Great demo Glen! Thanks a lot. We're working on adding degree markings to the platforms for use with polar alignment. Need to see how demand goes but a larger one for specific use as a polar alignment mount could definitely be on the cards 🙂
As I am living in Southern Hemisphere, I think geared head or wedge could be a better option for polar align mount as we can do "fine tune" on the angle degree. IMO this Z platform is ideal for attaching on the top of MSM rotator as your video shown alyn. Thanks
@@akkarparkiamopas3401 yes were quite lucky here in the Northern Hemisphere! I'm really enjoying how everyone is having different uses for them though 😁
I have just gotten my first camera and lens (fuji x-t30ii and xc 50-230mm) and I want to do AP especially nebulae. However I have a tighter budget right now so the MSM has caught my eye, is this a sufficient platform for nebulae with my setup?
Thanks for taking the time to do this video Glen. I had first mounted Z Mount on the short end of the MSM but decided to attach it to the underside of the unit instead because of how easy everything folds up and fits in the bag. 👍🏼
VERY VERY GOOD Demo of how to set up, the uses of the Z or V are endless...I bought 3 Z's, one for the bottom of MSM and one for the top and the 3rd to replace the head itself. But have a half ball leveler below the 3rd for a fast setup level to start, that is the key for doing a pano level - level. Now for doing multi level panos I use novoflex panorama vr-system slim on top of the second Z, this way you can do longer exposures, or stacking shots, or even use in camera NR. The reason for the Novoflex is if tilting up or down you get distortion because the nodal point changes and you get a bow look and software may not blend well, to get your final panorama sides straight not curved and have to crop. Also the nice thing is your tripod can be more stable being lower to the ground so you can be at eye level with the camera. If you Watch (closely) Mr. Wallace he uses a pano rig vs shooting on top of a ballhead. Waiting for clear skies at the new moon!
The V platform would fit better under the rotator. And I would use the Z platform on top of rotator to attach the camera allowing more freedom to move to any point of the sky
This is an awesome idea! I was debating all sorts of ball heads but hated the idea of larger size they take up. Very great minimalist design thank you for the video!
I totally agree with adding the latitude angle scale and the compass on that Z platform. Even in the MSM wedge, it should have had the angle scale for latitude , but it is not existing so we need to used the angle app instead. they should be built-in imo. Thanks for your useful video.
Happy New Year! Thank you so much Glen! I am looking for a solution for the "lightest & most portable tracking" system! Looks like this is a great way!
Thanks Alex. Means a lot coming from you. Re size if I’m in the garden I still prefer the micro adjustments of the wedge but I think that the Z Platform will become my new travel option. Previously, it was the Monopod Tilt head with a levelling base, though I started with just the tilt head. My least favourite was using two ball heads, which I think a lot of people use, as I just found this too wobbly. The 3 Way Head work well but I’m looking forward to seeing how the geared head performs compared to the wedge. Having kit you can use for more than one type of photography is very useful.
You could use the V-bracket on the bottom like you're using the Z-bracket, then use the Z-bracket on top with the camera mounted to get a simple light weight and compact system for backpacking in to very remote locations.
I have actually done that Chris and it does work but I found it less flexible than using the ball head which was already on the tripod. I think if someone had a fixed tripod head this would be a good option.
2:16 yep I think that's where it's the most useful, as a lightweight replacement for a wedge, when precision is not too demanding.5:42 is quite original :) 8:28 I wonder if it's preferable to have the Z or the V mount as a wedge. We don't really need the full articulation for the wedge and while it can serve the purpose, the V mount is possibly simpler and as useful ? I admit I started to be found of the Z mount for helping level the camera and do nice mosaics.
Thank you. I agree about the V Bracket being a little simpler and even more lightweight. I also tend to do a lot of panoramas though and I find the Z platform more useful on those occasions.
Very good video. I have mine already and came for to see if any chance you would talk about screw replacement. Indeed I turned slighty too much on that bottom plate screw and damaged it , now my Z plate is no longer usable so be very carefull not to tight it too much maybe I used it over 20 times but yeah .. the threads of the screws are very thin and will eventually break at some point..
I agree that it does seem illogical but it does work with my android phone at least. It's really only to get you pointing in the right direction as I would then confirm alignment with the laser or polariscope.
Hi Bill. Thanks. I've added that now. The inclinometer app was called Angle Meter by Smart Took Factory on the Android play store. I don't know if it is available for the iPhone. play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stfactory.anglemeter&hl=en_GB&gl=US
@@GlenTillyard Thanks, checked and do not find it on the App Store........did find one called Clinometer that looks very similar. Checking on a focus rail now so I can use my Nikon 18-300 as you did the Tamron 16-300.............learning a lot from your MSM videos!
Great video!! How hard is it to fine tune polar alignment with Z bracket and polar scope (not the laser)? Polar alignment wedge will surely make life easier but it will also cost significant amount of more money than Z bracket.
Hi Saurabh. The brackets are not as precise as the Wedge but It's is still possible to align with them and I've done it several times. A little trick I use to fine-tune the alignment is to loosen a tripod leg very slightly and let the drop align the scope or laser.
@@GlenTillyard Thank you very much for the reply! I am also checking out the option of Z bracket+phone mount option for polar alignment. I will start with that as it is little bit cheaper. If turns out pain in butt , I will consider buying the wedge! Thanks again!
Great video Glen, am I missing something though, would a V mount not allow you to do both of these setups in the video? It looked like your Z was locked in the V position? (I have the items in my basket and trying to confirm what one to go for)
@@GlenTillyard Thanks for the quick response Glen, just watching some of your other videos just now after stumbling into your channel. New subscriber!. With regards to using as an equitorial wedge and nothing else is the V better? (think I will order one of each)
Hi. If you want my very favourite set-up it's the MSM Wedge with a quality ball head. For compactness, if I'm travelling light, then a V Bracket at the bottom and the Z on top. If I was only buying one bracket then personally I would go for the Z as it has so many other uses. I've used mine as a Right Angle Bracket, a Mic stand, A macro rail, a nodal rail and a panorama head.
@@zygmuntziokowski7877 personally I would put the z on the top so that you could have a level platform for panoramas. You only need the V at the base for alignment.
Thanks! I agree about the strap possibly catching but it slips through an attached Carabiner clip as a safety precaution. Over the years I have seen many a student’s camera fall to the ground.
I have got the MSM with wedge and even a phone mount. I am waiting for the Z mount which i ordered at the same time. I plan to mount the MSM on the wedge, removing my ball head from the Manfrotto befree as I have this and the peak design tripods only at the moment. Now, can i get away with using the Z mount as the base of camera? I will use the Nikon Z7ii with 14-30 F4 or XT3 with 16-55 F2.8. I tested with the later using the wedge and ball head and it was sturdy enough. Your thoughts? Any idea about using it with Peak design Tripods..
Hi Hemant I’ve never used the Peak Design Tripods but they do get good reviews. I do mainly use Manfrotto tripods so you will be fine with that one. My preferred choice is to remove the existing ball and replace with the wedge below the MSM. I then put that ball head on the MSM. This method is so quick and easy to adjust and set up that it rarely takes me more than a minute to get a good alignment. I always start by just looking along the line of the ball head to rough align then fine-tune with the laser. If you are suggesting using the Z mount in place of a ball head then this is possible but certainly not as quick as a ball head. I did see someone on the group try this. If I’m travelling light then I do use the Z Mount in place of the Wedge as I can leave this attached to the MSM in its carry case. Hope that helps Cheers Glen
@@GlenTillyard Thanks Glen. I really appreciate the detailed and insightful reply. I have tried the same wedge and ball head combination as suggested by you and it works fine. I am yet to take any picture from the MSM though. Will update how it works. Best Regards
Hey buddy. Thank you for your videos. I am awaiting delivery of my unit but I have bought BOTH the Z platform AND the wedge, on advice from MSM company. Looking at more videos and other users ideas, it seems as though I may be better off with just one or the other and a ballhead??
If you were getting just one then the Z would be your best option but I have to say that both are very useful. I'm just working on a video at the moment where I show them both being used in new ways. Enjoy. Cheers Glen
I’ve just uploaded a video about using Photopills with the phone mount to align during the day time so you can maximise your photography time as the nights get shorter. You can also use it to help with finding your DSO targets during the day to save even more time. I’ve even included several different methods to mount the phone holder with the V and Z brackets. Enjoy.
Nice I have question so when you are already polar aligned than you can shoot on whatever direction you want even opposite where Polaris is ? It may sound silly but I never shoot with tracker thank you
If I already have the wedge, can I just the Z platform to replace a ballhead for supporting and angling camera? Also, is there any benefit of keeping a ballhead or should I get rid of it and just use the Z platform for all photography?
Hi Charles. The Z mount can be used to replace the top ball head if you want a super compact travel option but personally I still prefer the flexibility of a good ball head with the wedge. I prefer a ball head for my normal photography so I just unscrew this and replace it with the wedge then put the same ballhead on top of the MSM. I sometimes then use the Z platform for more functionality like panoramas or for really high or low targets where I can't tilt the head enough. I continue to find new uses for the Z and v platforms.
Hi, I read in several reviews that if you want to use a focal length above 50mm, don't buy it. I have a 75mm 1.2 lens for astrophotography. And my question is, won't it really handle a 75mm lens for Orion or the Milky Way? :) Thank you.
Hi. It's really more about the overall weight and the balance rather than the length of the lens. If you check out my other videos you will see I have successfully used a balanced 300mm lens. I imagine an f1.2 lens is fairly heavy
Hi Dave. Sorry for the delay but I wanted to double-check with support before answering. This is what they said. There is no current UK distributor but they would like one. They have an express delivery to the UK from China which takes about 7 days. This is about the same as the EU warehouse shipping. MSM shipping dept will prepay the taxes of the parcels to UK , so the recipients do not need to pay the taxes at all. Hope that helps. Cheers Glen
Hi John. I've had this for about 20 years and couln't find a model number on it. It's a studio tripod which extends to about 2.2m which is really helpful if you have a camera without a flip screen.
Thank you for the review. I received today two Z but with my surprise, the little level at the botton of the Z tuoch the levelling base so it's not possible to lock on it.
@@GlenTillyard It's the same but with another name :-). But I've just discovered the the level have a inner spring to reposition it, so it's possible to reposition the little level. Sorry for the question but I've discoverd just now this function
I found that if you move it off to one side then test it will be attracted to the metal. If you lay it on top then it seems to balance itself out. I checked the direct well away from the bracket and marked the direction of a distant object then ensured the same point lined up while laying on the bracket. I still fine tune with the laser so this is an aid to getting pre setup before it gets dark.
such a thorough explanation Glen. I have a dumb question though My MSM Z& V mounts have finally arrived. My question - can I use my Z mount like you are demonstrating with my tripod? I have the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Travel Tripod and my ballhead is attached. Would I mount that on my ballhead? Or do I need a new tripod? I know there are various ways to use these - but it's confusing for a novice like myself www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1484887-REG/manfrotto_mkbfra4gtxp_bus_befree_gt_xpro_aluminum.html
Hi Anna. I suggest that the less height and linkages you have above the legs then the better your results will be. When I originally got my I used the ball head then removed this in favour of the tilting head. I use the Z platform effectively as a tllt head between the legs and the MSM. As shown in the video you will need to level the tripod using the legs with this method. This all assumes that you can remove the ball heat from your tripod. If you extend the column you may see 2 or 3 locking screws under the ball head mount. Hope that helps. GT
We're in Leicestershire in the UK. You can use several apps to find your latitude including Stellarium or Clear Outside. You can use a protractor app or MSM may include a scale on later models as I suggested. Providing you levelled your tripod you could even cut out a triangle of card at your correct angle and use that provided that you didn't change location.
Great demo Glen! Thanks a lot. We're working on adding degree markings to the platforms for use with polar alignment. Need to see how demand goes but a larger one for specific use as a polar alignment mount could definitely be on the cards 🙂
As I am living in Southern Hemisphere, I think geared head or wedge could be a better option for polar align mount as we can do "fine tune" on the angle degree. IMO this Z platform is ideal for attaching on the top of MSM rotator as your video shown alyn. Thanks
@@akkarparkiamopas3401 yes were quite lucky here in the Northern Hemisphere! I'm really enjoying how everyone is having different uses for them though 😁
@@AlynWallace I have the wedge already Alyn, would I use the Z so I can angle my camera better on top of the MSM?
If i was Alyn's father this is the kind of tutorial i would make . Well done to both of you.
I have just gotten my first camera and lens (fuji x-t30ii and xc 50-230mm) and I want to do AP especially nebulae. However I have a tighter budget right now so the MSM has caught my eye, is this a sufficient platform for nebulae with my setup?
Thank you Glen, very well explained.
Thanks for taking the time to do this video Glen. I had first mounted Z Mount on the short end of the MSM but decided to attach it to the underside of the unit instead because of how easy everything folds up and fits in the bag. 👍🏼
Pleased that you found the video useful Ed
Thank you. Very clever use of that mount. Definitely makes it easy to transport the whole thing more easily.
Thanks. Pleased that you found the video useful
That was really well explained, i wish i had found your video before buying the wedge :)
Thank you
VERY VERY GOOD Demo of how to set up, the uses of the Z or V are endless...I bought 3 Z's, one for the bottom of MSM and one for the top and the 3rd to replace the head itself. But have a half ball leveler below the 3rd for a fast setup level to start, that is the key for doing a pano level - level. Now for doing multi level panos I use novoflex panorama vr-system slim on top of the second Z, this way you can do longer exposures, or stacking shots, or even use in camera NR. The reason for the Novoflex is if tilting up or down you get distortion because the nodal point changes and you get a bow look and software may not blend well, to get your final panorama sides straight not curved and have to crop. Also the nice thing is your tripod can be more stable being lower to the ground so you can be at eye level with the camera. If you Watch (closely) Mr. Wallace he uses a pano rig vs shooting on top of a ballhead. Waiting for clear skies at the new moon!
Thank you Echo. I also use a pano nodal rig but haven't used it with the MSM as yet. This is on the list once the Milky Way makes an appearance.
The V platform would fit better under the rotator. And I would use the Z platform on top of rotator to attach the camera allowing more freedom to move to any point of the sky
Well presented and informative vlog to greatly aid me in setting up my new MSM - thanks Glen !
Thanks Kevin. Pleased that you found it helpful. Cheers Glen
Thank you for the tutorial! Really helpful. Greetings from the southern hemisphere.
Thank you. I hope to get to see the Milky Way from the Southern Hemisphere one day.
This is an awesome idea! I was debating all sorts of ball heads but hated the idea of larger size they take up. Very great minimalist design thank you for the video!
My pleasure. Pleased that you found it helpful. Cheers Glen
I totally agree with adding the latitude angle scale and the compass on that Z platform. Even in the MSM wedge, it should have had the angle scale for latitude , but it is not existing so we need to used the angle app instead. they should be built-in imo. Thanks for your useful video.
Pleased you found it helpful
Very relevant and helpful. Thank you very much!
Happy New Year! Thank you so much Glen! I am looking for a solution for the "lightest & most portable tracking" system! Looks like this is a great way!
Thank you Steve. It certainly works for me. Have you also seen my 22 uses for the Z platform video?
@@GlenTillyard oh yes! You are a genius!
Interesting, I like your take on this. The compas idea is great. Do you think you'll be using the z plate instead of the wedge of size isn't an issue?
Thanks Alex. Means a lot coming from you.
Re size if I’m in the garden I still prefer the micro adjustments of the wedge but I think that the Z Platform will become my new travel option.
Previously, it was the Monopod Tilt head with a levelling base, though I started with just the tilt head.
My least favourite was using two ball heads, which I think a lot of people use, as I just found this too wobbly.
The 3 Way Head work well but I’m looking forward to seeing how the geared head performs compared to the wedge.
Having kit you can use for more than one type of photography is very useful.
Very helpful and thought provoking. Pls keep up the great work!
Thank you
some very useful tips ,thank you,most helpful,,the paper instructions from msm need the vision of a kestrel!!
You are most welcome
You could use the V-bracket on the bottom like you're using the Z-bracket, then use the Z-bracket on top with the camera mounted to get a simple light weight and compact system for backpacking in to very remote locations.
I have actually done that Chris and it does work but I found it less flexible than using the ball head which was already on the tripod. I think if someone had a fixed tripod head this would be a good option.
2:16 yep I think that's where it's the most useful, as a lightweight replacement for a wedge, when precision is not too demanding.5:42 is quite original :) 8:28 I wonder if it's preferable to have the Z or the V mount as a wedge. We don't really need the full articulation for the wedge and while it can serve the purpose, the V mount is possibly simpler and as useful ? I admit I started to be found of the Z mount for helping level the camera and do nice mosaics.
Thank you. I agree about the V Bracket being a little simpler and even more lightweight. I also tend to do a lot of panoramas though and I find the Z platform more useful on those occasions.
Very good video. I have mine already and came for to see if any chance you would talk about screw replacement. Indeed I turned slighty too much on that bottom plate screw and damaged it , now my Z plate is no longer usable so be very carefull not to tight it too much maybe I used it over 20 times but yeah .. the threads of the screws are very thin and will eventually break at some point..
Thank you. Contact Hannah at MSM support
I am not seeing a link for the leveling base above, if possible could you recommend one? Thank you for your excellent videos.
Pleased that you liked the video. This is a UK Amazon affiliate link but it should work for you. Cheers Glen amzn.to/2YOboHA
Really great video. Thank you!!!
Thank you
Glen question. Is using a compass in such close proximity to the metal tripod and z bracket a good thing?
I agree that it does seem illogical but it does work with my android phone at least. It's really only to get you pointing in the right direction as I would then confirm alignment with the laser or polariscope.
Great video, but I do not find the link in the description for the inclinometer that you reference in the presentation.
Hi Bill. Thanks. I've added that now. The inclinometer app was called Angle Meter by Smart Took Factory on the Android play store. I don't know if it is available for the iPhone. play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stfactory.anglemeter&hl=en_GB&gl=US
@@GlenTillyard Thanks, checked and do not find it on the App Store........did find one called Clinometer that looks very similar. Checking on a focus rail now so I can use my Nikon 18-300 as you did the Tamron 16-300.............learning a lot from your MSM videos!
@@billmeador215 Do you have a Z Platform as you could use that as a macro rail. ua-cam.com/video/UBRj2jde7fg/v-deo.html
thank you for this - great tutorial.
You're very welcome!
Great video!! How hard is it to fine tune polar alignment with Z bracket and polar scope (not the laser)? Polar alignment wedge will surely make life easier but it will also cost significant amount of more money than Z bracket.
Hi Saurabh. The brackets are not as precise as the Wedge but It's is still possible to align with them and I've done it several times. A little trick I use to fine-tune the alignment is to loosen a tripod leg very slightly and let the drop align the scope or laser.
@@GlenTillyard Thank you very much for the reply! I am also checking out the option of Z bracket+phone mount option for polar alignment. I will start with that as it is little bit cheaper. If turns out pain in butt , I will consider buying the wedge! Thanks again!
Great video Glen, am I missing something though, would a V mount not allow you to do both of these setups in the video? It looked like your Z was locked in the V position? (I have the items in my basket and trying to confirm what one to go for)
I would go for the Z mount as I find it has many extra uses as a stand and even a panoramic head
@@GlenTillyard Thanks for the quick response Glen, just watching some of your other videos just now after stumbling into your channel. New subscriber!. With regards to using as an equitorial wedge and nothing else is the V better? (think I will order one of each)
@@Gingerbeardedc I would as it saves postage. Thanks for using my links
Good demo Glen! But what is best setup?
Hi. If you want my very favourite set-up it's the MSM Wedge with a quality ball head. For compactness, if I'm travelling light, then a V Bracket at the bottom and the Z on top. If I was only buying one bracket then personally I would go for the Z as it has so many other uses. I've used mine as a Right Angle Bracket, a Mic stand, A macro rail, a nodal rail and a panorama head.
@@GlenTillyard Is it safe to assume the Z bracket on the botto? Thanks!
@@zygmuntziokowski7877 personally I would put the z on the top so that you could have a level platform for panoramas. You only need the V at the base for alignment.
This assumes that you are talking about the lightweight option. You would still be better off with a Ball head on the top for versatility
Thanks Glen, very useful video.
Thanks Catherine
Maybe I'm missing it but is it possible or not to use the polar alignment laser with the second (flat) mounting option?
Absolutely. The only problem I could possibly see would be if you have a particularly large ball head
Nice video Glen, you might want to remove the camera strap so it doesn't catch or do something strange in the night.
Thanks! I agree about the strap possibly catching but it slips through an attached Carabiner clip as a safety precaution. Over the years I have seen many a student’s camera fall to the ground.
I have got the MSM with wedge and even a phone mount. I am waiting for the Z mount which i ordered at the same time. I plan to mount the MSM on the wedge, removing my ball head from the Manfrotto befree as I have this and the peak design tripods only at the moment. Now, can i get away with using the Z mount as the base of camera? I will use the Nikon Z7ii with 14-30 F4 or XT3 with 16-55 F2.8. I tested with the later using the wedge and ball head and it was sturdy enough. Your thoughts? Any idea about using it with Peak design Tripods..
Hi Hemant
I’ve never used the Peak Design Tripods but they do get good reviews. I do mainly use Manfrotto tripods so you will be fine with that one.
My preferred choice is to remove the existing ball and replace with the wedge below the MSM. I then put that ball head on the MSM.
This method is so quick and easy to adjust and set up that it rarely takes me more than a minute to get a good alignment.
I always start by just looking along the line of the ball head to rough align then fine-tune with the laser.
If you are suggesting using the Z mount in place of a ball head then this is possible but certainly not as quick as a ball head. I did see someone on the group try this.
If I’m travelling light then I do use the Z Mount in place of the Wedge as I can leave this attached to the MSM in its carry case.
Hope that helps
Cheers Glen
@@GlenTillyard Thanks Glen. I really appreciate the detailed and insightful reply. I have tried the same wedge and ball head combination as suggested by you and it works fine. I am yet to take any picture from the MSM though. Will update how it works.
Best Regards
Hey buddy. Thank you for your videos. I am awaiting delivery of my unit but I have bought BOTH the Z platform AND the wedge, on advice from MSM company. Looking at more videos and other users ideas, it seems as though I may be better off with just one or the other and a ballhead??
If you were getting just one then the Z would be your best option but I have to say that both are very useful. I'm just working on a video at the moment where I show them both being used in new ways. Enjoy. Cheers Glen
I’ve just uploaded a video about using Photopills with the phone mount to align during the day time so you can maximise your photography time as the nights get shorter.
You can also use it to help with finding your DSO targets during the day to save even more time.
I’ve even included several different methods to mount the phone holder with the V and Z brackets. Enjoy.
@@GlenTillyard Many thanks Glen
Nice I have question so when you are already polar aligned than you can shoot on whatever direction you want even opposite where Polaris is ? It may sound silly but I never shoot with tracker thank you
That's correct. Once aligned you can point the camera in any direction provided you don't change the direction of the MSM.
If I already have the wedge, can I just the Z platform to replace a ballhead for supporting and angling camera? Also, is there any benefit of keeping a ballhead or should I get rid of it and just use the Z platform for all photography?
Hi Charles. The Z mount can be used to replace the top ball head if you want a super compact travel option but personally I still prefer the flexibility of a good ball head with the wedge. I prefer a ball head for my normal photography so I just unscrew this and replace it with the wedge then put the same ballhead on top of the MSM. I sometimes then use the Z platform for more functionality like panoramas or for really high or low targets where I can't tilt the head enough. I continue to find new uses for the Z and v platforms.
Hi, I read in several reviews that if you want to use a focal length above 50mm, don't buy it. I have a 75mm 1.2 lens for astrophotography. And my question is, won't it really handle a 75mm lens for Orion or the Milky Way? :) Thank you.
Hi. It's really more about the overall weight and the balance rather than the length of the lens. If you check out my other videos you will see I have successfully used a balanced 300mm lens. I imagine an f1.2 lens is fairly heavy
@@GlenTillyardThanks for the answer. Weight is 670 gram 23 oz :)
Have you tried the slik smh 250...that one seems really work too
I have not tried that but it looks interesting.
So do MSM have a U.K distributor or do they ship from the U.S?
Hi Dave. Sorry for the delay but I wanted to double-check with support before answering. This is what they said.
There is no current UK distributor but they would like one.
They have an express delivery to the UK from China which takes about 7 days. This is about the same as the EU warehouse shipping.
MSM shipping dept will prepay the taxes of the parcels to UK , so the recipients do not need to pay the taxes at all.
Hope that helps. Cheers Glen
@@GlenTillyard thanks buddy :)
Thank you Glen, can you tell me what tripod and ball head you use in the video please.
Hi John. I've had this for about 20 years and couln't find a model number on it. It's a studio tripod which extends to about 2.2m which is really helpful if you have a camera without a flip screen.
@@GlenTillyard Thanks Glen for your time and effort. Really appreciated and helpful.
Thank you for the review. I received today two Z but with my surprise, the little level at the botton of the Z tuoch the levelling base so it's not possible to lock on it.
Is it different to the one I have?
@@GlenTillyard It's the same but with another name :-). But I've just discovered the the level have a inner spring to reposition it, so it's possible to reposition the little level.
Sorry for the question but I've discoverd just now this function
Did you ever post a link to the phone app mentioned at the 8:54 minute mark that you used in this video?
Photopills.com
Won't the metal on the Z-bracket throw off your compass with the way you set it up?
I found that if you move it off to one side then test it will be attracted to the metal. If you lay it on top then it seems to balance itself out. I checked the direct well away from the bracket and marked the direction of a distant object then ensured the same point lined up while laying on the bracket. I still fine tune with the laser so this is an aid to getting pre setup before it gets dark.
Everybody seems to miss the possibility to pull out the locking levers and adjust their position.
I show them being pulled out at 18 minutes to use as a guide for the compass.
such a thorough explanation Glen. I have a dumb question though My MSM Z& V mounts have finally arrived. My question - can I use my Z mount like you are demonstrating with my tripod? I have the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Travel Tripod and my ballhead is attached. Would I mount that on my ballhead? Or do I need a new tripod? I know there are various ways to use these - but it's confusing for a novice like myself
www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1484887-REG/manfrotto_mkbfra4gtxp_bus_befree_gt_xpro_aluminum.html
Hi Anna. I suggest that the less height and linkages you have above the legs then the better your results will be. When I originally got my I used the ball head then removed this in favour of the tilting head. I use the Z platform effectively as a tllt head between the legs and the MSM. As shown in the video you will need to level the tripod using the legs with this method. This all assumes that you can remove the ball heat from your tripod. If you extend the column you may see 2 or 3 locking screws under the ball head mount. Hope that helps. GT
you didn't post the link for the app for your phone to align the rotator... at 8:48
It was called Angle Meter by Smart Took Factory on the Android play store. I don't know if it is available for the iPhone
play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stfactory.anglemeter
where does the 52 degrees come from? your latitude where you are?
We're in Leicestershire in the UK. You can use several apps to find your latitude including Stellarium or Clear Outside.
You can use a protractor app or MSM may include a scale on later models as I suggested. Providing you levelled your tripod you could even cut out a triangle of card at your correct angle and use that provided that you didn't change location.
You should do workshops…, sorry I just saw that you do. Pity you are so far south in the uk
. Great tutorial though
Thank you. I was meant to be running a 121 workshop this week but the weather had other ideas. Very frustrating doing astro in the UK.
Glen, those little levers pull out and you can reconfigure them whatever way you want so they don’t catch.
Thanks, John but I show them being pulled out at 18 minutes to use as a guide for the compass.
Z platform is not stable in windy situations
Neither are a lot of smaller ball heads.
...very fiddly with all those knobs....and seems logical to lay the msm flat.Just my thoughts.
They are quite small especially if you have gloves on.