Focus rails
Sep 29, 2012 09:59:51 #
I am loving my new Nikkor 105G on my D7000 - eagerly awaiting my O-Flash! Looking for advice on decent focusing rails /systems. Found a Fotomate LP 01 online for $15.99 is it reasonable or a cheapy ?? any recommendations ?? as well i have just a few more questions I see on the macro equipment set up page that no one uses their lens hood - is this because of shadows from flash perhaps ?? Last question recommendations on stacking software I hear it can be done with Lightroom 4.1 ??? I currently only have Lightroom
Sep 29, 2012 10:16:59 #
On lens hoods-- I use them when I can. The macro lighting kit I have attaches to the front lens like a filter.
I use a Velbon "super mag slider". It's a little more than $100 USD and has x & y axis movement. I reversed the position of the x & y orientation because it ships with both focusing knobs on the right side-- my fingers don't fit and, more importantly, my technique is to adjust plane of focus with my left hand while I operate the remote release with my right. Both axis are useful for fine tuning composition.
I cannot comment on the focusing rail you mentioned, other than to say that it seems to low (in price) to have the small, smooth movements necessary to get the precision in your captures necessary for quality stacks.
As far as stacking in LR-- I have no knowledge.
RE composition: you will find it necessary to compose loosely because you will need to crop the sides.
Check out the work of Nath on this site. He is a true master.
I use a Velbon "super mag slider". It's a little more than $100 USD and has x & y axis movement. I reversed the position of the x & y orientation because it ships with both focusing knobs on the right side-- my fingers don't fit and, more importantly, my technique is to adjust plane of focus with my left hand while I operate the remote release with my right. Both axis are useful for fine tuning composition.
I cannot comment on the focusing rail you mentioned, other than to say that it seems to low (in price) to have the small, smooth movements necessary to get the precision in your captures necessary for quality stacks.
As far as stacking in LR-- I have no knowledge.
RE composition: you will find it necessary to compose loosely because you will need to crop the sides.
Check out the work of Nath on this site. He is a true master.
Sep 29, 2012 14:28:18 #
My Working Distance (from lens front element to subject) is usually 6-inches to 12-inches, precluding the use of a lens hood.
Sep 29, 2012 16:05:09 #
what he said
:thumbup:
Nikonian72 wrote:
My Working Distance (from lens front element to subject) is usually 6-inches to 12-inches, precluding the use of a lens hood.
:thumbup:
Sep 29, 2012 16:18:27 #
Just talking out loud here. Not sure how much experience you have at photography. You'll find macro just a tad different. Requires a good understanding of Macro DOF. I say Macro DOF because the closer to an object the shallower the DOF, and I mean Fractions of inches. Not to mention focal plane of subject being photographed. Now you throw in a need for good light, low ISO, shutter speed, subject matter that doesn't stand still, just to name a few oddities that go with Macro and not normal photography. You might want to try your hand at just the basics before anymore purchases. Heck you might find a specific subject you like best and head down a different path then you see now. Nikonian has tons of experience along with other fellows on this forum, from reverse lens, tubes, bellows, photo stacking ect.. Maybe pick their brains a little and practice a little before you spend any more money. Just talking out loud.
Sep 29, 2012 17:02:00 #
As for your question on the Fotomate LP 01, I have one. Yes it is cheap but it works for fine focus adjustment. I only wish I could find a better one for the same price.
Sep 30, 2012 11:48:11 #
Sep 30, 2012 11:52:31 #
RWCRNC wrote:
For fine focus adjustments in macro photography.What is a focus rail, please
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=focus+rail&qpvt=focus+rail&FORM=IGRE
Sep 30, 2012 13:01:06 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Great idea! I just did the same.I use a Velbon "super mag slider". It's a little more than $100 USD and has x & y axis movement. I reversed the position of the x & y orientation because it ships with both focusing knobs on the right side
Re - focusing rail, the answer really depends on what you're hoping to shoot, the size/mag. What are you hoping to take shots of?
Sep 30, 2012 13:02:50 #
Nass wrote:
Will one of you please post a close-up photo of your rail with new knob positioning?LoneRangeFinder wrote:
Great idea! I just did the sameI use a Velbon "super mag slider". It's a little more than $100 USD and has x & y axis movement. I reversed the position of the x & y orientation because it ships with both focusing knobs on the right side
Sep 30, 2012 15:53:31 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Once in a while I am able to isolate a tiny wild flower in the field. So far, because to the inevitable breeze factor, most of my stacks have been in a controlled environment in a make-shift studio set-up. Will one of you please post a close-up photo of your rail with new knob positioning?
The focusing rail is attached. When it ships the two knobs are located on the right side. Set screws on the bottom can be removed and the x y movements reversed. You can also use them alone-- but I like having both adjustments available
Sep 30, 2012 20:50:30 #
the velbon looks like a well made unit I am still relatively new to macro just got my macro lens last week and seeing as fall is upon us up here in canada finding bugs or decent flowers outdoors is really a no go . I was thinking about setting up a small macro studio to fool around with during the cold months. any recomendations on software for stacking ??? very quickly i have expierienced the DOF FUN !!!
Sep 30, 2012 21:06:31 #
Hankwt wrote:
I use Helicon Focus. Zerene Stacker is also a popular one. Nass is the master of stacking-- and may have another suggestion. You can also stack from LR and Photoshop-- but I've never used them. My version of PS is too old to have that capability.Any recommendations on software for stacking ??? very quickly i have experienced the DoF FUN !!!
Sep 30, 2012 21:07:06 #
Question about the Velbon "super mag slider". Are there knobs for adjustments on both sides are does it come left hand or right hand? I am not sure of what I am seeing in the picture.
Sep 30, 2012 21:11:25 #
Bangee5 wrote:
Out of the box, the two knobs are on the right side. I reversed mine using the set screws on the bottom. So now the side movement knob is on the right (bottom) and the back to forward movement is on the left (top). I hold the cable release in my right hand and move the rail with my left hand. I use a 2-second shutter delay to allow the camera to "settle".Question about the Velbon "super mag slider". Are there knobs for adjustments on both sides are does it come left hand or right hand? I am not sure of what I am seeing in the picture.
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