I am in the market for a top end pano head and have found a dizzying array of options out there. Right now I think from the options I have seeen I am looking at the Nodal Ninja, RRS, and 360Precision options. Camera will be Canon 5Dm2 (currently with Acratech head and RRS quick release system (L Plate)).
Does anybody have an opinion on these? Or experiences with units that they liked or disliked?
Rich, A freind of mine turned me on to the Nodal Ninja 3 MKII a few years ago and I havn't looked back. Except that now I have a D700 and heavy glass, which is a little heavier than your Canon. Although they recommend the Nodal Ninja 5 for your camera its also 14oz heavier. I backpack a lot so I'll put up with the MKII's very slight unsturdiness with my heavy camera. I have not lost an image due to the smaller size and weight of this head.
I would recommend the 5 or 5L for you. I can't remeber the difference between the two, but they are basically the same rig with a minor difference. The 5 is probably the least expensive, lightest, best performing head out there for your system. BTW, save your money and get the basic set-up first. If that's not enough then look into the Leveler and the Fanotec heads that marry with the unit. Those Fanotec heads look like a pain in the ass with all those pins.
@Ed - the weight of that version of the NN is perfect. What kind of camera are you using with it? I am a little worried it wont be able to handle the 5Dm2 with L Glass.
Rich, Your post is timely, I had just been to the Nodal Ninja site to look up their accessories list to see if they had a torque knob to replace the one I left in the San Juan mountains last week. Currently , pano head is not usable. But yes, I do live in Highlands Ranch.
I recommend that you look at a different route.
For a while at least keep your present gear if you are shooting 1 or 2 rows of landscapes:
Acratech Head
RRS Quick Release
Add a piece of gear:
Manfrotto 438 Tripod Head Leveler
and A level that fits in the flash slot. (About $80)
If you want many rows and like to do it by the numbers,
look at Gigapixel Camera Mount. (About $350)
Discussion
8 repliesDoes anybody have an opinion on these? Or experiences with units that they liked or disliked?
Thanks.
RichieV
I would recommend the 5 or 5L for you. I can't remeber the difference between the two, but they are basically the same rig with a minor difference. The 5 is probably the least expensive, lightest, best performing head out there for your system. BTW, save your money and get the basic set-up first. If that's not enough then look into the Leveler and the Fanotec heads that marry with the unit. Those Fanotec heads look like a pain in the ass with all those pins.
RichieV
RichieV
@Kane - Shoot me an email. I would like to see your unit sometime soon.
RichieV
For a while at least keep your present gear if you are shooting 1 or 2 rows of landscapes:
Acratech Head
RRS Quick Release
Add a piece of gear:
Manfrotto 438 Tripod Head Leveler
and A level that fits in the flash slot. (About $80)
If you want many rows and like to do it by the numbers,
look at Gigapixel Camera Mount. (About $350)
Add: Manfrotto 438 Tripod Head Leveler