Product Selector
Our number one question is which pano head and rotator is best for me?
Like buying a new pair of shoes you want to select the pano head that will best suit your needs. Basic factors to consider include equipment and the type of panoramas you will be taking. We will show the basic design elements of each pano head to better assist you in making a decision.
Fanotec has been very busy in product development. Not only do we have new panoramic tripod heads but we also have an expanded line up of highly advanced rotators. We hope the below information will help you to determine what product best suits your needs.
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Here is a decision tree flow chart that may help you to decide what pano head is best suited for you. It's not iron clad and should be used for general guidance only. This decision will walk through various questions in efforts to direct you to the best suited product. Click on the mage to left to super size or for a downloadable decision tree in .pdf format click here. As we add products and hear back from customers our decision tree will continue to grow. So if you have a downloaded version please keep checking for back for the latest edition.
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| Decision Tree v1.4 |
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Nodal Ninja 3 “MKII”Our flagship NN3-MKII is an award winning pano head continues to bring in rave reviews and testimonials. We feel NN3-MK II is simply the best pano head at the best price on the market today. Lightweight, compact and strong - perfect for those on the go and a popular choice for Real Estate Photographers, hobbyists, hikers and travelers. This model supports most point and shoot cameras and many smaller DSLR’s. This model is best suited for single row and multi row panoramas. Ideal cameras include point and shoot cameras las well as smaller DSLR's not using battery grips or quick release plates. You can mount your camera in both landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) modes. The "standard" rotator for NN3-MKII uses reversible brass detent rings which give the sound and/or feel of click stops when rotating the pano head. The detents rings offer the following number of click stops to form 360 degrees = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 18, 20, & 24 (some rings sold separately). If you do not want to deal with changing out rings, which requires taking the lower rotator apart, the NN3-MK II can also be purchased with an advanced rotator. For more detailed product information click here |
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Configurations: |
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Nodal Ninja 5/5LBigger, stronger more precise. This model is suited for both single row and multi row panoramas.You can mount your camera in both landscape (horizontal) and portrait mode (vertical). The "standard" rotator for the NN5 and NN5L uses reversible brass detent rings which give the sound and/or feel of click stops when rotating the pano head. The detents rings offer the following number of click stops to form 360 degrees = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 30, 36 (some rings sold separately). If you do not want to deal with changing out rings, which requires taking the lower rotator apart, the NN5 and NN5L can also be purchased with an advanced rotator. This pano head is an excellent choice when using heavier gear and longer focal length lenses. Used by amateurs and professionals alike this pano head is easy to setup and use. It is extremely versatile with it's universal design. Even if you have a smaller DSLR like the Canon Rebel or Nikon D300 we would like to encourage you to give consideration to stepping into this series of pano head. Doing so will will allow you room to grow years down the road. For more detailed product information click here |
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Configurations: |
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Ultimate R1 Adjustable TiltPart of the new "Ultimate" line of CNC machined parts. This machining process offers the highest in precision. The R1 is ring style pano head which uses a lens clamping system. The ring attachs to your lens and can easily attach and detach from the R1 head. The unique cantilever design is one of a kind and allows for partial tilt down 15 degrees and partial tilt up 7.5 and 15 degrees. The head can also be tilted a full 90 degrees for shooting the zenith or up shot. The rotator of the R1 180, 120, 90, or 60 degree increments. This model is best suited for shooting single row panoramas using ultra wide angle lens like the 8mm Sigma and 10.5mm Nikon. For more detailed product information click here
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 Sigma 4.5mm Sigma 8mm Nikkor 10.5mm Tokina 10-17mm Sunex 5.6mm Sigma 15mm |
Configurations: R1 w/ D4 rotator - $379.95 R1 no rotator (coming soon) |
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Ultimate R10 Static TiltThis is similar to the R1 with the exception of the tilting feature. Each R10 head has a set of 3 built in static tilt options (0 degree and +/- certain degrees). Currently 4 sub-models with +/- 2.5, +/- 5, +/- 7.5 or +/- 10 degrees are available. When purchasing the R10 you have the option to select which tilt you desire. One set of the tilt options is suitable for a particular fisheye lens on a particular sensor format. The ring clamp mounts directly onto the lens itself freeing up the camera. Different cameras can be use on the same lens without adjusting any settings. The R10 is available with or without a rotator. The R10 without rotator is popular for pole photography. For more detailed product information click here
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Sigma 8mm Sigma 4.5mm Nikkor 10.5mm Tokina 10-17mm Sunex 5.6mm Sigma 15mm |
Configurations R10 NO Rotator |
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Nodal Ninja 180 (NN180)Fanotec is proud to announce a new entry into the product line - the Nodal Ninja 180 (NN180). N180 is also intended to simplify panoramas for many camera/lens combinations by allowing “single row” shooting only. This makes it ideal for uses of circular fisheye lenses such as the Sigma 4.5mm & 8mm, Sunex 5.6mm, and Nikon FC-E8/E9. This is not to say you can’t use slightly longer focal length lenses as well - if you only shoot single rows panoramas this is a very cost effective solution. For more detailed product information click here |
 Raynox  FC-E8/E9 lens |
Configurations: |
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Features |
NN180 |
NN3 |
R1 |
NN5L |
NN5 |
Support single row cylindrical panorama |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Support multi row spherical panorama |
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xa |
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x |
x |
Support 2-shot Stitching using fisheye lens with angle of view > 180 deg. |
x |
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x |
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Support high resolution mosaics or giga-pixel panos |
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x |
x |
Recommended load capacity/ kg |
3.5 |
1.5 |
2 |
3.5 |
5b |
Support point and shoot cameras |
x |
x |
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x |
x |
Support standard SLR's + DSLR’s (without built-in or optional battery grips) |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Support DSLR’s with built in and optional battery packs* |
x |
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x |
x |
x |
Support mounting in landscape mode (horizontal position) |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Support mounting in portrait mode (vertical position) |
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x |
x |
x |
x |
Supported lens |
For lens with horizontal angle of view > 80 deg. |
Fisheye and wide angle lens |
Fisheye lens only |
Most lens |
Most lens |
Finest indexed interval on rotators/ deg |
30 |
5 |
30 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
Total number of click stops around to form 360 degrees. USING STANDARD ROTATOR |
6,4,3,2 |
24,20,18,14,10,8,6 |
6,4,3,2 |
36,30,24,20,8,6,7,5 |
36,30,24,20,8,6,7,5 |
Custom click stop intervals available |
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x |
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x |
x |
Upper arm rotator 15 degree positive locks |
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x |
Rail Stop (for remembering camera position) |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Allows use of Quick Release Systems * |
x |
Limited to small DSLR's and lens c |
Built-in |
x |
x |
Accepts optional Fanotec rotators |
Built-in |
x |
Built-in |
x |
x |
Support telephoto lenses |
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x |
x |
Support medium format cameras* |
x |
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x |
x |
Support larger format cameras* |
x |
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x |
Supports HDR photography |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Return Policy if not 100% satisfied in days |
30 |
30 |
7 |
7 |
7 |
Product warranty |
2yrs |
2yrs |
2yrs |
2yrs |
2yrs |
Product Weight (stand alone assembly) |
500gr |
475gr |
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865gr |
865gr |
Prices beginning at |
$179.95 |
$199.95 |
$379.95 |
$349.95 |
$399.95 |
a Full rotation for zenith shot may be hindered. Full rotation supported for small wide angle kit lens, fisheye and prime lens.
b When positive detent lock is engaged, otherwise same as NN5L. Only limited to 15 degree interval.
c Support camera with height from base to lens axis below 51mm using Fanotec QRS2 and ASQRS2 quick release system. Full rotation may be hindered by the quick release handle.
* some configuration may vary depending on setup and accessories.
NEW Advanced Rotators
A series of Fanotec's new top of the line advanced rotators. With the CNC machining processes this ensures a higher precision design with closer tolerances Rotators that combines high precision, ease of use, compactness, light weight and durability, just what panoramic photographers need. All rotators are designed to give the sound and/or feel of click stops when rotating the pano head. So for example if you were using a Nikon D300 DSLR with the 10.5mm Nikkor lens (a popular setup) you would need to take 6 shots around, assuming a 30% overlap between images, or 1 image every 60 degrees of rotation to achieve a full 360 degree panoramic image. With your rotator set at the 60 degree position, you will feel this stop every 60 degrees. So no need to look in the viewfinder or read the marks on the rotator - you can shot quickly and precisely by "feel" - one shot per click.
Here are the features common to these 3 models. Features for specific model will be listed alongside with each model.
* made from imported premium quality aluminum alloy.
* precision CNC machined components
* lubricated bearings for smooth rotation
* laser engraved marking
* detent interval option can be changed on the fly.
* more than 10 kg loading supported.
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D16 - Top-of-the-Line RotatorWith click stops as small as 3.75 degrees - the smallest increment available on the market today. |
Configurations: |
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D8Complete set of 8 detent interval options; |
Configurations: |
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D4Complete set of 4 detent interval options; |
Configurations: |
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D3L with Built in EZ-Leveler-IIA highly advanced product solution with unique rotator incorporating the 2nd generation EZ-Leveler-II. Lightweight and small (350gr/12.4oz).....More Users can now adjust very fine leveling with loading of heavy gear on top (10kgs/22lbs). Unlike leveling using ball head or tripod legs, leveling remains stationary after each adjustment. No more need to compensate for the effect of loading. Maximum angle of adjustment is 5 degrees. More.... Detent interval can be changed in less than 3 seconds by a simple flip of detent switches, detent interval setting can be changed from one to another on the fly. 3 selectable detent interval combinations of 6, 8, 10 stops. By skipping stops you can get 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 stops. |
Configurations: |
The following table chart shows the "rotators" and corresponding click stops that are obtainable.
Many of these rotators are interchangeable between pano heads.
| Total stops around | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 30 | 36 | 48 | 60 | 72 | 96 |
| Degrees between stops | NA | 180 | 120 | 90 | 72 | 60 | 51.4 | 45 | 36 | 30 | 25.7 | 25 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 7.5 | 6 | 5 | 3.75 |
| Model | |||||||||||||||||||||
| D16 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | |||||
| D8 | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||||||
| D4 | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||||||||||
| D3L 6-8-10 | x | x | x | x | |||||||||||||||||
| D3L 6-8-30 | x | x | x | x | |||||||||||||||||
| NN3 MKII All Rings (incl. optional) | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||
| NN5 All Rings (incl. optional) | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | ||||||||
| NN180 | x | x | x | x | x |
The following table helps to estimate the degree between shots when shooting panoramas assuming a 25% overlap.
Our pano-calculator is a handy tool-for calculating the number of click stops needed at various focal lengths.
Who Uses What
Here are some typical scenarios of people using different models of Nodal Ninja.
WHO? Real Estate photographers that shoot 360 panoramas of homes that needs fast light and easy and uses a super wide lens. They just want to get the job done as quickly and expensively as possible and don't need all the added bells and whistles/
WHO? Hobbyist or semi-pro using super wide angle lens or converters like IPIX, FCE8/E9, Sunex, Raynox products.
WHY? Seeking low cost quality solution to their needs. NN180 has tiny rotator (small footprint), ideal for single row panoramas. Easy mounting a camera in landscape mode. Fastest and easiest way to shot pano's.
WHO? Real Estate photographers shooting for larger companies for residential and commercial properties. These photographers may shoot HDR (bracketing shoots) and in most situations will shot full spherical panoramas for their clients to include the up and down shots. Equipment may include compact cameras or smaller DSLR's like the Nikon D90 or Canon Rebel with wide angle lens.
WHO? Traveler/Backpacker when lightweight and portability are top concerns, They may use a compact camera or smaller DSLR like a Nikon D90 or Canon Rebel with maybe one good zoom lens.
WHY? Because NN3 MKII weighs only about 1 lb (.5kgs) and stows away nicely. Changing out rings is not as much a concern. Allows you to mount the camera in portrait mode to take better advantage of the horizontal field of view (HFOV) on a lens. They have the option to shoot several shots around, and/or multi-row including up and down.
Travel Tip: always check your pano gear with luggage rather than stowing it in your carryon when flying. We wouldn't want security to confiscate your pano head.
WHO? The hobbyist that might use different lenses with in the field but still likes to fit all the gear into a standard camera bag.
WHO? If you like small but highly efficient point and shoot cameras like Ricoh, Leica, and just want to shoot the occasional scenic panoramas for super high resolution composites and may attempt an occasional 360 degree panorama then NN3/RD8 would be best for you.
WHO? A budget minded photographer just starting out doing panoramas and wants to add a a bit more versatility in their shoots. They may use different smaller sized lens and experiment with landscape panoramas or even full 360 degree or Quick Time panos. The have a standard DSLR with a couple different lens including a 18-55mm zoom lens. They like to shoot for print as well.
WHO? The photographer that drives a sports car. They want something that looks good at the shoot knowing they aren't sacrificing looks for quality and functionality.
WHY? The NN3/RD8 is small and lightweight inexpensive entry level semi pro pano head. It's small enough to support your gear while big enough to give you options to expand your photographic skills. Allows changing of click stops quickly and easily on the fly. Allows users shoot mosaics (multi-image shots) at slightly longer focal lengths allowing them to create high resolution composite images. And if appearance is important the NN3/RD looks sexy and sharp.
WHO? The photographer with a bit more cash and uses smaller DSLR's that enjoy long range shots and use all in one "compact zooms" like many Tamron Lenses Also users of compact cameras with 300mm+ "super zooms" like the Sony DSC H20, HX1, Pentax X70, Olympus SP590UZ.
WHO? The semi pro - to pro that might not shoot with big equipment or use battery packs. The know they can get the job done and with slower lenses to give them more versatility They have a full range of focal lengths covered from wide angle to compact super telephotos.
WHY? NN3 still allows up to 7lbs (3.5kgs) of gear and the lower RD16 rotator with super fine clicks stops down to 3.75 degrees allows the user to zoom out to 300mm+ and shoot multi-image landscapes and cityscapes.
WHO? The dedicated panographer needing the smallest lightweight precision head that uses a one super wide angle lens (8mm, 10mm) for their panoramas
WHY? The R1 and R10 are the lightest pano heads we carry. These heads use a unique lens ring clamp that attaches itself directly to the lens which in turn attaches to the head.
WHO? Pole photographers
WHY? Lightweight with extremely small footprint. Also available without rotator making it even lighter.
WHO: A photographer wanting to expand their capabilities a bit more without breaking the bank. They have a collection of older cameras and lenses. Typically they shoot a little bit of everything - nature, people, landscapes, etc. They many time take more equipment than they would ever use in the field but like to be prepared for whatever photographic situation arises. They may use battery grips and quick release systems.
WHY? NN5L - compact and stows in a camera case comfortably. Still lightweight and easy to setup and use. Changing out rings isn't a big deal (only takes 45 seconds) and because they don't shoot panoramas frequently they are still saving a great deal of money.
WHO? Serious Professional shooting for hire or for print, They will shoot commercially in a wide variety of circumstances and/or shooting for artistic purposes. The demands for precision and reliability are high. They will swap out lenses on a shot and many times swap out cameras as well. They may shoot several image mosaic composites or even gigapans - ultra high resolution imagery in excess of 100 shots with resulting is a single composite image over 1 Gigabyte in size.
WHO? The practical photography that is budget minded yet stills wants high precision equipment to achieve high end results. They don't have time to spend shopping out alternatives and tend to lean towards companies with established reputation of support and quality.
WHY? The NN5/RD16 allows for maximum shooting versatility from single row to multi row images. You simply can't go wrong with this model especially when in doubt of what head to buy. The NN5 w/RD16 allows mounting your camera in portrait or landscape mode.The RD16 rotator allows for quickly changing of detent intervals on the fly depending on lens and focal length used. Greater versatility when swapping lenses and shooting from wide angle panos to longer telephoto multi-image mosaics.
Because needs are various and personal we also encourage you to stop by our forum and ask others their thoughts as well.
