For months we have been refining a new product designed together with professional landscape astrophotographer, Alyn Wallace (website). Now, we're ready for pre-order.
Below is a quick review of the journey, we hope you enjoy:
On the 14th June 2020, MSM ambassador Alyn Wallace told us that he has an idea for a new star tracker platform to solve the following problems:
The Problem:
- When at latitudes close to the equator it becomes very difficult to use the ball head on top of a star tracker.
-It’s also difficult to do panoramas, regardless of latitude.
The Solution
Adding a “Star Tracker Platform” so that the ball head becomes level. The angle can be adjusted and locked into place and the platform can also be rotated. The platform is a perfect match for the Move Shoot Move rotator but also works with any star tracker..
Later, we researched all the possible alternative solutions, practicing and using, finally came to the first version as below:
1st Version,mainly verifying the mechanism to lock the angled platform and also the rotating base.
2nd Version, Enlarged the center rotation section.
3rd version,
- Wrapped the rotating disc to prevent dust entering.
- Changed screw to handle.
4th Version,
Added more space for the bottom handle, so we can operate with gloves.
And Finally, the final 5th Version, with some minor improvements to launch the production.
Below is the performance of the MSM Platform
Below is the performance of OTHERS
Wait a moment, it may take around 10s to load all gifs.
Work as a tripod head
V or Z? Which Should You Buy?
The V and Z platforms both solve the problem of having your ballhead at an awkward angle when on a star tracker. So what's the difference?
The V platform is for those who want to save weight. If you're already using a heavy setup you may not have much room to add weight on top of the MSM which has a payload of 3kg.
The Z platformhas the added benefit of being able to be used to replace the ball head on a tripod when not using a star tracker at all. You can also use the Z platform as a table-top tripod. So it's an exchange of versatility for a little added weight.
I am new to astrophotography and photography in general, and I didn't really want to sink money into a hobby that I might not pursue long term. However, after finally being able to test the tracker a little, I have been constantly checking for a clear night, as this thing just works! I am glad I made this purchase!
M
Mark Washburn (Davenport, US)
Just Tried The Nomad And Z Mount For The First Time
The set up with the Nomad and Z Mount was easy and straightforward. This is the first I’ve ever used a star tracker but everything was simple…got really nice results the first time out. I like the fact that it’s all very compact and light compared to other trackers. Its been a great experience so far.
T
TTT (Oak Park, US)
Excellent
The Z & V mounts are high quality. The locking mechanism works well and hold the camera solidly.
C
Charles Sullivan (Albuquerque, US)
Better than planned
I bought this to level out the ballhead mounted on a star tracker adjusted for alignment to the north celestial pole. It has more features (rotator) than I need for this specific application, but I suspect it will become useful for several other applications, so it looks to be a good device to keep in my photo/astro tool bag.
F
Francisco Aranda (San Luis Potosí City, MX)
Review
Unfortunately, the V and z does not fit with MSM nomad so the screw is bigger that the plate’s hole
P
Paul Stuckey (Cardiff, GB)
V mount
Very strong and sturdy.. Very happy with the product
P
Philippe Mayor (Lausanne, CH)
Z & V Mount
Good construction, Nice look. Does not support much load.
J
Jeremy Ang (Davao City, PH)
Awesome
Does everything as advertised! Copact enough to go on a hike with! Very satisfied
S
Sergio Vincentelli (Rome, IT)
Fantastic
Absolutely perfect for panorama and vertical panoramas. Built very well with high quality material.
R
Robin Parker (Belfast, US)
MSM ZMount
This mount is so easy to use. I don't have to use a ball head with it. Perfect for my tripod and I bought a second one for my gimball. Love it.