CameraPlus® CP-V2-500 Compact size Pro Camera Track Dolly Slider Rail Shoot Video Stabilizer with 1/4" and 3/8" Thread Screw for professional camcorders, SLR cameras, DSLR and DVs, Supports up to 17lbs/8kg.

This was bought for a new macro setup on a tight budget and is remarkably good value.As owner of both Nikon and Hasselblad branded focussing rails, it may not be quite up to the engineering standards on those, but it does of course cost considerably less! In use, with a Nikon D7100 camera and 105 Micro-Nikkor, weighing in total 1.6kg, it performs well, with ease of movement along both axes despite the weight.As with other reviewers. I had to make a few 'adjustments' when the item was received. Firstly, there was a loose nut in the packaging, but this did not appear to come from any part of the unit. Secondly, the thing rattled when gently shaken; there was obviously something loose floating around inside.Because of its construction, all standard nuts and bolts, the unit is easy to take apart. I soon found a small screw loose inside the top carriage. It was the same size as the four retaining the carriage, so I guess it just must have dropped in there when being assembled and left there, as it was not part of unit. As it was in the gear well it could have caused it to jam though, so good job it was found before damage could be done. Lastly, the four grub screws on each axis that allow for 'baseline' tightening of the grip on the tracking mechanism needed some adjustment, but that's only to be expected. Adjustment may be needed depending on camera weight to some degree.It works fine in use. There is a fair amount of 'wobble' with such a heavy camera in place, but anyone used to macro work will be experienced in dealing with that. Once the camera position is set, tightening the locking knobs on each rail somewhat reduces risk of vibration. A sturdy tripod is essential but bear in mind this is no optical bench, just a good, solid focussing rail slider at an excellent price.

As with the previous reviewer, this broke within a few minutes of opening - the locking nut on one thumbwheel had come off so would only slide in one direction. Some rather unhelpful emails from the seller later - "I agree with you that it is a design fault on the thumbwheel. when you make it too tight ( by lock or adjust screws), it will loose. That;s why I am selling it cheap and point on it is suitable for beginner.", "I personally check and adjust each one before sending it out. I haven't noticed it." - and I quickly dismantled the rail, found the rattling nut and tightened it.I'm using a simple point and shoot, so no real weight to the camera, and the rails work very well, with no apparent slip, and the four grub screws flanking the rail mean you can keep the rail firm. The only downside I can see is that the two rails are held at right angles via one screw and there is still a little bit of movement even when this is tightened as much as possible - I am looking at making a new end plate for the rail that locks the rails.Arrived quickly by Royal Mail and for the money this is a great bit of kit. The same unit can be bought slightly cheaper directly from China, but with delivery times in weeks rather than days the sellers UK warehouse was a big bonus.

Ok, let me get the bad bit out the way 1st. It broke within 10 minutes of using it (Yes i laughed too.)But don't let this put you off.A nut holding on the focusing wheel came loose. It was fixed by me within 10 mins. I added some thread locking liquid to the nut so it won't come off again.Now if you're doing macro at 1:1 a Macro rail is a must to get sharp images 1st time. The product is made of 85% alloy with some plastic, it's quite solid with only slight bit of play.Adjustments are quite smooth if you take time to adjust the 4 grub screws and the larger adjustment screw on the z and x axis which makes the rail tighter or smoother to move.I have a D800 with a macro lens and the rail slider works really well, i've not tried it with a heavier lens yet though. The two dovetailed slide rails are scaled in millimeters/centimeters which is a plus if you're doing focus stacking. I've seen other or the same slide rails on Amazon that are slightly more expensive. Overall apart from nut coming loose i'm quite happy with the product for the price, it will most definitely improve focusing and the tracking those insects that won't sit still.The product arrived on time in two days and was well packed, Royal Mail was the courier thank god and not someone like City Link.Overall its a thumbs up.

Why the one star? I found a few design flaws with this item. The first and most important is the fact that when you attach your camera and lens (I use a Nikon D7100 and a Sigma 105mm Macro lens) and extend the travel-bar forward, the whole unit becomes unstable and overbalances and begins to pull the tripod base-plate off of the tripod. The second is the sideways moving bar. With the weight of the camera and lens on the unit, it tilts the bar forward and you then cannot move the bar either left or right. Useless! The next is the plastic clamps which clamp the travel bars to stop them moving after you have got the correct position. They are made of plastic and still move after they are locked off with the second locking screw. The final flaw is the locking nut for attaching the camera to the unit. It is hidden under the unit and is not easy to reach or tighten.The last problem is with Mcoplus. Accompanying the item was a typed piece of paper asking me to leave positive feedback and if i did so then I would receive a bonus item (an LP-1 Cleaning Lenspen). I did not think that Amazon condoned incentives to give positive feedback. I certainly don't. I believe in giving true feedback otherwise the next person to purchase this item may do so without true insight into the quality of the item.