Focusing rails for stacked focus with a Canon 65mm MP-E f2.8 macro lens.
When we began to start doing stacked focus with a Canon 65mm MP-E f2.8 macro lens, the first thing we learned is that some focusing rails are almost useless. An old model from Really Right Stuff was so bad that even my assistant refused to use it. I would hope that they make them completely different today, and that they are more steady. It’s that when you loosen them to move the camera, the whole thing gets loose (has to, otherwise the camera won’t move!). But it’s a good case of “you get what you pay for.” Perhaps this early model was made only as a single-focus aid, not for stacked focus. We don’t recommend this model for stacked focus (it had no model designation on it, but the name Really Right Stuff is repeated on three sides).
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Reviews of focusing rails with macro lens, for stacked focus of insects and flowers. |
Reviews of stacked focus, focusing rails
- Novoflex focusing rails:
- Novoflex Castel-L focusing rack
- Novoflex Focusing rack mini
- Novoflex cross-MC double rail focusing rack
- Novoflex Rack Castel XL, heavy duty
- Novoflex Cross-Q Double Rail Focusing Rack
- Adorama macro focusing rail
- Kirk focusing rail; Kirk rail plate
- Really Right Stuff B150-B macro focusing rail
- Bogen Manfrotto focusing rail: 3419 micro positioning plate (this is the one we are using presently)
- Nikon PG-2 camera focusing stage
- Pentax macro focusing rail
Just realize, you get what you pay for
If you spend less you may get a focusing rail that is useless (like our old one from Really Right Stuff). I do not know if their B150-B is a new model; there is absolutely no model designation on mine (just the name of Really Right Stuff).
A focusing bellows was the old-fashioned way of doing close-up photography
Two decades ago I did most of my macro photography with a Leica bellows and then with a Hasselblad bellows (with 120mm Zeiss macro lens). But if the object you are photographing is really small, like most tiny orchid flowers or the flowers of cacao (cocoa, chocolate), then medium format is too large. So doing macro photography is one application where medium format is not much advantage (otherwise, most digital photography at FLAAR is accomplished with medium format cameras such as the Phase One P 25+).
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Here is the Hasselblad bellows, over 30 years old, still works fine. |
First posted Feb. 6, 2008.
We are adding new pages and new features so it is not always realistic to update old pages. All the old equipment is still available on eBay, so we keep even our old pages. If you wish only the most up to date product reviews, these are in PDFs (not in the web pages, but in PDFs which are linked in the columns at the right of every page.
By later in 2011 each of our web sites will be in 21 different languages with instant translation (and better than merely old fashioned web page translators of several years ago). So far all the languages are available on www.FLAAR.org and www.3d-scanners-3d-software-reviews.org. Next will be our fine art photography, giclee, decor web site.
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Available by october 2008 |
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Available by octuber 2008 |
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Available by october 2008 |
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Available by october 2008 |
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Available by october 2008 |
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Nicholas Hellmuth’s Medium Format Digital Camera Initiative
For over 40 years Nicholas Hellmuth has used Rolleiflex and Hasselblad cameras to record the flora, fauna, and archaeology of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Now for several years he is extending his medium format experience to digital photography.
Since FLAAR works both in a studio as well as out on location, we are an ideal focus for judging portability. We have experience with large format digital scan backs (the excellent BetterLight) and we also use Nikon and Canon digital cameras. A full-service digital pro should have at least one medium format digital system and should consider large format digital options as well.
Although we started with a Leaf Valeo 22 coupled with a Mamiya 645 AFD body and lenses, we are open to showcasing all bodies as well as other digital backs. Indeed we have tested an Imacon 4-shot back on a Hasselblad H1 body. Then (February 2006 onwards) we are evaluated a MegaVision black-and-white dedicated back for fine art photography. Next we are testing a 33-megapixel Phase One P 30. Since 2008 FLAAR has used a Phase One P25+ (a great way to update an aging Hasselblad ELX body with its excellent Zeiss lenses).
Camera resellers or manufacturers who wish to have their cameras, lenses, and backs included in this initiative are welcome to send their equipment for evaluation.
FLAAR is the de facto source of information because we have been university based, independent, blunt, and we are one of the few review sources that dares to review advertising specs, advertising claims, and advertising hype. We can afford to reveal all the pros and cons because FLAAR is a research institute. Photographers feel they can trust a university research professor who has devoted years to understanding the pros and cons of each aspect of a digital camera system and workflow.
Notice you are not blinded by blinking, flashing, or pesty ads for low-bid camera stores on a FLAAR photography review. I am always amused by a pseudo-review that obviously is simply paid to send you to a camera store.
You can download our colorful FLAAR Reports on our medium format digital camera initiative. |
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