RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida

I've been reviewing panoramic heads for my Manfroto tripod and D3100 camera. I've concluded that the following items would fit my needs. Does anyone have experience using these or similar heads?

NN4 with RD16-11
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/900364-REG/Nodal_Ninja_n4_rd16_2_NN4_Pano_Head_With.html

Fonetic EZ Leveler II
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850732-REG/Nodal_Ninja_EZL_II_C_EZ_Leveler_II.html

Your opinions, please.

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

I have used one of their heads along with the leveler.

Great products.

Niko65 Loc: Colorado

I purchased this Panoramic head it works great and 1/4 the price. See link.
http://www.linkdelight.com/PK001-Pro-Panorama-Kit-With-Panoramic-Tripod-head+Gimbal-Bracket.html

Niko65 Loc: Colorado

Hear is a panorama I took at Estes Park, Co.

Estes Park, CO Mountains

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

That looks like a great deal.

Niko65 Loc: Colorado

It is made out of aluminum and is very well constructed. It comes with a carrying case.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

What I bought cost almost 3x that w/o a case and as little as I use it....

RVDigitalBoy Loc: Clermont, Florida

Thanks to all who responded. I was surprised to see the much cheaper unit apparently from the U.K.

I've sent a request to Nodal Ninja requesting a comparison. I have already surmised that the RD16-11 offers more positions (degree options) than the UK version.

Since I am in no great hurry, I'll wait to see if I get a response from Nodal Ninja.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I first tried Manfroto's and gave it up for the Nodal Ninja.

I have the NN5 with the RD-16. Found it worked very well.
Upgraded to the M1-L Ultimate as it gives easier flexibility with different lenses, for instance changing from my 70-300 used for a "long lens" pano like Niko65's above to my 16mm fisheye for a 360/180 right where I am.
Did this at Oriole Park at Camden Yard's - did a 360/180 of the statues of the Stars (Weaver, Palmer, the Robinson's, Murray) with the 16mm and then a multirow of the field and stands with the 70-300.

leither Loc: Sunny Leith

[quote=RVDigitalBoy]Thanks to all who responded. I was surprised to see the much cheaper unit apparently from the U.K.

I had a look at Amazon UK and it amazing the Nodal Ninja is nearly half price compared to US site.
This must be a first.
Same Amazon UK site showed Niko65's unit with 'slightly' different pricing:-
Niko65 could buy it in US for $90 = £60
If I bought it here in UK cost is £120 = $194
If I sent to Hong Kong I'd get it for £54
Prices rounded up to nearest full $ £.

We're not called 'Rip Off Britain' for nothing.

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

I use a panoramic head from Jasper Engineering in California. I do 360-degree real estate panoramas indoors and outdoors that require a shot every 30 degrees for a total of 12 shots. The head is notched at every 15 degrees so I could actually shoot 24 shots in a 360-degree pano. Of course, a 180-degree or 270-degree panoramic is just as easy. The head comes with a vertical mounting bar (obviously) and an equally strong horizontal bar that is removable.

You must dabble with any pano head to find your precise nodal point and there's an easy accurate way with a broomstick and a wall that is explained in the instruction sheet.

This Jasper device is built like a tank from thick aluminum bar and has been around for many years. It's in it's third incarnation now. Runs about $250. It was recommended to me by other real estate photographers.

I called to order and the guy who owns the company answered and talked to me at length. I enjoyed supporting him and his American cottage industry which provided a very durable product for less than many I had seen which weren't as sturdy.

http://www.stereoscopy.com/jasper/panorama-test.html

One tip, any pano head is more stable if you can mount it directly to the tripod with the typical 1/4-20 threaded screw, and not to one of the "quick change" plates that drop into a slot and latch in place.

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Will this work with a 5dm3?
thx

westitzer Loc: Central California coastal area

For what it's worth, check this out:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/satarii/swivl-multipurpose-motion-platform-for-mobile-and

Jer Loc: Mesa, Arizona

this seems to be in the category of "too good to be true". It will be interesting to see when it is finally complete.

westitzer Loc: Central California coastal area

The first phase was for a device to be used with the iPhone's video mode and was too small to support the larger DSLRs. I had asked the developer (via email) about their plans on a future model that would support heavier cameras and they replied that "it was in the works". It's has even more capabilities than I had dreamed of (using a tablet to control the device and the camera). It's suposed to be on the market after the first of the year. Don't know the price on this model, but the first one was about US $150 .