How to Make a Focusing Rail for Macro Photography

Last Updated: March 4, 2021

A focusing rail greatly enhances the quality of your macro photography. Being able to inch closer and closer to your subject in tiny increments improves the quality of your macros.

Steps

1
Have the tripod head for your focusing rail. You will want something like a ball head that you would attach to a tripod. This is not a quick release attachment. That will not work.
2
Get your vise. You can find these at your local garden and construction supply store; a place like Lowe's or Home Depot (US). It will be something along the lines of a 4 inch (10.2 cm) vise.

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3
Determine the exact physical center of the vise. This makes it easier to get a 360 degree of movement and improves its range of motion. Mark it with whatever you have for reference.
4
Drill a hole through the base of the vise. This is where you are going to attach the tripod head.
5
Fasten your tripod head that you are going to use.
6
Drill a hole through the base of the vise and through the metal plate on the top. If you need to, take apart the vise.
7
Be sure that the hole will be big enough for the stud to fit through.
8
Screw the drill into place. You may want to add some type of metal adhesive. Or, if you are good with tools, use a soldering tool around where the stud meets the metal of the bench top vise. This will provide for a more secure connection than just adhesive.
9
Screw on either the tripod head or bracket, and add your camera.

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