Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

It's well built and easy to use. Quick lock/unlock is very useful.

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

I take a lot of close ups in my hobby, often having minute focusing adjustments to make, which can be a real nightmare, crouched in an inaccessible spot in the field. This device makes things much easier for things like moss or any picture with fine details with little tolerance for error. The quick slide fuction gets me roughly where I need to be in double quick time, and seriously fine adjustments are a cinch. I can even fit my Benbo quick release platform on side ways, so a simple movement of the camera attachment of 90 degrees allows instant fitting to save even more time. Brilliant!

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

This is an essential piece of equipment that no Macro photographer should be without. However,if your tripod has a quick release (QR) head then you will need to buy a suitable plate to fit under the positioning plate, and if, like me you want to make fitting and removing the camera to the positioning plate easy, without fiddling with screws and screwdrivers, then a QR head will need to purchased and screwed on top of the positioning plate. Unless this QR head is positioned at the end of the slot in the positioning plate movement will be restricted as the QR lever mechanism fouls the plate.
This sounds a lot of messing around but it is well worth it as the positioning plate and/or camera can be removed/fitted with ease.
As I said earlier, the postioning plate makes the fine adjustments necessary in Macro photography easy and controlled and these small additions only serve to enhance its performance.

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

If you're serious about close-up photography then you should consider using one of these. It's a well-made, quality product that adds an extra level of versatility to any photographer's skills. I found a tough plastic pencil case in a local shop that makes an excellent case for mine.

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

I bought this positioning plate at the same time as purchasing the Canon MP-E 65mm Macro lens. A focus rail/positioning plate is essential to use this lens to it's full potential particularly at high magnifications.

It fits easily and quickly on my Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod. The build quality as expected from Manfrotto is good and robust. It's simple to use and moves smoothly.

I've achieved fantastic results using this positioning plate so I would highly recommend it.

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

As you would expect from a Manfrotto product the quality is excellent and for exact control of movement in macro shots this is perfect. It is not too heavy but allows for infinite, precise movements back and forth for focusing of macro shots, not possible by using regular photo heads.

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

I had heard of these for years but never used one. I then used a friend's on a shoot and ordered mine that evening. It makes macro focusing soooo much easier; especially if you're using a light tent with the lens through a small opening.

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

I bought this unit based on it's other common use as a stereo slide bar and must admit to being pleased with it especially for use with close-up stereoscopic shots.

I would thoroughly recommend this though for both macro and stereoscopic photography.

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

superb bit of kit very well made very easy to use,it has made a vast difference to my still life shots

Comments about Manfrotto 454 Micro Positioning Plate:

I have tried macro photography many times before, but always found it frustratingly dificult until I got this micro positioning plate. It allows for very accurate focus control and has made macro much easier and more interesting for me.

The build quality is superb, and it feels like it will last forever. The quick realease is great for setup, before using the fine adjusters. It also makes focus stacking a simple affair when required.

Well recomended and am I glad I have added it too my kit bag.