Sunwayfoto DDP-64SX Panoramic Indexing Rotator Review

Sunwayfoto DDP-64S Panoramic Indexing Rotator is a reduced size version of the Sunwayfoto DDP-64M reviewed earlier, in an even more compact and lighter body. However, the reduction of size also means some reduced functions as well, which we shall see further in a direct comparison.

The "X" at the end of the DDP-64SX model name signifies that the Indexing Rotator is equipped with the AM-01 Arca Mount plate.

Having had the larger DDP-64M + DDY-64 for a month or so under test, I proceeded then in ordering the DDP-64SX together with an extra Sunwayfoto DDY-64 Discal Quick Release Clamp The smaller size fitted perfectly to the role I was intending to assign to it, which was the role of the vertical rotator in my new Heavy Duty Panorama Head for HDR / Gigapixel Panoramas.

Anyone of my readers that has already read the DDP-64MX+DDY-64 P.I.R. Review will find this review quite familiar and a little repetitive, as there are very few structural differences between the rotators.

The Package & Contents

DDP-64SX came in the older Sunwayfoto "luxury" type, black mat heavy-carton box with an outer sleeve. Both sleeve and box are printed with golden lettering and logos. However, these much discussed in the past gift boxes are no longer the standard packaging for Sunwayfoto products, after turning in the more environmentally friendly recycled carton boxes.

On one side of the box there are two stickers, one printed with barcode and the other shows the model type. Nothing special about that, one would say, but shows a Chinese firm with organized logistics.

The DDP-64SX Indexing Rotator travels in the box within a thick foam padding, with all the accompanying documents and accessory tools in separate zip-lock nylon bags.

The rotator is accompamied by an "Operating Instructions" fan-fold leaflet with basic but adequate instructions to set up and maintain the Indexing Rotator.

Finally the Sunwayfoto credit card sized Warranty Card stating Model and Serial Number and a "Customer Information Card" for use together with the Warranty card in case of applying for a warranty claim.
The rotator is one of the Sunwayfoto products, eligible to a 5 year limited warranty extension, upon registration of the original customer in their website, that is within one month from the date of purchase.

The Rotator

Manufacturer Specification:
Model:	DDP-64SX
Diameter:	64,00 mm
Height:	26,00 mm
Height w/DDY-64 QR Clamp:	41,50 mm
Bottom mounting thread:	3/8"-16 UNC
Top mounting stud:	1/4"-20 UNC
Weight:	190 gr*
Max Load capacity:	6-8 kg (13.2-17.6 lbs)

*Verified weight on electronic scales:
DDP-64S : 192 gr
DDP-64SX : 212 gr

According to Sunwayfoto web site:
DDP-SX Indexing Rotator and its components are made from imported premium quality aircraft aluminum. Sophisticated CNC machining equipment are used throughout the manufacturing process and strict quality control procedures are maintained in order to bring out this product. It combines high precision, ease of use, compactness, light weight and durability.

1. Compact and light weight - weighing only 190 grams.
2. More than 6-8 kg (13.2-17.6 lbs) load supported.
3. Adopts a very high quality surface finishing and anodizing techniques, solid and durable.
4. Lubricated bearings for smooth rotation.
5. Laser engraved index marks every 5 degrees.
6. Detent interval (click stops) may be changed easily.
7. Ideal for HDR (High-Dynamic Range) panoramas as well as time sensitive situations in which shooting must be completed quickly, such as shooting high resolution multi-image mosaics or shooting the same scene at different focal lengths.
8. When this Indexing Rotator is installed onto a tripod, it may also be used as a normal panning base.
9. Detent interval control knob equipped with Retainer wire so it cannot be lost in the field.

DDP-64SX is suitable for lenses ranging from ultra wide angle up to 200 mm telephotos, with 4 different degree stop intervals (with equivalent number of click stops):

	1	2	3	4
Degrees	18	30	45	90
Click Stops	20	12	8	4

The DDP-64SX came equipped with the AM-01 Arca mount plate preinstalled. The usual Sunwayfoto sturdy structure with a very fine and high quality CNC machining and finishing. All aluminum parts are hard coat anodized in a satin black color with only accents of the stainless-steel stud, screws and lock-knob shaft.
There is a quite large Lever Lock-knob protruding from the side which is used for locking the panning base. The rotator's front side is dominated by the laser engravings of the Sunwayfoto logo and the model name.
Further down, the panning base has the same diameter as the rotator body and is laser engraved with a degree scale with marks every 5 degrees and numbers every 15 degrees. However, the numbering is not continues from 0 to 360 degrees, but follows the bizarre pattern found on many ball heads from 0 to 90 degrees then decreasing to 0 then back to 90 again. Read further down for my comments about both the Index Pointer and the degree scale.

The "X factor" in the model name, aka AM-01 Arca mount plate is attached on the bottom with two short 1/4'-20 flat head screws. Somehow, I have noticed that the dovetail axis coincides with the 45° mark instead with the 0° or 90° marks that would seem more appropriate for the alignment of the Rotator. This would only present an issue when using the rotator vertically.

In this view, we can see the 4 detent interval stop holes at the other side and the relevant control knob attached by a retainer wire from the panning base Lever lock-knob, so it won't get lost when unscrewed.
A little stripping down of the Indexing Rotator from the Arca mount. Using the included 4mm Allen hex key is easy to unscrew the base plate. The clear now bottom view, shows the 3/8"-16 center mounting hole which is occupied by an 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 thread conversion bushing, the "Made in China" logo and the Indexing Rotator serial number which reside on the perimeter of a concentric circle. It also reveals the four hex screws that retain the panning base on the rotator.

Comparison with DDP-64MX

In a few words one could describe DDP-64SX as the lower half of DDP-64MX.
In more detail, DDP-64SX shares the same structure but with only four out of the ten detent stops of its sibling, and the omission of the top rotating platform with its Lever lock-knob.
Another minor difference is that in lack of the top rotating platform DDP-64SX has four mounting holes on top instead of the two found on DDP-64MX.
The above changes helped in lowering the height by 16 mm (0.63") and the weight by 136 gr (4.8 oz).
These facts rank the DDP-64SX as the smallest, lightest and cheapest of the panoramic indexing rotators with detent intervals (click stops).

Comparison with the Competition
The table below shows a comparison of Sunwayfoto DDP-64S Indexing Rotator with Panoramic Indexing Rotators of similar characteristics coming from well known brands.

Manufacturer:	Sunwayfoto	Sunwayfoto	Foanotec	Fanotec	Manfrotto
Model:	DDP-64M	DDP-64S	RD8-II	RD16-II	300N
Detent Int.:	10	4	8	16	10
Min Int. (Deg):	5°	18°	2°	3.75°	5°
Max Int. (Deg):	90°	90°	30°	120°	90°
Platform ∅:	64 mm /2.52"	64 mm /2.52"	88 mm /3.46"	62 mm /2.44"	-- mm / --"
Base ∅:	64 mm /2.52"	64 mm /2.52"	88 mm /3.46"	62 mm /2.44"	-- mm / --"
Height:	42 mm /1.65"	26 mm /1.02"	33 mm /1.30"	48 mm /1.89"	63 mm /2.48"
Bottom thread:	3/8"-16	3/8"-16	3/8"-16	3/8"-16	3/8"-16
Top stud /thread:	1/4"-20*  -	1/4"-20* -	- M6	- M6	3/8"-16 -
Weight:	328 gr /11.57oz	192 gr /6.77oz	450 gr /15.87oz	347 gr /12.24oz	609 gr /21.48oz
Max Load :	10.0kg / 22 lbs	8.0kg /17.6lbs	-- kg / -- lbs	11.0 kg / 22 lbs	14.0 kg / 30.9lbs

*Convertible via included 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 bushing

Adjusting the Detent interval (Click Stops)

The choice of 4 detent intervals (click stops) is set on one side of the rotator in an inclined row of four threaded holes. Each hole is clearly marked with its corresponding degrees and stops around a full circle which are laser engraved on the rotator body. A wing screw-knob is responsible for the control of the intervals.

The detent interval control knob is easily unscrewed and as previously mentioned is retained by a wire in order to avoid a drop and loss in the field. When the rotator is set at point zero on the panning scale (more on that later) one can see behind the threaded holes, the protractor cylinder guide holes which are responsible for the precise degree intervals.
The degree interval choice should be based on the Field Of View (FOV) degrees of the lens to be used considering also the orientation of the camera (vertical / portrait or horizontal / landscape) and the desired overlapping of shots for proper stitching.

The Detent Interval Control knob is made from aluminium and a stainless-steel screw with finely finished threads which has a spring loaded ball tip. This small ball guaranties the precision of movement between the protractor guide holes.


After choosing the appropriate hole for the desired degrees interval, the Control-knob has to be inserted and screwed in tightly. Although the "clicking" sound will be a little louder and the panning will appear smoother, failing to tighten the knob well will result in inaccuracy in the degrees between the click stops ranging from 1 to 1,5 degrees. As minimal as it may look, it might produce errors when trying to stitch overlapping rows in HDR Panoramas shot with telephoto lenses.
My experience with the rotator showed that the reasoning behind this is simple. When the detent interval Control-knob is tight, its ball tip is forced to drop and stay in the middle of the relevant hole on the internal protractor guide. Otherwise, while turning the rotator it may slightly override the guide hole resulting in the fore mentioned error.
Another usage tip for better precision when moving from stop to stop, is to push the rotator enough to turn and let it drop into the next stop. Further, a little exercise with different tension on the panning base via its Lever lock-knob will give smoother transition from stop to stop. That depends of course to the equipment loaded on the Indexing rotator.

Issues and Comments on the Panning Base
Since DDP-64SX is identical to the DDP-64MX in the panning base section, the same issues and comments stated in the DDP-64MX review apply to both rotators. Nevertheless, considering the smaller overall size and my intention to use DDP-64SX as a vertical rotator, the priorities change while new issues are brought forward.
As mentioned earlier, the arrow-shaped Index Pointer lies just below the detent interval holes. This positioning is not the best in my opinion, since it may easily be obscured by the detent interval Control knob unless you work with the Indexing rotator at eye level, which I doubt if anyone does as most people would prefer the camera viewfinder at eye level. It would be preferable that the Index Pointer be first enlarged and secondly repositioned e.g. on the opposite side where there is lots of empty space. Such a repositioning requires also reorientation of the panning base but this is not difficult.

Speaking of the panning base, it is more clear in the photo on the right that the degree scale has marks every 5 degrees and numbers every 15 degrees. I would prefer marks every 2.5 degrees but as 18 degrees is the minimum detent interval, there wouldn't be much point to it.
If the DDP-64SX is intended for horizontal 360° panning what is more critical in my opinion, is the 0°-90°-0°-90° division of the panning base scale instead of a continues 0°-360° scale. This awkward design presents us with two 0's and two 90's on the scales.
Considering the fact that all click stops pass from only one of the zero points which is not specifically marked (as the second zero point is at the opposite side and actually represents 180°), the user is left to find out by himself. Should I repeat here, that in order to avoid frustration something has to be redesigned.

On the other hand, if DDP-64SX is intended for vertical panning, there is no issue with the panning scale as seldom one will need a full 360° vertical rotation. But, what becomes more critical is the alignment between the bottom mounting holes and the panning base scale 0 mark, since this model is in lack of a top rotating platform that exists on its larger sibling the DDP-64M. Adjusting the top rotating platform would resolve the issue.
It is obvious by the red and green lines drawn on the photo above that the axis across the bottom mounting holes is in a 45 degree angle to the 0 mark of the panning scale, which will result to an inappropriate positioning of the 0 starting point by 45°, either lower or above the horizon, when the rotator will be mounted vertically via its bottom holes.

Note:
After my first tests, I had contacted Sunwayfoto headquarters on the above issues, who in turn responded immediately and assured me for setting as first priority the redesign of the panning base of all their rotators adhering to the 0-360° continues scale and as a second step the proper alignment of the mounting holes axis of the DDP-64 series. However, it may take a while until the improved releases of all models come into the market.

Adjusting the Lever Lock Knob
The bottom panning base is controlled via quite large Lever Lock-Knob extending out from the side of the rotator's main body. The Lever knob is all metal, spring-loaded, capping a stainless-steel shaft that actually controls the respective locking mechanism.

As this is a very low profile rotator, in any case the rotation of the Lever lock-knob is blocked or it interferes with other equipment it may easily pulled out until the internal hex nut is fully revealed and relocated in one of the 12 possible positions that proves more convenient.

The Panning base Lever Lock-Knob requires only half a rotation to unlock or lock the base from completely "Loose" to "Tightly locked" position. Therefore, there is no need to unscrew it too far, and some caution should be taken to avoid unscrewing it completely as it is not captive and will fall off.

Adding the DDY-64 Discal Clamp
Sunwayfoto DDP-64 Dical QR clamp (and now the improved DDY-64i/ 64iL) is the perfect match for the DDP rotators both in size and in provision of the necessary mounting holes. However, there is no bandle available as with DDP-64MX but anyone can order the clamp separately.

There are two ways one can mount the DDY-64 Discal clamp on top of the Sunwayfoto DDP-64S Indexing rotator. One is to utilize the (included) 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 conversion bushing and screw the clamp onto the rotator's 1/4"-20 stud. But this cannot guaranty perfect alignment with the rotator, since DDP-64SX does not have a rotating top as DDP-64MX does. On the other hand, the existing four 1/4"-20 threaded holes on the rotator top platform will align and secure the clamp perfectly, while they also permit a change in orientation by 90° increments.

Therefore it's more preferable to use the two (also included) 1/4"-20 bolts and the 5 mm Allen hex key to screw and secure the clamp on the rotators' top.

The 1/4"-20 threaded mounting holes on both the top rotating platform and the panning base are set in identical distances. Therefore, the AM-01 Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail and/or the DDY-64 Discal clamp are interchangeable and may either be installed on the top panning platform or at the bottom panning base at will.
This may not seem reasonable at first, unless you visualize a case where you would like to keep the rotator body and its control knobs static, letting only the panning base rotate. Such as the case of mounting the Indexing rotator in a horizontal position. There it would prove very convenient.

Mounting Via the AM-01 Arca Mount...
The use of an Arca-Swiss® compatible plate at the bottom of the DDP-64S Indexing Rotator may prove very convenient when a quick change between equipment is desired on the field. Be it a ball head with the appropriate clamp, or a leveling base equipped with Arca compatible clamp or merely a clamp on the mounting plate of the tripod. Fiddling with screws, adapters, bushings etc etc can only result of lost tiny parts or the shooting itself.

On a Ball Head

Using Sunwayfoto XB-44 Low Profile Ball Head to hold and level a Multi-Row Panorama Head structure. DDP-64SX + DDY-64 is clamped via the AM-01 Arca Mount on the XB-44 QR clamp. Very convenient for on the spot changes of equipment. Considering the lower height of the DDP-64SX thus a lower center of gravity, a strong ball head like the XB-44 may prove more than adequate for the role.

On a Leveling Base

DYH-66i leveling base combined with DDY-64 discal clamp (top left) on top of the Triopo GX-1328 Classic Carbon Fiber Tripod is ready to accept the Sunwayfoto DDP-64SX+DDY-64 Panoramic Indexing Rotator (bottom left). Fast and secure clamping without having to fiddle with small securing anti-twist screws.

Combined with DYH-66i Leveling Base
If the DDP-64S is mainly intended to be used for shooting panoramas on rough / uneven / inclined terrain, where leveling is critical and often needed, then a more permanent attachment on the DYH-66i leveling base would be preferable.
This solution offers a lower center of gravity by 15 mm than using a QR clamp with consequent decrease of torque, which translates in less stress exercised on the tripod mounting platform. Further, with less moving parts and joints the combination acts as one unit vibration wise.
In this case the AM-01 Arca mount plate is not needed and should be removed.

As already mentioned in the Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base Review, DYH-66i has an 1/4"-20 top mounting stud and DDP-64SX has a 3/8"-16 bottom mounting hole. Therefore, it is imperative to use a conversion bushing. Since, both come with a reducer bushing preinstalled one has to be removed. I prefer to keep the one preinstalled at the DDP-64MX bottom hole as less prone to unscrew, thus removed the one installed on the DYH mounting stud (top left photo).
Pictured above DDP-64S (w/o AM-01 Arca mount)+DDY-64 Discal clamp fitting perfectly on top of the DYH-66i leveling base.

Mounting Directly on a Tripod
On the other hand if your main intention is to use the DDP-64M shooting interior panoramas on flat and leveled surfaces, where minimum leveling is required, then it may be mounted directly on a tripod top mounting stud via its bottom mounting hole.
Omitting the leveling base offers the lowest possible center of gravity with even more decrease of torque and minimum stress exercised on the tripod mounting platform.
Also in this case the AM-01 Arca mount plate is not needed and should be removed.

DDP-64S may be mounted either with the preinstalled 1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 bushing on tripods with an 1/4"-20 top mounting stud or by removing the bushing ...

... on tripods with a 3/8"-16 top mounting stud, as pictured above.

Mounting Equipment on the top Platform Stud
Apart from the convenient attachment options via an Arca-Swiss compatible QR clamp or Arca mount plate, there is always the option of mounting e.g. a medium or large format camera directly on the top mounting stud. The 1/4"-20 thread top stud may be used as is or converted to 3/8"-16 thread via the included bushing.

Although DDP-64SX is not equipped with a top rotating platform as its larger sibling DDP-64MX its small size still proves convenient as one does not have to rotate and screw probably bulky and/or heavy equipment on the rotator, but rotate the rotator body instead.
Simply, set the camera mounting socket on the top stud, then by loosening the Lever Lock-knob the DDP-64SX may be rotated counter-clockwise thus screwing the stud into the camera bottom. Tighten back the  Lock Lever-knob and ready!

Torque Test Results
Since one of or I may say the main reason for acquiring the DDP-64SX Panoramic Indexed Rotator was to use it as a vertical rotator in a Multi-Row panorama head, I had to check its pan-locking strength in order to assign it with the role.
As a vertical rotator needs to have enough capacity to hold offset loads, as in the case of loads at the end of a Nodal slide or balance out a long and heavy telephoto lens.
Therefore, the DDP-64SX was tested in order to have an approximate figure of its torque capacity on the panning base.

Both the previously described AM-01 Arca Mount Plate and the DDY-64 Discal QR clamp were maintained attached on the rotator. In order to be able to immobilize the rotator vertically, it was securely clamped between the jaws of a heavy workbench by its Arca dovetail plate. The panning base lock lever was then tightened as much as it would go by hand.

My now usual counter balance bag which encloses sand sacks totaling 5 kg was put into use. Based  on previous experience where one 10" rail proved inadequate, another 8" rail was bound next to the 10" screwing one more rail from below on their 1/4"-20 tapped holes. In this manner a 18" long rail was created. With some experimentation the ~5.7 kg total weight of the bag + rails etc. reached a distance of an enormous 40 cm ! from the center of the quick release clamp, which center indicates also the pivoting axis of the rotator. That was a little before the rotator brake started to lose its hold.
This distance multiplied by the hanging weight means that the rotator's panning base locking mechanism can withstand a torque of ~228 kgF*cm or ~2237 N*cm. By deduction this means a load of ~19 kg could hang offset with its center of gravity at a distance of 12 cm (4.7") from the pivot center (Gitzo® method) or that it would require a load of about 76 kg within the perimeter of the panning base !!!

Using as a Horizontal Rotator
DDP-64SX may prove a very good and more affordable solution as a horizontal panoramic indexing rotator when used with ultra wide or wide angle lenses, which require fewer stops in order to cover a full 360° panorama.

DDP-64S equipped with 

DDY-64 Discal Quick Release Clamp is pictured above in the role of horizontal rotator of a Multi-Row panorama head and Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base supporting and leveling the whole structure. Hejnar PHOTO 5/8" thick rails and QR clamps are used for the structure.

Using as a Vertical Rotator
As mentioned in the beginning my intention was and still is to use the DDP-64SX as a vertical rotator, due to is reduced size. Its robust construction combined with the strong panning Lock (brake), which can withstand far more torque than other panoramic rotators I have used in the past, and its 18° index stop can serve even a heavy telephoto lens (when in portrait orientation).

DDP-64SX is pictured above in the role of vertical rotator of the Multi-Row panorama head in question with Sunwayfoto DDP-64M as horizontal rotator (both equipped with DDY-64 Discal Quick Release Clamp) and Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base supporting and leveling the whole structure. The same Hejnar PHOTO 5/8" thick rails and QR clamps are used for the structure.

More information about this use may be found in the article Create a Heavy Duty Multi Row Panorama Head.

Pros
Exceptional machining, finishing, fitting and build quality.
Extra compact size and low weight.
Very smooth panning operation.
Full range of tools and accessories included.
Very good value for money ratio.
5 year limited warranty extension upon registration.

Cons
Non captive Lever Lock-knob that may fall off if unscrewed inappropriately too much.
Non continues 0 - 360 degree scale on the panning base, but 0 - 90 - 0 -90 which may prove confusing.(By Sunwayfoto declaration revised in upcoming releases).
Non coinciding panning base 0 mark (starting point) with the axis of the bottom mounting holes. (By Sunwayfoto declaration also to be revised).

Conclusion
Unfortunately, until the expected improvements are released, I have to repeat myself to the conclusions of the DDP-64MX P.I.R. We have an exceptionally good built quality, smoothness in operation, versatility,  plus the choice of 4 detent intervals (click stops) from 18 to 90 degrees adequate for applications covering lenses from ultra wide to telephotos (in vertical mode), all that in an even a smaller size and lower price than competition (with the Discal clamp included) which rate the DDP-64SX as a Great Value for money.
However, the current panning base layout deprives me of recommending it and leave it to the reader to level the pros and cons and judge if this fact might affect his/her work. When the improved version with a proper and correctly aligned 0-360 panning scale is released I will give it a 5/5 star rating!

Disclaimer:
This review and test was run on a single product sample, using the specifically described methods. Although the findings are good and some overcame the expectations for the product, it can not be used as a rule, unless more samples of the same product are tested. Furthermore, similar comparison tests should be run with comparative capabilities products so as to reach a solid conclusion.

Update January, 2014
Sunwayfoto DDP-64S Panoramic Indexing Rotator Updated ver Review
A detailed description of an updated iteration of the original DDP-64S indexing rotator

Update April, 2015
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI Improved Panoramic Indexing Rotator Review
As the "I" denotes an improved version has been released resolving all pending issues of the previous versions.
Also DDP-64SI and DDP-64SIX replace previous versions.



I hope you found the article and ideas useful, thank you for viewing.
All Photos & Photosynths: © 2012 S.C.Vlachos

Price and Availability:
Current price for the DDP-64SX is US$ 115.00 and for DDP-64S is US$ 99 (+shipping where applicable)
Update Jan, 2018
Current price for the updated DDP-64SI is US$ 79.00 69.95 and the updated versions of DDP-64SI bundled with the DDY-64i QR Clamp also sells for US$ 119.00 99.95. Both available from Amazon
Sunwayfoto DDP-64SI panoramic rotators are also available from eBay


Referenced Articles:

Sunwayfoto DDY-64 Discal Quick Release Clamp Review

Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base Review

Sunwayfoto XB-44 Low Profile Ball Head Review

Triopo GX-1328 Classic Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

Create a Heavy Duty Multi Row Panorama Head


Relevant Articles:

Sunwayfoto DDP-64MX+DDY-64 Panoramic Indexing Rotator Review