VelbonSuper Mag Slider

Ordered this unit the other day and it arrived promptly and so a big KUDOS to Amazon yet again. The unit is quite sturdy and fits on my tri-pod no problem. When I tried it out the other day, the results were fantastic and my images even sharper than ever. The control over focus that this unit gives you is second to none...it is so smooth and accurate. I am using it for macro photography where I am taking photos of antique, artificial salmon flies for a Government agency and so sharpness of image is critical. Trial photos I have taken so far are perfect. I am using a Nikon D7100 with a Ring Light and delay exposure mode for the best results. Another great benefit of the Mag Slider is that it negates the frustration of moving the tri-pod back and forth when photographing different sized images. If I could give this terrific piece of kit a 10 star rating then I would. Simply put, if you like taking macro photos of objects and want them pin sharp and on plane, then this is the unit for you. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for.(update)Just finished another two days of photography for Inland Fisheries Ireland and this Super Mag Slider has proven itself to be the best accessory in my bag. Images are razor sharp and the depth of field has been so really well controlled. Am over the moon with this purchase. If you are thinking of getting one and you have the need for it, then don't wait another second...just go ahead and buy one, you certainly won't regret it!

I knew I needed a slide rail to make focusing more precise when using close up Macro lenses. My ball head a vanguard SBH-300 accepted the unit perfectly and my DSLR fitted the base you see in the image spot on.I realise that it is not too cheap. Almost £70 I suppose seems about right for the quality. Takes a bit of getting used too but really does facilitate ease of accurate focus when getting up close n personal. I reverse a lens sometimes, which does indeed mean you are very close to a subject. Even using live view I find your fingers just can't get focus bang on. However the adjustments on the VSMS are down to the tiniest movement and DO ensure you get full on focus.The side to side is to some extent IMHO a bit of a gimmicky bit; not a big issue as you can separate it and just fit the forward and backward on its own.My DSLR with lenses and battery grip is a heavy old beast. I'm pleased to say the VSMS takes the weight perfectly. You will still need to make sure that wind is non existent to get a crisp shot if shooting in low-light higher ISO conditions.It not only looks good by jove it feels good too! A worthy purchase indeed.

Little to add to other reviews - it is solidly constructed and does the job it is designed for very well. Adjustment is very precise, unlike some rack-and-pinion models. Best used with a lens plate if possible as the weight of a DSLR with macro lens and ringflash at full extension makes control of weight distribution a real challenge. Agree that the transverse movement is not that useful but as others have said the lower unit is easily removed. Personally, I could have done with some graduations to assist adjustment for focus stacking, but only a minor quibble. Worth the money.

I do a large amount of macrophotography outside. This slider gets round the need to keep constantly nudging the tripod to get in the best position to photograph. Combined with a Manfrotto 410 geared head every movement is catered for with fine precision. The lateral movement on the Velbon Mag Slider helps considerably as it keeps the plane of focus. Used with the Manfrotto 394 RC4 Low Profile Rectangular Rapid Connect Adapter With 410pl Plate to match the head, the slider can be quickly attached when required. The slight downside is the height of the combined head, plates and slider, but the mass of them does help to damp vibrations. The slider is quite heavy and about twice the size (height and length) when compared with a two rail Novoflex one, but is more rigid and has lateral movement. Furthermore, the gearing mechanism on the Velbon does not require the use of a locking knob and fine adjustments stay in place without a lock. I am very pleased with the Velbon Super Mag Slider.

Have replaced one item, and the second still has a loose feeling upper adjustment knob. Does not affect the movement/useage, seems like a bad design.The overall construction is good, it''s' just the knob on the top slider, has a slight up//down movement. I returned the first item and asked for replacement but it's still present. Other users have also reported this when I asked. This is the main reason for 3/5 rating.For macro stacking the device moves in fairly good increments. I would recommend making a bigger grip for the top adjustment knob, to be able to fine tune the stepping. As it is it would be hard to make ultra fine adjustments (but those device are probably cost three digits).

I decided to step up from a 3 axis Meike Slider (plastic) which I bought to give a try to macro photography. I decided to keep going for the macro so began to search for a good option without breaking the bank.Finally, I choose the Velbon and it has been one of my greatest surprises with camera gear. I love it because of its sturdiness and yet easy controls and moderate weight.I use it for 1:1 Macro stacking photos. Absolutely recommended for such application.It has an almost unnoticeable side movement every one full turn of the adjustment knob, but for my level of work, it passes unnoticed. Maybe for higher magnifications, it will represent an issue.

Very stable, works great. Good craftsmanship.

Would be better if the slides had a graduated scale on the side so that accurate increments could be made with ease.

Tiene buena precisión, no vale para la técnica de "apilado de imágenes", le falta precisión. Pero como accesorio par un enfoque de precisión va muy bien y es muy cómodo de usar

Posso confermare con estrema soddisfazione che questa slitta ha risolto i miei problemi a livello di macrofotografia.La uso su un supporto fisso facendola lavorare il verticale. L'altra slitta che possiedo non è in grado di lavorare in verticale in quanto a causa del peso della macchina fotografica tende a scivolare verso il basso impedendone così l'utilizzo.La meccanica del Velbon è ben fatta e leggera, la vite di attuazione a un passo di 2 mm, il che significa che con un piccolo angolo di rotazione della manopola si può apprezzare una traslazione della slitta di circa un decimo di millimetro.Con questa slitta posso fare la messa a fuoco dell'oggetto semplicemente traslandola su o giù secondo le necessità.Credo che sia uno strumento indispensabile per chi come me si diletta con la macrofotografia.