Focusing Rails
Apr 25, 2015 22:15:15 #
Anybody out there use a focusing rail? If so, what make? Does it help to use it? Just curious.
tw
tw
Apr 25, 2015 22:36:01 #
I use a Velbon with x-y axis movement. It's not the best out there. They are helpful in some applications for collecting files for focus stacking or for fine-tuning a macro or close-up.
More and more I am gravitating toward using the focus ring for focus stacking. I've been tethering my Nikon and using Helicon Remote.
More and more I am gravitating toward using the focus ring for focus stacking. I've been tethering my Nikon and using Helicon Remote.
Apr 25, 2015 23:24:51 #
Probably not the answer you're hoping to get, but my view camera would be useless without a focusing rail, so would my extension bellows.
--Bob
--Bob
Apr 26, 2015 03:10:52 #
I bought a focus rail in the beginning, played with it in the house a time or two and haven't had it out again since. I also bought a tripod about the same time and haven't used it yet....I always have it with me but...
Focus rails and tripod are extremely difficult, at best, to use on non static subjects in the field. Table top high magnification make them virtually mandatory.
Pretty much impossible to use either on live subjects :|
Focus rails and tripod are extremely difficult, at best, to use on non static subjects in the field. Table top high magnification make them virtually mandatory.
Pretty much impossible to use either on live subjects :|
Apr 26, 2015 16:59:10 #
I have two focus rails stacked on my tripod, so I can speak from experience with small-product shots.
One rail is for L-R, one for front-back. Front-back becomes up-down when my tripod's vertical member is flipped to horizontal. I find the small movements work very well in my large tabletop studio. In retrospect I would look for focus rails that move as much distance as you can find, to avoid having to move the tripod or the subject between stationary product shots.
At first, being uncertain of usefulness, I rented an expensive focus rail. This experiment showed that I needed to cover four directions, not two. The expensive rental item was much nicer than the low-cost, no-name focus rails I later bought.
For me, a "noob," the no-name pair's utility is the same and the feel is ok. The no-names are so cheap that you could buy one to try, rather than renting. Some of these rails go four ways but I did not know that when I bought my pair.
A variant of the focus rail is the copy stand for cameras. I just bought a copy stand. Why? For me, this stand more quickly handles a class of similar items I photograph (than a tripod). For example, all items in this class are 7" long,...
Some stands do up-down as well as L-R and front-back. These stands seem to be made for a tabletop studio. Some adjust by loosening and tightening a screw. Others are geared.
One rail is for L-R, one for front-back. Front-back becomes up-down when my tripod's vertical member is flipped to horizontal. I find the small movements work very well in my large tabletop studio. In retrospect I would look for focus rails that move as much distance as you can find, to avoid having to move the tripod or the subject between stationary product shots.
At first, being uncertain of usefulness, I rented an expensive focus rail. This experiment showed that I needed to cover four directions, not two. The expensive rental item was much nicer than the low-cost, no-name focus rails I later bought.
For me, a "noob," the no-name pair's utility is the same and the feel is ok. The no-names are so cheap that you could buy one to try, rather than renting. Some of these rails go four ways but I did not know that when I bought my pair.
A variant of the focus rail is the copy stand for cameras. I just bought a copy stand. Why? For me, this stand more quickly handles a class of similar items I photograph (than a tripod). For example, all items in this class are 7" long,...
Some stands do up-down as well as L-R and front-back. These stands seem to be made for a tabletop studio. Some adjust by loosening and tightening a screw. Others are geared.
Apr 26, 2015 17:04:09 #
I am looking at mostly studio work, but there will be times I will try the great outdoors. Looking for more control when focus stacking. Thanks for the comments.
tw
tw
Apr 26, 2015 17:22:19 #
photosbytw wrote:
Almost all of the stacks of "live" critters here are handheld stacks. As with everything else, it comes with practice and technique.I am looking at mostly studio work, but there will be times I will try outdoors. Looking for more control when focus stacking. Thanks for the comments.
Apr 26, 2015 20:21:24 #
photosbytw wrote:
For stacking, you want a rail that has a very fine adjustment with no slop or backlash. The inexpensive 4 way rails (I have a set) are not made for stacking. There is a fully automated (Stack Shot) unit but is a bit pricey. My rig is assembled from pieces & parts from e-Bay & misc hardware. It's capable of moving the camera/lens in .001 in. increments. It depends a lot on subject matter & the magnification that you will be shooting at. Any more questions, myself or one of the more experienced stackers should be able to help.I am looking at mostly studio work, but there will be times I will try outdoors. Looking for more control when focus stacking. Thanks for the comments.
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