Macro Mastery: Focusing Rails and Auto Macro Bellows Explained

Join Martin and Matt for an in-depth discussion about when and how to use macro focusing rails and the NOVOFLEX Auto Bellows System.

This livestream was dedicated to answering all the questions you send us.

Please use the comments below to ask us anything and we will reply or include them in a future livestream.

We are also delighted to share our new USA website:
https://novoflexus.com/

Q: Why and when would I choose a geared macro rail over an electronic one?
A: When precision becomes paramount.

Manual Focusing Rails:
CASTEL-MINI-II
https://novoflexus.com/novoflex-mini-focus-rack-arca-compatible-castel-mini-ii/
CASTEL-Q
https://novoflexus.com/novoflex-q-system-focusing-rack-with-quick-release-base/
CASTEL-XQ-II
https://novoflexus.com/novoflex-focusing-rack-with-q-mount-xd-quick-release-base/
CASTEL-CROSS-Q
https://novoflexus.com/novoflex-q-system-cross-focusing-rack-with-qpl-1/

Electronic Focusing Rail:
CASTEL-Micro Electronic is SPECIAL ORDER in USAplease use this form to inquire:
https://form.jotform.com/193503692985067

Video:
https://youtu.be/RIrSCt0dIjE

Q: How can I convert my kit lens into a full-fledged macro lens?
A: Novoflex Retro adapters.
Recommend using Zoom lenses over Prime lenses. Primes restrict the plane of focus opportunities.

Only Nikon Z bodies can be used in the Nikon line. No Nikon F Retro adapter is available. But you can use the FTZ Adapter with F lenses on Nikon Z bodies.

Q: Does autofocus work with lens reversing rings? (AKA RETRO adapters)
A: full information is exchanged between the camera and lens. However, a lack of contrast in macro images can cause the autofocus to “hunt” and never settle on the correct focus. We recommend manual focus for all macro work. Use a focus rack under the camera with retro adapter or with bellows adapter to achieve fine focus.

Q: When I reverse my lens how does the front of my lens attach to the adapter?
A: An additional step ring is needed UNLESS your lens is threaded for 58mm.

Q: Can I use filters with my lens reversed?
A: YES - see video

Q: Why would I use a bellows system rather than a retro adapter?
A: For greater magnification and to use traditional macro lenses for maximum sharpness such as flat field lenses, enlarging lenses or microscope lenses.

Q: If I buy a retro adapter can I convert that to an auto bellows system?
A: Yes! Detail how.

Matt telling story of backyard macro
Matt purchased a Laowa 2:1 Macro lens for Nikon Z Mount
Demos:
Using with CASTEL-Mini-II only
Using with CASTEL-Mini-II + BAL-NIKZ for closer view
Using with CASTEL-Mini-II + BAL-NIKZ for maximum magnification

Other Videos you may enjoy about products mentioned in this presentation:

WEBINAR REPLAY: NOVOFLEX Macro Reversing Rings (Originally aired 25 February 2020)
https://youtu.be/Qhe5H_BIuTU

NOVOFLEX Universal Macro Bellows Adapter System Webinar + Q&A!
https://youtu.be/klV9ja72vpE

CASTEL-Q Macro Focusing Rack System - with Joe Brady
https://youtu.be/MOJELyh_LC4

NOVOFLEX Macro photography with Bernd Ritschel
https://youtu.be/6iVjBrBq6bQ

Shooting with Novoflex Retro Reverse Lens Adapters - with Joe Brady
https://youtu.be/FsxwiWD60_8

Jay Patel Using the CASTEL-XQ-II Focusing Rail for Insect Macro Photography
https://youtu.be/QpeKi6FBrjU

CASTEL-L - MiniConnect Focusing Rack with Quick Release Base and Plate with Joe Brady
https://youtu.be/doZDd_ctJKU

Extreme Precision Macro for Modern Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras with NOVOFLEX Macro Auto-Bellows
https://youtu.be/yppHRYDhFzE

The Ultimate Precise Macro Stacking Solution: NOVOFLEX Castel-Micro Motorized Macro Rail
https://youtu.be/RIrSCt0dIjE

#macro #novoflex #focusstacking