Nodal Ninja Forum - Fanotec Carbon Fiber Poles

Cut down Series 1 lower unit.

c0g null — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:37:33 GMT

I have a few questions about the lower unit.
My understanding is that the sections in the lower unit are each longer than the sections in the upper unit for series 1? So that the overall closed length of the combined pole increases more drastically than would be required simply to accommodate the upper unit? This essentially creates empty space in the bottom of the lower unit when contracted fully?

If this is indeed the case, would it be possible to order a custom lower unit that has been cut down to minimize contracted length? I understand that this would reduce the extended length by 3 times the contracted savings, however portability is of greater concern for me that maximum exstention. A 1m pole that extends to 5m would suit my needs much better than a 1.3m pole that extends to 6m, if this is possible.

Fanotec 9 Meter Pole 3 Testing Video

nick fan — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:23:19 GMT

Fanotec 9 meter pole 3 and guy wire system tested with a canon 5D III and EF 17-40mm F4 L. Tripod adapter is extra long made to fit Manfrotto 058B studio tripod. Perfect stability!
Video to show Pole 3 in action. http://youtu.be/kK6CdqIkDvE

Pole "starter kit" input needed please. . .

mosleyh — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:33:07 GMT

I'm trying to pick items for a pole "starter kit with 4 basic requirements:

Use with RS-1/D800/Nikkor 16mm
switch rs-1 quickly between pole and tripod use
support Gigapan Epic Pro+ DSLR+lens (< 4KG)
Maximum expandability for future

Here's what I **think** I need, but would appreciate some expert input:

Poles Series 2 Lower Unit (F7103)
Pole Series 2 Case (F7171)
Pole Rotator 60-deg (POLEROTATOR)
Pole Series 2 Advanced Level (F7157)
Pole Series 2 Lower Unit Top Plate (F7156)
Pole Series 1/2 Lower Base Cap (P-BC)
(2)Quick Mount Mini Adapter System (F7154)
One of the tripod adapters (TBD)

Pole Panoramas with a rectilinear lens?

mosleyh — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:52:54 GMT

I posted this before but I think the subject may have been a bit too vague. . .

I'm looking at a pole system for a possible upcoming project. I have a very basic question - how workable is pole shooting with a camera/lens combo (D800e/Nikkor 16mm in my case) that requires Nadir and Zenith shots? Having never tried a pole setup, it would seem to be exceptionally difficult - especially the nadir(s). Wondering if I'd be better off purchasing a true fisheye and sacrificing some resolution.

Basic Pole camera/lens question

mosleyh — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 20:31:34 GMT

I'm looking at a pole system for a possible upcoming project. I have a very basic question - how workable is pole shooting with a camera/lens combo (D800e/Nikkor 16mm in my case) that requires Nadir and Zenith shots? Having never tried a pole setup, it would seem to be exceptionally difficult - especially the nadir(s). Wondering if I'd be better off purchasing a true fisheye and sacrificing some resolution.

How strong is the Pole Series 2 with 2kg on top in wind conditions?

alexb360 — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:25:29 GMT

Hi There,

I am considering buying the Pole Series 2 as I would like to be able to create 360 VT's at height but also take stills. I have looked at stronger aluminium masts but love the idea of a truly portable solution that will pack down and fit in my car. Hence the Series 2 pole!

I am planning on using my Canon 7D, ball head and a variety of lenses for stills work. I will be using the Sigma 8mm for VT's and purchase the R1 to do this.

I have several questions, I will try and be to the point but apologies if I ramble on....

1. How strong is the Series 2 Pole and can it be used at full height in any kind of outside wind conditions? How much does it sway when being used with 2kg on top which might not have the weight exactly in the centre? i.e. if I am using a larger lens tilted to a certain angle then the weight distribution might be one sided? How do you know when to use it and when not to use it if it's windy?

2. Has anyone used the Series 2 Pole with a Bescor Pan / Tilt head or similar? This again would add to the weight and take it to nearly 3kg but would save me having to pull the pole up and down each time I wanted a different angle.

3. Speaking of setting up the pole, how difficult is it with 2kg on top? Is it a tiresome job? I plan on doing this several times per shoot to get a variety of angles and shots for events etc. I'm a youngish relatively fit guy but am I expecting too much from the pole in terms of flexibility?

4. Also, can this be used with just the footplate or is it advised to be used with the tripod clamps when using the maximum 2kg load at full height?

5. Lastly, when using a tripod am I able to extend the tripod legs out to add on an extra 1.5m in total height? I have a Giottos Professional MTL3261B - aluminium tripod very strong.

I would really appreciate any experience of people using the Series 2 Pole at max height with serious load or for stills work as it's quite a considerable investment I am making and I want it to be the right choice.

Thanks in advance! I have searched the forums and not seen any posts answering these questions so I hope this will help others in my position in the future.

Kind regards,

Alex