Velbon Super Mag Slider

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.

Got the slider for a great price , it was listed as new , but in reality it was either a demo one or a display item , cause it shows some wear at the bottom .

Construction quality seems to be good but as the tool is still young I cannot yet comment on its long-term performance.The wide, slotted base makes it is easy to firmly attach a camera that itself has only a smallish base. The mounting screw that retains the camera has a nifty stepped knob with two diameters -- the smaller diameter step being useful for quickly spinning the screw in or out of the camera, and the larger diameter step being used to apply a tightening force.The slider offers two directions of movement with more movement being possible forwards and backwards than from side to side.With up to 250mm of extension (using bellows) I have found the sensitivity and stiffness of the adjustment knobs to be adequate and the movement of the deck to be acceptably smooth; neither too tight nor too sloppy.BOTTOM LINEMacro photography is much easier and less frustrating with this slider unit than it is without 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.

If you're looking at this slider, chances are you are into macro photography and/or focus stacking. I am, and for these purposes I can't fault this slider. It's well built and looks like it'll last quite a while.You have an x (left/right)and y (up/down) rail, which is great if you're working at ridiculous magnifications. However, usually in these circumstances you're in a studio environment. If this is the case, it's possible (and I'd recommend it) to remove the x-rail, which gives you a bit more stability. This is easily done using the provided allen keys etc.There's not that much more to say, other than that the knobs and rails move smoothly and are strong enough to support a Canon 7D SLR with the MP-E 65mm macro lens and MR-14EX Ring flash, in a vertical position.My only criticism, mostly noticeable at the higher magnifications, is there is a little bit of "play" when changing direction on the rail. An example would be if you were to compose you subject centrally by gradually focusing down the rail, if you then change and move the focus up a little, the composition shifts a fraction of 1mm. Doesn't sound like much, but when you are at 5x magnification, the viewfinder can be filled by just a few mm! So long as you're aware of this, you can factor this in to your workflow and it's not an issue.

Nice piece of kit !Does what it says on the tin (which always endears things to me !), is nicely made - and for "ordinary" macro work, the Bee's Knees !Avoid, like the plague, Cheap Chinese knockoffs ... This is the Real Deal, guys. Like so many other reviewers here, I combine this with a Manfrotto junior geared head - and the two together make Macro Work what it should be - a delight.For info - Canon 1 Ds mk III + either Canon 100mm macro or the Sigma 180 mm macro sometimes; that lot weighs a bit, is Large and in Charge - sits ROCK STEADY on this combo.And YES, the bottom DOES inclede (two !) adapters, 3/8 to 1/4, so the Velbon can sit either on the Manfrotto geared head OR directly onto a tripod screw. Nice touch ...So, unless you are into microscopy photography, and need seriously expensive lab gear - I'd recommend this setup as being very good indeed for the money !Ross

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!