Focussing rail for macro work

[SkipD]

Does anyone have suggestions for a focussing rail to enable fine forward/back movement of the camera on a tripod when doing macro work? I see there are many types, with wide price variations. I'm looking for something in the lower end of the price range while still getting good movement control and a solid base for the camera - if that's possible. I need something for about 5 pounds of camera/lens. Please tell me why you'd choose one over another.

Thanks in advance.

[gasrocks]

On paper, the focusing rail sounds like a good idea. But, if you get a tripod head you can adjust easily - I find you don't need one. Just one more thing to lug around, more weight on the top of the tripod (wrong end,) etc. I think B&H have a nice one for about $100. but........

[SkipD]

I've used a tripod and tried various heads for this sort of thing before, but if the subject isn't straight down from the camera, then you can't use the tripod adjustments to move the camera closer to or further away from the subject (by tiny amounts) with any real control. You'd have to move the subject or the tripod. That's why I'm looking at a focussing rail.

Any others with comments, please?

[psk4363]

Manfrotto/Bogen do a focussing rail (3419). Here's the link to it on B&H: -

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=162665&is=REG

I use it with my Canon 100 2.8 Macro. There's no 'backlash' when you stop the movement, unlike some other makes. I would recommend it - especially for the price.

Barry

[SkipD]

That's the one I have been looking at, Barry. Thanks for the information.

I've been wondering if paying three times the price gets anything that's significantly better.

[psk4363]

I would seriously doubt it - the rail only moves the lens/camera, so as long as it stops where you want it to stop, and not suffer any 'extra' movement (the Manfrotto doesn't) why pay any more. Go on - go get it!

Barry

[SkipD]

I think you've convinced me, Barry. I've always been happy with Bogen/Manfrotto products (I have a couple of their tripods and several heads).

Thanks.

[gasrocks]

Lately, I have been using my Bogen 3028 head for macro work. It flips, flops, adjusts in so many ways. I have started using it for wildlife work as well - gee, couldn't be I am too lazy to just change heads. I do not spend a lot of time/effort aligning macro pix, but maybe that is just me.

[Alan Neilson]

I also use the manfrotto macro focusing rail and like it it is fairly light weight, and fairly flat so easy to carry, I ue it with my Benbo Treker tripod and 10D woth Tamaron 90mm macro and some times with tubes. It can get a bit to heavy, I just have to get the legs set right then I am ok. The thing I like about using one is that you can get set up being nearly in the right postion and then that just gives you that bit of lee way to get it just right. It locks tightly and the movement is smooth. I recomend it!