Ich finde, BESSER kann ein erklärendes Tutorial nicht sein: ruhig vorgetragen, sorgsam bebildert, mutmachend, von einem echten Fachmann, einfach nur KLASSE: vielen dank fürs Teilen!
Hi Allan. I realise that this video is a bit old now but you may still be interested.....I'm about to purchase the NM-180S which has an adjustment dial that you will love. Instead of needing to superglue a piece of wire for incremental turns, it has a dial with a micro scale already fitted for very precise adjustments. Great review though. It confirms my decision to buy this rail.
Man. Seriously. Thanks for making this video and sharing your findings about this rail and it's accuracy. I wouldn't ever have thought to measure the grooves as a metric for adjusting movement. This is going to be my first manual focus rail. It might even be my only manual focus rail unless I decide to move to automatic focus rails. You got as sub outta me sir.
Allan, I purchased the NISI focusing rail and I want to thank you for the review. You are correct that it is an excellent rail and for the price can't be beat. I'm using it on a tripod with a macro lens + dcr250 for a 2.5 enlargement and I'm getting wonderful results.
I came up with a ide on how to use those feet! 1. Measure the feet of the thickest part. 2. Drill a hole in a wood plank, that is deep enough for the widest part of the feet reach down. 3. Then do the same for all 4 holes, and wupti, it does not move. (Even I with aphantasia could figure it out): D And I am going to save some money, so I can buy this wonderful rail! - Thank you again for saving my day Allan!
Hi Alan. Just an afterthought. I bought the Nisi Focusing rail after your review. Lovely thanks. Was also in the throes of buying a nodal rail. Low and behold this Nisi Focus rail can be used for that too. Two for the price of one. Keep up the good work. Cheers from sunny South Africa.
I have just bought this rail and searched for a good review and practical tips on how to use. Your excellent video does all that in spades, especially at around the 16 minute mark where you describe the # of turns necessary to overlap each shot for stacking. How you did the math is a mystery that I would have spent hours trying to figure out, so thank you! I agree with the "cons" you mention re legs and crank... initially which I thought a good idea, but in short practice I see you're right on.
Hi Allan. You had me at your intro, which has to be the most inventive I have seen! More seriously, thank you for a fantastic review, which has really helped me decide on a rail.
You have sold me on this macro rail. The wire/paper clip made the deal. I will be ordering one of these very soon. Have a Merry Christmas and may the future be brighter for all of us.
The legs, eccentric winder, and side facing mount position make this a perfect mini video-slider! Sit it on a wall, hold it down with one hand, wind with the other! Great review, thanks Allan!
Thanks Allen. Bought this before i've seen your detailed video. My expectations were not that high, but the suprise was even greater when i unboxed it. The wobbly stuff i will get rid off. Good tip tho that little wire, i'll fix that. In stead of drilling two holes for keeping it from turning any way i won't like. i uses the for holes from the leggs i got rid off. I adjust it to some plywood or something i think that's usefull. I'ts a gem, thanks!
I have received my rail. Nisi has modified the end screw. It is no longer possible to do your modification to get the very precise adjustment for the 10x magnification. A very useful video.
Thank you for this detailed review. I'm planning on getting a macro rail, in the near future, and I think you've sold me on the NiSi. I don't think the legs are meant to support the rail when shooting. I think they're meant to give you a way to set the rail down when NOT shooting, while keeping the leadscrew from touching whatever you set the rail on.
Allan, Thanks so much for this review. I just purchased this rail (in the mail as I write this) and you have made me happy with my choice. I am just starting with Macro and have a 1:1 lens so will practice a lot with that for awhile. Your review was crisp, clear with no bull.. Thanks again.
I followed your advice when you came out with this video and bought this unit and it is A+. I use it both horizontally (as you show it) and mounted onto a camera pole mount that clamps to my table. I can then make those tiny adjustments to my focus plus a could clocks more (so it is focused closer than "in focus) and then do my focus stack with my Nikon Z6II to infinity. PERFECT! Thanks for your great advice!! (so it is focused closer than "in focus) and then do my focus stack with my Nikon Z6II to infinity. PERFECT! Thanks for your great advice!! By the way, I use the larger knob whenever I need to make large changes to the focus point,
Hello Mr Allan, i just wanted to point out that there is a knob, the one opposite to the "NISI" text on the head, that can be tighten or loosen to make the rail movement easier or harder, so to avoid the "problem" you talk about at 7:48
Great video I bought the rail upon watching this video If you fasten a large Swiss arca clamp down onto your macro rig then place the rail in the clamp without feet etc the large knob/ handle will clear the base due to the little extra height of the Swiss arca clamp 👍
Allan, Great video, I've been looking to upgrade my focusing rail from a cheap one and I think I'll be going with the this one based on your review and the price. Glad I found your channel. thanks, Clyde
Hey Allan, Great review. Being a toolmaker from years ago I appreciate all the detail. You really knock the little legs but all I saw were four pre tapped holes to mount it on a macro platform. The split half nut is how all lead screws were done to lessen backlash before ball screws came along and hoped that is what I saw in the pictures before I saw your review. Personally I agree the cute handle is fairly useless and if they had put a graduated dial like any lathe has you would have loved it I think. Thank You.
Thanks Jim - it's always good to hear from a real engineer on these matters. I don't enough about it to explain why something appears to be really well engineered, but as a macro guy, I know when it is! I agree about the legs - I didn't think the holes would take a real screw so I drilled and tapped four M3 holes and mounted mine on a plywood riser. Held up like that, the handle actually becomes useful for repositioning between stacks, I also replaced the indexing pin with a pin epoxied into a 2mm hole in the knob that indexes off an encoder wheel from an old printer - very accurate steps and easy to use. Probably should do a video on it! Thanks for the great comments!
Great review. I ordered one based mostly on your review. I do agree with you about the feet. One thing I think you missed (or maybe I did) is that the entire rail is Arca swill comparable. No feet and just drop the entire thing in a Arca Swiss clamp. The bigger knob makes it real easy to turn 1/4, 1/2 and full turns. I really like what you did with the wire. As I move into higher magnification that will really help. Thanks for the review.
Thanks Robert, I am glad you like the rail - I have been really happy with it as well. I think most of the images (the stills) in the video show the rail clamped directly to a tripod thanks to the full length Arca Swiss mounting grooves. Very smart idea. I have had a few people contact me about their rail developing a slight wobble. Mine has been tight as a tick ever since I got it, but I took it apart and discovered a tensioning set screw hidden in a hole on the base of the carriage. It that works loose the carriage does wobble a bit. A 2mm allen wrench is all you need to tighten it back to like new. Just FYI!
@Robert L Lawrence Jr@@AllanWallsPhotography The Nikon D850 has a new automated "focus shift" feature in the camera using AF lenses. This feature is similar to what Canon users have had for years using Magic Lantern firmware - [focus stacking] feature. Using a "precision" manual focusing rail to do "focus stacking" is rather primitive. The lenses can auto/manual focus better than any external rail.
I have already ordered one. In fact I had already ordered it before I saw your video. I usually go by reviews and this one had a better rating than some twice the price. So you reinforced my good thoughts about this rail. I actually had the other cheap rail that you used as an example but I threw it away because of frustration and I didn't want to donate it and have some other poor sap go through what I did with it. I really like your humor, and straight talk and I have subscribed. I have dabbled with macro for a few years, but I want to get serious with it. My hope is to do some snowflakes. I have done quite a bit of water drop refraction pictures but there again I want to improve. Don Komarechka is the guy I have paid a lot of attention to and I am super impressed with his art. Thanks much! Tom
Hi Alan, I just found your channel and was interested in your review of the NiSi rail. You mentioned that you might need to drill another couple of holes as additional attachment points, I realised that as soon as you take off the feet, you already have four attachment points built in, a quick trip to your local hardware for the right screws and it can then be attached to you bespoke base of ply, MDF or metal
Hi there and thanks for the review. I enjoyed it very much, loved the humour 😀 and the infos you shared. In fact based on this I ordered one today and I am looking forward to trying it out soon. Thanks once again. Neil
Great video thanks. I have ordered one from Nisi and think that a more secure base could be made using a spare Arca-Swiss mount. I'll wait until it arrives before playing.
Thanks Allan, excellent presentation and to the point without the usual waffle. I use Helicon for macro and wondered about using a bellows instead which you also had on the table.
Well, I wouldn't use the bellows instead of a rail. I would mount the bellows on the rail and move it and the camera as one. The bellows is not really designed to be a dynamic device and it is not very precise compared to a good rail. I use Nikon PB-6 bellows on both automated and manual rails.
If you run the carriage down to the end of the rail there is no problem attaching it to a camera. Some rails have the clamping knob to low and close to the rail and are impossible to tighten.
Good morning and Happy Holidays. I’m a new subscriber, joined up after seeing your macro cage video. I’ve dabbled in macro and want to get more serious with what I’m doing. Somehow stumbled on your channel and I’m glad I did. Informative, thorough, and easy to understand. You’ve helped me decide about this focusing rail. I’ve just ordered one (Merry Christmas to me). I like the price and the fact that I’ll be able to focus stack accurately and for a reasonable price. I would like to see more reviews of stuff you find useful. I’m off to explore your web page and maybe some more videos. Keep up the good work. gary.
The lash will found in rack and pinion as well as screw gearing only occurs when reversing directions. All gearing including the giant vertical mills have tiny bits of gear lash. This should not be an issue when front to back micro focus adjustment or rear to front as long as the process is continuous in only Once direction. The feature which I like is the adjustment is positioned at the rear which is easier access. Having said this the second slider at 90° is handy for fine positioning without moving the entire tripod.
I recently started macro photography. I bought the R5 and the Laowo 25mm 2.5-5x lens and have done a few stacks and there seems to be shake. My first rail was the neewer and it was cheap yes! Between the main screw and carriage it plenty of movement….which I can see in the view screen of the camera once the picture is taken. I’m thinkin I need a much more sturdy base and a rail like this one. So I watched your review and without a doubt I just bought one…. Now to fabricate a base that can hold 2 mounting plates. Excited to see what happens…
Thanks Allen, I got this after your recommendation. This is a very well built rail. I tried Leofoto MP-150 rail before this, there was lot of Play for that one and that costed me about $150 in India where as this one is only $100. The Leofoto one did not come with a plate. I would say this is the best macro focussing rail in this price point.
Hi James... good idea, but the screw holes are really tiny so I'm not sure they would give the kind of support I would want. I'll give it a try though.
Does not help when the problem is a rail rocking back and forth when screwed forward. Bought one according to Allan's recommendations, but returned it after a week of testing. Conclusion: Useless.
The issue with the legs I believe can be less of an issue, if you loosen the knob that is right under the plate; it tightens or loosens the force needed to apply to move the Thumb-screw knob; I tried it and the focusing rail doesn't move at all; mine, also has the little rubber feet under each leg, to make it less slippery. Great review; I'm subscribed to your channel now.
Hello Allan, Thank you for taking the time to make such a helpful in depth review! The Nisi rail seems excellent and you answered most of the questions I had. I noticed you also have a Manfrotto 454. Oddly enough I am debating between those two rails - the Nisi nm-180 and the Manfrotto 454. I plan to use the rail on a tripod out in the field. Additionally, I will be using the rail to support a 4x5 field camera. The heaviest field camera I will be using, with a lens, weighs in around 8.5lbs. I realize that's pretty heavy for a rail with an 11lb weight limit, the manfrotto having a 17lb capacity. What are your thoughts on which rail could better support that type of weight? Being field macro work, the camera will not always be parallel to the ground. Do either of those two rails lock up solid, and if in a downward pointed position, do they confidently bear the weight? Thank you again, and thank you for reading this lengthily comment! - Kyle
I've ordered one today together with the new Laowa 10-50x lenses for microscopic images. I wonder if it would be possible to 3D print a bigger knob with like 100 or 200 grooves to make the increments even smaller for focusing. Thanks for the review!
Good question! I doubt it, though. One of the reasons it works so well as a manual rail is the tight fit of the lead screw bushings, nylon, I think - I would expect a NEMA 17 to struggle with the load.
Hi Allan, thank you for the great video! I was actually looking at the Manfrotto 454 to increase the quality of my macro photos but for a variety of reasons I had put off the purchase.
Fab review Allan, next level stuff, really loved the index mark hack which I will definitely try too. Curious to see your finished product once you get your own rail.
I've realised i have a good focussing rail. its called a mill table and it has a digital readout that is accurate to 5 microns, 0.005mm. and is unmovable off axis. gona have to adapt it with a photography attachment. love your videos
Thank you very much for this detailed and well done review. You speak clearly and frankly, and i appreciate it. I am learning a lot watching your videos. I had this rail on my list of things to possibly get, and now I can make an informed decision. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you Alan for your review and I think you have persuaded me, plus you're always full of little pearls of wisdom on the way, so I leave armed with those too! For me macro is being out in nature and I have the good fortune to have just got the Laowa 100mm x2. I have tried some manual focus stacking but even with a lot of practice it is still going to be hit and miss with just the occasional hit, I think. I also have one of those dirt cheap flimsy things you showed but it is useless, with the camera wobbling hugely atop the rail as well as all the other things. So I think this might help me to get a system going where I can go turn click turn click as rapidly as possible whilst the creature remains obligingly still. I hope this post finds you well, and all you do is very much appreciated as always. Philip
Thanks Allan, many many thanks. I just ordered a rail and I have extension tubes, adapter rings etc. However I need formulae to find the steps length and how many steps to give according the situations. I guess it is possible make calculations taking magnification as a variable or so. Thanks again and apologies for my poor English.
Excellent! It sounds like have everything you will need. You can find online step calculators. I like this one, from Photpills - it is very accurate and easy to use... www.photopills.com/calculators/dof-macro
I enjoyed the review, I think I want to buy one of these now. Testing the knob without a camera on it, or when the tripod head is not mounted, what was the point of that?
Just to demonstrate the direction of the forces when the handle is turned, in case people couldn't picture how the rail would slide sideways when force in the opposite direction was applied. I could have stuck a camera on there and demonstrated how it would fall over, but it would've been my camera falling over, and as I'm also the director of the video, I vetoed knocking over my own camera, and the producer (me) agreed, and got the owner (me) to back him up. So it just wasn't going to happen. Only the key grip (me) thought it was good idea and we fired him.
Are there any motorized rails that can be set up to take shots at every increment? The old rail that you said tends to break doesn’t look broken. Maybe you are just very careful.
There are a number of automated rails on the market and the technology is not too difficult to replicated. The "gold standard" is Stackshot, by Cognisys, but in recent years several new foreign manufacturers have begun to compete in the space (WeMacro, is a popular one). Expect to pay from $300 to $1,000+ for such a system.
Hi Allan, You inspired me, i bought a 4X microscope lens and the rail of this video. Can you tell me what dof i have with this lens and how muche line of the rail knob i have to move to have the good step and a better focus staking result?
Hi - yes - I will address the 4X finite objective setup at my live Q&A this Tuesday at 8PM on RUclips - the session will be recorded and released as a video immediately afterwards - I will tell you everything you need to know to get sharp pictures with that lens!
@@AllanWallsPhotography thanks, good to know, i managed to have good results with steps of 2 lines. However, there is still some work on the final file for the missalignement. I will check your next video
What a great and detailed review of the pluses and minuses of this rail. Thank you. I placed an order for one two days ago based on a couple of very limited reviews and I'm pretty sure that this review will generate a few more sales too. I had already decided the feet were coming off though and will be searching for the superglue and a pin too. Keep up the great videos.
I got this rail over others based mostly on this review (plus other positive ones). I’m really loving it for indoor photography I wouldn’t dream of trying to take it outdoors because that’s just too much fussing around for me LOL. The scale on the side does appear to be painted on in my example but I only turn the knobs a set amount each time so it won’t be the end of the world if they rub off in time. I haven’t found any quick stops rotating the camera yet; the mechanism in that regard appears extremely stiff but perhaps some adjusting of the knobs or screws would help? Anyway, great review thank you so much for the recommendation your appreciation of this rail is certainly warranted!
Hi John, I'm glad the rail is working out for you, and I don't think you have to worry about the numbers rubbing off completely. I have been using mine for over a year and a half without any such issue.If you look on the face of the carriage that points back towards the handle of the rail, you will see a small hole. At the bottom of this hole is a 2.5 mm setscrew that tightens the carriage on the rail. A very slight loosening of that setscrew will significantly decrease the resistance to travel of the rail. If it introduces any sideways wobble you have loosened it too much. It is also possible that the screws on the underside of the carriage have been overly tightened and that might be worth checking as well. I have only lubricated the rail one time since I have had it and that was only a very light coating. I wish you continued success with the device for years to come.
Allan Walls Photography Thank you, Allan! Not seen any backlash at all yet, so I’m OK with some tightness so far. This thing is really well made! It does just what I need it to do, and I set the shutter on a two second timer to wait out any vibrations. I turn the larger crank handle 1/4 turn for each exposure, which seems to cover everything pretty well in a 2x macro lens with a Reynox 2.5 😁
Hi Allan many thanks for the excellent review. Kirk has a macro rail called FR-3 in the 300 $ range with more or less the same specifications like the NiSi-rail you reviewed. I guess, the NiSi is more or less a copy of the Kirk. Both of them seem to be made with a high standard to be fair. One turn on the identical knobs moves the Kirk rail 1 mm in either direction - no play. no lateral movement. I made a bigger Knob from aluminium, which I can screw over the original knobs on either side of the rail and this knob has a scale of 40 increments. That means 0.025 mm from increment to increment. (....so a deep stack takes half an afternoon) What I haven‘t found out is, where the mechanaical limitations of these manual focus rails are, since it would be possible to make the diameter even bigger - for example 100 increments which would produce steps with 0.01 mm. Would be interesting to know someone out there who can tell where the limits of those precision rails are... Wish you a lucky jump into the new year and keep on! Walter
Hi Walter - I agree with you that the Kirk rail is a solid and well engineered rail with a very similar feel. I put out another video, several months ago, where I constructed a gear box to drive a Manfrotto rail using 1.0 micron steps - It was pretty accurate, but totally impractical for everyday shooting. I have yet to find a rail that I would completely comfortable with at steps of less that 25 microns - but even if I did, I probably wouldn't use it very often - not with a Stackshot on hand!
Hi Allan thanks for answering! I see it the same way, manually movings have their limits. The more you go into bigger magnification the more it gets complicated and one thing leads to the other. Focusing rails to automated stepmotors, Photoshop to helicon or Zerene, macrolenses to microscopylenses and so on. But it´s fascinating..... My next step is probabilly Helicon Focus before I think about automated stepping.....
I’m thinking it should be mounted to a quick release plate that is mounted securely to a secure surface with the crank overhanging one end. I believe the intent of the crank was to rapidly return the carriage to the home position for the next scan and is not intended to be used for the actual scan.
You are absolutely correct. The knob is meant to be used with handle stowed. I just took possession of the new NM-180 rail and it is amazing. Ever criticism, every one, that I made about this rail has been revisited and the new device is stellar. You could use the handle on the new one - the ball-screw is very very smooth.
Doppo aver visto questo tutorial ho comprato una NISI NM-200S che a un sistema di avanzo molto meglio di questa, grazie mille per i suoi video. After watching this tutorial I bought a NISI NM-200S which is a much better advanced system than this one, thanks for your videos.
Allan, the rotation of the top, and the knob and feet features are most likely there to use this as a table top video slider / panoramic head, allowing both a lens foot ( 90 Deg. perpendicular to camera plate mounting orientation), AND a camera with a 50 or 35 mm lens to be used for photographing still objects, such as a flower, or filming interviews, etc. adding a sliding move to the shot. this is obviously adding to the usefulness of this kit, not just for macro, but as a video tool as well, increasing interest, as it is not just a niche product.( if you want to see a video of what I am trying to describe, look at "Acratech" long lens head/ focusing nodal slide, panoramic head options, shows exactly the use of these features in detail).
Hi Andy - you are, of course, absolutely correct. I should have been clear about that in my review. I was so excited to see just how well it performed as a macro focusing rail, I didn't take the time to make these points - Thanks for bringing this up!
Great review, this has convinced me that I can better invest in a manual focus rail like this one, than in an automated focus rail like the WeMacro, for my modest needs! Previous manual focus rails that I had looked at online where of the type you mention at the beginning and intuitively I never had a good feel about the accuracy of stepping with those, so I didn't want to spend money on them. But a rail with screw thread like this NiSi, yes I think I can work with that!
Excellent job. Perhaps, Sir, if you mill a metal plate that incorporates the theads from the screws you removed as well as providing any threading for the mounting option you seek.
Hi Allan, thanks for the review, I liked it very much. DO you think this Nisi NM rail can be used for panorama shots? or it is too short to move sideways?
Hi Alan, Love your channel I did like the DIY fibre lighting being an old theatrical lighting master in Australia it was most interesting. Thought I'd just drop a quick note to say I'm fairly new to macro and I am enjoying all the playing around with all the variables. I was however disappointed with the majority of manual macro rails on offer namely they're stability to support a BP5 attached to a D850 with a lens so I like you had a play around. I now use a small XY Milling table (you can by them on eBay for around $100.00AUD (they do come as cheap as $45.00AUD). The one I have gives the 1.25mm for a full rotation and I can get that down to 0.125mm if I'm careful. Just thought Id share this with you. Thanks for the channel and the tips. Alan (Yes another one)
I am afraid it is not, and believe me, I have tried. It is actually a very well put together rail and far more complex than it appears (I ended up taking mine completely apart to help someone troubleshoot a loose carriage). In the process I discovered that the knob is permanently fused to the shaft. It could be sawn off, but I would favor just adding a spacer to raise the rail off the surface. BUT... there is a new rail on the way - Mark II looks a little different and it may be possible to modify. Stay tuned for a review when I get the new one.
what do You think about a comparison between NM180 and NM200? I think the 200 has the better quick adjustment but the 180 has therefor the better double-nut on the screw? Thanks for Your videos!!
I thought about that, but the diameter of those screws is tiny, less than 3mm, I think. It would probably be enough, if you got the spacing exactly right. I've been using it with the single large threaded hole and it seems to hold firmly to the plywood floor of my cage. The permanent fix is going to be adding a couple of QR clamps to the base and just clamping the rail into those.
I have the very first rail that you show in the video (that you quite nicely panned), and I quite like it. But, I don't use it for focusing, I use it for micro-compositional changes, so that I don't have to move the tripod. Mounted on a lightweight Nikon Z7 the rail handles it quite nicely.
Thanks Robert, your point is well taken and I am getting ready to review the new NM-180mk.II, a significantly improved rail. I actually have two of them and will be using them as an X/Y positioner in the review video!
On the fist product that you reviewed, the one with the rack and pinion focusing, I don’t know if you got a bad copy or if they are just made more poorly than they used to be. I have the exact same one. Mine was sold under the name of Spiratone, I have had it for roughly 30 years. But it has no play or slop in the rack when focusing. Tight as can be. The only thing it does not have is a quick release plate which is pretty annoying.
Thanks Mark, that's the thing about the cheap ones. They are made of cast aluminum and that is not a good choice for precision frames. They bend easily and crack too, especially if mishandled. Quality control may be lacking, too. And that's what I see... the whole range of experiences. Folks who have used one for 30 years without a problem and others who broke it getting out of the box. But you don't see that with the well made rails. There will be the occasional bad one, sure, but most of the experiences all cluster around the top of the chart. A long winded way of saying, if it works for you, go with it!
Hi, just bought one of these upon your advice, only I find that the mounting plate wobbles a lot when moving from back to forth and the other way around, any tip to prevent that?
Great informative review, especially the details of the degree of movement possible with high precision, and the simple modification to allow the rail to be used down to 25 microns. Can't wait to play with one of these. I clicked your link at Amazon, but I use Amazon Smile so I am not sure I was able to give you credit for the link when I made the purchase. Good job! Keep up the gpod work.
Might want to return that and get the next model (June 2022). It has a graduated 45mm knob...Note a number of other reviewers have said it wobbles!! The knobs on the next model do NOT have that "knurled" finish (which is a pain to tighten) and instead have knobs with big slots which make the knob MUCH easier to tighten. Even better is the Swebo LS001 which has a resolution of 0.01mm and a 45mm graduated knob and even ball bearing thrust bearings...
Great review! Impressively thorough. But I kept waiting for the boudin commercials. 🤣. If by some chance you missed that word, try looking it up in Larousse Gastronomique. Again great review. Wish I needed one of those !!
Ich finde, BESSER kann ein erklärendes Tutorial nicht sein: ruhig vorgetragen, sorgsam bebildert, mutmachend, von einem echten Fachmann, einfach nur KLASSE: vielen dank fürs Teilen!
Hi Allan. I realise that this video is a bit old now but you may still be interested.....I'm about to purchase the NM-180S which has an adjustment dial that you will love. Instead of needing to superglue a piece of wire for incremental turns, it has a dial with a micro scale already fitted for very precise adjustments. Great review though. It confirms my decision to buy this rail.
Really one in-depth review about rail and the significance of the minute of minute things, thanks so much for making the video.
Man. Seriously. Thanks for making this video and sharing your findings about this rail and it's accuracy. I wouldn't ever have thought to measure the grooves as a metric for adjusting movement. This is going to be my first manual focus rail. It might even be my only manual focus rail unless I decide to move to automatic focus rails. You got as sub outta me sir.
Allan, I purchased the NISI focusing rail and I want to thank you for the review. You are correct that it is an excellent rail and for the price can't be beat.
I'm using it on a tripod with a macro lens + dcr250 for a 2.5 enlargement and I'm getting wonderful results.
Is it possible to remove the knobs? And add a stepper?
I came up with a ide on how to use those feet!
1. Measure the feet of the thickest part.
2. Drill a hole in a wood plank, that is deep enough for the widest part of the feet reach down.
3. Then do the same for all 4 holes, and wupti, it does not move.
(Even I with aphantasia could figure it out): D
And I am going to save some money, so I can buy this wonderful rail! - Thank you again for saving my day Allan!
Brilliant! Wait till you see the new NM-180 mark II that I will be reviewing (more feet to deal with!)
Hi Alan. Just an afterthought. I bought the Nisi Focusing rail after your review. Lovely thanks. Was also in the throes of buying a nodal rail. Low and behold this Nisi Focus rail can be used for that too. Two for the price of one. Keep up the good work. Cheers from sunny South Africa.
It can indeed - the double Arca-Swiss design makes it a very handy gadget!
...full display of an Artist generosity...
I have just bought this rail and searched for a good review and practical tips on how to use. Your excellent video does all that in spades, especially at around the 16 minute mark where you describe the # of turns necessary to overlap each shot for stacking. How you did the math is a mystery that I would have spent hours trying to figure out, so thank you! I agree with the "cons" you mention re legs and crank... initially which I thought a good idea, but in short practice I see you're right on.
Hi Allan. You had me at your intro, which has to be the most inventive I have seen! More seriously, thank you for a fantastic review, which has really helped me decide on a rail.
Well done sir..! I enjoy each and every video you produce.
You have sold me on this macro rail. The wire/paper clip made the deal. I will be ordering one of these very soon. Have a Merry Christmas and may the future be brighter for all of us.
Thanks, Lee - I'mm with you on that last sentiment!
The legs, eccentric winder, and side facing mount position make this a perfect mini video-slider! Sit it on a wall, hold it down with one hand, wind with the other! Great review, thanks Allan!
The rotating carriage has a fluid bearing, perfect for smooth panning! This is a micro video motion rig.
Thanks Allen. Bought this before i've seen your detailed video. My expectations were not that high, but the suprise was even greater when i unboxed it. The wobbly stuff i will get rid off. Good tip tho that little wire, i'll fix that. In stead of drilling two holes for keeping it from turning any way i won't like. i uses the for holes from the leggs i got rid off. I adjust it to some plywood or something i think that's usefull. I'ts a gem, thanks!
I have received my rail. Nisi has modified the end screw. It is no longer possible to do your modification to get the very precise adjustment for the 10x magnification. A very useful video.
Thank you for this detailed review. I'm planning on getting a macro rail, in the near future, and I think you've sold me on the NiSi.
I don't think the legs are meant to support the rail when shooting. I think they're meant to give you a way to set the rail down when NOT shooting, while keeping the leadscrew from touching whatever you set the rail on.
Allan, Thanks so much for this review. I just purchased this rail (in the mail as I write this) and you have made me happy with my choice. I am just starting with Macro and have a 1:1 lens so will practice a lot with that for awhile. Your review was crisp, clear with no bull.. Thanks again.
I followed your advice when you came out with this video and bought this unit and it is A+. I use it both horizontally (as you show it) and mounted onto a camera pole mount that clamps to my table. I can then make those tiny adjustments to my focus plus a could clocks more (so it is focused closer than "in focus) and then do my focus stack with my Nikon Z6II to infinity. PERFECT! Thanks for your great advice!! (so it is focused closer than "in focus) and then do my focus stack with my Nikon Z6II to infinity. PERFECT! Thanks for your great advice!!
By the way, I use the larger knob whenever I need to make large changes to the focus point,
Great review. Thanks for taking the time to review it.
Masterful review! Brillian work, superb channel. Congrats,maestro!!!!!!
Hello Mr Allan, i just wanted to point out that there is a knob, the one opposite to the "NISI" text on the head, that can be tighten or loosen to make the rail movement easier or harder, so to avoid the "problem" you talk about at 7:48
Brilliant & informative video as usual Allan.
Great video I bought the rail upon watching this video
If you fasten a large Swiss arca clamp down onto your macro rig then place the rail in the clamp without feet etc the large knob/ handle will clear the base due to the little extra height of the Swiss arca clamp 👍
Thanks Allan, This is an excellent review. It helps me greatly for my beginning macro photo.
My pleasure and good luck with your future macro adventures!
Allan, Great video, I've been looking to upgrade my focusing rail from a cheap one and I think I'll be going with the this one based on your review and the price. Glad I found your channel. thanks, Clyde
Hey Allan, Great review. Being a toolmaker from years ago I appreciate all the detail. You really knock the little legs but all I saw were four pre tapped holes to mount it on a macro platform. The split half nut is how all lead screws were done to lessen backlash before ball screws came along and hoped that is what I saw in the pictures before I saw your review. Personally I agree the cute handle is fairly useless and if they had put a graduated dial like any lathe has you would have loved it I think. Thank You.
Thanks Jim - it's always good to hear from a real engineer on these matters. I don't enough about it to explain why something appears to be really well engineered, but as a macro guy, I know when it is! I agree about the legs - I didn't think the holes would take a real screw so I drilled and tapped four M3 holes and mounted mine on a plywood riser. Held up like that, the handle actually becomes useful for repositioning between stacks, I also replaced the indexing pin with a pin epoxied into a 2mm hole in the knob that indexes off an encoder wheel from an old printer - very accurate steps and easy to use. Probably should do a video on it! Thanks for the great comments!
An exceptionally competent and thorough review, much appreciated. Thank you.
Great review. I ordered one based mostly on your review. I do agree with you about the feet. One thing I think you missed (or maybe I did) is that the entire rail is Arca swill comparable. No feet and just drop the entire thing in a Arca Swiss clamp. The bigger knob makes it real easy to turn 1/4, 1/2 and full turns. I really like what you did with the wire. As I move into higher magnification that will really help. Thanks for the review.
Thanks Robert, I am glad you like the rail - I have been really happy with it as well. I think most of the images (the stills) in the video show the rail clamped directly to a tripod thanks to the full length Arca Swiss mounting grooves. Very smart idea. I have had a few people contact me about their rail developing a slight wobble. Mine has been tight as a tick ever since I got it, but I took it apart and discovered a tensioning set screw hidden in a hole on the base of the carriage. It that works loose the carriage does wobble a bit. A 2mm allen wrench is all you need to tighten it back to like new. Just FYI!
@Robert L Lawrence Jr@@AllanWallsPhotography The Nikon D850 has a new automated "focus shift" feature in the camera using AF lenses. This feature is similar to what Canon users have had for years using Magic Lantern firmware - [focus stacking] feature.
Using a "precision" manual focusing rail to do "focus stacking" is rather primitive.
The lenses can auto/manual focus better than any external rail.
I have already ordered one. In fact I had already ordered it before I saw your video. I usually go by reviews and this one had a better rating than some twice the price. So you reinforced my good thoughts about this rail. I actually had the other cheap rail that you used as an example but I threw it away because of frustration and I didn't want to donate it and have some other poor sap go through what I did with it. I really like your humor, and straight talk and I have subscribed. I have dabbled with macro for a few years, but I want to get serious with it. My hope is to do some snowflakes. I have done quite a bit of water drop refraction pictures but there again I want to improve. Don Komarechka is the guy I have paid a lot of attention to and I am super impressed with his art. Thanks much! Tom
Great review. Just ordered 1instead of the manfrotto 454.
Hi Alan, I just found your channel and was interested in your review of the NiSi rail. You mentioned that you might need to drill another couple of holes as additional attachment points, I realised that as soon as you take off the feet, you already have four attachment points built in, a quick trip to your local hardware for the right screws and it can then be attached to you bespoke base of ply, MDF or metal
Hi there and thanks for the review. I enjoyed it very much, loved the humour 😀 and the infos you shared. In fact based on this I ordered one today and I am looking forward to trying it out soon. Thanks once again. Neil
Thanks Neil, I think you are going to be impressed!
finally a nice review channel!
my huge respect, thank you
Found your review ... it's great! Thank you very much!
Brilliant review.. you sold me on getting one!!
Got one last week and I do agree with you review 100%. Thanks.
Great video thanks. I have ordered one from Nisi and think that a more secure base could be made using a spare Arca-Swiss mount. I'll wait until it arrives before playing.
Thanks Allan, excellent presentation and to the point without the usual waffle. I use Helicon for macro and wondered about using a bellows instead which you also had on the table.
Well, I wouldn't use the bellows instead of a rail. I would mount the bellows on the rail and move it and the camera as one. The bellows is not really designed to be a dynamic device and it is not very precise compared to a good rail. I use Nikon PB-6 bellows on both automated and manual rails.
Ordered one from B&H. Reasonable price for a quality instrument. Merry Christmas, Allan. Tnx for the review.
Thanks Ernst! Merry Christmas to you also!
Incredibly informative review, thank you!
thanks Allan I'm starting with macro photography & I was hoping to get reviews on focusing rails whether I needed it. It was a great detailed review
If you run the carriage down to the end of the rail there is no problem attaching it to a camera. Some rails have the clamping knob to low and close to the rail and are impossible to tighten.
Good morning and Happy Holidays. I’m a new subscriber, joined up after seeing your macro cage video. I’ve dabbled in macro and want to get more serious with what I’m doing. Somehow stumbled on your channel and I’m glad I did. Informative, thorough, and easy to understand.
You’ve helped me decide about this focusing rail. I’ve just ordered one (Merry Christmas to me). I like the price and the fact that I’ll be able to focus stack accurately and for a reasonable price.
I would like to see more reviews of stuff you find useful. I’m off to explore your web page and maybe some more videos. Keep up the good work.
gary.
Thanks Gary - glad to have you on board!
The lash will found in rack and pinion as well as screw gearing only occurs when reversing directions. All gearing including the giant vertical mills have tiny bits of gear lash. This should not be an issue when front to back micro focus adjustment or rear to front as long as the process is continuous in only
Once direction. The feature which I like is the adjustment is positioned at the rear which is easier access. Having said this the second slider at 90° is handy for fine positioning without moving the entire tripod.
I recently started macro photography. I bought the R5 and the Laowo 25mm 2.5-5x lens and have done a few stacks and there seems to be shake. My first rail was the neewer and it was cheap yes! Between the main screw and carriage it plenty of movement….which I can see in the view screen of the camera once the picture is taken. I’m thinkin I need a much more sturdy base and a rail like this one. So I watched your review and without a doubt I just bought one…. Now to fabricate a base that can hold 2 mounting plates. Excited to see what happens…
Dr.Allan Walls A happy new year .And Merry X,Mass to you !
Thank you! And the same to you!
Thanks Allen, I got this after your recommendation. This is a very well built rail. I tried Leofoto MP-150 rail before this, there was lot of Play for that one and that costed me about $150 in India where as this one is only $100. The Leofoto one did not come with a plate. I would say this is the best macro focussing rail in this price point.
Me too - and I have tried them all!
That was extremely useful to a beginner like me. Ordered one from the Nisi shop in the Netherlands today.
Good in-depth review. Thank you.
Awesome video. Very informative. Thank you!
Hello Allan, a perfect review of this product, objective and your advice is of a remarkable quality. A big thank you for all this.
Thanks Alain!
Nice detailed review. Just a thought - - since those "legs" screw into threaded holes, could you use those holes to table mount the rail
Hi James... good idea, but the screw holes are really tiny so I'm not sure they would give the kind of support I would want. I'll give it a try though.
Does not help when the problem is a rail rocking back and forth when screwed forward. Bought one according to Allan's recommendations, but returned it after a week of testing. Conclusion: Useless.
The issue with the legs I believe can be less of an issue, if you loosen the knob that is right under the plate; it tightens or loosens the force needed to apply to move the Thumb-screw knob; I tried it and the focusing rail doesn't move at all; mine, also has the little rubber feet under each leg, to make it less slippery. Great review; I'm subscribed to your channel now.
Hello Allan,
Thank you for taking the time to make such a helpful in depth review! The Nisi rail seems excellent and you answered most of the questions I had. I noticed you also have a Manfrotto 454. Oddly enough I am debating between those two rails - the Nisi nm-180 and the Manfrotto 454. I plan to use the rail on a tripod out in the field. Additionally, I will be using the rail to support a 4x5 field camera. The heaviest field camera I will be using, with a lens, weighs in around 8.5lbs. I realize that's pretty heavy for a rail with an 11lb weight limit, the manfrotto having a 17lb capacity. What are your thoughts on which rail could better support that type of weight? Being field macro work, the camera will not always be parallel to the ground. Do either of those two rails lock up solid, and if in a downward pointed position, do they confidently bear the weight? Thank you again, and thank you for reading this lengthily comment!
- Kyle
Thank you for such a great review. This will be my first rail.
Amazon has it for sale at $99, adorama and B&H have it for $89
Good for you! I wish I had a manual rail as nice as this when I got started!
My first thought is to use some storm door panel clips to secure the rail to a plywood base.
Really enjoyed your video....well done and well said
I've ordered one today together with the new Laowa 10-50x lenses for microscopic images. I wonder if it would be possible to 3D print a bigger knob with like 100 or 200 grooves to make the increments even smaller for focusing. Thanks for the review!
Nice review Allan, can either knob be removed to attach a gear and motor drive?
Good question! I doubt it, though. One of the reasons it works so well as a manual rail is the tight fit of the lead screw bushings, nylon, I think - I would expect a NEMA 17 to struggle with the load.
Hi Allan, thank you for the great video! I was actually looking at the Manfrotto 454 to increase the quality of my macro photos but for a variety of reasons I had put off the purchase.
Thank you Mr. Walls for the info..and shearing the video.
Thank you sir!
Fab review Allan, next level stuff, really loved the index mark hack which I will definitely try too. Curious to see your finished product once you get your own rail.
Thanks Igor - I will certainly post some shots of the permanent modification!
@@AllanWallsPhotography that would be awesome, looking forward to it!
I've realised i have a good focussing rail. its called a mill table and it has a digital readout that is accurate to 5 microns, 0.005mm. and is unmovable off axis. gona have to adapt it with a photography attachment. love your videos
Thank you very much for this detailed and well done review. You speak clearly and frankly, and i appreciate it. I am learning a lot watching your videos. I had this rail on my list of things to possibly get, and now I can make an informed decision. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thank you Lucie! Hope your holiday was a happy one!
Outstanding review! Thank you very much for doing such and in depth analysis.
Thank you Alan for your review and I think you have persuaded me, plus you're always full of little pearls of wisdom on the way, so I leave armed with those too! For me macro is being out in nature and I have the good fortune to have just got the Laowa 100mm x2. I have tried some manual focus stacking but even with a lot of practice it is still going to be hit and miss with just the occasional hit, I think. I also have one of those dirt cheap flimsy things you showed but it is useless, with the camera wobbling hugely atop the rail as well as all the other things. So I think this might help me to get a system going where I can go turn click turn click as rapidly as possible whilst the creature remains obligingly still. I hope this post finds you well, and all you do is very much appreciated as always. Philip
Thanks Allan, many many thanks. I just ordered a rail and I have extension tubes, adapter rings etc. However I need formulae to find the steps length and how many steps to give according the situations. I guess it is possible make calculations taking magnification as a variable or so. Thanks again and apologies for my poor English.
Excellent! It sounds like have everything you will need. You can find online step calculators. I like this one, from Photpills - it is very accurate and easy to use... www.photopills.com/calculators/dof-macro
Great review with a no nonsense feel to it. Thanks
I enjoyed the review, I think I want to buy one of these now. Testing the knob without a camera on it, or when the tripod head is not mounted, what was the point of that?
Just to demonstrate the direction of the forces when the handle is turned, in case people couldn't picture how the rail would slide sideways when force in the opposite direction was applied. I could have stuck a camera on there and demonstrated how it would fall over, but it would've been my camera falling over, and as I'm also the director of the video, I vetoed knocking over my own camera, and the producer (me) agreed, and got the owner (me) to back him up. So it just wasn't going to happen. Only the key grip (me) thought it was good idea and we fired him.
Fantastic. Beautifully done.
Are there any motorized rails that can be set up to take shots at every increment? The old rail that you said tends to break doesn’t look broken. Maybe you are just very careful.
There are a number of automated rails on the market and the technology is not too difficult to replicated. The "gold standard" is Stackshot, by Cognisys, but in recent years several new foreign manufacturers have begun to compete in the space (WeMacro, is a popular one). Expect to pay from $300 to $1,000+ for such a system.
Outstanding review !
Thanks, Alfredo!
Hi Allan,
You inspired me, i bought a 4X microscope lens and the rail of this video.
Can you tell me what dof i have with this lens and how muche line of the rail knob i have to move to have the good step and a better focus staking result?
Hi - yes - I will address the 4X finite objective setup at my live Q&A this Tuesday at 8PM on RUclips - the session will be recorded and released as a video immediately afterwards - I will tell you everything you need to know to get sharp pictures with that lens!
@@AllanWallsPhotography thanks, good to know, i managed to have good results with steps of 2 lines. However, there is still some work on the final file for the missalignement. I will check your next video
What a great and detailed review of the pluses and minuses of this rail. Thank you. I placed an order for one two days ago based on a couple of very limited reviews and I'm pretty sure that this review will generate a few more sales too. I had already decided the feet were coming off though and will be searching for the superglue and a pin too. Keep up the great videos.
Thanks Jay, you will love this rail!
I got this rail over others based mostly on this review (plus other positive ones). I’m really loving it for indoor photography I wouldn’t dream of trying to take it outdoors because that’s just too much fussing around for me LOL. The scale on the side does appear to be painted on in my example but I only turn the knobs a set amount each time so it won’t be the end of the world if they rub off in time. I haven’t found any quick stops rotating the camera yet; the mechanism in that regard appears extremely stiff but perhaps some adjusting of the knobs or screws would help? Anyway, great review thank you so much for the recommendation your appreciation of this rail is certainly warranted!
Hi John, I'm glad the rail is working out for you, and I don't think you have to worry about the numbers rubbing off completely. I have been using mine for over a year and a half without any such issue.If you look on the face of the carriage that points back towards the handle of the rail, you will see a small hole. At the bottom of this hole is a 2.5 mm setscrew that tightens the carriage on the rail. A very slight loosening of that setscrew will significantly decrease the resistance to travel of the rail. If it introduces any sideways wobble you have loosened it too much. It is also possible that the screws on the underside of the carriage have been overly tightened and that might be worth checking as well. I have only lubricated the rail one time since I have had it and that was only a very light coating. I wish you continued success with the device for years to come.
Allan Walls Photography Thank you, Allan! Not seen any backlash at all yet, so I’m OK with some tightness so far. This thing is really well made! It does just what I need it to do, and I set the shutter on a two second timer to wait out any vibrations. I turn the larger crank handle 1/4 turn for each exposure, which seems to cover everything pretty well in a 2x macro lens with a Reynox 2.5 😁
Hi Allan
many thanks for the excellent review.
Kirk has a macro rail called FR-3 in the 300 $ range with more or less the same specifications like the NiSi-rail you reviewed. I guess, the NiSi is more or less a copy of the Kirk. Both of them seem to be made with a high standard to be fair.
One turn on the identical knobs moves the Kirk rail 1 mm in either direction - no play. no lateral movement. I made a bigger Knob from aluminium, which I can screw over the original knobs on either side of the rail and this knob has a scale of 40 increments. That means 0.025 mm from increment to increment. (....so a deep stack takes half an afternoon) What I haven‘t found out is, where the mechanaical limitations of these manual focus rails are, since it would be possible to make the diameter even bigger - for example 100 increments which would produce steps with 0.01 mm. Would be interesting to know someone out there who can tell where the limits of those precision rails are...
Wish you a lucky jump into the new year and keep on!
Walter
Hi Walter - I agree with you that the Kirk rail is a solid and well engineered rail with a very similar feel. I put out another video, several months ago, where I constructed a gear box to drive a Manfrotto rail using 1.0 micron steps - It was pretty accurate, but totally impractical for everyday shooting. I have yet to find a rail that I would completely comfortable with at steps of less that 25 microns - but even if I did, I probably wouldn't use it very often - not with a Stackshot on hand!
Hi Allan
thanks for answering!
I see it the same way, manually movings have their limits. The more you go into bigger magnification the more it gets complicated and one thing leads to the other. Focusing rails to automated stepmotors, Photoshop to helicon or Zerene, macrolenses to microscopylenses and so on. But it´s fascinating.....
My next step is probabilly Helicon Focus before I think about automated stepping.....
Great review! What is the Z stand that you use?
I’m thinking it should be mounted to a quick release plate that is mounted securely to a secure surface with the crank overhanging one end. I believe the intent of the crank was to rapidly return the carriage to the home position for the next scan and is not intended to be used for the actual scan.
You are absolutely correct. The knob is meant to be used with handle stowed. I just took possession of the new NM-180 rail and it is amazing. Ever criticism, every one, that I made about this rail has been revisited and the new device is stellar. You could use the handle on the new one - the ball-screw is very very smooth.
Doppo aver visto questo tutorial ho comprato una NISI NM-200S che a un sistema di avanzo molto meglio di questa, grazie mille per i suoi video. After watching this tutorial I bought a NISI NM-200S which is a much better advanced system than this one, thanks for your videos.
Allan, the rotation of the top, and the knob and feet features are most likely there to use this as a table top video slider / panoramic head, allowing both a lens foot ( 90 Deg. perpendicular to camera plate mounting orientation), AND a camera with a 50 or 35 mm lens to be used for photographing still objects, such as a flower, or filming interviews, etc. adding a sliding move to the shot. this is obviously adding to the usefulness of this kit, not just for macro, but as a video tool as well, increasing interest, as it is not just a niche product.( if you want to see a video of what I am trying to describe, look at "Acratech" long lens head/ focusing nodal slide, panoramic head options, shows exactly the use of these features in detail).
Hi Andy - you are, of course, absolutely correct. I should have been clear about that in my review. I was so excited to see just how well it performed as a macro focusing rail, I didn't take the time to make these points - Thanks for bringing this up!
Great review, this has convinced me that I can better invest in a manual focus rail like this one, than in an automated focus rail like the WeMacro, for my modest needs!
Previous manual focus rails that I had looked at online where of the type you mention at the beginning and intuitively I never had a good feel about the accuracy of stepping with those, so I didn't want to spend money on them.
But a rail with screw thread like this NiSi, yes I think I can work with that!
Excellent job. Perhaps, Sir, if you mill a metal plate that incorporates the theads from the screws you removed as well as providing any threading for the mounting option you seek.
Hi Allan, thanks for the review, I liked it very much. DO you think this Nisi NM rail can be used for panorama shots? or it is too short to move sideways?
Hi Alan,
Love your channel I did like the DIY fibre lighting being an old theatrical lighting master in Australia it was most interesting.
Thought I'd just drop a quick note to say I'm fairly new to macro and I am enjoying all the playing around with all the variables. I was however disappointed with the majority of manual macro rails on offer namely they're stability to support a BP5 attached to a D850 with a lens so I like you had a play around. I now use a small XY Milling table (you can by them on eBay for around $100.00AUD (they do come as cheap as $45.00AUD). The one I have gives the 1.25mm for a full rotation and I can get that down to 0.125mm if I'm careful.
Just thought Id share this with you.
Thanks for the channel and the tips.
Alan (Yes another one)
Super review ! Thanks a lot Allan !
Thanks, Thomas!
Nice review, thank you. Is it possible to completely remove the larger of the two knobs so that the rail can sit flush on the ground?
I am afraid it is not, and believe me, I have tried. It is actually a very well put together rail and far more complex than it appears (I ended up taking mine completely apart to help someone troubleshoot a loose carriage). In the process I discovered that the knob is permanently fused to the shaft. It could be sawn off, but I would favor just adding a spacer to raise the rail off the surface. BUT... there is a new rail on the way - Mark II looks a little different and it may be possible to modify. Stay tuned for a review when I get the new one.
@@AllanWallsPhotography Thank you for the reply. I just ordered this rail an hour ago... I should have waited, haha.
what do You think about a comparison between NM180 and NM200? I think the 200 has the better quick adjustment but the 180 has therefor the better double-nut on the screw? Thanks for Your videos!!
Happy Holidays!
The same to you and yours, Bill! Thanks!
For attaching the rail to a more stable base, could bolts be put through a plywood base and screwed into the mounting holes for the legs you removed?
I thought about that, but the diameter of those screws is tiny, less than 3mm, I think. It would probably be enough, if you got the spacing exactly right. I've been using it with the single large threaded hole and it seems to hold firmly to the plywood floor of my cage. The permanent fix is going to be adding a couple of QR clamps to the base and just clamping the rail into those.
What would be the QR clamp optimal radius for this rail?
I have the very first rail that you show in the video (that you quite nicely panned), and I quite like it. But, I don't use it for focusing, I use it for micro-compositional changes, so that I don't have to move the tripod. Mounted on a lightweight Nikon Z7 the rail handles it quite nicely.
Thanks Robert, your point is well taken and I am getting ready to review the new NM-180mk.II, a significantly improved rail. I actually have two of them and will be using them as an X/Y positioner in the review video!
On the fist product that you reviewed, the one with the rack and pinion focusing, I don’t know if you got a bad copy or if they are just made more poorly than they used to be. I have the exact same one. Mine was sold under the name of Spiratone, I have had it for roughly 30 years. But it has no play or slop in the rack when focusing. Tight as can be. The only thing it does not have is a quick release plate which is pretty annoying.
Thanks Mark, that's the thing about the cheap ones. They are made of cast aluminum and that is not a good choice for precision frames. They bend easily and crack too, especially if mishandled. Quality control may be lacking, too. And that's what I see... the whole range of experiences. Folks who have used one for 30 years without a problem and others who broke it getting out of the box. But you don't see that with the well made rails. There will be the occasional bad one, sure, but most of the experiences all cluster around the top of the chart. A long winded way of saying, if it works for you, go with it!
Hello,
Is it possible to remove the crank to leave only the knob ?
I was unable to do so but I am sure there must be a way. It can get in the way!
Amazing review. Just what I needed
Hi, just bought one of these upon your advice, only I find that the mounting plate wobbles a lot when moving from back to forth and the other way around, any tip to prevent that?
what macro stacking software do you guys use? or what photo editing software comes with that functionality baked in?
Great informative review, especially the details of the degree of movement possible with high precision, and the simple modification to allow the rail to be used down to 25 microns. Can't wait to play with one of these. I clicked your link at Amazon, but I use Amazon Smile so I am not sure I was able to give you credit for the link when I made the purchase. Good job! Keep up the gpod work.
Hey so I have bought this rail after your video and was wondering if one click is 25um what would a half click be?
What are your thoughts on the 180s and 200s models?
Might want to return that and get the next model (June 2022). It has a graduated 45mm knob...Note a number of other reviewers have said it wobbles!! The knobs on the next model do NOT have that "knurled" finish (which is a pain to tighten) and instead have knobs with big slots which make the knob MUCH easier to tighten. Even better is the Swebo LS001 which has a resolution of 0.01mm and a 45mm graduated knob and even ball bearing thrust bearings...
Great review! Impressively thorough. But I kept waiting for the boudin commercials. 🤣. If by some chance you missed that word, try looking it up in Larousse Gastronomique. Again great review. Wish I needed one of those !!
I live about 100 miles east of true boudin country, but you can find it here with no problem - thanks for the video idea!