November 28, 2010

Using a Panorama Head as a Gimbal

Panorama Head Ver I overview
After testing the Hejnar Photo Rails as a skeleton structure, the Benro PC-0 and PC-1 Panorama (Panoramic) Clamps as vertical and horizontal rotators for my Multi Row Panorama Head, I saw that their strength and resistance to vibration were beyond expectation.


Then another idea came up!

Why not test them as a Gimbal Head?

And that I did !








The proof follows:

Considering that our long telephoto lens is already equipped with an Arca-Swiss® compatible lens plate...
Kiwi Fotos LP-100 Lens Plate
like the Kiwi Fotos LP-100 Lens Plate shown above...
All that needs to be done...

Panorama Head Ver I Nodal removed
Is to remove the Nodal Rail from the Vertical Panorama clamp...
Canon EF 100-400 L IS USM aligned on Panorama Head Ver I
Insert the lens plate in the vertical panorama clamp (rotator) jaws. Then adjust the panorama head horizontal rail side wise, in order to bring the center axis of the lens above the pivoting point of the Panorama clamp and/or of the Ball head.
Canon EOS 50D / EF 100-400 L IS USM balanced on Panorama Head Ver I
The long lens plate will permit the balancing of our camera/lens combination. Letting the vertical rotator lock loose, we move the plate back-forth within the clamp jaws until it does not tilt forward or backward.

Ready to follow your subject at any angle...

Canon EOS 50D / EF 100-400 L IS USM on Panorama Head Ver I horizontal left

Canon EOS 50D / EF 100-400 L IS USM on Panorama Head Ver I vertical up
Canon EOS 50D / EF 100-400 L IS USM on Panorama Head Ver I vertical up
Canon EOS 50D / EF 100-400 L IS USM on Panorama Head Ver I downward
Canon EOS 50D / EF 100-400 L IS USM on Panorama Head Ver I horizontal right


Alternatively...
Panorama Head with horizontal rotator removed
The base Panorama Clamp may be removed, as shown above, where the panning is left to the Ball Head itself.
Panorama Head with horizontal rotator removed closeup
Closer view of the horizontal rail directly attached to the Ball head clamp.

I hope you find this idea useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos: © 2010 S.C.Vlachos

Referenced Articles:
Create a Multi Row Panorama head
Benro PC-0 and PC-1 Panorama (Panoramic) Clamps
Kiwi Fotos LP-100 Lens Plate

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