Focusing Rail for Macro Photography
Following the unprecedented popularity of the NiSi Macro Close-Up Lens for 67, 72 and 77mm lenses, we have once again listened to our customers and produced the NiSi NM-180s Macro Focusing Rail. The biggest challenge facing macro photographers is holding the camera perfectly steady in 3D space. Moving even a millimetre can throw the shot, so it’s easy to lose critical focus even with a tripod. This is where the focusing rail is essential. It gives you precise control over the distance between lens and subject. The NiSi Macro Focusing Rail has an adjustment range of 125 to 145mm subject to plate configuration (1mm travel per revolution.) and can be used on a flat surface or remove the studs to secure it to a tripod. For dual-axis control, you can stack two systems at 90º to each other.
We continuously improve our products, some details may differ between the photos on this page and the actual latest product.
Features
The NiSi Macro Focusing Rail is compatible with the Arca-Swiss dovetail mount and is equipped with an integrated Arca-Swiss type quick release foot-plate and clamp. The long plate for telephoto mounts is ergonomically designed for easy locking and release, and the bottom of the rail includes 3/8” and ¼” mounts for all compatible tripod heads, along with four (removable) studs allowing use directly on a tabletop. The rail has an adjustment range of 125 to 145mm subject to plate configuration (1mm travel per revolution) via the collapsible main thumb-screw or end-screw and a 360º rotating head. Both sides of the rail have engraved index marks to further aid precise positioning.
Construction
The NiSi focusing rail is made of high-precision CNC-machined aluminium and has a corrosion-resistant anodised finish. 
Thanks to the 3/8″ and 1/4″ screw attachment, the Macro Rail NM-180s is compatible with most tripods. The plate, which rotates 360°, can also hold telephoto lenses and the movement distances are conveniently engraved on the side of the rail. 
The NiSi Macro Photography Focusing Rail
4 Way Macro Focusing Rail?
For the most demanding photographers who require accurate dual axis movement, we recommend the purchase of 2x (two) NiSi NM-180s rails. This perfect combination of two slides delivers total freedom of movement, with top of the range features, high quality and an amazing price thanks to the NiSi model.
Roger K. (verified owner) –
Ian Ross (verified owner) –
Precise and smooth
Andy McDonald (verified owner) –
I tried two other rails before getting this one – the quality is superb and delivery was quick
Charles W. (verified owner) –
This rail is beautifully made. I used it today for the first time, and it works like a dream. You have to mount it properly to a decent pan-and-tilt tripod head (the rail’s screw-in legs are a complete waste of time), and the tripod head should ideally be mounted directly to the baseboard that holds your subject. A tripod is too cumbersome for macrophotography, and not nearly as solid as you think.
The knurled knob is better than the handle for advancing your camera because it puts less stress on the system. Another good thing about the knob is that it has exactly 50 knurls. Since a complete turn of the knob advances your camera 1.25mm, inking every tenth knurl gives you easily controllable movements of 0.25mm a time. With a bit of ingenuity, you could make markers for much smaller incremental movements.
Verdict: great value for money. Recommended.
Andrew S. (verified owner) –
I seem to be reviewing Nisi products that i’ve purchase quite regularly at the moment, guess that says a lot for their gear and service. This latest macro rail is so well made and functional, used it recently both as a macro rail and for pano, both attached to my tripod extender post which can be locked horizontally to extend camera reach and get close to subjects, did both with ease, also use the macro filter from Nisi, Highly rate both.