FotoMate Macro Focusing Rail Question: Has anyone used this set-up? Is it anygood?

EoS_User Loc: Oshawa, Ontario Canada

Has anyone used this set-up? Is it anygood?

Fotomate

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I have never used that particular "brand", but these are Chinese generics sold under a multitude of names. They work, but the quality is pretty low, the rubber pads come off easily, and the adjustment motion is far from smooth. But they are cheap at around $25 if that's what you are after.

EoS_User Loc: Oshawa, Ontario Canada

Thanks for the input MT Shooter, your opinion is quite reliable. What would your recommendation be for this type of device.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

EoS_User wrote:

Thanks for the input MT Shooter, your opinion is quite reliable. What would your recommendation be for this type of device.

This one is very stable and smooth:
http://www.kirkphoto.com/Focusing_Rail_FR-1.html

Also this one works quite well and has a bit more adjustment:
http://www.novoflex.com/en/products/macro-accessories/focusing-racks/castel/

I think B&H carries both of these, they will probably have the best prices too.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

EoS_User wrote:

Has anyone used this set-up? Is it anygood?

I have one which I assembled by combining two Novaflex sliders. Mine works better than any commercial macro slider I have ever seen or used.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi EOS User,

I bought one of the cheap macro rails. After I got it I took it apart, cleaned off any rough edges and applied lube. It works fine after "cleaning it up" but it is not equal to one of the more expensive models. Take care & ...

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

EoS_User wrote:

Has anyone used this set-up? Is it anygood?

I wouldn't go that route. I would not recommend any macro focusing rail that did not have dual stainless steel "guide rods" along with a geared adjustment mechanism. The same question was just asked in the Macro forum. I use the Velbon "Super Mag" Slider.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-139877-1.html#2366745

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

EoS_User wrote:

Thanks for the input MT Shooter, your opinion is quite reliable. What would your recommendation be for this type of device.

I have been using the Velbon Macro Slider for many years ($69) and I'm quite fond of it, but I just ordered a motorized version for more accuracy.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

EoS_User wrote:

Has anyone used this set-up? Is it anygood?

I've got one, it works pretty good. Can't beat the cost. Take Al Beatty's advice.

EoS_User Loc: Oshawa, Ontario Canada

Thanks for the feedback everyone it is all apreciated. MT your recomendations are great however, they appear to be too spendy for my wallet. I'm going to check the Velbon models that LoneRangeFinder and speters spoke of. Al Beatty and wlgoode your suggestions are good as well. I'll have to examine my options. Thanks again everybody.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

EoS_User wrote:

Thanks for the feedback everyone it is all apreciated. MT your recomendations are great however, they appear to be too spendy for my wallet. I'm going to check the Velbon models that LoneRangeFinder and speters spoke of. Al Beatty and wlgoode your suggestions are good as well. I'll have to examine my options. Thanks again everybody.

Do you have swap meets or boot sales in your area? I picked up both of my Novaflex (both Castels BTW) racks at different swap meets at 1/10 of their retail value.

Big Stopper Loc: London

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

I wouldn't go that route. I would not recommend any macro focusing rail that did not have dual stainless steel "guide rods" along with a geared adjustment mechanism. The same question was just asked in the Macro forum. I use the Velbon "Super Mag" Slider.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-139877-1.html#2366745

I bought one of these last week and it works really well.

EoS_User Loc: Oshawa, Ontario Canada

bobbybob wrote:

I bought one of these last week and it works really well.

What is it you bought bobbybob, the FotoMate or the Velbon?

Big Stopper Loc: London

EoS_User wrote:

What is it you bought bobbybob, the FotoMate or the Velbon?

The Velbon - very pleased with it.

Menkaure Loc: Michigan

I would be interested in someones used one as long as it wasn't one of the cheap-o Chinese models. Let me know.