Opinions on a Macro Rail

[brecklundin]

One of the main things i used to justify getting a true macro lens was taking shots of jewelry. And while I know a macro rail is not really helpful when shooting creepy crawly things, it would certainly be helpful in reducing the need to either move the tripod or piece I am shooting. Since I will be using a pretty small aperture to get enough DOF I would not be wanting the rail to adjust focus as much as to compensate for fitting the piece in the frame. Plus my workspace is not large. Moving and re-adjusting everything could get to be a real PITA. Soooo, I thought I would as for opinions of simple lower priced macro rails.

Seems as if folks really like the Velbon Mag Macro Rail ($99 at B&H) and I have been looking at the generic "4-way rails" found all over eBay that look to be the same as the one sold under Adorama label for about $175 (can be had from a US based seller for about $50 w/o the 30% cashback). Those are the two which seem to fit my needs and again not have to sell a kidney and/or lung to purchase.

Of the two which do people thing will support a 40D, Sigma 180 and a 430EX II...most shots would be with a slight to moderate downward tilt so I just want to be sure one of these will do the simple job I need it for...super precision is not paramount just getting in the ballpark and staying put is all I need...so a $500 high precision name brand rail is way overkill.

I need a decent flash bracket too but that can be worked around for now...besides I think I'll end up with a Stroboflip which would let me get the flash past the end of the 180mm with the hood in place. But that is a WHOOOOLE other thread.

Any experiences would be appreciated. :)

[dpastern]

I have a Manfrotto focusing rail, works well. I wouldn't use it for live insects etc, but for jewellery images, when mounted on a tripod, it'll work well. Not too expensive either, probably should be able to pick it up for around US $140 or so at a rough guess.

Dave

[brecklundin]

dpastern:

Thanks for the feedback on the Manfrotto rail. It also is on my short list. Can you tell me how well it handles moderatly heavy gear? As I am sure you know the Sigma 180mm weighs in at about 965g/34.0 oz. so with the camera, flash and flash bracket it's a good 4-5lbs.

Basically as long as the thing stays put while pointing down I am happy. :) Of course a lemon is always possible from any brand. ;)

[dpastern]

Well, considering I was using a 430ex, Sigma 150mm and 1D, I think it might be OK with your rig ;-) The gearing is not 100% perfect, but it's reasonably good, and you'll probably have to spend considerable more amounts of money to better it.

Dave

[brecklundin]

Thanks Dave...that is exactly the info I was hoping for...both of our setups are pretty close weight wise though mine might be a few ounces lighter but close enough either way.

And yup, I know it's not going to be micrometer accurate but sure will be better than trying to move the tripod back and forth or doing the " move the piece, then adjust the head so the pices is in the center of the frame.." dance to get focus. I have just an unreal amount of not just jewelry but small items I really need to sell off in Q1 '09 and the less time I spend adjusting a shot the more I can get rid of every week...your info helped a great deal.

Much appreciated!! :)

[dpastern]

You're welcome!

Dave

PS I rarely use the manfrotto unit, as I do most of insect/arachnid macro out in the field without a tripod.