Hi to All!
 
Following up on a self-inflicted project re: hand held panos using a laser sighting method that I began last February. I finally have completed the mechanism that allows for top/bottom cap shots - specifically targeted at full frame fisheye users (6-around plus caps)... possibly Sigma 8mm shooters might find this system of value too (though it only takes four around to get reasonable coverage, an easier "unassisted" handheld proposition).
 
While one can shoot a full frame fisheye handheld without any type of auxillary aid such as a laser, it usually involves manual stitching and/or significant Photoshop time to get things right. The system I have been creating is very inexpensive (<$US15.00) and simple to make... but most importantly is precise enough that the panos will reliably auto-stitch in Stitcher - quite a time saver. It is also very small & light - a few ounces that easily fits in your pocket or camera bag; perfect for casual, personal VRs that otherwise might not be captured because you don't want to lug around a tripod - or even a monopod. Another plus, handhelds are discrete compared to a tripod w/panohead which always draws attention in public.
 
Main drawback - your exposure time, as with any handheld camera, is limited to 1/60th - 1/30th of a second minimum for achieving sharp images; nor can you precisely replicate bracketed shots in the same location for HDR purposes - though you could still achieve this effect with some manual layered Photoshop work.
 
A general overview of the concept is here.
The update for the new bracket is here (slightly different construction from that in the concept).
An example 360x180 pano utilizing this system here.
 
Another addition to your VR toolbox.