What support lets you rotate a camera around the lens axis for long-exposure effects?
Asked 4/4/2011
7 views
2 answers
0
I’m experimenting with long exposures while rotating the camera around an axis that runs through the center of the lens, so the middle of the frame stays relatively sharp while the edges blur. Is there a tripod head, collar, or other support that allows a smoother, more controlled rotation around the lens axis? I’m interested in off-the-shelf options rather than building one from scratch.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
6
Really Right Stuff Camera Rotation Device CRD-87 is a device designed for such use with lens without a collar. Its components are also available separately.
Originally by user4390. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4390
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. The simplest solution is usually a lens with a tripod collar mounted on a tripod. The lens attaches to the tripod, and you rotate the camera/lens within the collar, which keeps the rotation centered on the lens axis more smoothly than handholding.
If your lens doesn’t have a collar, there are dedicated camera rotation devices made for this purpose, such as the Really Right Stuff CRD-87. Panoramic or spherical pano heads may also work depending on the model, but you’d need to check whether they allow true rotation around the optical axis.
For long telephotos, a slightly loosened tripod collar can be enough for this effect. The key is that the support point should be on the lens axis, not under the camera body, otherwise the rotation will wobble and shift the frame.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why is the Canon G11 tripod socket not centered under the lens?
What do pan, tilt, roll, dolly, truck, and pedestal mean in camera movement?
In Lightroom, what’s the difference between rotation in Crop & Straighten and Lens Corrections?
Can I support both a long lens and camera on a tripod at the same time?
Is there a tripod collar or support solution for the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L?