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| Photo Gear Discussion Forum - Sorted by Post Date |
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Macro rail, ball head, and tripod suggestions
Message posted by jamie pringle on 01/09/10 at 3:42 pm EST
Registered on 08/10/05, 6 Topics, 9 Replies
I am looking to replace my tripod and ball head and at the same time purchase a macro rail. I would be spending up to $1,000, and wonder what people in this forum would suggest. I am leaning towards a Kirk FR-1, which takes a arca-type quik release.
Thanks for your input,
Jamie |
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Reply posted by Mike Moats on 01/09/10 at 8:45 pm EST
Registered on 10/20/04, 90 Topics, 466 Replies
Hey Jamie, I found the Acratech ultimate ballhead to be an excellent head for macro.
Here's a link to that head, http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=7&cat=1&page=1
I like and use a Feisol carbon fiber tripod, model CT-3372
Total cost for head and tripod $800.00
Are you looking to buy a rail because you plan to shoot with high magnafication. Most shooting with standard 1:1 ratio macro lens don't usually use rails. I have a cheapy rail but have only used it on a rare occasion when I have reversed lenses for high magnafication and the lens is super close to the subject and focus can get really touchy.
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Reply posted by jamie pringle on 01/09/10 at 9:23 pm EST
Registered on 08/10/05, 6 Topics, 9 Replies
Thanks Mike. Yes I was thinking of using it for higher magnification and with a reversing ring on my 105. I know you shoot a lot of outdoor macro, and it seems like the focusing rail would not be the most spontaneous device to use outdoors, let's say on insects.
What type of subjects have you used with your focusing rail?
Jamie
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Reply posted by Mike Moats on 01/09/10 at 10:04 pm EST
Registered on 10/20/04, 90 Topics, 466 Replies
I have only used my rail on subjects indoors. Mainly for flowers which produced a very abstract look. This type of abstract look has never been very successful for me when showing others or from a selling stand point so I haven't persued it much.
I haven't heard any feedback on the Kirk rail but I do that kirk make some good products so I would think it would work well. Another rail to check out is by Really Right Stuff which is another company that produces good quaility products.
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Reply posted by Gene Lugo on 01/11/10 at 04:29 am EST
Registered on 05/30/07, 1 Topics, 301 Replies
Jamie, I second Mike's recommendation for the Feisol 3372 - I bought a 3472 (4 section legs vs 3) after trying to use a more expensive Gitzo Series 3 carbon with a 500 mm lens. The Feisol was stiffer, more stable, only 2 ounces heavier and less expensive. No regrets there at all.
I ended up getting an Arca-Swiss Z1 - only 1/2 lb heavier, but I only wanted to buy one ball head. The Acratech would be my choice if I had a little extra $$ and needed to shave off the weight for backpacking and have a backup - but I found that the Z1 is really all I need. It is smooth, has a huge "sweet spot" and supports my 150 macro like it was screwed into bedrock, and does a nice job of keeping my 500mm quiet as well. I think today it would cost about $950 or so, with shipping to buy both. I would suggest you deal directly with Feisol in China - their customer service is flawless and they ship quickly.
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Reply posted by jamie pringle on 01/13/10 at 6:10 pm EST
Registered on 08/10/05, 6 Topics, 9 Replies
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Good information for me Gene, thanks. I went to the feisol website and read about the tripod. The ballhead and tripod sounds great, but since I shoot a 105 micro, and my largest telephoto is a 300 F4, I wonder if this is over kill?
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Reply posted by Gene Lugo on 02/05/10 at 09:44 am EST
Registered on 05/30/07, 1 Topics, 301 Replies
Jamie, as you get in close the effect of camera vibration increases, which would be one benefit of having a rock-solid camera platform. Unless you are traveling and need an ultralight, this could be the only tripod you'll need to buy. I shoot lots of macro outdoors, and I also do birds in flight - and it is suitable for both.
As far as focusing rails are concerned, I like the $50 ebay rails - I think they are the same as what Adorama and B and H sell for twice the price (or more) I don't own them but I have played with them in a store, and found them to be pretty sturdy and wobble-free. the obvious mod would be to attach an Arca-Swiss plate to the bottom and a clamp to the top, which will require some drilling and tapping, but it would still be less costly than the alternatives and fully functional.
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Reply posted by Pete D on 04/09/10 at 7:51 pm EST
Registered on 11/01/03, 151 Topics, 847 Replies
For me, geared focusing rails were not necessary and just added to the bulk & weight of my pack. I've been using the Arca-Swiss quick release system since the 1990s. With a longer plate on a collared lens, I have the freedom to slide the camera back and forth a bit in the clamp. That is all the focusing rail I need. I have just recently put a longer plate on my most used macro lens to make that easier, but it stays on the lens, so it's not another piece of equipment to mess with.
I'm still using ancient Arca-Swiss ball heads. They've lasted 20 years and show no sign of problem. I know there are a lot of other good choices now, but that wasn't true when I bought mine.
There are almost infinite choices now. Buy one that is sturdier than you think you need. Then next year you can get a bigger one.
Pete D. has more tripods than combs, which makes sense if you've ever seen my ball head....
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