focus rail and head recomendations

Hi,

I'm looking to get a geared focusing rail for macro photography and wondered if anyone here had any experience with them. From what i've read the really right stuff one looks very nice, but with a price tag to match(is there a UK supplier or would i have to order from the US?). Manfrotto have one at a much more reasonable price but some reviews said the build quality wasn't as good - as the whole point of a focus rail is to get very precice movement any play at all would be a problem so I'm prepared to spend the money if it makes a difference.

Any others that i should consider? I want something with a low profile (for working close to the ground) and very precise movement. I don't want side to side movement or a particularly long rail - Its just for focusing not for positioning.

I'm also looking to get a new ball head that would be compatible with the Arac-Swiss style plates. I've read quite a few good reviews of the Markins head (M20)- any one here used it? other options would be the Kirk or the slightly more expensive Arac-Swiss B1g both of which have excellent reputations.

thanks

Graham

Hi I think manfrotto do one the 454 Micro Positioning Plate i think it is,

Phillip.

I have a cheaper Benro ball head, and am pretty please with it as it has not malfunctioned as yet... but Benro don't do a B1G size head ( I think)

I have to say i also have a benro head but it requires taking of the tripod all the time and tightening back up as the three screws in the base undo themselves every few days!!

Don't know if i just got a bad one but just thought i would let you know.

Brian

Loctite.

T

I use the RSS BH-55. Its a beauty. Haven't had much experience with other ball heads, but I can't imagine there are any better. The panning motion is incredibly smooth. All the knobs are individually machined for a different size and feel, so you don't have to look. The main control has a slip clutch so you can create extra tension when working with larger lenses. The plates are great too. They have a non-slip flange so if you release the mechanism the lens won't just fall off.

Am interested in a focus rail too, so would appreciate suggestions!

I have had a go with loctite, sellotape, bluetack and prayers!!!!! but no matter what it still works its way loose again welding will be next

I have the 454 micro positioning rail fitted with a quick release adaptor but it does have some faults. There is backlash in the lead screw which can be avoided if you only use it focussing in one direction. The second fault is more significant as there is significant sideways movement in the rail which with macro work is very obvious.

I still use it but for accurate use during focus stacking photography I have purchased a linear positioning rail used on optical tables and modified it to take a quick release plate.

I have the Markins M10 head, and have had no problems, although haven`t compared it to anything similar.

Re: Manfrotto 454. I bought one recently, as a general purpose rail I think it is well made and very good value. There is a locking adjustment and once set there is little play from side to side. Yes there is a bit of backlash but I can cope with it.

John