Anemone Detail Nikon D100, Nikkor 105mm Micro AF-D ISO 200, f32, 20 sec.

Anyone that has attempted macro photography has experienced the frustration involved with positioning your camera for the proper point of focus. When depth of field is measured in millimeters, any movement of the camera is enough to completely change the composition.

It's important to remember that as you focus using the lens, the magnification changes. In order to maintain your desired magnification, you need to move the camera to obtain the correct focus point. With a normal tripod mount, this becomes an exercise in frustration. While macro focusing rails have been around for quite some time, Really Right Stuff has introduced a new model that will appeal to anyone that shoots a variety of subjects. Camera to subject distance can be adjusted in minute increments for fine tuning focus or a tight composition. A rail facilitates the entire process, eliminating the need to move the entire tripod.

Really Right Stuff has a history of making quality camera, lens and flash mounting plates that work with the Arca-Swiss style quick release system. Machined from solid aircraft aluminum with a black anodized finish, their Arca-style plates are available for a wide variety of cameras and lenses. The B150 is fully Arca compatible as well and it incorporates features from their new style of clamp with a quick lever release system, rather than the screw knob on other brands of Arca style products. Custom fit mounting plates are available for cameras and lenses from Really Right Stuff and Kirk Enterprises.

Using the focusing rail

Bee on Dandelion Nikon D100, Nikkor 105mm Micro AF-D ISO 200, f18, 1/80

The B150 mounts onto your existing Arca style clamp, or alternatively can be mounted directly on a tripod's 3/8" or 1/4" stud. Because the B150 includes a built-in quick release clamp, you can quickly mount your camera or lens to the focusing stage.

Rough positioning is done by moving the rail within the mounting bracket, while the fine positioning is accomplished by using the geared focusing stage. Total range of movement is 9", which is more than adequate in extreme close focusing. The focusing stage is a rack and pinion design with a machined brass track. A large knob is turned to position the camera, and a smaller knob locks the stage in position. The entire assembly is very solid, with absolutely no play in the movement. Once locked in position, there is no concern about stability.

In practice, I found it very easy to position my camera and tripod in the approximate location, quickly use the rough positioning to get close to my composition and then fine tune the point of focus with the geared stage. Being able to leave the lens at its focus point and move the body to compose is where a macro focusing rail becomes one of those tools that you wonder how you ever did without. It has completely changed my style of close-up photography. I have found myself shooting more variations of a subject with consistently better results than with conventional macro focusing techniques.

Maui, Kahoolawe, Lanai panorama from Haleakala Nikon D100, Nikkor 14mm AF-D ISO 200, f7.1, 1/1000 3 images stitched using Panorama Maker 3

Another use for the B150 is as a positioning mount for panoramic photography. By using the focusing stage to position the nodal point of the lens over the tripod head, the effective point of view remains constant as the camera is rotated. Used in this fashion, the B150 can save hours of computer time, reducing the need to correct for point of view and simplifying the steps required to stitch several images into a seamless panorama.

Though not inexpensive, the Really Right Stuff B150 Macro Focusing Rail is a professional tool that offers very good value for the serious macro photographer and anyone who frequently shoots panoramas. For further information on the B150, and other Really Right Stuff products, visit their website at http://www.reallyrightstuff.com.

Specifications

• Length 150mm (5.9 in)
• Width 100mm (3.9 in)
• Height 27mm (1.1 in)
• Weight 290 gr (10.2 oz)
• Includes neoprene OpTech soft pouch, with belt clip.
• Price: $350.00
• Contact: Really Right Stuff http://www.reallyrightstuff.com
• (888)777-5557

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Jon Canfield is a full time software engineer and part time landscape and nature photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. Jon has been involved in digital imaging from its early days both as a user and in software design. He now shoots almost exclusively with digital equipment. Jon’s work has been featured on MSN Photos, Kodak, and several nature photography websites. Jon is a member of NANPA, PPA and NPN. To see more of his work, visit him on the web at http://www.joncanfield.com or email him at jon@joncanfield.com