Focus stacking Buttons with the NiSi Macro Focusing Rail NM-180s

[@jonkers2007]

Hi Ben. I have 2 Nisi rails I use together to give the front to back and side to side adjustability and they work very well. They are excellent rails, and far better (though much more expensive) than the amazon/ebay inexpnsive rails. I’ve seen a video where someone checked the movement per rotation of the wheel against a digital micrometer and he found they were very accurate, which is essential when focus stacking highly detailed/magnified subjects.

[@Adaptalux]

I saw that they can be easily attached together using the arca-swiss mounts. It's good that they have been tested to that accuracy too. Happy with this purchase!

[@IonutNedelcu]

The direction you start a stack is dependent on how much backlash your slider has. In your case, NiSi makes very good sliders (albeit a tad expensive) so it works either way. I have a Newer one which has lots of backlash, so to compensate for that, I always start my focus stacks with the slider at the bottom and move it up throughout the stack. This way, it's a smoother transition between the individual frames.

[@Adaptalux]

That's good practise, I always stacked "downhill" using the neewer one. The weight of the camera makes it much harder to pull it upwards and adds to the movement of the whole rig... but this new one is far better and really doesn't make a difference.

[@stephenrobinson9923]

I purchased the NISI focusing rail in May 2021. It has been an excellent piece of kit which after hundreds of stacks functions like brand new. Most of the time I use my Adaptalux setup with the rail and it is an excellent combination. The rail you purchased has some nice improvements since 2021

[@Adaptalux]

I'm really impressed with it, it's a BIG improvement over the cheap one I have and the operation is so smooth. Hopefully it gives me years of stacking too!

[@sandisimos]

I had one of the Neewer cheaper focus rails and replaced it as my birthday gift in late 2023. I found that I rarely used the old one simply because I struggled to get the camera mounted to it. I'm already enjoying the Nisi version so much more. Next gift giving occasion I'll be asking for the Adaptalux system to take my setup to the next level.

[@Adaptalux]

It's amazing how little things like annoying mounting can get in the way, the Arca-swiss compatibility was a big factor in getting this one over others and its made my life easier so far!

[@stephenstevenson1900]

Very interesting video Ben. Great subject choice. I too just picked up a NiSi focusing rail and this video has made me want to get on with more focus stacking. Thanks for sharing!

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I really enjoyed getting to grips with the new rail.

[@Bautaen202]

When or how do you know when you have enough images for your stack? How do you work around that? Thanks for a helpful and learning video. :)

[@Adaptalux]

The short answer is to calculate the depth of field for your lens and current aperture and use that to decide against the desired depth for your shot/subject. When stacking manually, I simply move in small increments from the front of the image to the back, checking as I go. The narrower your dof the smaller your increments will need to be and more shots you will need.

[@danielboomers]

af or manual on lense? what does ur display means M/MF AFon.. confusing.. do I need AF lens working on cam?

[@Adaptalux]

Always manual focus!

[@danielboomers]

@@Adaptalux thankx. i wanna use a macro rail. do they work with cheaper tripods as well? tripods can cost alot.

[@photochop9657]

Don't bin the old two-way ,they make great specimen holders 👍

[@richarddutton6849]

adaptalux really impressive - not heard of these so googled but 600-800 quid for a set yikes - no way. will stick to my hacked ikea goosenecks and a smallrig set great vid though. agree about the nisi rails - well built and reliable. users should check them for trapped dirst and lube to keep the lead screw rolling nicely.

[@Adaptalux]

Hey Richard, the system is modular so you can start much cheaper than that and add to it as you need it, I guarantee it's much better than Ikea lights. Regardless, thanks for watching, you should check out our other macro videos, we try to keep them all relevant no matter the lighting you have. Great tip on keeping the NiSi rail clean too.

[@Narsuitus]

Have you tried focus stacking with tilt/shift lenses and/or tilt/shift camera backs?

[@Adaptalux]

No not tried any tilt shift yet.

[@bernym4047]

Why, oh why the annoying background music? If I want music I will turn on the radio.

[@Adaptalux]

Thanks for the feedback.