We really would like to present here a list in which one can quickly and easily check whether the own camera model can
be used together with the pocketPANO VARIO panorama tripod head.
However, such a list can not exist because there are simply too many different camera-lens combinations and mounting options on the VARIO.
Such a list would never be complete and if your camera is not there, the list suggests that your camera would not be usable, although it is actually possible. Conversely, the appearance of a
particular camera would give the impression that it would be usable in any configuration, although it may be limited when using a particular lens.
But the solution is simple: Based on the dimensions of your camera, you can easily estimate for yourself whether your camera is suitable or
not.
If you want to know if your camera can be used with the pocketPANO VARIO nodal point adapter, you can estimate it by its weight and size.
Weigth
That's easy: for best results, we recommend a maximum total weight (camera incl. lens) of about 1kg (2.2lb). This is a recommendation and at 1.5kg (3.3lb) nothing bad happens.
Size
Distance between camera bottom and optical axis
A very important dimension is the distance of the optical axis (the center of the lens or bayonet) to the bottom of the
camera. If you want to mount your camera using the Arca-Swiss compatible quick release clamp (VARIO-K), it is the distance of the optical axis to the bottom of the mounted plate or
L-bracket.
This distance (dimension A in the picture) must be compensated by the adjustable lower rail of the VARIO. This dimension is independent of the lens
used.
Since the measure A is somewhat difficult to measure directly, one can also determine this by calculation. For this purpose, one can measure the diameter of the bayonet or the lens (auxiliary dimension B) and the distance from this to the camera base or to the underside of the clamping plate (auxiliary dimension C). This works best with a vernier caliper; but in case of need also a ruler or folding rule is enough. It's just about being able to estimate with sufficient accuracy whether the VARIO fits your camera or not.
From the auxiliary measures B and C, the dimension A can then be calculated with the following equation:
A = ( 1/2 ⋅ B ) + C
To use your camera with a specific version of the VARIO, measure A must be within the specified range:
VARIO-S: 25 - 50 mm / (19 - 44 mm)*
VARIO-S XL: 35 - 60 mm / (29 - 54 mm)*
VARIO-K: 21 - 46 mm
VARIO-K XL: 31 - 56 mm
* This measurement applies if you want to use a camera with laterally shifted tripod thread and you use the optional adapter.
Position of the tripod thread
For some cameras, the tripod thread is not exactly below the optical axis. These cameras can not be used
with most nodal point adapters because the offset results in very large stitching errors.
For the pocketPANO VARIO-S (VARIO with screw connection) an adapter is available, which can compensate for the offset of the tripod thread (dimension
S) by up to 20mm. It does not matter which side the tripod socket sits on because the adapter can be used in both directions.
Conclusion: If the thread of your camera laterally offset, the VARIO-S with the adapter for laterally offset tripod thread is just right for you!
Location of the nodal point
The top rail of the pocketPANO VARIO is used to move the camera and its lens backwards so that the camera is rotated exactly around the nodal point (or the position of the entrance pupil) of the lens. In order to be able to use the widest possible range of cameras with the VARIO - from the small compact camera with fixed focal length to the full frame mirrorless camera with interchangeable lens - the mounting carriage can be moved very far forwards and backwards (compared to the small size of the VARIO).
VARIO-S:
Minimum and maximum values for the VARIO-S (variable screw fixing):
DA,min: 3mm (minimum distance between the center of rotation and the front stops)
DS,min: 18mm (minimum distance between the center of rotation and the mounting screw)
DA,max: 122mm (maximum distance between the center of rotation and the rear stops)
DS,max: 107mm (maximum distance between the center of rotation and the mounting screw)
These values also apply when using the adapter for laterally offset tripod threads.
VARIO-K:
Minimum and maximum values for the VARIO-K (with quick release clamp):
DK,min: 25.5mm (minimum distance between the center of rotation and the middle of the clamp)
DK,max: 100mm (maximum distance between the center of rotation and the middle of the clamp)
Please note: If the camera is very far away from the pivot point, the camera may not be able to swing completely downwards, otherwise it will collide with the lower rail of the VARIO. This depends on the size and shape of the camera body.
In the following we would like to introduce some example configurations which camera fits to a specific version of the pocketPANO VARIO panoramic head.
The variant with screw fastening in normal size is suitable for all cameras which should not be mounted with a quick release plate (ARCA) to the pocketPANO VARIO. This variant is suitable for small compact cameras:
- e.g. Fuji X70, X100T, Canon G1 X III, G9X II, Panasonic LX100, LX15, TZ101, TZ202...
as well as fixed lens cameras with full frame image sensor:
- e.g. Leica Q, Sony RX1, Sony RX1R, Sony RX1R2...
In addition to cameras with fixed lenses, the VARIO-S is also suitable for all mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. Models with 1" sensor:
- e.g. Nikon 1...
m4/3 sensor:
- e.g. Panasonic GF7, GX800, GX80, Olympus E-M10, E-M5, PEN E-PL8, E-PL9...
APS-C image sensor:
- e.g. Sony A6000, A6300, A6500, A5000, A5100, A5300, A5500, NEX3, NEX5, NEX6, NEX7, Canon M5, M6, M50, M100, Fujifilm X-T20, X-T2, X-T3, X-T100, X-E3...
as well as full frame mirrorless cameras like
- e.g. Sony A7, A7II, A7III, A7S, A7SII, A7R, A7RII, A7RIII, A9, Nikon Z6, Z7, Canon R, Leica M10, Typ 240...
The 10mm larger variant of the VARIO-S (only the lower rail is longer!) is particularly suitable for larger cameras which have a non-central tripod thread and therefore need the optional adapter for laterally offset tripod thread. This adapter is 6mm thick, and for larger cameras the bottom rail of the "normal" VARIO-S may be too small. Examples are:
- Leica M9, M Monochrom...
Furthermore, the VARIO-S XL is suitable for all those who later want to use an Arca quick release plate and want to
convert their VARIO-S XL by means of the separately available clamp to a VARIO-K
XL.
Please note: the VARIO-S XL may be too big for small cameras such as the Sony NEX models!
The VARIO-K is suitable for all smaller to medium-sized cameras that are to be attached to the VARIO by means of an Arca-compatible quick release clamp and, including the quick release plate, have a smaller lens-axis-to-ground distance than 46mm, e.g.
- most compact cameras and mirrorless cameras with m3/4 and APS-C image sensor
The 10mm larger variant of the VARIO-K (only the lower rail is longer!) is particularly suitable for larger cameras that are to be attached to the VARIO by means of a quick-release clamp. For example,
- Sony A7, A7II, A7III, A7S, A7SII, A7R, A7RII, A7RIII, A9, Nikon Z6, Z7, Canon R, Leica M10, Typ 240...
With the 4 available variants of the poketPANO VARIO, there is the optimal panorama head for every camera. If you are unsure which variant is best for you, just write us a short message!