Focusing Rail Recommendations?

[tirediron]

As the current annoyance shows no sign of abating, I'm on the hunt, as I'm sure many are, of ways to amuse myself. One of things I thought about is doing some more macro work and image stacking. To that end, I figure I'll invest in a new focusing rail. I currently use this Manfrotto model, which is okay from a quality standpoint, but annoying as it only has a single axis.

What I'm looking for is a good quality rail with X and Y axis adjustment and WITHOUT an Arca-Swiss style mount, but with graduations and good fine-adjustment control. There are LOTS of them out, but most of the better ones seem to use an Arca-Swiss mounting system and I have invested in Manfrotto mount that don't really feel like starting another system. I don't mind paying for quality.

 

[Alexr25]

All you need a second Manfrotto rail. If you mount it on top of the first one at right angles and you get a high quality 2 axis focusing rail with fine adjustments.

 

[Original katomi]

I have a mid range something, did not look at brand, because I mount a manfrotto head on the rail before putting camera on the head
Any help?

 

[tirediron]

All you need a second Manfrotto rail. If you mount it on top of the first one at right angles and you get a high quality 2 axis focusing rail with fine adjustments.

Have to admit, I'd not thought of that. I still think I might prefer an 'as built' two axis model, but that's worth some thought. Thanks.

I have a mid range something, did not look at brand, because I mount a manfrotto head on the rail before putting camera on the head
Any help?

Thanks... looking more for brands/models that people like and/or don't like at this point.

 

[Original katomi]

Ok will look at what my brand is and let you know

 

[tirediron]

Ok will look at what my brand is and let you know

Thanks!

 

[Overread36]

Most of the two axis are just two rails bolted atop each other. Personally I never liked the manfrotto design. I far prefer this kind:

Focusing Rail

You can use one at a time or both. I find it easier to use for fine control. Note that's just a random ebay link there are loads of stores selling the same product, just search for focusing rails.


If you want to step up from there then I'd recommend Novoflex, which I've not used but far as I can tell are basically the top end before you get to motorised rails
Focusing Racks - NOVOFLEX Präzisionstechnik GmbH

Of course they come with an appropriate higher price being a niche top end product.

 

[Original katomi]

Tired Iron
Hiya photos of my rail system bar code inc hope this helps
I use this a lot and find it to be v good for a mid priced item
It’s a fixed plate so I attach a manfrotto head

 

[tirediron]

Most of the two axis are just two rails bolted atop each other. Personally I never liked the manfrotto design. I far prefer this kind:

Focusing Rail

You can use one at a time or both. I find it easier to use for fine control. Note that's just a random ebay link there are loads of stores selling the same product, just search for focusing rails.


If you want to step up from there then I'd recommend Novoflex, which I've not used but far as I can tell are basically the top end before you get to motorised rails
Focusing Racks - NOVOFLEX Präzisionstechnik GmbH

Of course they come with an appropriate higher price being a niche top end product.

Thanks! Good info.

Tired Iron
Hiya photos of my rail system bar code inc hope this helps
I use this a lot and find it to be v good for a mid priced item
It’s a fixed plate so I attach a manfrotto head

Perfect!!!!

 

[Overread36]

Yep same design as Katomi's. It's a popular rail and certainly does the rounds with a load of different branding names. Now that I think of it I think B&H or one of the other big american photography stores even uses them under their own branding.

 

[adamhiram]

I picked up an Oben MFR4-5 focusing rail last year and have been very happy with it. 2 axes of adjustment, fairly solid, and uses standard Arca plates. More stable than the generic MIC ones everyone sells, probably not as good as the much more expensive ones, but feels like a good balance of price vs. performance. There was a thread about this last summer that provided some good recommendations.

 

[tirediron]

Thanks!!!

 

[JBPhotog1]

Sorry but virtually all of the best ones are likely to have an Arca Swiss clamp and rail system. If you want accuracy and micrometer adjustments then there are really only a few options.

It might be best to define a budget and see what’s available rather than just omit everything that is Arca Swiss, maybe a lesser quality one would fit the bill. How serious are you planning to head down that rabbit hole, I hear it can be quite involved?

 

[tirediron]

Sorry but virtually all of the best ones are likely to have an Arca Swiss clamp and rail system. If you want accuracy and micrometer adjustments then there are really only a few options.

It might be best to define a budget and see what’s available rather than just omit everything that is Arca Swiss, maybe a lesser quality one would fit the bill. How serious are you planning to head down that rabbit hole, I hear it can be quite involved?

Not overly concerned with budget; the most expensive ones I've seen are all <$1K, and given how long it looks like the current stupidity is going to last, I can justify spending that sort of money to save some sanity. My only objection to the Arca-Swiss system is I've already got a LOT in Manfrotto, and I'd prefer to avoid having another system, but that may be something I have to live with....

 

[adamhiram]

My only objection to the Arca-Swiss system is I've already got a LOT in Manfrotto, and I'd prefer to avoid having another system, but that may be something I have to live with...

I couldn’t agree more, and unfortunately I think you’re out of luck with that. I love Manfrotto’s RC2 QR system - I can secure or remove my camera from a tripod in under a second. With Arca plates, I feel like that turns into 5-10s to get it positioned right and secured. That being said, if I can’t stick with one standard, I figured I might as well use another one that is common.

Something you might find useful is this combined RC2/Arca plate from Manfrotto that will work with either system. The only reason I didn’t go that route is I also regularly use a BlackRapid strap that works well with either RC2 or Arca plates, but apparently the adapter doesnt fit this thinner combined plate (or at least Manfrotto support couldn’t assure me it would work).