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Vello FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head with Remote and MPH-P8 Plate Kit

BH #VEMPH100PK (B&H Kit)
 9 reviews
Vello
Vello FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head with Remote and MPH-P8 Plate Kit
Key Features
  • Programmable 360° Panoramic Movement
  • Remote Range: 100'
  • 3 Panning Speeds
  • 1-200 Programmable Positions
The FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head with Remote and MPH-P8 Plate Kit from B&H consists of a remote controlled panning head and a rotating 8" product stage. The kit is designed to provide product photographers with the basic tools required to create 360° views of small objects or photograph a product from multiple angles with ease.
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FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head with Remote and MPH-P8 Plate Kit Overview

The FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head with Remote and MPH-P8 Plate Kit from B&H consists of a remote controlled panning head and a rotating 8" product stage. The kit is designed to provide product photographers with the basic tools required to create 360° views of small objects or photograph a product from multiple angles with ease.

Vello FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head with Remote

The FreeWave Orbit from Vello is a programmable motorized pan head which allows the user to capture full 360° panoramic photographs or still or moving product photos.

The Orbit is fully programmable allowing the user to determine the degree angle of rotation, the number of shots taken within that range, the panning speed, and the direction of capture for panoramic photos. Placement of the camera and head is entirely your choice, as the head may be mounted on top of a tripod via the integrated 3/8"-16 female thread or seated on a flat surface using the anti-slip bottom pad.

An ideal tool for the budding 360° panoramic or VR photographer, the Orbit is capable of automatically producing batches of images which may be easily combined to form traditional or interactive media. Operating as a panoramic head and trigger, the Orbit can be programmed to make linear adjustments in up to 360° patterns while automatically triggering the shutter every time the camera pauses. These images can then be stitched together to form multi-image panoramas or immersive 360° virtual tours. Additionally, this function may be used with the optional product plate to create interactive, rotating product tours.

Included with the Orbit is a 2.4 GHz wireless remote capable of communicating with the head from up to 100' away. Programmable to one of 16 available channels, the user can prevent troublesome radio interference with other electronics or use two Orbit heads in close proximity without issue.

The remote may also be used atop the camera as a camera control unit, capable of triggering the camera's shutter when it is not placed on the Orbit head. Previously mentioned, a common use for this function would be 360° product photography with the optional 8" product plate—a rotating stage which can allow a camera in a fixed position to take multiple photos of a small object from up to 72 angles.

The Orbit head is powered by a rechargeable Nikon-type EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery and the remote is powered by two AAA batteries.

Shot Range
Capable of taking 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, 45, 60, & 72 shots within one panoramic movement
Panning Direction
Pans clockwise or counter-clockwise
Multi-Speed
Three programmable speeds, 1-3 (from fastest to slowest)
Long Exposure Control
Control your shutter duration from 1 to 99 seconds per shot
Wireless Versatility
Select from 16 separate radio channels
UPC: 847628594739
Vello MPH-P8 Plate for Pan Head (8")

The Vello 8" MPH-P8 Plate for Pan Head attaches to any manual or motorized pan head with a 1/4"-20 camera screw and allows your product to be seen at the best angle in its best light. The plate size is great for jewelry and small objects while its matte surface renders a soft detail-less look free from distracting reflections. A rotation of 360 degrees is possible with most pan heads.

Benefits
  • The MPH-P8 is an 8" diameter stage to display products for photography. This makes it perfect for use with jewelry and mobile electronics
  • The product stage has a matte white finish that helps guard against reflections from studio lights
  • The circular, flat stage is perfect for taking 360° photos of products when attached to automatic or manual pan heads
  • Mounting the product stage is easy with its universal 1/4"-20 threaded socket
    • UPC: 847628595385

    Vello FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head with Remote Specs

    Wireless Range
    100' (30.4 m)
    Maximum Load Capacity
    4 lb (1.8 kg)
    Tripod Mount Thread Size
    3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20
    Camera Mount Thread Size
    1/4"-20
    Ports
    2.5 mm trigger output
    USB Mini-B (for firmware updates)
    Frequency
    2.4 GHz
    Wireless Channels
    16
    Panning Speed
    3 speeds
    Number of Shots
    1-200 (1-99 with remote)
    Power Source
    Head: EN-EL3e
    Remote: 2 x AAA
    Dimensions
    5.1 x 2.6 x 4.7" (13.1 x 6.7 x 12 cm)
    Weight
    0.9 lb (408 g)
    Packaging Info
    Package Weight
    2.165 lb
    Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
    10 x 8.05 x 3.65"

    Vello MPH-P8 Plate for Pan Head (8") Specs

    Color
    Matte white
    Diameter
    8.0" (20.3 cm)
    Weight
    5.0 oz (142 g)
    Packaging Info
    Package Weight
    0.35 lb
    Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
    9 x 9 x 0.4"

    FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head with Remote and MPH-P8 Plate Kit Reviews

    Fixed the plate wobble by flipping it upside down.

    By Todd
    Rated 4 out of 5
    Date: 2022-08-20

    Other users have commented on the wobbling plate kit. I think the reason for this offset is due to the original intent of this device, to make a camera rotate to capture panoramas. You generally want the nodal point of the lens to be on the center of the rotating axis. As the nodal point varies dramatically from camera to camera, and lens to lens, it would have made more sense to have an adjustable slider for the camera offset. The plate kit seems like an afterthought to widen the target market. I created a work-around for this off-center turntable issue. Rather than spinning the unit mounted right-side-up, I flipped the entire device upside down, mounted it to a tripod, and then built a new tray that mounts to the rotating hub (which I cobbled together from a plastic tabletop lazy susan from Walmart. Now the plate rotates around the center axis perfectly.

    Easy to use. One design problem.

    By Arturo
    Rated 3 out of 5
    Date: 2018-07-23

    When used for product photography, the attachable 8" plate rotates with the complete device....but surprisingly, the rotation center (located below the device) is displaced (not in the same axis) from the plate's center (the screw on top) .... so the plate rotates with a side to side movement ruining 360 product photography.

    Great for product photography and panorama timelapses&videos

    By Eugenie
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2017-09-07

    Great little motor that works really well. The white plate is really useful for 360?? small product photography. The motor uses Nikon EN-EL3e Battery. The remote uses 2x AAA batteries. Comes in a nice little black zipper box/bag. The only thing is that the cables in the package are not for Olympus.

    Great addition to my growing kit

    By Anonymous
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2017-01-25

    I spend a lot of time reviewing smartphones which means I take a lot of photos and record mobile video. As part of this process, I get to test the time lapse photos and videos of select models. In the past I would use a static tripod mount and grab whatever subjects I could. Using the FreeWave Orbit I am now able to capture more interesting videos and time-lapse photography. Moreover, I can place objects on the product stage/platter and get shots from all angles. The (included) remote control lets me control movement in both speed and rotational degrees, each of which has its benefits. I also appreciate the controls are on both the main unit as well as the remote. It's just enough to give me what I need without overwhelming in the process. It doesn't take long to charge up the battery; the unit is slow to deplete juice. Both are a definite plus for spending longer periods out of the office.

    Free Wave Orbit Review

    By roblewis56
    Rated 4 out of 5
    Date: 2017-01-18

    This motorized pan head is compact with wireless control. It mounts on a 3/8 16 tripod with included 3/8 16 to 1/4 20 insert. There is no tilt control. There are three speeds approximately equal to speed 1 = 716 deg/min, speed 2 = 387 deg/min and speed 3 = 267 deg/min. It can rotate continuously in either direction unlike some other motorized pan heads that are limited to less than 360 deg. The included software is too specific, designed be used with a camera. If it included more general software that could be used to simply set speed and start, stop and reverse it would be more useful.

    So simple to use and smooth operation!

    By Luke
    Rated 5 out of 5
    Date: 2017-01-06

    The Freewave Orbit is great for controlling pan on a camera. The included remote gives plenty of options with a very simple layout. The plate kit kicks it up a notch with the ability to add a little flare to a small product review by adding some subtle rotation. The lcd on the Orbit has great brightness and color so you know what you're selecting. Also, it comes with a nice carrying case so you won't lose all the pieces in your camera bag!

    Terrible for a product turntable, great for panoramic tripod

    By Brett
    Rated 2 out of 5
    Date: 2020-10-26

    The top brass screw stud in the top middle of the turntable is actually off center so if you use the plate attachment (that you see the sunglasses on) you would think it would spin in a perfect circle but since it is off center the product wobbles and you can't fix it. So, this makes for a terrible product turntable because it spins off center, and also it's battery powered so nothing over 2 pounds can really work on it. But - because it is battery powered it is mobile so if you are a photographer with a tripod or even just set it on a flat surface and you attach your camera to the top brass screw stud, it will spin your camera around and take pictures. The shutter release is wireless and mounts to your light shoe on top of your camera and you use one of the 3 different cables to plug that into your camera and the shutter release works great! Compatible with everything.

    Pan head w/remote

    By Amy
    Rated 4 out of 5
    Date: 2020-07-21

    I used this for a 360 product shot. It works well but you have to make sure the product is in the center of the stage. This item is made to take 360 panoramic, so the when using it for 360 product shots the whole thing rotates not just the stage/platform. It seems odd but does get the job done. The remote works well and doesn't have to be in the camera's hot shoe to function so you can still trigger your lights with a transceiver. Bonus you don't have to depend on some buggy software or app.

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    YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

    Would this work with an A7 III?

    Would this work with an A7 III?
    Asked by: Sayyid Khalifa
    This can work with an A7 III by adding the Vello 2.5mm Remote Shutter Release Cable for Select Sony Cameras with Multi-Terminal B&H # VERCCS225. https://bhpho.to/2hxzAn7
    Answered by: Kirk
    Date published: 2019-09-14

    The specs show 4 pounds max weight; my main ...

    The specs show 4 pounds max weight; my main camera/lens is 3.5 pounds. How will it do running at 90% of its weight limit?
    Asked by: Bryan
    The unit is rated for up to 4lbs. Any amount of weight up to and including 4lbs will be fine.
    Answered by: Reuben
    Date published: 2019-12-06

    This is wireless? Can be controlled wirelessly ...

    This is wireless? Can be controlled wirelessly and is battery powered?
    Asked by: Matthew
    It comes with a remote and a battery.
    Answered by: Reuben
    Date published: 2021-04-29

    Any idea how long battery life is? Could I do ...

    Any idea how long battery life is? Could I do twenty 360 shots on one charge?
    Asked by: Anthony
    According to the manufacturer depending on conditions it can do between 15 and 20 full 360 revolutions.
    Answered by: Reuben
    Date published: 2019-11-08

    How long does the slowest speed of 360 rotation ...

    How long does the slowest speed of 360 rotation take? I'd like to also be able to use this for timelapse photo/video. Would this be suitable?
    Asked by: Ben
    To answer the second part of your inquiry, it would depend on the movement you are trying to create as to if this would work for your time lapse photo/video needs. Do note that the Vello FreeWave Orbit Motorized Pan Head is designed for panning purposes (rotating on a horizontal axis, as opposed to a slider, which moves linearly along a track. If you are looking for a rotational camera movement with your camera in the center of the rotation, then the Orbit Pan Head would work for your usage needs. However, if you are instead looking for side-to-side movement (as in the camera gliding from left to right or vice-versa), or back-to-front movement toward or away from your subject, then a motorized slider may instead be needed for your planned movement needs.
    Answered by: Manzell
    Date published: 2020-12-07

    question

    Does it works with a Go Pro?
    Asked by: Daniel N.
    Yes it works with a GoPro, but you have to make sure your GoPro has the screw mount base attachment to your GoPro housing. Similar to mounting your GoPro to a tripod.
    Answered by: Karen K.
    Date published: 2018-08-27
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