macro focus slider: Does anyone have a recommendation for a macro focus slider at a reasonable (under $50) price? Amazon seems to be the only outlet with any variety. Thanks in advance...

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macro focus slider

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Feb 13, 2017 11:32:06 #

nat Loc: Martha's Vineyard, MA

Does anyone have a recommendation for a macro focus slider at a reasonable (under $50) price? Amazon seems to be the only outlet with any variety. Thanks in advance

Feb 13, 2017 11:33:09 #

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

nat wrote:

Does anyone have a recommendation for a macro focus slider at a reasonable (under $50) price? Amazon seems to be the only outlet with any variety. Thanks in advance

Check Ebay. I bought a new one on Ebay.

Feb 13, 2017 11:38:42 #

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

nat wrote:

Does anyone have a recommendation for a macro focus slider at a reasonable (under $50) price? Amazon seems to be the only outlet with any variety. Thanks in advance

Looks like that is a good source in your price range.

Feb 13, 2017 11:42:20 #

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

nat wrote:

Does anyone have a recommendation for a macro focus slider at a reasonable (under $50) price? Amazon seems to be the only outlet with any variety. Thanks in advance

The cheapest one I know of is a unit made by Velbon, but it is not under $50, I think it goes for $69 (and that's dirt cheap)!!

Feb 13, 2017 11:53:50 #

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

speters wrote:

The cheapest one I know of is a unit made by Velbon, but it is not under $50, I think it goes for $69 (and that's dirt cheap)!!

Dot Line is $19.95

Feb 13, 2017 13:04:30 #

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Neewer-4-Way-Macro-Focusing-Focus-Rail-Slider-Shot-fr-Canon-Nikon-Pentax-Olympus-/201713025906?hash=item2ef7088372:g:njMAAOSwnbZYIfGw
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Luminously-4-Way-Macro-Focusing-Rail-Professional-Smooth-Focus-Slider-for-/252765861084?hash=item3ada04f4dc:g:ftUAAOSwopRYd6RC

and for a comparison:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/B150-B-Ultimate-Pkg-Two-B150-B-Rails

Feb 13, 2017 13:16:57 #

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Depends on the intended use. The dot line isn't really intended for fine accurate adjustments like you would need for focus stacking. Something like the Velbon is the "cheapest" I would go. Of course the sky's the limit with RRS in the mix.

Rather than begin from a budget starting point, I'd start from an expectation/intended use point. You can then decide whether you can defer the purchase or not based on how much you can afford. This is an echo of the old cheap tripod dilemma.

Feb 13, 2017 13:53:16 #

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Depends on the intended use. The dot line isn't r... (show quote)

I agree but the comment was 60 was the cheapest.
Personally I would save my pennies and go in the 150-200 range.

Feb 13, 2017 15:05:08 #

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Architect1776 wrote:

I agree but the comment was 60 was the cheapest.
Personally I would save my pennies and go in the 150-200 range.

This is reminiscent of the search for a rock solid, light, tripod that'll work with a Bigma for under $100.00

Feb 14, 2017 09:49:32 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

nat wrote:

Does anyone have a recommendation for a macro focus slider at a reasonable (under $50) price? Amazon seems to be the only outlet with any variety. Thanks in advance

I have and use these - http://www.ebay.com/itm/271005741999?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Not high precision - moves back and forth in a straight line and locks - does the basic job - but probably will not impress your friends - in which case get the RRS !

Feb 14, 2017 11:18:26 #

cactuspic Loc: Dallas, TX

Unless used for focus stacking, I find there is little benefit to using a back and forth macro rail, if you are using an Arca type quick release system and a macro lens with a tripod foot. After I position the camera and tripod in position, I hold the lens with one hand, then loosen the clamp just enough so that it slides. It is easy to then move the camera/lens unit back and forth a minute amount. By using one hand to support the camera and the other to nudge the plate to or fro, it is safe, fast and precise. It also uses equipment I already own. When in the field, it is faster than fishing out the macro rail out of the bag and attaching it to the camera and tripod. Also macro rails tend to add extra weight to your bag. As there's a chance you already own this equipment, I thought I would suggest an alternative to the rail. If you do try, I would do a dry run with the camera in a horizontal position so the camera is safe while you get the feel of making tiny adjustments.

Feb 14, 2017 11:19:14 #

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

nat wrote:

Does anyone have a recommendation for a macro focus slider at a reasonable (under $50) price? Amazon seems to be the only outlet with any variety. Thanks in advance

Do some research and decide what qualities you are willing to pay for. Then you can shop more successfully.

Feb 14, 2017 13:21:17 #

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

nat wrote:

Does anyone have a recommendation for a macro focus slider at a reasonable (under $50) price? Amazon seems to be the only outlet with any variety. Thanks in advance

Just out of curiosity, what camera and lens do you plan on using with this? And what tripod (and head) are you using?

Feb 14, 2017 17:21:34 #

rcdovala

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

The Neewer 4 Way Focusing Rail is marketed under numerous names. I purchased mine about a year ago for under $20. It performs well. I have no complaints. This item most likely ships from China so it may take a couple of weeks before you receive it. As a side note, I have purchased any number of items on eBay that are shipped from China and I have never had an issue. The Chinese suppliers seem to be very much concerned with providing good service.

Feb 14, 2017 18:50:14 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

cactuspic wrote:

Unless used for focus stacking, I find there is li... (show quote)

Everything you say here is true - still, there is much compositional/convenience advantage to be derived from a long positive gear driven rail !

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