Quote Originally Posted by brucehughw View Post
Hi, all.

I just purchased a used 105 mm Nikkor F2.8 "micro" (as they call it) lens. This allows 1x magnification on a full frame camera and 1.5x magnification on my Nikon D7000. I spent some time in a greenhouse yesterday, looking for cacti and tropicals before I got back out in the real weather.

The focus distance, as I found out, is incredibly sensitive to changes in lens focus (turning the lens manually). I wasn't thrilled with the results I achieved, but it was only my first try with the lens.

I've seen focusing rails online, anything from $85 Manfrotto to $350 Really-right-stuff (I think). For macro work, plants, insects, nothing scientific, do I need one of those rails? I don't plan on taking multiple images and combining them, although I may need to if that's the only way to get decent macro results. Anyway, if experienced photographers can comment on the rails and need for multiple images, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks, Bruce
I paid less than $60.00 for a focusing rail, it comes in handy for studio work; especially when combined with a light tent and I have the front panel attached to prevent light leak.

http://www.amazon.com/Cowboystudio-M...cro+focus+rail