Panoramic equipment, why so much?

Im seriously considering getting more into panoramic photography. But the 2 heads I use on my tripod suck. Neither has a bubble level on it, and the tripod's bubble level leaked or just dried up. So I have no real way of checking to see if its level unless I bring a level with me everytime I go out.

But the few companies i've looked at the prices are pretty expensive for anykind of pano head combo. Does anyone know if there is anykind of pano equipment that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

I'm not sure exactly what your looking for but I use a Bogen 488Cr2 for my pano's. They also make a bubble level the fits in your hotshoe.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …le_Axis_Clear_B​ubble.html

Hope this helps.

The few panos I've shot handheld have come out OK. I just shoot enough to be able to crop in to the coverage I need.

Check out the panosaurus.
Good product if you don't have a heavy camera.

http://gregwired.com/p​ano/Pano.htm

steve

Only reason i've been looking ay any kind of pano equipment is alot of the ones i've done in the past have been at night and need a long shutter speed. The 2 heads I do have neither have bubble levels.

I've seen some pano heads that mount to the tripod so you leve it out and just rotate the camera around since the head doesn't allow for awkward angles and such.

I was looking at the panosaurus last night while at work. Whats considered heavy? I have a xt w/grip and 40d w/grip and have used the tokina 12-24, 24-105 f/4l and kit lens in the past.

That's not too heavy.
I was thinking of a 1 series camera and L lens

steve

If it's just the level that's the problem why not just buy a hotshoe mount spirit level?

Got a drill and a hacksaw?

https://photography-on-the.net …312116&highligh​t=parallax

cosworth, very interesting. Might have to think of something custom.