No..I meant I used the search on FredMiranda and found a topic about the Kirk rail and that page (from the archives) wouldn't load.
The cost for the Kirk rail is $269, and it reverses the clamp so that a collared lens can be used. To do that with a RRS rail I would need to spend $425... a big difference.
What I'm asking for is information from anyone who has used the Kirk, especially with collared lenses. If anyone has used them both, a comparison would be fabulous.
Hope I'm more clear in this end edit
I tried the search for the Kirk rail and the page NEVER would load, so I'm asking here for any help deciding if the Kirk rail will be as good as the RRS product. I use RRS equipment but the price of the focusing rail with an addon to accomodate a colllared lens is really expensive. So, I'm thinking of the Kirk version.
Not an answer but a question - what do you want a rail for?
I've only found them useful in doing high power work (4 or 5:1 or above) or doing stereo or focus stack shots.
Well, I don't have either, although I use a lot of RRS gear. Here is the LINKY to the Kirk unit. Loaded OK for me. As to $$$, it looks like they're about the same, although RRS gives you a break on buying 2 units stacked. Hope this helps.
For what its worth, I've heard that the RRS rail isn't good at very fine adjustments (for >1:1 magnification.) The manfrotto rail I have read is quite highly recommended. I just purchased one so I havent extensively tested it but so far so good.
jypsee wrote:
because I'm nearly 62 yrs old and do a lot of fine work and my neck and arms get tired and I don't do the rock back and forth thing very well.....etc.
thanks for the interest
Whoops - apologies- just trying to make sure you didn't purchase a dust collector
Brian V.
Jypsee:
Well, my steadiness and eyes are failing, but so's my wallet, so I bought three pieces:
1 Velbon Mag Slider dual direction focusing rail for $119.
1 Wimberly P-5 Universal Camera A/S Plate for $52
1 Wimberly C-10 A/S Quick Release ballhead clamp for $79.
The Velbon is pretty nice actually. Adjustable. Profile a wee-bit high. Underneath (where you would normally attach to tripod) I threaded on the P-5 Arca Swiss camera plate. very wide. solid. On top, where you would normally put the camera, I hand-screwed on the C-10 A/S clamp.
So, in 5 minutes I have an Arca Swiss compatible, bi-directional, focusing rail. Total cost wa $250. The A/S parts can come off, and have their own uses, like the C-10 on a monopod, or the P-10 on a spare camera.
Even better, the C-10 is easily loosened, rotated 90 degrees, retightened and voila - I'm in position for using a collared lens with A/S plate on it. Roate it again, and camera body attaches. I've discovered that a 1-DMKII and MP-E65mm macro works with our without the collar on this rig, depending on your needs.
That's what I did. The Kirk, and especially RRS are machine shop works of art, but my employer would choke on the cost.
Hey, thanks J Rabin. I'm not much of a mechanic but may give your idea a whirl. The Kirk is $269 fully ready to roll....so, the price is fairly similar except it only articulates in one direction. The Velbon mag slider on BH site is called super mag slider and seems to be the same thing as you're describing.
Anyhoooo.... when I'm crouched over a spring bloom I want a better option to focus using my tripod and that's what I'm going for. Last spring I fell down a river bank in the process of photographing a bloodroot because I had to reposition me and said tripod....and that was no dang fun!!! (the fishing guys thought it was fun-ny)
Mary. I went to B&H site. Yes, the Velbon on the B&H site is the one for $99 ($20 less than I paid) and what do I see - B&H also sells the Wimberly C-10 and P-5. I did not need any extra screws, or parts. Everything just connected, and I was off and running - bi-directionally. Easy.
The way the Velbon is designed, it works most ideal with the 180mm macro lenses.
Use the savings on an Angle Finder so you don't topple again.
Jack
Hey Jack.... I looked at all the parts and since I use L plates on my cameras I won't need the P5; all I need to do, it seems, is use the C10 and reducer bushing to put it (C10) on the Velbon thing and I just unscrew and rotate the C10 for a collared lens. Right?
BTW, I do use an angle finder... thanks for your help on this issue. I'm probably gonna give it whirl!
Mary, the P-5 is really as essential as the C-10. Here's why. The P-5 stays permanently mounted to the bottom of the Velbon focus rail. That way, the WHOLE focus rail setup attaches and detaches quickly from the A/S ballhead the same as any camera body plate or lens plate would. I would not leave out the P-5.
Yes, I loosen the C-10, rotate it 90 degrees for lens collar A/S plate mounting, or rotate back for body mounting. Your camera body or lens plate goes into the C-10 on top.
Jack
For what its worth, I have the RRS setup you talk of jypsee and it is quite amazing and in my opinion, worth the cash if you can swing it. Yep.. It’s expensive, but contrary to the other post which said it does not minute focus well, mine does do it exceptionally well. This rail with moving slider is a wonderful combination. If you are not in a hurry, and like good deals, put up a WTB ad like I did. The RRS has approx. twice the working distance because you can slide the whole rail into your desired postion with the arca swiss base. All the best in your tough decision.
Well... I'm still trying to get my mind made up. I really like that two way action of the velbon setup but it will put me a bit higher (I think) than I may want.
What are your thoughts?
rachp wrote:
Great thread, Mary. I had been considering a focus rail but had no idea what I was looking for
jypsee wrote:
Well... I'm still trying to get my mind made up. I really like that two way action of the velbon setup but it will put me a bit higher (I think) than I may want.
What are your thoughts?
Hmm, I hadn't considered the height. I made myself a note to compare the actual distance movement you can get - lateral and fore/aft - but I don't have time to look right now. I recently bought the RRS ground tripod so I am not sure the extra height would be a problem because I can get to ground level now.
This is a touch decision but I think in the end I will go the less expensive route since I am not sure how much I will really use it
I looked at that ground pod; it would be perfect if the legs would lock in any position.
I'm also thinking I could use the velbon with my favorite piece of gear, the bogen swivel and rrs heavy duty clamp. It's way more stable than any ballhead and the velbon would solve the inability to move side to side with the "monopod solution."
hmm....
well, re how much use a thing gets: my thoughts are that when I need it I have it. Especially in low light forest floor situations I NEED it!!
jypsee wrote:
I looked at that ground pod; it would be perfect if the legs would lock in any position.
I'm also thinking I could use the velbon with my favorite piece of gear, the bogen swivel and rrs heavy duty clamp. It's way more stable than any ballhead and the velbon would solve the inability to move side to side with the "monopod solution."
hmm....
well, re how much use a thing gets: my thoughts are that when I need it I have it. Especially in low light forest floor situations I NEED it!!
I have given the ground pod a pretty good workout - not a full workout - and it has not once failed to make me happy! It is a great piece of work. I have never been dissapointed when positioning and this thing is tough and stout.
I hear you on the needing it and having it thoughts! I think I want to give my ground pod a better workout when the flowers start blooming to see if I really need a rail. The pod is so easy to maneuver, and so compact, that I may not need the rail. Decisions, decisions
>I really like that two way action of the velbon setup but it will put me a bit higher (I think) than I may want.
In my hands the Velbon is a bit flimsy. For one image it's OK but if you want to do focus stacking it bounces around a bit too much during adjustments and doesn't always return to the same center point. My rig is pretty heavy so with a lighter lens and camera it might do better.
I currently lust for this beast but haven't summoned the funds to buy it yet.
