Some Confusion Over Tripod Leveling for Panoramas

[JonathanRimmel]

Ok, I think I get it. The RRS PCL-1 goes on top of the ball head, leveling base underneath. So if I use the leveling base to level the tripod ball head, and then use the ball head to level the camera, I should be right where I need to be.

[Ellis Vener]

Ok, I think I get it. The RRS PCL-1 goes on top of the ball head, leveling base underneath. So if I use the leveling base to level the tripod ball head, and then use the ball head to level the camera, I should be right where I need to be.

But you don't actually need a leveling base underneath your tripod head! The head is doing the leveling!

[OldRoy]

Well, I've read everything so far and remain unconvinced that levelling is anything like the problematic issue that's being discussed here. About the only significant factor that I recognise from my own experience is the matter of cropping (or not.) But I can't really accept that f@rting about with levelling plates in order to avoid the terrific inconvenience of cropping is a serious consideration. Unless I blunder I usually overshoot the intended scene even if it requires an additional row or a shorter F/L. Cropping's a given with panoramic stitching IMME; it's not exactly difficult is it?

As for the "wavy horizons", I'm puzzled. I've never seen wavy horizontals in cylindrical or rectilinear projections. The unavoidable curvature of off-equator horizontals, yes. But even this phenomenon is unrelated to the levelling or otherwise of the support system. Isn't it?

Call me dense, many do, but I remain to be (happily) convinced that accurate levelling at the shooting stage is essential even though like everyone else I habitually level tripods (approximately) when shooting anything. Years of shooting analogue video taught me that.

Sorry to persist with this.
Roy

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

As for the "wavy horizons", I'm puzzled. I've never seen wavy horizontals in cylindrical or rectilinear projections.

One example here on LuLa:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=40880

The unavoidable curvature of off-equator horizontals, yes. But even this phenomenon is unrelated to the levelling or otherwise of the support system. Isn't it?

Here's a tutorial that addresses the issue of wavy or curved horizons:
http://www.johnhpanos.com/horizons.htm

Software leveling of these issues is done wth a combination of the Pitch (and Roll parameters).

Cheers,
Bart

[OldRoy]

One example here on LuLa:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?topic=40880
Interesting. I've never encountered this problem myself.

Here's a tutorial that addresses the issue of wavy or curved horizons:
http://www.johnhpanos.com/horizons.htm
I know the site - it was a big help to me when I first started doing VR panos a few years ago - in fact I posted a link to another of John Houghton's tutorials (on determining the NPP) earlier in the thread.

Software leveling of these issues is done wth a combination of the Pitch (and Roll parameters).
Cheers,
Bart

I've been using PTGui Pro for a few years now. If people find making landscape panos tricky they should try doing HDR VR panos in confined spaces: with fully patched nadirs, preferably
Roy

[tived]

Good levelling makes it a little easier when you get onto the computer IMHO

I have been using, from the bottom up, a Manfrotto Junior 410 geared head, with a Manfrotto 300N Rotar, Gitzo (Arca Swiss clamp) to attach my Classic Ultimate RRS Pano head kit (anno 2003 i think).

Now I have just replaced the Manfrotto 410 with the Arca-Swiss Cube, hoping to get a little more compact and more precise setup with less slag, to avoid viabrations - will get back to you with how that will fare when I go out next month.

I also have a Acra Swiss B1 with the RRS PCL-1 on, but I find it too difficult to get precise leveling using a ball head over the geared head when making pano's - and yes they are ususally HDR and sometimes adding focus stacking but its becoming a nightmare when making really large pano's and having both HDR and Focus Stacking...

All the best with your setup, when you think about it, its pretty simple to see that having the rotation and levelling as close to the top of your equipment is the most desirable way to go
Henrik

[Ellis Vener]

I find it too difficult to get precise leveling using a ball head over the geared head when making pano's -

No kidding. That is why I like using the Foba ASMIA head over any ball head...but I recognize that it is too big and heavy for most people. Still the price on them has really come down over the past year. Around $1160 at B&H the lasttime I checked. Last year at this time they were selling for around $1600.00

and yes they are usually HDR and sometimes adding focus stacking but its becoming a nightmare when making really large pano's and having both HDR and Focus Stacking...

And I thought I was obsessively nuts.

[tived]

No kidding. That is why I like using the Foba ASMIA head over any ball head...but I recognize that it is too big and heavy for most people. Still the price on them has really come down over the past year. Around $1160 at B&H the lasttime I checked. Last year at this time they were selling for around $1600.00

And I thought I was obsessively nuts.

You still are, but now you are not alone :-)
Henrik

[Ellis Vener]