Macro nodal/focusing rails - preferences?

[catspaw]

So far the ones I've found are RRS at $345 per rail (you can get two so you get forward/back and left/right) and Kirk at $270 per rail.

Does anyone use either of these? opinions? Bloody things are expensive, but if they are as smooth as you'd expect, it could make a huge difference in 1x+ macro work.

Any others you know about or use?

thanks!

[dbd]

So far the ones I've found are RRS at $345 per rail (you can get two so you get forward/back and left/right) and Kirk at $270 per rail.

Does anyone use either of these? opinions? Bloody things are expensive, but if they are as smooth as you'd expect, it could make a huge difference in 1x+ macro work.

Any others you know about or use?

thanks!
Nodal ninja

http://www.nodalninja.com/

Dale B. Dalrymple
http://dbdimages.com

[catspaw]

Nodal ninja

http://www.nodalninja.com/

Dale B. Dalrymple
http://dbdimages.com

Awesome :thumb

[ziggy53]

Ideally for extreme macro and true "micro" work I would want a macro rail and then a microscope type of stage with the ability to control the motion of the subject in 2 dimensions. Trying to control camera motion alone is pretty tough at the very high magnifications.

If you have to work in nature then I suggest the "bean pole" method that our Lord Vetinari uses:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=24569

[catspaw]

Ideally for extreme macro and true "micro" work I would want a macro rail and then a microscope type of stage with the ability to control the motion of the subject in 2 dimensions. Trying to control camera motion alone is pretty tough at the very high magnifications.

If you have to work in nature then I suggest the "bean pole" method that our Lord Vetinari uses:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=24569

Thanks for the link - I hadn't seen that before.

However, I'm just NOT a bug-macro person. I'm typically right down on my hands and knees and studying small itty bitty plants and flowers. That's my :lust . The RSS does let you use four dimensions (forward/back, right/left) if you get two of them but that's just an insane price for something I still consider 'art' and haven't made profit off of yet. Mostly, I want something that allows me to STOP handholding but get near/far (forward/back) from my subject while my tripod is splayed out nearly flat on the ground (thankfully I DID get one that does that....)

[gryphonslair99]

This was my choice:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/163878-REG/Novoflex_CASTEL_MINI_Focusing_Rack_Small_Mini_.htm l

But then I got it for $35.00 new in a photography shop. The owner had it on the shelf for a while. Only one directional. The bi-directional is a touch more expensive. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/379022-REG/Novoflex_CASTEL_CROSS_Q_Cross_Q_Double_Rail_Focusi ng.html

[catspaw]

This was my choice:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/163878-REG/Novoflex_CASTEL_MINI_Focusing_Rack_Small_Mini_.htm l

But then I got it for $35.00 new in a photography shop. The owner had it on the shelf for a while. Only one directional. The bi-directional is a touch more expensive. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/379022-REG/Novoflex_CASTEL_CROSS_Q_Cross_Q_Double_Rail_Focusi ng.html

Wow what a deal! I've heard of Novoflex but hadn't thought to goggle for any. thanks!