Stitching problem or capture issue? image included.

The image here is the RAW file converted to JPEG just so I could post it. Not looking for a full critique just some thoughts on why the completed stitch came out staggered like it is. I used PSE 7 to stitch 5 vertical frames in auto stitching mode.
I posted the shot in the ESS gallery a few days ago after cropping the top and bottom for obvious reasons.
Is this a stitching problem or a capture issue. The camera and lens were attached to the tripod via tripod collar on the lens, so I think the "pivot point" was as the PSE 7 manual recommended.
Thanks for looking.

Definitely a capture issue Bruce. It means that your tripod wasn't quite level as you rotated it the camera, so you actually rotated on an angle. (Actually, it looks like the camera wasn't quite level either, but close.)

If the tripod isn't level (or at least the part of it you're rotating) you'll see a slanted image like this. IIf you tripod is level, but your camera isn't, the pano will be straight across, but each image will be tipped slightly.

Thanks David, that makes sense. I had checked the levels on the head so the camera was level, or as you said very close. I haven't used the level on the tripod thinking if the camera was level that was enough, but after your comment a light came on and it's clear that both are important when taking a series of shots like this.
Thanks Bro...

What is important is that the point of rotation is level. If I put my panorama head on a ball head then I have to get the pano head level, doesn't matter what the tripod or ball head are doing.

I find it very useful to turn on the grid lines in the viewfinder, and try to keep strong horizontal lines aligned to one of them. I have successfully made hand-held panos using this method.

That's a great tip, Gene...thanks!!

I agree with the first part of Peters statement "What is important is that the point of rotation is level." Also about leveling the panorama head if using one. The last part while correct for his or a simular set up might be confusing for someone with a different set up that is new to shooting panoramas. For example I use a Bogen tripod with a Bogen three way pan head and no panorama head. With my set up I do need to level both my tripod and the head because the pivot point on the head is parallel to the top ot the tripod. Other than just making sure that poiint is clear for those new to doing panos so they can relate this to their own equiptment all of the information above is correct, and good advice.

Bruce

Thanks for all the great info guys. I use a GH2780QR Gitzo ball head on a Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 tripod. I also have another Manfrotto with a 3-way pan head. It's not nearly the quality of the other set up, but would it be better for shooting panos? It doesn't have any levels.

"but after your comment a light came on and it's clear that both are important"

Don't you love when a light comes on?

You can level the camera without leveling the rotation plane. If you do that, the camera will go off level as soon as you rotate it. I never really thought about it until I started working on stitched panoramics. It is even more amusing when you start thinking about multi-row pans...

Pete D.

The other thing to consider is that if you take a wider view than you think you want, you can allow for a little slop in the leveling. And, especially with a multi-row pano, since you're getting a lot of resolution anyway, it might still make for a nice big file, even after cropping.

I especially do this when taking handheld panos, since they're more likely to be off in alignment.

There are leveling accesories from Manfrotto Acratech and others that you can use to level your tripod. Google Manfrotto leveling base and similars to find them.