Nodal Ninja 5
I upgraded my panorama tools this week by taking advantage of the $30 off the Nodal Ninja 5 shown here:
NN5L with RD16 rotator
What I like:
- Sturdy construction should last a long time
- Rotator works really well and allows for click-stop rotation points from 3.5 degrees up to 120 degrees for lots of lens/field of view/coverage options
- Not too heavy so will likely take it to most locations
What I don’t like:
- The arm sticks out a ways, and when I shoot things really close to the camera, like almost touching the lens, the arm can oftem move them, so just have to get used to it and plan for it
- With a fully loaded camera/grip/batts/L-bracket/lens the unit “sags” a touch more than I would like, but the frame would have to be a cage to keep this from happening I guess
How I modified it:
I added my own quick release to the arm, and added a quick release to the base so I can make this fit my needs quickly as needed.
I looked at lots of other pano heads, but came back to this one many times. Considered the RRS Ultimate-Pro Omni-Pivot Package, but without click stops, the NN5 won out, plus the price was sweet.
UPDATE: 5/12/10
I have used it on some actual assignments, I have done a live demo at the photography club, I have used it with my new leveling head. The NN5L works great and I am so happy I own it now. It makes the process so much easier and repeatable.
-Landon
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2 Comments
09 June 10 at 5:05pm
1
I toyed with making a bracket like this, but I like what you picked up. I guess it's a question of $$$ vs Time? :)
10 June 10 at 12:06am
2
I made a mod to work with the ballhead I had, was OK but not quick for each sequence. I toyed with a couple other setups that I tried making myself as well. When it came right down to it I just needed to pull the trigger on one when the funds were finally available and at the same time the unit was on sale too, so added it to the kit. Have not regretted it one bit. Our current theme this month in the photography club is "panorama" and while you do not have to have a fancy setup to take compelling panoramas, having the setup certainly makes repeatability far easier, allows getting the sequences shot more quickly and not overthink the setup allowing you to concentrate more on other things like camera placement, composition, making sure you bracket for focus if need be, bracket for lens flare if needed and such, maximizing light and moments if they change. I have produced thousands of panos without the correct tools, but now that I am making a few dollars directly from panos, it was time. Been using it a lot on real estate shoots too and keeps me in-and-out of a property without too much setup time and keeps the shoots profitable.