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.
Ross Gooding (verified owner) –
Great piece of kit?
Dave Duggan (verified owner) –
Great build quality and fast delivery.
John Barlow (verified owner) –
Having four small legs, thankfully removeable, is an unecessary addition to the extremely well engineered rail. They can only be there to ensure that the quick adjustment via the small handle does not foul the work surface it might be placed on.
But nobody would ever use it in a position that could accidentally be moved.
Having said that this is an excellent focus rail and well worth the money. Each rotation shifts the load by 1.25 mm so it’s easy to make infinitesimal movements.
Some may think the focus rail handle is a gimic, and I did at first. However it really is useful as a way to quickly shift the load along the avis.
Definitely recommended. It does everything needed for a focus rail and has a quality feel to it
Alistair Graham (verified owner) –
Very well engineered rail for the price point
Sam (verified owner) –
Well made solid piece of kit. Very happy