Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg)
The Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate is a quick release system that allows for some positioning within the clamp for fore-aft macro adjustments.
It is the ideal tool to make precise positioning movements to achieve the perfect framed shot, for macro photography, for QTVR, and other precise copy/repro work. This plate has finger-tip control for ultra-fine positioning, but has a simple lock-release lever for fast set-up.
Two plates can be interlocked at 90° for full lateral/forward/back movement (over 4.7"). Made of extruded aluminium, the plate has 1/4"-20 and 3/8" holes and screws for tripod and camera mounting.
Replaces old part number 3419.
| Maximum Movement | 4.7" (120mm) |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 4.2 x 0.8" (131 x 107 x 20mm) LxWxH |
| Weight | 1 lb (450g) |
| Quick Release | No |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 34 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (23)
- Easy to use (22)
- Improves function (15)
- Lightweight (8)
- Compact (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro photography (28)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (13), Semi-pro photographer (12), Pro photographer (4), Enthusiast (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (18)
Most Liked Positive Review
Indispensable
I bought this product to use with a new Canon 100mm Macro lens and it has proved invaluable.
When I first used the new lens on a tripod without it, I was disappointed ...Read complete review
I bought this product to use with a new Canon 100mm Macro lens and it has proved invaluable.
When I first used the new lens on a tripod without it, I was disappointed with the outcome due to my inexperience with the extremely narrow depth of field. At first I thought the problem was with the lens but when I used the sliding plate my shots were immediately needle sharp and I knew I had to come to terms with and learn a whole new world of photography. Without the sliding plate I think I would still be blaming the lens.
The plate is a little fiddly to attach to the camera but once in place performs admirably. The camera can be moved quickly to get correct framing and then the micro adjustment of the slider allows precise focus on the selected elements to realise the full potential of your set up.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
OK for 1x or 2x
Works well at magnifications around 1x and because it is so much easier to carry and deploy in the field I use it at those magnifications in preference to traditional focusing rails. For that reason...Read complete review
Works well at magnifications around 1x and because it is so much easier to carry and deploy in the field I use it at those magnifications in preference to traditional focusing rails. For that reason alone it’s worth the money. At 2x it is usable but not without frustration. The problem is the guides move and the screw does not turn smoothly. As a result the image doesn’t stay exactly put. This would be serious problem if stacking software could not aligne images automatically; but fortunately it can, so although you won’t enjoy using this product at 2x, it is doable. At 3x+ the worm screw is not fine enough to focus precisely and the sloppy guides and screw will exceed your patience. Honestly, I expected something called a micrometric positioning device to be more accurate than an old Olympus or Minolta rail, but it isn’t really.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 34 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
Just got two of the positioning plates for Christmas, which I will use at right angles to one another in macro photography. I am very please with the design, quality and design of the items.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Traveling
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
I haven't had this long enough to put it through it's paces, so to speak, but from what I've seen so far it's going to be a great addition to my macro "arsenal". I've owned two different "macro sliders" by two different manufacturers in the past and not been satisfied with them. This item is very well made and there is no "slop" when tightened. I think I will invest in another one and attach them perpendicular to each other, making a very solid, stable slider.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
I have received the Sliding Plate and have tried it on my tripod and it works great. I have been helping a friend who has a jewelry collection and this will make it much easier to get the pics I need. As always, packing and delivery from B&H was great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
If the function you are looking for is being able to offset a camera lens to put focal point over tripod head, well then this will work, but it isn't really the right tool. 1) there is no fixed point for affixing the camera so as to calibrate for repeated use. Yes you can just push it against the back of the slot and use that for your fixed point but it is pretty kludgy, though works. 2) 1/4" mount fixture is off center so you better have a 3/8" head (which fixture is centered) or it is worthless.
But it is solid, smooth, and workable if not easy.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
I photograph things smaller than insects so with my macrophotography it is important to make minute adjustments. This economic device does the trick nicely and is well worth the price. It's not perfect but works very nicely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
I didn't realize until I took my first macro course that going to manual focus and using one of these was the way to go - as a matter of fact, the teacher had rigged 2 of these together, perpendicular to each other. Great value.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
- Intuitive to use
- Necessary macro accessory
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
Manfrotto continues to reinforce their reputation of manufacturing quality photographic products. I have owned hundreds of Manfrotto products over the years, from tripods, to ballheads, to lightstands and more. Like all my other Manfrotto products, this Micrometric Sliding Plate, although simple in its design, is solid and dependable. I use it primarily for accurate macro focusing and I have absolutely no complaints. It does what it is intended to do.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
Pretty straight-forward and simple rail. Quite strong. No unnecessary gimmicks.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
- No horizontal axes
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
This is a great tool for macro. You will need this for inmage stacking.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday Use
- Fine Art Reproduction
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
I require very precise focusing capabilities for doing fine art reproductions. This plate does exactly what I need to do and has much finer focus capabilities than the focus rings on my Canon lenses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
THe product is used to focus in a macro photo situation. I use it when taking close-up photos for a local nature society and found it to be extremely helpful. It enable process focusing in situation with very little depth of field. The quick release accelerates the transition from position to position and from speciment to specimen. I can't say I found anything bad about the device other than the fact that one needs to be patient when using it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
just new to Macro , very helpful have Canon 7D , big difference from trying to use a monopod to shoot the Macro images
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
This is a superb aid in macro focusing, solid and yet affordable! If you acquire two units you will be able to fine-adjust the position of your gear in X and Y coordinates (front/back and left/right). I acquired two of these units to aid in focusing a Canon 7D with a Canon MP-E 65mm 2.8 manual focus macro lens in its 5x magnification setup. If you expect to use similar setup in a tripod with the camera looking down, it is very important to select a very solid (and low) tripod! I also recommend using a remote shutter release as the shutter pressing may shake things up. For that matter I use a Canon RC-6, but one can also use a timer instead. The rails do accomplish their goal. I am a happy buyer!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Cost
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
- Secondary gross adjustmen
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
Much more flexible than I could imagine. Manfrotto gear is durable and usable. I camp happily.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
A very precise and practical plate for the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
- Not Functional
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
I must agree with Jay F's comment: rotating the adjustment knob to move the lens closer or further from your subject inadvertently moves the rails sideways (laterally), so that your composition changes. This is a surprising flaw from a company like Manfrotto that is known for precision. It's a potentially serious flaw for macro shooters who use the focus stacking technique; your images may be too far out of register to be aligned correctly in Photoshop. So I've just ordered the $120 Velbon rails from B&H, hoping they are better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
There are time when you wished you have the controls this device gives you. May be it is not a device for every shot but the ones need it are really worth the investement
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
Heavy duty macro rail with no frills, I may add a quick release adapter to it, but otherwise it works great, considering the cost.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
The quick adjust is a little stiff but will free up with use and some light oil. The micro adjusting screw has just the correct pitch, that the travel is gradual but not overly slow. Me likey sofar.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micrometric Positioning Sliding Plate - Supports 17.7 lbs (8kg):
Product appears well made and is easy to adjust
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
- 1/4"-20 Screw
- 3/8" Screw
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
