03-02-2011, 02:55 AM
[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
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