Flashpoint Budget Macro Focusing Rail Set
Dec 2, 2013 18:35:29 #
This 4 way rail sells for under $50.00 so I am sure there are those that have tried it and/or use it. I would like to hear from those that do. Is it useful? Is it worth $50.00 (am thinking about the old saying, you get what you pay for).
I would be mounting it on a gimbal head when I use it. I just got my Sigma 105mm f2.8 lens and want to use it with that lens.
Jim D
I would be mounting it on a gimbal head when I use it. I just got my Sigma 105mm f2.8 lens and want to use it with that lens.
Jim D
Dec 2, 2013 19:42:19 #
It has 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon. I think all these rails are nearly if not totally alike. I use one from cowboy studios. I bought mine repackaged (used) from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0047DS41S/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1386031180&sr=8-1&keywords=Cowboy+studios+Rail+Set&condition=used
This one is repackaged from Amazon for $33.00
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0047DS41S/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1386031180&sr=8-1&keywords=Cowboy+studios+Rail+Set&condition=used
This one is repackaged from Amazon for $33.00
Dec 3, 2013 06:26:25 #
lovitlots
Loc: Tottenham, Ontario, Canada
If all you want to do with it is use it to fine focus, it's okay. If you want to focus stack with it , it is garbage. For twice the cost you can get the velbon focusing rail. It's still not perfect, but it is useable and considerably better than the later rails.
Dec 3, 2013 08:03:44 #
lovitlots wrote:
If all you want to do with it is use it to fine focus, it's okay. If you want to focus stack with it , it is garbage. For twice the cost you can get the velbon focusing rail. It's still not perfect, but it is useable and considerably better than the later rails.
Or you could get the Really Right Stuff brand for $345. The garbage Lovitlots mentioned is the photo below. 18 stack, and it was my first attempt with the $20 rail.
Shot with a Canon 100 f2.8L macro at 1:2. With 1 mm change in focusing distance between shots.
While I don't doubt Lovitlots prowness in macro (his green beetle image is superb) I still think you can get excellent results with less money spent. If I were doing tripod macro for a living or money was not an object I would get the Velbon or the Really Right Stuff brand.
18 stack
Dec 3, 2013 09:37:24 #
I cannot vouch for the Flashpoint Rail. I use a Velbon Super Mag 4 way focusing rail. Precision is important in focus stacking, but the example submitted by jrb looks pretty good to me, but I didn't look at the image in high-mag....
Dec 3, 2013 11:47:56 #
I bought one new for around $49, in my estimation it is well worth the money. It is made of solid castings, and has calibration scales. There is no "slop" in the adjustments. I think it is more than adequate for my use.
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