Macro Rail Suggestions
Nov 13, 2012 11:50:30 #
RRS and Novaflex are in the $400-$600 range....nice equipment but too expensive for me.
I saw a lot of macro-rails for sale on eBay from very inexpensive to
expensive.
Can anyone suggest something in the $150 range? I ordered a
Sigma 150mm 2.8. I'd like to shoot some bugs and flowers 1:1.
I saw a lot of macro-rails for sale on eBay from very inexpensive to
expensive.
Can anyone suggest something in the $150 range? I ordered a
Sigma 150mm 2.8. I'd like to shoot some bugs and flowers 1:1.
Nov 13, 2012 12:13:57 #
As in most things photographic, you get what you pay for.
After playing with two dirt cheap no-name rails from eBay (shipped Hong Kong), I settled on two name brands.
The first one I can recommend to you - a Manfrotto model 454. It works well, is well made by a very well known company (made in Italy) and about $75 on line.
See this link for more information & free shipping: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554343-REG/Manfrotto_454_454_Micrometric_Positioning_Sliding.html
My favorite is too expensive by most common sense standards, but once I got past the costs involved, I love it! It is a RRS macro rail system. Nuff said.
After playing with two dirt cheap no-name rails from eBay (shipped Hong Kong), I settled on two name brands.
The first one I can recommend to you - a Manfrotto model 454. It works well, is well made by a very well known company (made in Italy) and about $75 on line.
See this link for more information & free shipping: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554343-REG/Manfrotto_454_454_Micrometric_Positioning_Sliding.html
My favorite is too expensive by most common sense standards, but once I got past the costs involved, I love it! It is a RRS macro rail system. Nuff said.
Nov 13, 2012 12:35:14 #
RIGHT do NOT be put off by the price, I bought one of these for a one off job
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-way-Macro-Focusing-Rail-Slider-Tripod-Bracket-f-Canon-Nikon-Camera-Lens-Flash-/120931951813?pt=UK_Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item1c281b24c5
When I received it I found that both of the parts that make up the rail come apart and can be used separately as they have their own tripod bushes.
I washed off the typical heavy duty grease and replaced it with quality (Vasoline!), and it is silky smooth.
I rcently sold it as I no longer had a need for it, as I find macro shooting easier without it, but it is WELL WORTH the small cost.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-way-Macro-Focusing-Rail-Slider-Tripod-Bracket-f-Canon-Nikon-Camera-Lens-Flash-/120931951813?pt=UK_Tripods_Heads_Stablisers&hash=item1c281b24c5
When I received it I found that both of the parts that make up the rail come apart and can be used separately as they have their own tripod bushes.
I washed off the typical heavy duty grease and replaced it with quality (Vasoline!), and it is silky smooth.
I rcently sold it as I no longer had a need for it, as I find macro shooting easier without it, but it is WELL WORTH the small cost.
Nov 13, 2012 13:27:01 #
Ugly HedgeHog has a specialty section just for macro. I invite you to view the True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
Several of our macro-photographers use focusing rails, and a few have posted photos of their macro set-ups here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html . Feel free to Private Message (PM) any member about their rail preference, or start a new inquiry thread on the Macro Forum.
Please read the first thread entitled Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum.
To place Macro Forum on your UHH home page, you must subscribe here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/section_list.jsp .
Several of our macro-photographers use focusing rails, and a few have posted photos of their macro set-ups here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html . Feel free to Private Message (PM) any member about their rail preference, or start a new inquiry thread on the Macro Forum.
Please read the first thread entitled Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum.
To place Macro Forum on your UHH home page, you must subscribe here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/section_list.jsp .
Nov 13, 2012 14:00:50 #
Nov 14, 2012 05:29:38 #
I bought one of the single and double cheap ones,,, If you want very precice macro dont bother with them,, They jump move sideways and drag,,, I sent the double one back ,, kept the single but never use it,,They really are cheap and nasty,,,,
Jimmy
Jimmy
Nov 14, 2012 06:22:16 #
I have a rrs macro rail I know I won't have to buy again. It has been said you can buy cheap but when you keep having to buy then eventually you will have spent more then if you would have just bought quality from the beginning
Nov 14, 2012 06:49:14 #
I have two Manfroto 3419 - one for back and forth, the other for side-to-side. Also have a Novo 7830 smaller, easier to tote. Use these when I'm going some where since I discovered Kirk Enterprize's table top stand - use it at home and don't have to manuever a tripod around the tabler. Use my Manfrotto Junior Pro geared head for precise placement.
Nov 14, 2012 06:52:51 #
Nov 14, 2012 07:01:18 #
gilril
Loc: Wilton, Maine
I,too, have the Manfrotto model 454. It is very well made and well worth the price. I would point out that it only adjusts front & back, and not sidewise also.
Nov 14, 2012 07:19:19 #
gilril wrote:
I,too, have the Manfrotto model 454. It is very well made and well worth the price. I would point out that it only adjusts front & back, and not sidewise also.
The two that I mentioned are individual slides that can be mounted one on top of the other thus giving the side-to-side movement
Nov 14, 2012 07:52:41 #
JR1 wrote:
RIGHT do NOT be put off by the price, I bought one... (show quote)
Looks good, especially for the price. I never knew such things existed.
Nov 14, 2012 08:32:20 #
Kinda impractical for field use, better suited in studio environs. Bugs don't normally sit still for long & usually have moved on by the time it takes to set it all up
Nov 14, 2012 08:40:31 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Kinda impractical for field use, better suited in studio environs. Bugs don't normally sit still for long & usually have moved on by the time it takes to set it all up
Some members put the bugs in a freezer for a few minutes, and that keeps them immobile. Just don't forget that they're in there. It might be a shock to other members of the family.
Nov 14, 2012 08:51:36 #
I just posted some shots of a spider over on the True macro forum that I had caught after I found it. I had put it in a specimen jar & then put it on my desk next to the computer. Forgot about it till my wife happened upon it....Needless to say, she had a few choice words for me as to why I left it where I did...
jerryc41 wrote:
Some members put the bugs in a freezer for a few minutes, and that keeps them immobile. Just don't forget that they're in there. It might be a shock to other members of the family.
Screamin Scott wrote:
Kinda impractical for field use, better suited in studio environs. Bugs don't normally sit still for long & usually have moved on by the time it takes to set it all up
Some members put the bugs in a freezer for a few minutes, and that keeps them immobile. Just don't forget that they're in there. It might be a shock to other members of the family.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.