Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release
The Kirk FR-1 Focusing Rail is a lightweight geared-track macro stage that offers precise movement for macro work. The rail provides 3.9" (10cm) of movement, and its base fits directly into any Arca Swiss-type quick release clamp. It also features a swiveling Arca-type quick release clamp on top, which can be used in combination with Kirk's plates, or any of the other Arca-type brands (Arca-Swiss, Foba, NPC, Gitzo, etc.).
Using a focusing rail saves you time and improves results when shooting precise macro work. It is especially ideal for use with lenses used in the "reversed" position, for extreme macro work.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
82%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (8)
- Durable (7)
- Improves function (7)
- Lightweight (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro photography (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (6), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Lives up to expectations
I purchased this product to use for nature/macro photography, in particular for image stacking where small incremental adjustments to focus are required.
The standard of the product is first class, and ...Read complete review
I purchased this product to use for nature/macro photography, in particular for image stacking where small incremental adjustments to focus are required.
The standard of the product is first class, and up to the quality I have previously experienced from Kirk products.
It fulfils my requirements and expectations perfectly.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Flimsy parts
It works well. But the model I have is hard to change quick release position (tools required!). An after one year, a plastic part (that is responsible for keeping the camera position...Read complete review
It works well. But the model I have is hard to change quick release position (tools required!). An after one year, a plastic part (that is responsible for keeping the camera position tight) broke. So now it's impossible to use it on inclinated positions.
I tried to buy this part from Kirk, but it was so hard and I gave up. Frustrating!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
I have two of these Kirk rails, used in combination to provide dual-axis (X-Y)focus adjustments. This rail has two limitations for me: (1) 25mm stage motion per turn of the adjustment knob is very coarse and thus it is very hard to use for finely-spaced, high-magnification stacks with my Canon MPE-65 macro lens; (2) since the quick-release clamps are at one end of the rails, the mounted camera + flash is therefore usually not centered on the tripod mount, causing a tripod load imbalance. On the positive side, the rail motion is smooth and predictable.
The associated Kirk clamps work exceptionally well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
Like our other Kirk products that we have, they are beautifully mashined, precise and smooth to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Lightweight
Cons
- No lateral movement
Best Uses
- Macro
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
I bought it because I liked the simple design, and I use arca-swiss type mounts. This focusing rail is compatible with those. The unit arrived in shrink wrap packaging.
I have a 180mm f3.5 macro 1:1 lens. To take 1:1 macro shots, I need to use the lens at full extension and not try to focus by turning the lens. Instead, I need to physically move the lens forward and backward to establish focus. Macro focusing rails help do this. I have tried this unit for basic 1:1 macro and also for focus stacking. It moves the lens forward and backward securely, I did not feel that my camera is going to fall off the mount. Good unit. Recommended.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
I haven't really had a chance to use this accessory yet, but it looks well built and durable and I'm looking forward to using it for more macro work.
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
I bought this for focus stacking and it's turned out to be a significant improvement over the much cheaper made [*] I was using.Unlike the less expensive focusing rack I previously used every movement is precise and repeatable.The Kirk focusing rail seem expensive, but if you need exact control over the positioning of your camera this unit is worth the price.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
Makes it extremely easy to use the marco lens
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
It works well. But the model I have is hard to change quick release position (tools required!). An after one year, a plastic part (that is responsible for keeping the camera position tight) broke. So now it's impossible to use it on inclinated positions.
I tried to buy this part from Kirk, but it was so hard and I gave up. Frustrating!
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
Well designed and easy to use for macro and everything else beyond 1x. Used its double version (1x for focusing/1x for horizontal shift) successfully with Canon 65mm 1-5x but found it quite bulky in such combination. Will try the RRS B150B-Dual Axis but latter one should not be that high when assembled compared to the Kirk here. I used Gitzo series 2 and sometimes was not close enough to the ground.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
Used for macro photography. Is well engineered and built. Operates very smoothly, making it much easier to frame a close up shot according to preference.
A bit pricey.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
Well crafted, works perfectly. I like the ability to rotate the Quick Release, so I can mount my camera or 200/4 macro lens.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Improves Function
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Kirk FR-1 Macro Focusing Rail - with Arca-Type Quick Release:
I purchased this product to use for nature/macro photography, in particular for image stacking where small incremental adjustments to focus are required.
The standard of the product is first class, and up to the quality I have previously experienced from Kirk products.
It fulfils my requirements and expectations perfectly.
Displaying reviews 1-11
- 5-Year Warranty
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