DIY Panorama Head

I had some difficulties stitching a panorama of a sunrise on the tesselated pavement. Because of the close, unforgiving foreground I was unable to stich the image due to parallax error. I had to use the single frame version instead.

Panorama heads are designed to rotate the camera around the Nodal Point of the lens, removing parallax problems. They are essential when close foreground is present that doesn't allow the stitcher to fudge the seam lines. Commerical panorama heads such as the Nodal Ninja are expensive. I decided to build one instead.

Construction

Construction is quite simple. I haven't qouted dimensions because it will depend on your camera and lens combination. A list of common nodal points can be found at (http://wiki.panotools.org/Entrance_Pupil_Database). The nodal point can also be determined emperically, a routed slot would be the best way to do that. Be aware that most zoom lenses will change nodal point depending on zoom setting.

Baseplate and Cantilever Beam

The beam needs to be tall enough to allow a complete 360 degree swivel. The baseplate needs to be wide enough to allow placement of the lens nodal point over the tripod socket. The beam and baseplate are connected with glue and screws. The extra piece in the corner is to add strength. The baseplate is connected to the 1/4in quick release plate via a T-Nut, placed under the center of the lens. The tripod provides the horizontal axis of rotation.

Swivel

The swivel is a two piece construction in order to allow clearence of the tripod knob when rotating. It is connected to the beam via a 3/8in wood bolt and a wing nut (pictured). A second hole on the same axis as the swivel needs to be placed the correct distance away so that the camera will rotate around the lens nodal point. A 1/4in slot could also be routed if more than one lens (or focal length) is to be used. Marks or similar would be required for repeatability. A plastic knob with a 1/4in thread attached was used to mount the camera. A tripod release plate could be used.

Evaluations

I tried it in my garage. It was very successful with subjects from a foot away from the camera in a 360x160 degree panorama. A panorama viewer such as FSPViewer is recommended for such a wide image. I then took the panorama head on a walk, and I think it dropped out of my bag. I will have to go and look for it.

Parts List

Gallery


Front

Rear