I'm gearing up for an MPE 65 purchase. Although I've been playing with macro photography with my 100mm 2.8 and (occasionally) Kenko tube set, I've no nearly enough practice at higher mags. So, I've decided first to buy a quality focus rail.
(I know that rails are not expedient for insects, but I anticipate using the lens for focus stack florals, tabletop photography at high mags, etc.)
After reading up on rails here and other places, it appears that the Novoflex Castel series is the way to go. I had planned on buying the Castel-Q, which already comes with an Arca QR, but further reading has revealed that this particular setup will not accommodate a tripod collar in the correct orientation.
Apparently, the way around this is to buy the Castel-L and add an Arca QR assembly, which can be turned in either direction. However, I have not seen any recommendations as to which plate will be best suited.
Until now, my (limited) QR system has been the Manfrotto RC2 system. OK, long way round to these questions, but:
1) Which Arca QR will allow me to use the rail most effectively?
2) Will the 'suggested best' Arca be best restricted to the rail, or can it be incorporated into my equipment 'workflow'?
3) I've heard that the Arca plate will also fit other QR systems?
Apologies if these questions are elementary, but I had trouble finding any answers>
Thanks for any suggestions (even for questions not asked)
I have a pair of Kirk FR-1 rails, used together to provide 2-D (x-y) precision adjustment and focusing by moving the camera/lens assembly.
I chose these Kirk rails because their QRs can easily be rotated 90 degrees with no additional attachments, allowing either my camera or my macro lens foot (tripod collar) to be attached in the proper geometric orientation for the x-y (two-dimensional) rail setup. Without this 90 degree QR orientation flexibility, I would not be able to conveniently attach both my camera body or my lens collar to the rail assembly. The lens collar tripod foot is parallel to the lens axis, while the camera QR plate is perpendicular to the lens axis.
In addition to the excellent responsiveness to my e-mail questions and rapid delivery, I have found that the workmanship of these rails to be excellent. I also bought some Kirk QR plates, one for my 5D camera and one for each of my macro lenses' tripod collar feet.
In hand-held use, I find that Kirk lens foot plates attached to the lens collar for my Canon 100mm and my MPE-65 lenses make a great handle for holding the camera-lens assembly in hand-held use. I simply rotate the lens collar so that the lens tripod mounting foot is to the left side of the lens barrel and then lock the collar in place.. Then the lens foot can be comfortably and very firmly held with my left hand while I use my right hand to operate the shutter, etc. (I am right-handed.) This seems lighter in weight than other camera handles, and the camera/lens assembly is always ready for tripod mounting should the need arise.
My Kirk Quick Releases easily and effectively attach to my various lens and camera QR plates.
While Kirk components are not inexpensive, they are well-made and well-designed and the company supports their products very well.
Hopefully others will report their satisfaction with other brands, allowing you to choose among a wider range of alternatives. If not, I hope this info is still helpful.
Good luck in your focusing rail quest. Winter is a good time to try some focusing rail assisted projects - summer's insects don't usually cooperate with my tripod-based setups!
Thank you for your comments. I have indeed considered the Kirk rail. Actually, I think I've looked into most rails on the market, including the cheaper Adorama, Velbon, Manfrotto, etc. However, I've always held the philosophy of buying the best quality I can afford and the right tool for the job, so, although these rails are outrageously overpriced (including the cheaper ones, IMO), I have decided to go high end.
That said, the reason I decided on the Castel is that it seems to be widely held as the best out there. What finally nailed my decision was these 2 threads:
All said, I have come to the conclusion that the Castel is 'the one' (unless someone can convince me that a better decision is possible), and all that is left is deciding which QR will serve me best. The Kirk seems like a good rail, though.
Thank you again for taking the time to respond,
Edgar Poe
