Focusing Rails

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

Does anyone use focusing rails? Are they effective? I am looking at one for a Sigma 150mm macro lens, particually:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554343-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_454_454_Micrometric_Pos itioning_Sliding.html

Any help would be appreciated.
--Rick

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

Nobody out there uses focusing rails? How do you people focus with the MPE-65?

Any help would be appreciated.

--Rick

[John_B]

Nobody out there uses focusing rails? How do you people focus with the MPE-65?rrdjserv@earthlink.net,
Nope, no focusing rails for my MP-E 65.
Most of my macro photos are hand held (thankfully to a flash) but in the few times I use my tripod I either adjust my tripod or just move it, and it works great :)

[pturton]

For active subjects such as insects, hand held with flash is the most productive method for me. The short flash duration acts as the shutter to stop camera and subject movement. Even a snail presents a problem following using a tripod mounted camera when shooting at 1:1 or greater. With good and practiced technique, the MP-E 65 is quite usable hand held up to 3X and with some subjects up to 5X. Stacking of images is a challenge but very doable with some practice. 3 or 4 images is my limit with a co-operative subjects.

For stationary subjects that give me lots of time to set up and compose, I use the Really Right Stuff B150-B Macro Focusing Rail with my EF 100 mm f/2.8 USM and MP-E 65 mm. It is expensive and requires matching plates for camera or lens but well worth the price for the ease of use it provides. A rock solid tripod is also necessary. For critical focus on stationary subjects a quality rail and tripod make for accuracy without frustration.

My first focus stack attempt using the B150-B macro rail is a stack of 21 images using my 40D, EF 100, ancient Vivitar pro tripod, RRS BH-55, B150-B macro rail. CS4 was used to stack the images.

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

Thank you both for you responces. --Rick

[Cyclop]

Adorama has a very nice Macro Focusing 4-Way Rail Set for around $175.

[rrdjserv@earthlink.net]

Cyclop-

I think the Adorama is the one I will purchase when I make the plunge. Thanks for your imput.

--Rick