Perfect Panos - A lightweight simple to use solution to solve parallax

This short video looks at how to overcome the issue of parallax in photographing panoramas with more complex shapes inside them. In particular I use a leveling base on my tripod (built in to the Leofoto CEX range), and a small nodal rail - also from Leofoto - the NR-200. With this simple and light setup I can shoot perfect panoramas that don't struggle with parallex.

Please note that this technique is specifically for single-row panoramas. If you want to shoot multi-row panoramas a gimbal head is needed to get the actual nodal point (x and y axis) of the lens itself. I very rarely shoot multi-row panoramas (unless I have to create a VR or 360 degree image which is a different thing entirely). As such, finding the optical center along one axis through the use of a rail clamp is more than sufficient for single row panoramas.

Timeline:
00:00 Intro
01:30 Equipment - Leveling bases
03:25 The problem of parallax
04:00 Equipment - The nodal rail
05:20 Find the optical center of a lens
07:14 Previsualising using a cellphone
08:17 Is this necessary for panos?
08:58 Equipment - The L-bracket
09:28 The procedure of shooting a pano stitch
10:57 Summary and Conclusion on how to shoot perfect panos

[interestings]

Epic, it’s funny how the deeper you get into photography the more complex the tricks and techniques become.

[bluejesper]

Thank you Emil, you demonstrated how this is done in a much better and simpler way than other YouTubers.

[kabelommono]

Just brilliant! thanks for breaking down how to capture a panorama in the simplest way possible..no unnecessary jargons..beatiful pictures by the way!

[seanimal_rex]

Thank you for this! I've been trying to work out how to make panoramas by using a stationary mount on a shift lens and mount the camera on a horizontal rail so it can shift along the image plane. You just saved me a bunch of time and money! Cheers!

[DhrubaYT]

It was very nice of you to share the mm length on the nodal rail.

[parkermusselman]

Extremely well explained. Thank you. Not a wasted word. You've also included considerations, for example the geometric shapes issue, that I haven't heard in other pano videos.

[thekenthouse]

That plate, in the US at least is known as a nodal rail. Great tutorial and well worth watching.

[lacanche]

Very informative video and explained like no one else.

[micter]

I also make a lot of panoramas. Often hand-held taken, and stitch with Hugin (free software). Often, everything is ok. But sometimes, I had this issue. I heard this word "parallax" but didn't knew what it was, and how to solve it. This was indeed with barrier, or geometric shapes, as you said. So thank's a lot, you've explained it very well, and gave the elements to solve this. Thanks again.

[kentblair]

very good and informative video. You just taught me some valuable information which led me to understand some issues ive had with my 20mm prime. Until now, i didnt understand why only longer lenses worked. i am really looking forward to experimenting with this gathered information, this weekend. and now, i can use my beloved 20mm for some terrific panos!

Thank You.

[stephengray]

Excellent explanation and although ideal, you acknowledged that you don’t absolutely need all that kit. I have a Nodal Ninja but tend to use my ball head on my levelling base most often.

[EverydayNation]

love this. I have been using one for years. also have another one that is two part that I use for focus stacking for detailed product photography

[JeffersonGonzalez]

Thanks so much for explaining the parallax effect in a nutshell! Cheers!

[cleartick]

Emil this was an amazingly composited and well thought video. Funniest part: I was looking for a good pano process vid a fortnight ago, right before you published yours. Thank you !

[michaeljenner]

Excellent presentation of solid information. Your pans are gorgeous. Thank you so much for this useful video.

[dpfreedman]

Another "thumbs up" for the Leofoto CEX tripods. I own two. HOWEVER, an alternative that I've actually come to prefer (in some instances) is the iFootage Gazelle TC6S. In addition to an in-built leveling head, the iFootage tripod includes a very useful center column and large, positive acting lever locks on the legs. Carbon fiber, of course. Excellent video, Emll.

[ofthenearfuture]

This was extremely interesting, thanks for explaining parallax and the concept so well

[RandyPollock]

I try to keep my close up Panos with my Fuji Primes as that makes it much easier, but thanks you did a good job explaining the procedure and potential benefit

[razorraymac]

very enjoyable video, precise and to the point.

[pedzsan]

Very nicely done. I’ve seen others use a set up like you described but I didn’t know why because I’ve been able to make panoramas without any such rig. But now I do and, in fact, the idea of a close up panorama is intriguing. I think I’ll give it a try. Sounds fun.