Focusing Rail help ?

AndySwinden

AndySwinden

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Andy
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Can anyone recommend a decent focusing rail for macro work ?

I currently use a D200 with 105mm lens.

I have been looking at the Manfrotto 454 - I have (and like) Manfrotto tripods but have read mixed reviews of the 454.

Has anyone used the Manfrotto rail, or got any other recommendations ??

Thanks for your help :)
 
I have not used or seen the 454, but in general I am not in awe of Manfrotto's stuff, and I say that as the owner of a 682B and 441C1 and at work have and use a 190XPROB with 804RC2. I certainly don't think well of Manfrotto's RC2 QR system - Arca-swiss type is significantly better.

My father wanted a good macro rail, and he went for the Kirk FR1. Yes, it's expensive, but it is an absolutely excellent piece of kit. You'll never buy another focusing rail ever again.
 
Redsnapper do one. No idea of quality but seems reasonably priced.
 
The Kirk one does look great, but is a little pricey for me. I've had any Redsnapper stuff in my hands, but I know people on TP think highly of it.....might give that one a try.

Anyone tried the RS rail ????
 
A colleague of mine bought a redsnapper tripod and ball head, and I took a look at the head (here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=3073275). It's not bad, so I guess the focusing rail will offer a similar value proposition - most of the functionality of the kirk, but without quite the same level of fit and finish but without the commeasurate price to go with it... The Redsnapper does offer the significant advantage over the manfrotto of using the Arca-Swiss clamp system.

Interesting that the three are almost exactly evenly spaced on cost - the manfrotto at £62, the redsnapper £110 and the kirk £195 (1X, 2X, 3X). Of course, diminishing returns will apply... I am sure the redsnapper will work well and do the job for you.
 
I-S said:
A colleague of mine bought a redsnapper tripod and ball head, and I took a look at the head (here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=3073275). It's not bad, so I guess the focusing rail will offer a similar value proposition - most of the functionality of the kirk, but without quite the same level of fit and finish but without the commeasurate price to go with it... The Redsnapper does offer the significant advantage over the manfrotto of using the Arca-Swiss clamp system.

Interesting that the three are almost exactly evenly spaced on cost - the manfrotto at £62, the redsnapper £110 and the kirk £195 (1X, 2X, 3X). Of course, diminishing returns will apply... I am sure the redsnapper will work well and do the job for you.
Click to expand...

Cheers, Thanks for the info.
 
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