I just received the MSM rig with their wedge today. This video has been immensely helpful! Thanks much for this post. I will be watching most of the other ones that you have up. Good stuff!
I have the MSM wedge and thanks to your patient video I have everything set up. Cloudy and way too cold in Chicago suburb to go outside. But I am ready when the weather gets nice. Thank you!
Thank you for this. I have the MSM wedge, but initially, I used my Manfrotto geared head as it seemed to provide a firmer base due to the larger mounting plate. However, I quickly found out that the laser bracket did not then fit to the MSM body, so I am back to using the wedge. I think I prefer the wedge, due to its small size. I do like the look of your levelling base. That seems like a great idea :-) Thanks again for a very useful video.
I haven't tried a geared head but I agree about the small size of the MSM Wedge. It just good not to have the "Lock n Drop" of a ball head when polar aligning.
This is an enormously helpful video. I bought the wedge and I wondered if using two Z/V brackets might have been a better way to go. Your video helped to clarify the set up. Thank you.
At 6:33 in video, as you are locking the tilt of the wedge, the pan moves counterclockwise slightly, disrupting the precise alignment of the wedge. Is this because the pan screws were not tightened? I have noticed this pan lock problem in many professional heads too!
Hi Andy. Well spotted. I had to watch that back on a big screen to see that slight movement. You are quite correct that tightening the locking lever up does impart a slight movement as the clamp closes. This can be alleviated to some extent by keeping the clamp as tight as possible while still allowing for elevation adjustment. The big locking lever does not lock the directional movent so you would simply fine-tune the two silver screws afterwards. The MSM head is comparable with something like the SkyWatcher Wedge in use. I still find it a lot easier to use than a ball head or 3 way head and more than accurate enough for the wide angle use it is intended for. Cheers Glen
Same problem with the Sky Watcher Star Adventurer wedge, quite anoying. Problem with tightening the lock lever a bit, and then adjusting the ALTITUDE (NOT elevation) is that it will. Eventally wear the points of contact. That said, this is what I do.
Great video Glenn, how do you go about fixing your ballhead to the MSM rotator as mine’s slipped a few times whilst rotating? When I’ve fixed it hand tight a couple of times against the rotating head the stepper motor gear I presume has slipped as I tighten it? Cheers
Pleased that you found the video useful Carl. I've heard on the forums that a few people have suffered from their ball head unscrewing but so far this has never been a problem I've experienced. I use the Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead which has a 6cm base. The MSM rotating pad is 5cm so I did wonder if the ballhead base was smaller than 5cm then the lesser contact might lead to the BH unscrewing. Some people have suggested a Loctite type product but I don't fancy that as I'm always taking the BH on and off. Cheers Glen
Anther professional demonstration on using the wedge, however I'll stick with the MSM Z mount, that you also have a VERY useful vlog on, as I can save over 300g over the wedge and as a multiday backpacker that is important to me personally !
When you look at where the center of the weight is. Mounting the MSM on the end puts the camera over the center of the tripod. Mounting the MSM on the flat side puts the camera weight hanging way to one side of the center of the tripod. It really puts things off balance.
Thank you. I have tried both and sometimes use it the other way. It all depends on the lens I'm using, where my target is and what accessories I'm attaching.
Hi there! I have a question, hope you can help me. Can you actually use the sky-watcher equatorial mount with the MSM? I read that the screw is bigger and won't work with MSM. But, where I live, I can only buy the sky-watcher em. Thanks! (:
Yes and I have actually done so before getting the MSM wedge. The SW wedge uses a 3/8 screw so you could fit this to the back of the MSM by removing the inner 1/4 adapter. Another option is to use a V or Z platform as this also has a removable thread adapter. There are affiliate links in the description and if you use the code Glen at checkout you can get an extra discount. Also check any Pano heads, macro rails or L brackets that you have as these often have multiple thread sizes. Finally the MSM wedge is considerably smaller and lighter. Cheers Glen
@@GlenTillyard Thank you! Another doubt then, it is possible to replace the plate (the piece that connects directly to the camera with the 3/8" screw) for a plate with a 1/4" screw? I have a MSM ball head plate, and thougth to use it with the Star Adventure/ Sky Watcher wegde, but I don't know if it is possible. I'm asking this because I need to use my SmartPhone for polar alignment since I live in southern hemisphere. So I need the back of the MSM for the phone mount. Thanks again!
Hello Glen, with regards to the wedge, mine arrived yesterday 23.10.23. When I was trying it out the locking lever does very little and only provides a marginal bit of friction to prevent the angle changing. Yours appears to lock it securely. Tried contacting MSM and put a video on the FB MSM page and it seems many people have the same issue. Is this normal?
Hi Tony. It should hold but be careful not to overtighten as this can break the threads. I have a skywatcher wedge which didn't grip very well and I added a home made shim which helped. If you still have problems contact support
Hi Glen, thank you for the informative video. A quick question, I'm located in the Southern Hemisphere. How would I go about the 2nd set up using the phone bracket for polar alignment. TIA.
Hi Glen, great video. After reviewing both the star adventurer mount and the MSM Wedges, I wondered what your opinion was between the two. I see the weight and size differences but that doesn't necessarily equate to better or preferred when used. Could you provide me with some feedback / comparisons between the two? They both sound like good options.
I had the SW Wedge first, which is why I used it for the video, but I have to say that once I got the MSM Wedge I haven't used the SW Wedge with the MSM as I prefer the smaller size. IMHO I would say go for the MSM Wedge unless you plan on getting a Star Adventurer at a later date. If you use the code GLEN at checkout you can get an extra 5% off.
@@GlenTillyard Thank you Glen. I could get the SW wedge for cheaper than the MSM wedge through Amazon.ca and it looked heavier and more robust. I saw someone purchase a ball mount plate for the SW wedge which brings the price back to MSM favour by a couple dollars. So it comes down to usability. Thanks for the opinion. Since it works well I will bundle the MSM wedge.
Just received my MSM, Wedge, BallHead and scopes wouldn't have had a clue what to do without your video. Really helpful. Thank you so much Glen
Pleased that you found video helpful Mary. Enjoy your MSM
I just received the MSM rig with their wedge today. This video has been immensely helpful! Thanks much for this post. I will be watching most of the other ones that you have up. Good stuff!
Thank you. Pleased that you found it helpful
thank you. great video. I'm trying to complete my set up
Thank you. Pleased that it was helpful!
Very helpful! This video should be on the MSM site! It was more helpful! Thank you!
Thanks Marcy.
There is a link to my playlist but I agree it would be good to have them on the main site.
I ordered this and it should be here in a few weeks. I was not sure if I needed it and am now happed I did include it in my order.
Well presented demonstration of setup. Thank you.
Thank you
I have the MSM wedge and thanks to your patient video I have everything set up. Cloudy and way too cold in Chicago suburb to go outside. But I am ready when the weather gets nice. Thank you!
Pleased you found the video useful, Rick. I thought that it was cold here in the UK at -4 but I see it's much colder in Chicago.
Thank you for this. I have the MSM wedge, but initially, I used my Manfrotto geared head as it seemed to provide a firmer base due to the larger mounting plate. However, I quickly found out that the laser bracket did not then fit to the MSM body, so I am back to using the wedge. I think I prefer the wedge, due to its small size. I do like the look of your levelling base. That seems like a great idea :-) Thanks again for a very useful video.
I haven't tried a geared head but I agree about the small size of the MSM Wedge. It just good not to have the "Lock n Drop" of a ball head when polar aligning.
Love the video and your explnation is absolutely to the point.
Thank you Sunil
Thank you Glen!
Great videos😊
Just got the complete kit from MSM with v , z platform & the wedge so looking forward to go out soon.
Great news and good luck. If you have any questions I have one hour Ask Glen sessions on my website and I'm happy to help.
This is an enormously helpful video. I bought the wedge and I wondered if using two Z/V brackets might have been a better way to go. Your video helped to clarify the set up. Thank you.
Pleased that you found the video helpful, Ted.
Very practical, helpful! Tx
Thank you
At 6:33 in video, as you are locking the tilt of the wedge, the pan moves counterclockwise slightly, disrupting the precise alignment of the wedge. Is this because the pan screws were not tightened? I have noticed this pan lock problem in many professional heads too!
Hi Andy. Well spotted. I had to watch that back on a big screen to see that slight movement. You are quite correct that tightening the locking lever up does impart a slight movement as the clamp closes. This can be alleviated to some extent by keeping the clamp as tight as possible while still allowing for elevation adjustment. The big locking lever does not lock the directional movent so you would simply fine-tune the two silver screws afterwards. The MSM head is comparable with something like the SkyWatcher Wedge in use. I still find it a lot easier to use than a ball head or 3 way head and more than accurate enough for the wide angle use it is intended for. Cheers Glen
Same problem with the Sky Watcher Star Adventurer wedge, quite anoying. Problem with
tightening the lock lever a bit, and then adjusting the ALTITUDE (NOT elevation) is that it will. Eventally wear the points of contact. That said, this is what I do.
Great video Glenn, how do you go about fixing your ballhead to the MSM rotator as mine’s slipped a few times whilst rotating? When I’ve fixed it hand tight a couple of times against the rotating head the stepper motor gear I presume has slipped as I tighten it? Cheers
Pleased that you found the video useful Carl.
I've heard on the forums that a few people have suffered from their ball head unscrewing but so far this has never been a problem I've experienced.
I use the Manfrotto 488RC2 ballhead which has a 6cm base. The MSM rotating pad is 5cm so I did wonder if the ballhead base was smaller than 5cm then the lesser contact might lead to the BH unscrewing. Some people have suggested a Loctite type product but I don't fancy that as I'm always taking the BH on and off. Cheers Glen
Anther professional demonstration on using the wedge, however I'll stick with the MSM Z mount, that you also have a VERY useful vlog on, as I can save over 300g over the wedge and as a multiday backpacker that is important to me personally !
Agree about the weight saving and I do the same when traveling light.
I'm under the impression that the Wedge is only needed for Polar Alignment?
When you look at where the center of the weight is. Mounting the MSM on the end puts the camera over the center of the tripod. Mounting the MSM on the flat side puts the camera weight hanging way to one side of the center of the tripod. It really puts things off balance.
Thank you. I have tried both and sometimes use it the other way. It all depends on the lens I'm using, where my target is and what accessories I'm attaching.
Hi there! I have a question, hope you can help me. Can you actually use the sky-watcher equatorial mount with the MSM?
I read that the screw is bigger and won't work with MSM. But, where I live, I can only buy the sky-watcher em.
Thanks! (:
Yes and I have actually done so before getting the MSM wedge. The SW wedge uses a 3/8 screw so you could fit this to the back of the MSM by removing the inner 1/4 adapter. Another option is to use a V or Z platform as this also has a removable thread adapter. There are affiliate links in the description and if you use the code Glen at checkout you can get an extra discount. Also check any Pano heads, macro rails or L brackets that you have as these often have multiple thread sizes. Finally the MSM wedge is considerably smaller and lighter. Cheers Glen
@@GlenTillyard Thank you!
Another doubt then, it is possible to replace the plate (the piece that connects directly to the camera with the 3/8" screw) for a plate with a 1/4" screw? I have a MSM ball head plate, and thougth to use it with the Star Adventure/ Sky Watcher wegde, but I don't know if it is possible.
I'm asking this because I need to use my SmartPhone for polar alignment since I live in southern hemisphere. So I need the back of the MSM for the phone mount.
Thanks again!
@@Tomiiruu How about something like this amzn.to/3w5Essr
Or if ou use Manfrotto ( I do) then this amzn.to/36j9SAY
Hello Glen, with regards to the wedge, mine arrived yesterday 23.10.23. When I was trying it out the locking lever does very little and only provides a marginal bit of friction to prevent the angle changing. Yours appears to lock it securely. Tried contacting MSM and put a video on the FB MSM page and it seems many people have the same issue. Is this normal?
Hi Tony. It should hold but be careful not to overtighten as this can break the threads. I have a skywatcher wedge which didn't grip very well and I added a home made shim which helped. If you still have problems contact support
Hi Glen, thank you for the informative video. A quick question, I'm located in the Southern Hemisphere. How would I go about the 2nd set up using the phone bracket for polar alignment. TIA.
Take a look at this video about the phone mount as you can use that for Southern Hemisphere alignment ruclips.net/video/6Eny5NJxh4g/видео.html
@@GlenTillyard Thank you Glen. Don't know how I missed that video, brilliant tutorial 👏🏽
On your second setup, does the MSM's light effect the photo since exposures are 2 min or more?
Not that I have ever noticed
Hi Glen, great video. After reviewing both the star adventurer mount and the MSM Wedges, I wondered what your opinion was between the two. I see the weight and size differences but that doesn't necessarily equate to better or preferred when used. Could you provide me with some feedback / comparisons between the two? They both sound like good options.
I had the SW Wedge first, which is why I used it for the video, but I have to say that once I got the MSM Wedge I haven't used the SW Wedge with the MSM as I prefer the smaller size.
IMHO I would say go for the MSM Wedge unless you plan on getting a Star Adventurer at a later date.
If you use the code GLEN at checkout you can get an extra 5% off.
@@GlenTillyard Thank you Glen. I could get the SW wedge for cheaper than the MSM wedge through Amazon.ca and it looked heavier and more robust. I saw someone purchase a ball mount plate for the SW wedge which brings the price back to MSM favour by a couple dollars. So it comes down to usability. Thanks for the opinion. Since it works well I will bundle the MSM wedge.