How can I move a DSLR vertically over a subject without changing camera angle?
Asked 6/4/2011
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2 answers
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I shoot subjects from directly above with the camera sensor kept parallel to the subject. I need to adjust the camera-to-subject distance while preserving that orientation, similar to how an enlarger head moves straight up and down. A typical macro rail seems too short for the amount of travel I want—around 50 cm / 20 inches. A zoom lens is not suitable because I need to keep the same framing approach without changing the camera’s physical position relative to perspective. What kind of tripod, head, or rail setup would work for precise vertical-only movement with a 35mm DSLR?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
2
Do you use a zoom lens? It should give you this functionality.
UPDATE: now, you mention that you need a fixed perspective. By changing the distance to the subject you essentially change the perspective. You probably mean that you need to fix the Field-of-View (FoV). If what you need is really a fixed perspective, then your only option is changing the focal length (via lens change or use of a zoom).
UPDATE 2: A height variance of 0.5m is a lot. If you are OK with the macro rails or bellows solution, then you can just raise your tripod on some blocks, books or something similar to the approximate height. Then, you use the rails for fine tuning.
Then, if I may, I'd continue arguing that if your perspective is not necessarily fixed, then the FoV becomes meaningless. You can use a zoom lens to capture the whole item from a certain height.
If you are trying to simulate a normal vision, then your perspective is important and is determined by the FoV of the eye. In this case, you probably do need to use a certain lens from a certain height.
Originally by user1024. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1024
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For precise straight-line adjustment while keeping the camera parallel to the subject, the closest off-the-shelf solution is a macro focusing rail. However, 50 cm of travel is far more than most macro rails provide.
A practical approach is to use your tripod or support to get close to the needed height, then use a macro rail for fine adjustment. In other words: coarse height changes with the tripod/support, fine tuning with the rail.
Also note an important distinction: moving the camera closer or farther changes perspective, not just framing. If what you really need is the same field of view while avoiding camera movement, then changing focal length with a zoom or different lens is the way to do that. If you truly need the camera to move vertically while staying level, a rail is the right type of tool—but for 20 inches of travel, you’ll likely need a support system plus rail rather than a single long rail.
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