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.
Excellent product!
Must have for tracked landscape astrophotography.
R
Raphael Lencrerot
Excellent lightweight tool
Very straightforward with simple North / South / Off button. No way to get distracted to your main focus that is to get good tracked photos.
J
JORGE ROJAS (Logroño, ES)
MSM Original
Un startracker muy sencillo de usar, fácil de alinear con la polar en el terreno que incluso puedes hacer sin uso del laser pidiendo el accesorio para el teléfono móvil. He podido exponer sin trazas hasta 50mm en full frame sin problemas de trazas. El problema de cabeceo de cámara dependerá del peso de tu cámara recomiendo pesos de 1kg. Mayor peso considera comprar el nuevo Nomad. Ventajas del original... Timelapses.
a
arnaldo zannoni (Megève, FR)
Z mounts
I am happy with the 2 Z mounts I ordered. To me this is a great tool that I plan to use in the field to manage tracked panoramas.
S
S.R. (Waltham Forest, GB)
Z and v platforms
I got 2 of these after watching Alyn Wallace's videos on them, they're epic, especially for lightweight trackers like the omegon lx mini clockwork trackers that I had, I used the v for the base, and the z to put a ball head on for doing panos..... Brilliant products, well made and robust, I recommend them to anyone
C
Cindy S. (Owendale, US)
Thank you, Alyn Wallace!
The Z bracket designed by Alyn Wallace is brilliant for Panoramic images while using a star tracker. I would also like to offer my condolences to Alyn Wallace’s family and friends.
J
Jordan Cruz (Las Pinas, PH)
A must have!
I ordered the V-platform to give me more range and flexibility on my setup. I find directly atta hing can to my MsM can be limiting and mounting my camera onto the V-platform solves my problem.
The only thing I can add is that the base knob can be larger, so it'll be easier to turn. (like the one I had on my Z-platform)
P
Paul F (Ammanford, GB)
Z&V Mount
Superb piece of equipment that takes the strain off the ball head. Locks firmly in place. Recommended.
A
Ali F (Wandsworth, GB)
Second one I have purchased!
Great piece of kit! just what I needed especially for Pano's
M
Mick Loxley (Newcastle, AU)
MSM Z Bracket - first thoughts.
I purchased a Z bracket to use with a tracking mount. I really only needed a V bracket to do that, but I figured the extra functionality of the Z bracket may come in handy some time.
Great product, the hinges are well designed, however I found a small wobble can be induced when used with heavy gear.
To correct for this, I’ve added an adjustable support to the side which can be locked when the desired level is reached.
It’s a simple strap with a slot, and when locked off, creates a triangle and provides support to the upper plate, de-risking the potential for movement when doing long exposures.
Perhaps something to look into with the next version.