What Panoramic Head Should I Buy?

[mickwhit]

Hi all,

I am seriously considering purchasing a panoramic head to enable perfect stitching of future panoramic shots and I was wondering if anyone on this forum has one, or would recommend one, discuss the pro's and cons of the particular model they have and provide any completed photographic examples they may have.

I am leaning towards the Manfrotto 303PLUS virtual reality & pan.pro head, only because I already own several Manfrotto products and I am very happy with them.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Mick.

[Yi-P]

What sort of stitching will you plan to do? With what software?

I have had success in stitching up a real big one (130MP) using a simple ballhead (Manfrotto 488RC2).

Here are the samples:
http://yiph.zenfolio.com/p241549580/

I think it matters of a stable tripod and a good software...
Use of non-distorting normal prime lenses should help your software as well.

[mickwhit]

What sort of stitching will you plan to do? With what software?

I have had success in stitching up a real big one (130MP) using a simple ballhead (Manfrotto 488RC2).

Here are the samples:
http://yiph.zenfolio.com/p241549580/

I think it matters of a stable tripod and a good software...
Use of non-distorting normal prime lenses should help your software as well.

Hi Yi-P,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I predominately stitch landscape photographic images using panorama factory.

However, I have noticed a great deal of wasted image once the stitching is finalised and I crop it to leave the final product. Admittedly, I am doing it using a tripod only and not using a pano head.

What software do you use/recommend?

Thanks again for getting back to me.

Regards,

Mick

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[Killakoala]

I use Really Right Stuff pano adapter. It ain't cheap, but it is very good.

Here's how it fits and works.

http://www.stevekilburn.com/photos/18792103-M.jpg
http://www.stevekilburn.com/photos/18792104-M.jpg
http://www.stevekilburn.com/photos/18792105-M.jpg
http://www.stevekilburn.com/photos/18792106-M.jpg

[sheepie]

I find I can get reasonable results with just a normal tripod head, or even handheld. Unless you're really serious (in which case you're probably looking at a bill upwards of $800) then I'd stick with that.

It comes down to technique and the scene you're looking at. You say you're using it for landscapes - mostly, landscapes are off in the distance a bit. It's in the distance that I find the nodal point (if that's what it's called) - the bit these pano heads help get right - has the least amount of impact.

Yes, you can loose some of the captured image in cropping, but I don't know if spending rather large chunks of money is going to help much in that regard. If you're actually having trouble stitching (which it doesn't sound like is the problem) then sure, go spend the money. If not, unless you're looking at making money from your panos regularly, I would question whether there really is sufficient benefit in getting one.

Just my personal view (having never had or used one of these items), but as I say, I've had reasonable experience with panos with just a simple tripod head

[Laurie]

http://www.stevekilburn.com/photos/18792106-M.jpg

Steve,
Where did you get the dual spirit level that fits into the hot shoe from?

[michael_]

http://www.stevekilburn.com/photos/18792106-M.jpg

Steve,
Where did you get the dual spirit level that fits into the hot shoe from?

i got mine from B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... ype=search

[Laurie]

Damn 36$US and that doesnt even include postage! for a small spirit level.
any local stores (even online) that sell them??

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[Killakoala]

Laurie, i got mine from RRS when i ordered the rest of the pano head and bits.

[mickwhit]

Hi all,

Thanks to everyone who provided me advice WRT which pano head to purchase it's definitely given me something to think about.

For VK4CP: Are you interested in supplying some examples of your pano photography using PTGui and your 360Precision head?

Thanks again to everyone.

Regards,

Mick