timestamp='1299069539' post='6431']

It isn't geared down if that's what you mean. One turn of the wheel will move a pretty big distance. For macro type working I would be making tiny turns to set things in place. It's been a while since I used it so I can't remember exactly and would have to look at it again later.

[/quote]

Don't worry about it. There's no guarantee that I'd be able to get the exact same thing online anyway. The movements I need to do are actually within 2cms and the rails needs to be as precise as possible within this range.





[quote name='popo' timestamp='1299069539' post='6431']

As for the tripod head, that was a cheap manfrotto I got early on. Updating it is low on my priority list as it is "good enough" for now. Supports a 300/2.8 I got earlier this week ok <img src='http://forum.photozone.de/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[/quote]

Congrats on your new lens! Must be a lot of fun! I used to use my 200/2 on a cheap but strong Fancier tripod. The only problem was the legs weren't rigid enough to maintain a steady 10x live view (e.g. during manual focusing). So what I did was turn the IS on when making fine adjustments and then turn it off before taking the shot.



GTW

[popo]

[quote name='genotypewriter' timestamp='1299114705' post='6453']

Don't worry about it. There's no guarantee that I'd be able to get the exact same thing online anyway. The movements I need to do are actually within 2cms and the rails needs to be as precise as possible within this range.[/quote]



Well, I had a look and by image along they're still selling the same model although the (UK) price has gone up since I got mine. Exchange rates have shifted a lot since then too... when I have time I will dig mine out again and refresh my memory on its characteristics. I haven't done any tripod macro in a long time and just handhold these days.

Congrats on your new lens! Must be a lot of fun! I used to use my 200/2 on a cheap but strong Fancier tripod. The only problem was the legs weren't rigid enough to maintain a steady 10x live view (e.g. during manual focusing). So what I did was turn the IS on when making fine adjustments and then turn it off before taking the shot.

I gave it my first field tests yesterday. I think learning to focus repeatably and use the non-exsitant DoF is going to be my main challenge. I suspect my sample will need a small AF micro-adjust based on that field test. It's an OLD used sample, from the date code it was made in Nov 87 so it must be one of the first EF lenses off Canon's production line! I need a bigger bag...

[genotypewriter]

[quote name='popo' timestamp='1299156305' post='6475']

Well, I had a look and by image along they're still selling the same model although the (UK) price has gone up since I got mine. Exchange rates have shifted a lot since then too... when I have time I will dig mine out again and refresh my memory on its characteristics. I haven't done any tripod macro in a long time and just handhold these days.

[/quote]

I ordered one of these from ebay:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it8ij1hFrFE



Was like USD 19 with free shipping to Australia.





[quote name='popo' timestamp='1299156305' post='6475']

I gave it my first field tests yesterday. I think learning to focus repeatably and use the non-exsitant DoF is going to be my main challenge. I suspect my sample will need a small AF micro-adjust based on that field test. It's an OLD used sample, from the date code it was made in Nov 87 so it must be one of the first EF lenses off Canon's production line! I need a bigger bag...

[/quote]

Hope yours is in good condition. We have one stupid camera shop here in Melbourne that had a 300 2.8 (non-IS) that looked like it had been rolled down a mountain. Paint scraped off heavily from every where and they said it was an "ex demo" and the price they quoted was around USD7000 at the time (AUD 8000)! I had to ask them why anyone should pay $8000 when a brand new 300 2.8 IS was around $4000 online. Sadly the prices like that over here in Melbourne.



GTW