StackShot + Arca Clamp Adapter Plate question

[hkdigit]

Hi all,

Just receive StackShot, I just wonder which Quick release clamp orientation is better? That is, it is better to attach it to Lens Collars or attach to camera?





Besides, any adapter or tools that can convert the QR Clamp orientation without unscrew the plate?

[Craig Gerard]

Chris,

Option #1 (fore/aft) is how I use my StackShot and RRS clamp. Used in this way you can connect your camera via the lens collar. This will enable you to alter camera orientation to either landscape or portrait depending on the composition.

I tend to use a bellows with an Arca Swiss dovetail base. Option #1 is the applicable configuration for such equipment.

Option #2 (side to side) For landscape or portrait orientation you could use an 'L' bracket attached directly to your camera, but such a bracket would be more limited with regard to possible orientation options.

Besides, any adapter or tools that can convert the QR Clamp orientation without unscrew the plate?

A bi-directional, camera specific quick release plate will allow you to mount the camera body directly in either direction fore/aft or side to side (should you wish to do so) without the need to alter the clamp configuration.

There are additional alternatives/approaches for on-the-fly adjustments between fore/aft or side to side positioning such as the RRS PCL-1: Panning Clamp:
http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=PCL-1 (there are 'clones' available, but the 'clone' I have is not as accurate as the original)

Which camera/lens combination are you currently intending to use?


I suggest working with Option #1 (fore/aft)


Craig


* edit added link

[hkdigit]

I am using Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM with Canon 5D mark II with Acratech quick release plates.

Seems there is no original Tripod Collar Mount Ring for above lens, so I may need to buy cheap cheap China make one... I just think if it is *stable* to use collar mount instead of camera plate.

> I tend to use a bellows with an Arca Swiss dovetail base.

Sorry for my ignorance, what is the usage of above config? Nice if you can show me the setup photo.

Many thanks in advance.

[Craig Gerard]

I tend to use a bellows with an Arca Swiss dovetail base.

what is the usage of above config? Nice if you can show me the setup photo.

Here you go....









Craig

[rjlittlefield]

I am using Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM
...
Seems there is no original Tripod Collar Mount Ring for above lens, so I may need to buy cheap cheap China make one

HERE, Canon lists the "Tripod Mount Ring D", list price $240. Amazon sells it for only $189.95, but even so that cheap substitute might look pretty good!

--Rik

[hkdigit]

Thanks

Do you know if the tripod mount ring come with Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm lens can used for 100mm IS? As I want to buy it in near further.

Thanks again.

[Craig Gerard]

Do you know if the tripod mount ring come with Canon Macro Photo MP-E 65mm lens can used for 100mm IS?

From memory, no; but I will need to check, there are some differences in method of attachment to the lens.

Here is the 100L using a generic tripod collar. I-Shoot from HK, if I recall correctly, eBay# 250814165029; build quality is quite reasonable. Avoid the plastic JJC clones the last one I used was rubbish.








Craig

[Chris S.]

I am using Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM with Canon 5D mark II with Acratech quick release plates.

Seems there is no original Tripod Collar Mount Ring for above lens, so I may need to buy cheap cheap China make one....

Chris Lee,

I recently purchased item 281023577575 from eBay seller lilyrst. This is not quite the item you need--the listing specifically says that it is for the "Canon EF 100mm/F2.8 USM Macro Lens," with the admonition "Note, it can't be used for Canon EF100f/2.8 LS USM macro." I actually purchased this tripod collar to use with a Nikon lens of similar dimensions, and was pleased to find the quality to be pretty good--or even extremely good, considering the price. (The item is made of metal.) I was happy with the purchase.

This vendor also lists item 280670184131, which is described as being made for the Canon 100mm L MACRO IS USM, which I believe is your lens? While I haven't had this particular item in hand, I'd be inclined to give the vendor a try, judging by the very decent quality of the lens collar I received from him, and the very low price of the lens collar.

Best,

--Chris S.

[hkdigit]

Here is the 100L using a generic tripod collar. I-Shoot from HK, if I recall correctly, eBay# 250814165029; build quality is quite reasonable. Avoid the plastic JJC clones the last one I used was rubbish.

Craig

As I live in Hong Kong, I can easy to buy ishoot collar from taobao (ebay clone in china). But what I see the user comments that it rather "tight" and not easy to rotate as the Canon one. Is that true?

Besides, why you have 2 B+W filter attached? What are they? UV +??

[Craig Gerard]

I've not used the genuine Canon version of the collar for the 100L so can't offer a comparison. The I-Shoot version works well, is solid and reliable. The soft, inner lining (flocking) could be thicker. Would I buy the genuine Canon version if the price was not ridiculous....most likely.

Those B+W filters and the Xume magnetic filter holder just happened to be on the lens when I took the setup photos this morning. They are both ND filters, a 10 stop and a 6 stop used for looooooong exposures (not macro) I've recently begun to use the Lee Ultra Wide Angle filter holder and Hitech ProStop 100 IRND filters for long exposures but need to get an adapter before I can use the system on the 100L.

.......................................................................

I only use the StackShot for macro. In a recent discussion Rik included a chart in one of his responses.....I have included the chart here for reference (don't have time to find the original thread)

Focus Ring or Rail for Stacking:

Reference: http://zerenesystems.com/cms/stacker/do ... versusrail



Craig

*edit: added reference hyperlink

[scottburgess]

@hkdigit: Tripod mount ring B can be used with the Canon 100L, 100 USM, 180L, and MP-E 65 lenses, though some will require a plastic adapter. Having said that, I keep separate tripod collars on lenses for field work. If you're doing mostly studio work, you could save a few dollars here.

B&H is selling them with one of the plastic adapters included: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... details&Q=

[rjlittlefield]

I only use the StackShot for macro. In a recent discussion Rik included a chart in one of his responses.....I have included the chart here for reference (don't have time to find the original thread)

I don't remember where else I might have used it, but that chart is now part of a long page titled "Is it better to use a focus rail or the ring on my lens?", HERE.

--Rik

[Craig Gerard]

Rik,

Yes, that is the article. It was referenced during a fairly recent discussion on the forum and I'd kept a copy of the graphic/table on my desktop but neglected to keep an indicator of its online location. The article is an important reference and I'm about to send it to the printer


Craig

[rjlittlefield]

The article is an important reference

I find myself pointing to it quite a bit.

That article was prompted by a couple of things that occurred around the same time. First was that I received several questions along the lines of "Do I need a rail?". Second was seeing several people who already had rails use them badly, for example focus stepping an entire necklace with camera movement and then wondering why there were stacking artifacts.

You can hide a lot of sins with DMap, but really it's better to not commit them in the first place, and that's the point of the article. I have to confess that even I was a little surprised by some of the artifacts that disappeared when I stepped by focus ring instead of by camera movement.

--Rik