NOVOFLEX CASTEL-M FOCUSING RAIL
NOVOFLEX CASTEL-M
NEW FROM NOVOFLEX THE CASTEL-M FOCUSING RAIL
Novoflex has a worldwide reputation when it comes to innovation in the photography sector. As a company, they have developed some of the most hi-tech cutting-edge equipment, particularly in the field of macro photography. They have just announced the latest addition to their extensive macro line-up of specialist-focusing rails. The CASTEL-M is a highly innovative focusing rail, unique in its design and developed specifically for photographers engaged in macro photography, especially those that routinely focus stack and work at magnifications above 1:1 up to 5:1.
Coral Slime Mould Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa
The CASTEL-M is ideally suited for photographing tiny subjects such as this slime mould. Camera Z 9 Laowa 25mm f/2.8 ultra macro at 2.5X. Images in stack 49.
The CASTEL-M’s design is like no other standard manual rail. Its construction differs in many ways from the typical universal approach adopted by most photographic equipment manufacturers. It’s another example of Novoflex’s ability to think outside the box creating a rail that makes all of the calculations for you in a precise and systematic way allowing you to concentrate on the subject and produce accurate, consistent results every time. The CASTEL-M also bridges the all-important gap between conventional rail design and high-end electronic focusing rails such as the CASTEL MICRO. The all-manual rail is capable of producing precise and predictable outcomes in a similar way to an electronic rail.
Developing Millipede in Chambre
I came across this tiny millipede while examining a fallen log. Camera Z 9 Laowa 25mm f/2.8 ultra macro 2:5X. Images in stack 44.
I was fortunate enough to have had a prototype of the CASTEL-M for a few months for testing and have been really impressed with the rail and the results from it. The rail is light enough and easily carried in your bag and quick to position in place. The stepping distance between each image has already been calculated for the magnification selected delivering the precise overlap required between each image. The rail is beautifully designed and bears the typical Novoflex branded colouring. It goes way beyond any conventional rail offering a more precise systematic approach to focus stacking with repeatable accuracy in stepping distance each time irrespective of the magnification.
Castel-M Focusing Rail
The CASTEL-M with the Nikon Z 6 and the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro supported on the PRO 75 and MagicBall.
The rail offers magnification ratios of 2:1; 3:1; 4;1 and 5:1. Which are selected via a lever on the inside of the focus wheel cylinder. The CASTEL-M works with a wide range of specialist macro lenses, such as the Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2:5-5X macro and the Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X macro. If focus stacking is an important part of your routine macro work, then look no further than this rail. It is keenly priced considering its state-of-the-art design and fabrication.
Small Stagshorn Calocera cornea
The CASTEL-M was used to photograph this small fungus. Camera Nikon Z9 Z 105mm macro supported on the PRO 75 and MagicBall. Images in stack 38.
I will be writing a review of CASTEL-M so keep an eye on the website for an update in the very near future. For further enquiries regarding the CASTEL-M visit Speed Graphic the UK agents for Novoflex www.speedgraphic.co.uk or Novoflex Germany www.novoflex.de
To read Novoflex’s press release on the CASTEL-M click on the link below!
To watch the introduction video produced by Novoflex click on the image below!
