Novoflex CASTEL-MICRO Auto Step Motor Stack Rail System

The CASTEL-MICRO Auto Step Motor Stack Rail System from Novoflex is an imaging solution for focus stacking in macro photography, useful when attempting to capture images of insects, minerals, for scientific documentation, and more. When increasing magnification in the near and macro range, one encounters the problem of decreasing depth of field. Objects are thus only sharply displayed in a narrow area, while the foreground and background appear blurred. Using a very small aperture to increase the depth of field can lead to diffraction and affects the quality of the recording considerably. In addition, the gain in depth of field is often not large. Manually focusing with a focusing rail becomes difficult and imprecise, and automatic functions like camera focus bracketing are no longer of much use. The step-motor controlled CASTEL MICRO with its digital control unit offers four different control modes to simplify macro photography and the use of focus stacking.

Program the step distance or the number of shots made, depending on the magnification factor and the aperture of the lens. The software then automatically calculates the number of shots or the step distance required. In addition, pauses between the shots can be taken into consideration, for example when using mirror lockup in DSLR cameras.

Continuous mode is available for special applications in which the sliding block is in constant motion, so that there is no need for acceleration and stopping distances and any associated pauses. Exposures made with very fast shutter speeds and/or a flash unit are recommended when using this mode.

Bellows Mode is designed for use with the optional CASTBAL-PRO bellows attachment. Adjustment at the front or back can be selected. The Bellows mode is not only ideal for macro photography but also for styles of photography that require special cameras, or when using tilt / shift lenses. The BALPRO adapter system enables the use of various cameras and lenses. For example, it is possible to integrate high-quality, mechanical lenses used in specialist cameras into a modern image stacking workflow. The Bellows mode imitates the software control of the autofocus of a lens to produce a stack of images with different focus points of the same subject. The stack of images can then be processed by stacking software to produce an image with an astonishing depth of focus.

Canon EOS, FUJIFILM, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, Sigma, and Sony

A camera is attached using the ARCA-type compatible Q-MOUNT quick release unit, which is and can be offset by 90° if required. The underside of the rail, the focusing rack has an ARCA-type dovetail profile over the entire length and can be used in compatible coupling units. In addition, there are 2 standard 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 mounting threads.

The digital control unit can be powered by separately available rechargeable LP-E6 type batteries, making it well suited for outdoor applications and fieldwork. For studio work, the control unit can be operated with the supplied AC adapter. The AC adapter includes five country-specific socket plugs for worldwide use.

EAN: 4030432419015