
Originally Posted by
DennisS
Something appears to be loose or moving around. Are you using a remote control of some sort or are you pushing down on the shutter release with your hand? With so many shots, you may be bumping the camera and not realizing it.
Try shooting and stitching just the bottom row. Pick a place outdoors where you have room to move around. If the rotator appears nice and round, I would guess you have moved the tripod or camera during your sequence.
I believe the MK3 does not have a lock on the upper arm. It may be possible that the upper arm is drooping down during your sequence.
A Nikkor 10.5mm lens would cut your pictures down to 6 around +1 Zenith +1 Nadir +1 hand held Nadir patch shot (or 1 on tripod patch shot with the Nadir adapter). A Sigma 8mm would cut it even further to 4 around (tilted up 5 degrees) plus 1 hand held Nadir patch shot. No Zenith since the 5 degrees up tilt will cover the top. I am not saying your lens is the issue, as it is not. I am putting forth some other options to help make getting the panorama a little easier.