DIY panoramic heads, which to build? [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

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shavedaccord

27th of July 2008 (Sun), 17:50

I've been researching DIY panoramic heads in hopes of saving myself $500+ for awhile now and these are just a few of the ones I have come across.

http://photocritic.org/diy-panoramic-tripod-head/

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1008&message=15536538

http://www.stockholmviews.com/diyphotogear/pano_head.html

http://www.tawbaware.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?t=278 (leaning towards this one for obvious reasons)

The dilemma I'm having is which one to actually take the time to build. I understand that this will be a trial and error process but I would like help picking the best platform to start with. So I would love to hear feedback from ANYONE who has built a DIY pano head, especially any of the above mentioned. Also if you have plans, drawings etc.. that you will be willing to share that would be great.

shavedaccord

28th of July 2008 (Mon), 15:01

Bump

mjww

16th of September 2011 (Fri), 16:22

ben_r_

16th of September 2011 (Fri), 16:38

I know this thread has been long dead but I am currently working on this unit http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=679708 Not sure if it is any better than a 3 way head and a L bracket but time will tell! :-)
Yes but with that setup how do you handle keeping the body from twisting? There doesnt seem to be anything attaching the body to the pano setup other than a single screw into the tripod mount hole.

sparkin

7th of May 2012 (Mon), 19:43

Yes but with that setup how do you handle keeping the body from twisting? There doesnt seem to be anything attaching the body to the pano setup other than a single screw into the tripod mount hole.

Well that's my design - it has been on the web for many years. The dude that copied it ("5teve") made a fatal error in his elbow joint - he threaded the upright, which would lead to stripped threads in no time. I can guarantee there is zero perceptible sag or twist if it is done properly, as per my original description.

http://xray.uky.edu/people/parkin/panohead/panohead.html

Hope this helps, Sean