A few years ago when I got interested in shooting panoramas and purchased a RRS gimbal I searched RUclips for tutorials on determining the NPP and found nothing worth imitating, but did come away with the basic principle. The method I ultimately settled on is exactly your Method 2, including two light stands, except my light stands support an 8-foot length of 1x2 with a short 1/4 inch dowel inserted near each end that serve as the alignment targets. The threaded tops of the light stands insert into holes bored into the bottom of the 1x2 near each end. I keep the rail position for each lens in a note on my phone for field reference. Determining the NPP of a lens accurately can be a quick and easy procedure, as you demonstrate.
Hey Bala, I have the 70-200 ƒ/2.8 with a RRS lens foot and I just attach the lens foot to the gimbal head. I don't use a slide because the lens foot is long enough to cover from around 85mm to 200mm. If I need 70mm, I use my 24-70. If your head keeps slipping when tightened it may need servicing by RRS. Thanks for watching!
A few years ago when I got interested in shooting panoramas and purchased a RRS gimbal I searched RUclips for tutorials on determining the NPP and found nothing worth imitating, but did come away with the basic principle. The method I ultimately settled on is exactly your Method 2, including two light stands, except my light stands support an 8-foot length of 1x2 with a short 1/4 inch dowel inserted near each end that serve as the alignment targets. The threaded tops of the light stands insert into holes bored into the bottom of the 1x2 near each end. I keep the rail position for each lens in a note on my phone for field reference. Determining the NPP of a lens accurately can be a quick and easy procedure, as you demonstrate.
Sounds like a good setup! Thanks for watching!
super- total breathtaking ideo.
Not sure about the breathtaking part, but thanks for the optimism. ;)
I have the same setup and was trying with my 80-200 lens. There was a drag down because of the weight. Did you try it with a heavy lens ?
Hey Bala, I have the 70-200 ƒ/2.8 with a RRS lens foot and I just attach the lens foot to the gimbal head. I don't use a slide because the lens foot is long enough to cover from around 85mm to 200mm. If I need 70mm, I use my 24-70. If your head keeps slipping when tightened it may need servicing by RRS. Thanks for watching!