Q: How do the different accessories work in a NOMAD setup?
There are several ways to configure a NOMAD setup, but the overall concept is straightforward.
NOMAD sits between your tripod and your camera, with accessories on both sides to help with polar alignment and camera positioning.
A typical setup includes three main components:
1️⃣ Mounting NOMAD to the Tripod
Main Purpose: Supporting and aligning the tracker
You will need a support tool to attach NOMAD securely to your tripod and adjust its angle for polar alignment.
Common Options
Wedge(Under NOMAD)
- Designed specifically for precise polar alignment
- Provides fine altitude and azimuth adjustment controls
- Makes alignment easier and more accurate
- Especially useful for longer focal lengths or longer exposures
- Commonly mounted directly onto the tripod as the main adjustment base
Because the Wedge focuses on fine adjustment precision, many users add a panning base underneath for easier composition adjustment.
Best for:
Users prioritizing tracking accuracy and easier fine-tuning for polar alignment.
Ball Head (Under NOMAD)
- Simple and lightweight setup option
- Allows quick angle adjustment for polar alignment
- Compact and easy to carry
- Lower adjustment precision compared to a Wedge
Best for:
Portable and casual setups.
Note:
Some users also use a Z/V Mount underneath the NOMAD instead of a ball head or wedge. This can provide additional angle flexibility, but there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- The Z/V Mount has a maximum payload recommendation of around 4kg
- It is not as rigid or structurally stable as a dedicated Wedge or a solid ball head
- Under heavier setups or longer focal lengths, overall stability may be lower compared to using a Wedge
For lightweight and portable setups, this configuration can still work well.
2️⃣ Polar Alignment Tool
Main Purpose: Aligning NOMAD with the celestial pole
To track the stars accurately, NOMAD must be aligned with the celestial pole.
Common Options
Laser
- Fast and simple alignment method
- Easy for beginners
- Convenient for quick field setup
Phone Mount
- Uses a smartphone app for polar alignment
- Especially useful in the Southern Hemisphere
- Helpful when Polaris is not visible
3️⃣ Mounting Your Camera to NOMAD
Main Purpose: Camera positioning and framing
A second mounting accessory is used to attach and position your camera on the NOMAD.
Common Options
Ball Head (On Top of NOMAD)
- Used for general camera framing and composition
- Allows fast angle adjustment
- Compact and flexible
- Most common camera mounting solution
Best for:
General astrophotography and lightweight setups.
Z/V Mount (Optional Add-On)
- Mounted between the NOMAD and the ball head
- Adds extra tilt and positioning flexibility
- Useful for panoramic photography and multi-row panoramas
- Especially helpful near the equator, where the tracker may tilt into a nearly vertical position after polar alignment
- Helps avoid the angle limitations of mounting a ball head directly onto the tracker
Best for:
Panorama shooting and users needing more flexible camera positioning.
🤯In Short
| Accessory | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wedge (Under NOMAD) | Precise polar alignment |
| Ball Head (Under NOMAD) | Basic tripod mounting and angle adjustment |
| Laser / Phone Mount | Polar alignment |
| Ball Head (On Top) | Camera framing and composition |
| Z/V Mount | Flexible camera positioning |
The setup can be as simple or as advanced as you want, depending on your shooting style, focal length, and portability needs.