360Precision product announcement.
 
Pre-Order Price: £159 ex VAT (final price est. £199 ex VAT).
Shipping: End of May 2008
Available for: Nikkor 10.5, Sigma 4.5, Sigma 8mm, Sigma 10mm and others to follow shortly.
 
For the past 15 months we've been working on an evolutionary design for a new panoramic tripod head. Finally after numerous prototypes, testing and changes we're proud to announce the availability of the new 360Precision Atome.
 
The 360Precision Atome continues our tradition of unique products designed for panoramic photographers by panoramic photographers.
 
The 360Precision Atome features a unique quick release lens clasp system. The quick release clasp allows for fast one-handed operation. As the clasp stays permanently attached to the lens you only need to level the lens/camera in the Atome on initial set-up. Each time you place the lens/clasp back into the holder you can be guaranteed that the camera/lens will be level and ready to shoot.  
 
We're in the process of verifying the accuracy of the 360Precision Atome for use in a batchable work-flow. Initial tests are extremely positive and we'll post an update when out tests have been finalised.
 
We're launching the 360Precision Atome at a pre-order price of £159 ex VAT + shipping. We're expecting initial stock to sell out in days so get your order in quickly. The Atome will be shipping initially for the Nikkor 10.5 with the various Sigma versions shipping shortly afterwards.
 
Features of the 360Precision Atome include:
 
• Quick release lens clasp.
• Clasp stays permanently attached to the lens.
• Lightweight at only 420gms (standard stainless base).
• Zero footprint base rotator (applicable lenses only).
• Perfect for use as a second head for 
hiking, travel or back-packing.
• Initially available for Nikkor 10.5mm, coming soon for
Sigma 4.5mm and Sigma 8mm f3.5
• 3,4 or 6 click stops (lens dependent).
• Central 3/8" mount, perfect for use in pole 
panoramic photography.
• Stainless steel or lightweight aluminum base option.
 
The 360Precision Atome is the perfect panoramic head where weight, accuracy and ease of use is a priority. The quick release system allows you to go from panoramic photography to standard photography and back in seconds. Each clasp and holder is designed to minimise the nadir footprint and allows for full 360º spherical panos without the need to shoot a zenith shot (lens dependant). If you do need to shoot a zenith you can remove the camera and lens one handed in 2-3 seconds, shoot the zenith handheld and lock the clasp back into the base.
 
We'll also be offering special bundles for customers wanting to purchase an Atome with an Absolute or Adjuste. We'll be adding cheaper shipping options to the website shortly but if anyone needs cheaper shipping now just reply to the order confirmation for options and we can adjust the ship option and cost before processing the order.
 
You can check out the more details and photos on the 360Precision website: www.360precision.com
 
If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask.
 
Matthew Rogers
Co-founder
360Precision.com

Hi Matthew!
 
It sure looks beautiful as with all your other offerings...
 
But, regarding the Nikkor 10.5 there doesn't seem to be a way to create a top/bottom cap shot from this mount. Instead of gripping the lens from the bottom - what if it gripped it from the side, which would allow for a 90 degree swivel mechanism for these type of shots?

Hi Jim,
 
Well this head was designed to a price point, hence the features and non rotating clamp. The quick release mechanism allows you to remove the camera/lens in about 2 seconds, if you need, you can take a handheld zenith shot, the same with the nadir. Or there's always the Adjuste    
 
You can grip the lens with the clasp at any angle you want but as for the swivel, there's no way we could add any kind of rotation for the clasp and keep the current price point. But who nows, we may release an Atome Pro with more features but that looks unlikely at this stage.
 
Matt