macro rails

[fragdude]

looking at getting a macro rail, but the £200 warehouse express puts me off, looked on ebay and they either seem to be a rail with bellows built in (i dont want) or a 4 way rail for £30 like this one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-way-Macro-Shot-Focusing-Rail-Slider-for-SLR-DSLR-DC_W0QQitemZ110365122194QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Came rasPhoto_CameraAccessories_TripodsSupports?hash=it em19b2461e92&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A2109%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C 240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

is it any good or is it cheap for a reason, ie naff?

[Tokkelossi]

mmmmm ... dont know about this .... £32? .... maybe also have to pay import & vat if it gets caught up in customs.

i would take a punt if i had the spare money and if its not what you want .... sell it on ebay :-)

[RichardtheSane]

I have one of these.

They are pretty good for the money. They are nowhere near the build quality or smoothness of the more expensive models but for the price I'm happy.

In short it works, and it does what it is designed for pretty well. You do really need a large tripod head plate or QR plate though as the tripod screw is in an odd position.

[Just Dave]

Eosjohn got one exactly like that, In my opinion its well build metal construction, Ive tried it on a couple of occasions and found it to be good, versatile and sturdy. I dont know if he bought it from there although he did get it off ebay,and at that price +PP it came labled as a gift to avoid import duty. HTH

[fragdude]

cheers for the replys guys, gonna give it a try, like you said easily sell it if its not up to scratch,

i'll let you know how it turns out.

thanks
jason

[JonP]

Two other options are the Manfrotto MA 454 Micro positioning plate or the Velbon http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Velbon-4Way-Macro-Focus-Slider-Rail-for-Nikon-Canon-K5G_W0QQitemZ370261489102QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Cam erasPhoto_CameraAccessories_TripodsSupports?hash=i tem56354df5ce&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 (which comes apart to move in just one direction)
Both come in at around £70

[Dogfish_magnet]

**cough** there's a manfrotto MA 454 for trade in the sale / trade area....here (http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=165757)

[eggbanjo]

I have one of the ebay ones It does what it says on the tin. Its sturdy with a neat adjustment range.:thumbs:

[whiteflyer]

Eosjohn got one exactly like that, In my opinion its well build metal construction, Ive tried it on a couple of occasions and found it to be good, versatile and sturdy. I dont know if he bought it from there although he did get it off ebay,and at that price +PP it came labled as a gift to avoid import duty. HTH

Having had a look at John's last week I have ordered one of these for £29.00 :)

[fragdude]

you wont be disapointed, for the price im well chuffed with mine, as a side not mine also came marked gift so no customs :)