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The Kingpano seems a well built and well priced pano head. http://www.kingpano.com/
The site says it will not hold larger cameras eg.D3. I assume it can be used with a D700. Anyone know this for sure as I've emailed the company but not got a reply. Thanks

I would be wary of the D700 on this
According to the WebSite, the KingPano can support 3.5Pounds max. = 1360 grams

Now the D700 with battery is 1075 Grams. according to DPReview. That leaves 300g for the Lens. So forget any Zoom lens OR any Telephoto Lens or even the 50 1.4 (280g) if you want to allow ANY margin at all. And don't even think about using filters or Vertical Grip or...

And keep in mind plastic usually snaps when it fails (With you camera on it!)

I cant comment on the Kingpano- it looks pretty similar to the panosuraus I've got. cheaper than any RRS options which really are superb and stress free- both capacity and use. I use a 50D with a range of lenses though i tend to prefer the 50 1.8 or 24 2.8 for panos.

I like to backpack or walk for bit and found it was pretty bulky and i couldnt really see any benefit in the final image from just standard tripod mount. I dont use any sophisticated software either- just photomerge on PS elements 7.

If you had a pretty close foreground it might make a diff- for occaisional panos it might not be worth it- but for regular use it would speed things up.

Just a thought
Robert

I have this head and have used it with the D700, D300 & D70. The results have been very good, but you cannot use a long lens or the power grip on this setup. Have also found sharper results using a shutter release. My 2 favorite lens for this head are the 35mm f2 and 50mm f1.8 and camera used in a vertical setup

Various panos here http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/5998636_7sBLQ/2 these have been shot with the D300 on this head PSCS 3 for stitching

I have also shot panos with a level tripod, and no pano head, with my 80-200 2.8 Nikon lens, stiched with PSCS3

...... I now also use a shift lens for panos, stitching 3 horizontal images in PSCS 3


I have found this head robust, but not liking too many drops as it is made of heavy plastic, and glued together. Having the head fall from a reasonable height, a number of times and without camera, it finally came apart, but easy to super glue back together with some extra glue points for added strength

big pix wrote:Have also found sharper results using a shutter release.

I'd have thought they would be a little dark if you didn't release the shutter.
A cable release perhaps? Mirror Delay also helps a lot.

as I am releasing a shutter, which will give the exposure, and not a cable

for your info: http://digital-photography-school.com/u ... hotography

at a guess Mirror delay would mean " mirror up "

Thanks for the quick replies. The answer seems to be that a D700 will fit but to watch the overall camera weight and use of this head. Seems a low cost option for occasional careful use.

big pix wrote:for your info: http://digital-photography-school.com/u ... hotography

Hey! I've got one of those, just like in the photo. Never been able to work out how to screw it into my DSLR though. Maybe we can settle on "remote release" which would include cable free remotes, which are even better.

big pix wrote:at a guess Mirror delay would mean " mirror up "

Not Exactly.
My D200 has a "Mirror Up" function. It also has a "d5 Exp. Delay Mode" The former requires two shutter actuations for one exposure. The Latter uses one. It lifts the mirror, pauses, then releases the shutter. I find that this works well for Panos as it is quicker and I don't have to remember to fire twice before moving the head. I wouldn't use it for star trails though.

....... you try and help someone with information....... and along comes a thread hi jacker and know it all

...... don't think I will bother anymore

big pix wrote:....... you try and help someone with information....... and along comes a thread hi jacker and know it all

...... don't think I will bother anymore

Keep on bothering BigPix - after all you were the one who helped me out with relevant experience. Thanks again

Thanks for your opinions. I'm getting the Panosaurus Rex from http://gregwired.com/pano/pano.htm