Essential and optional/recommended hardware and rationale; see
Panorama Benro Polaris checklist for details of how to actually take a panorama.
Essential hardware
- Camera: for example, for µ4/3, Panasonic GH6, G9 (or later)
cameras; check remote cable matches motorised head.
- Lens: for example, for µ4/3, Panasonic 200mm or 50–200mm
for very high detail (perhaps with TC20 or TC14), also Olympus 75mm
and Leica 45mm are excellent; 300mm Tokina reflex is also good and
cost-effective using focus peaking. The Lumix 45–175 PowerZoom
lens is particularly suitable for multi-row panoramas as it is very
light and its current zoom length (mm) is shown on the camera screen
as it is adjusted – so that length is easily entered into the panorama
app.
For wider-angle lenses, in most cases hand-held (just a few shots)
is quicker and easier.
- Benro Polaris motorised head (the Astro kit is not needed).
- Tripod. I usually only partly extend mine for better stability,
using the camera screen tilted.
- Short USB-C ↔ USB-C cable (or micro for older cameras), plus
spare. Note that using a tripod-mounted lens a longer cable is needed
than for when the camera is directly mounted on the Polaris. The
USB connection lets the Polaris know when a photo is complete and
transferred and the camera can be moved, which simplifies setup.
Optional hardware
- Spare battery, memory card(s), and spare lens and body caps.
- Camera → Polaris connecting plate(s), e.g., focus rail or equivalent;
best arrangement will depend on camera and lens in use. I use Sirui
plates, etc., but there are many options.
- Innorel levelling base (or FLM LB15 or SunwayPhoto DYH-68, etc.).
A levelling base is much more convenient that adjusting tripod legs’
lengths.
If the base does not have a spirit level then circular ones are
inexpensive (60mm are very accurate and easier to handle than small
ones).
- Leofoto QS-60 snap attach (with plate on Polaris).
This avoids rotating heavy mount with risk of dropping.
- Folding mat/plastic bag to place bag(s) on (if ground might be
muddy, etc.).
- Compass (if phone compass unreliable).
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