NEEWER 4-Way Macro Focusing Rail Slider with Quick Release Plate, 1/4”-20 Thread for Macro Photography and Close-Up Shooting, Compatible with Canon Nikon Fujifilm Sony DSLR Mirrorless Camera

After replacing my old bridge camera, I replaced old equipment. I owned a 4-way focusing rail, but it wasn't very well-built. There was no way it was going to have the accuracy or build quality for my new Panasonic FZ2500, a rather weighty camera, weighing over 2 pounds.I chose the Neewer, after buying a very nice Neewer carbon fiber tripod on Amazon. Neewer has a good reputation for quality, especially given the mid level price point. I looked at a few other types of focusing rails, but I really need the 4-way to do supermacros photography, like the snowflakes.I've never wanted to get back into carrying lenses, etc, so after 35mm, I simply decided on bridge cameras. I've photographed microscope slides with my bridge camera. I use a Raynox 250 super macros lens that I bought several years ago from Amazon. This requires the lens to be extended with the Raynox attached, to achieve super macros. Sharp focus is achieved by moving the entire camera back and forth, with a correction in framing by moving right/left.The 4-way focusing rail that I had, shifted when adjusting. The Neewer is rock steady. It doesn't use a worm gear (which can introduce backlash). Both axis are moved by rack and pinion mechanism. When switching to the opposite direction, there is less than 1mm of a turn of the focusing knobs before its engaged. You'd never notice it unless you were testing for it.The motion in all 4 directions is extraordinary smooth. Focusing tension is adjustable by smaller knobs. The focuser comes equipped with a Swiss Arca quick release plate with camera mount. I've got the Arca plate from the Innorel F20 pan/tilt head on the camera (another excellent piece of equipment that I bought on Amazon), which fit the focuser nicely. The mount clipped well, and very securely, holding the camera firmly in place.As a astronomer, I've used and worked on many telescopes, most with a rack and pinion focuser. I'll see how much vibration is introduced by using the focusing rail. I may outfit the focuser knob with a hands off, powered focusing adapter that fits over the knob.Addressing a complaint I've seen:For under $100, the Neewer 4-way rail is an excellent piece of equipment. I can't see where it would be improved. I think I saw a complaint or two about wobble in the rails. I have to believe this was from loosing the focusing adjustment too much. If you loosen the tension too much, you can indeed wiggle the rails. This is the same problem that you will have with any rack and pinion system, it's not a defect in materials or workmanship. I have a $500 aftermarket telescope focuser which will do the same thing. The secret is to maintain proper and enough tension, while ensuring smooth movement. When properly adjusted, there is no wobble or unwanted rail movement.

I am impressed with this. It's solid build and works well. It feels like a precision-made product. I have this mounted on a copy stand and it holds a heavy mirrorless full-frame camera and lens. The adjustment knobs work smoothly and evenly. Good grips on the knobs. I especially like the Arca-Swiss mount that it comes with (including a plate) as all my cameras have Arca-Swiss plates attached, so it was easy to put them on.IMPORTANT: It also comes with a smaller 3/8" screw adapter for additional adaptability to copy stands (which tend to have the smaller screw diameters rather than the 1/4" "tripod" screw sizes.) Oddly, there is no information on this on the product description, even though I found this to be very important, since I would have been unable to attach it to my copy stand mount!All in all, this was a very solidly made product at a good price. I would recommend it.

I've been a photographer for 30+ years and have owned two of these. Both of them are of high quality and the machining and functioning has been great. I'm very pleased with the precision of the dials and locking mechanism. I use one for macro photography and the other for a homemade device for photographing slides. Both uses require precision focus and these work just fine. The only reason I'm not giving them five stars is that neither of the ones I have have seen a huge amount of use in the field or harsh conditions so I can't speak to the durability under those circumstances.

When I first got this I thought it was a waste of money cause I didn't see the true value of this until I got a non-focus ring lens and then that when this truly start to shine. It was east to set up and even more easy to make small adjustments to stack the focus of the subject.I say it's a must have for macro photography.

Smooth action, scales well marked and really well made. Absolutely perfect for my needs!! I simply cannot find anything negative to say about it.

Well built and easy to use. Very accurate for stack photos.