Noob seeks guidance: 4" exposures on top of windy buildings. Will Ultimate Modular handle D3s/70-200?

[carrollmorgan]

Hi all,

First post here and have only shot a few cityscape panos, but I'm hooked. It seems I like sunset shots from pretty extreme locations. I rented a NN5 from BorrowLenses but it came in with some pieces missing, so I had to rig it to work. I'm not sure I got a true evaluation of its stability. The shots turned out well (http://carrollmorganphoto.com/category/skylines/) but I was very concerned about the wind shake in spite of weighting down the tripod and blocking the camera with my body.

It seems like the Ultimate M1-L might be more solid, and I like the Arca Swiss mounting. I understand there is another Ultimate in the works...is that even sturdier?

I have a shoot this week, and rather than rent again I would rather purchase. I shoot Nikon D3s with 14-24 and 70-200. Is it possible to purchase something that will work by Thursday? Obviously, I need input on what to buy.

Thanks!

Carroll Morgan
Atlanta, GA
(404)556-6821
http://carrollmorganphoto.com (blog)
http://buckheadon-site.com

[nick fan]

yes, M1L is more stable than NN5. The M2 will have same stability as M1 as the rails are the same.
we have more pre-production units ready. But it is not available by Thursday.

Nick

[hindenhaag]

Hi Carroll and welcome to the forum,

First of all, great shots.

The best way to solve your problem would be to call the office:

Nodal Ninja®, 3454 N. San Marcos Pl. Ste 8, Chandler, Arizona, 85225 USA
Customer Service ph: 480-659-9899 / fax: 480-452-0452 Hours: M-T-TH-F 7am-11am
©2011 Nodal Ninja®

Try to talk to Bill about your problem. May be they have NN5 RD16 available. Do not get an NN5L because of the weight of your big boys and I like the "Click stop" of the NN5 upper rotator. Otherwise you could ask for a NN4, slightly modifications in upper rotator - 7.5° stops - and rails are a bit shorter. As you already know Upper rail set is 122 for 14-24 @ zoom 14. This should work with the short side of the CP-2 baseplate mounted to the back f the camera. I hope I can test it this evening when UPS is in time.

You can later add on the M1- series by buying one without rotator. You can fix it to the RD16 later on. I am sure you can sell NN5 without rotator easily.

You are right, in extreme wind exposed places like yours on the elevens floor, the system moves a little bit. Because of this I now use a Feisol tripod CT-3372LV.

http://www.feisol.de/neu-feisol-elite-stativ-ct3372lv-rapid-mit-nivelliermittelsaeule-p-67.html?osCsid=fcva3kn78vem906e5dtjfqps53

NN5 with EZ-Leveller II mounted directly on the plate, not on the center column. This is the most stable version I found with different tripods. You can add extra weight below the plate to a hook.

For 70-200 you need a special set up with upper rail. Send IM if you are interested and I will explain it to you. For use with converter you need a M1-L.

BTW: Most of us use PTGuiPro for stitching, you can download a trial version: www.PTGui.com. Till now no problem with windy conditions.

My D3 14-24 70-200 work fine on NN5.

Regards,
Heinz

[hindenhaag]

Hi Carroll,

Mistake in my last post: URS for 14-24 @zoom 14 is 126 :blush:

Just tested D3 with 14-24 on NN4: It is ok with URS 126.

To get clearance for +90º Zenith shot, you have to add the NN Nadir Adapter. Otherwise the camera body will stop at the side of the lower rail.

Just did a quick test set up to let you know that NN4 RD16 would be an alternative to NN5 RD16.

Regards,
Heinz

[carrollmorgan]

Heinz,

Thank you for your effort in guiding this noob in the fine art of panos! Sorry I didn't reply sooner but was out on a shoot. So, is NN4 stronger than NN5? If not, I will go with the M1 or M2.

I just rented another NN5 for my shoot and will order a new unit (after I call for assistance...thanks for the contact info!). Thanks again!!!


Hi Carroll,

Mistake in my last post: URS for 14-24 @zoom 14 is 126 :blush:

Just tested D3 with 14-24 on NN4: It is ok with URS 126.

To get clearance for +90º Zenith shot, you have to add the NN Nadir Adapter. Otherwise the camera body will stop at the side of the lower rail.

Just did a quick test set up to let you know that NN4 RD16 would be an alternative to NN5 RD16.

Regards,
Heinz

[hindenhaag]

Carroll,

NN4 is similar in strength to NN5. For your combi, specially 70-200, you should go for M1-L

Heinz

[carrollmorgan]

Thanks, Heinz. I will wait for N1-L.

[carrollmorgan]

Got my Ultimate M1 today...quite the nice piece(s) of machinery. Thanks, Bill.

I have 2 killer locations confirmed for Atlanta cityscapes and now the weather, for the next 10 days, looks problematic. Oh, well.

Carroll Morgan
Atlanta, GA
(404) 556-6821
http://carrollmorganphoto.com (blog)
http://buckheadon-site.com