3D Rig

Buying the Parts

The following is a list of items you can use to build a simple but effective 3D rig for your 360 cameras, along with links to where you can buy them online. Most of the parts should also be available at your local hardware stores.

For more information and for assembly instructions, please join my course at Udemy.com.

Camera Handles

Cost of item: approx $20 CAD
Number needed: 2

The camera handles, which you may already have, are the most expensive items and are not technically part of the rig itself since you’ll typically need a handle for your 360 camera whether you’re shooting in 3D or not.

It’s best to use handles with a stationary tripod connector rather than one that can tilt back and forth since that will add a layer of complexity in making sure your cameras are properly aligned.

I recommend the DURAGADGET Telescopic Selfie Stick:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B078Y83X94/

https://www.amazon.com/DURAGADGET-Lightweight-Ultra-Portable-Telescopic-Selfie-Pod/dp/B078Y83X94/

Don’t worry if the one listed under the MADV / MiJia 360 is out of stock. The exact same one is listed for several other cameras, too. Just search for “Telescopic 2-in-1 Tripod/Monopod DURAGADGET” and you should see several in the list.

UPDATE – JAN 2021: These handles are suddenly unavailable on Amazon for the moment, but they can still be purchased directly from the Duragadget website:

https://duragadget.com/cameras/tripods/telescopic-2-in-1-tripod-monopod-selfie-pod.html

I’ve also found an alternative option available on Amazon, which is the SZABTO Telescopic Monopod, which sells for $24.95 CAD:

https://www.amazon.ca/SZABTO-Adjustable-Extension-Telescopic-Mirrorless/dp/B07XBSX3N9

Or $17.99 USD:

https://www.amazon.com/SZABTO-Adjustable-Extension-Telescopic-Mirrorless/dp/B07XBSX3N9

This item seems to be available at various rates and under different names. For example:

https://www.amazon.com/SZ_ABTO-Adjustable-Extension-Handheld-Stabilizer/dp/B07X3HW28M ($11.98 USD)

https://www.amazon.com/Extension-Rod-Gimbal-Adjustable-Compatible/dp/B07FH853Q8 ($18.95 USD)

1″ x 1″ x 1/2″ PVC Threaded Reducing Tee

Cost of item: starts at $2 USD
Number needed: 2

You’re probably better off trying to find a part like this at a local store, but if you want to buy it online, here are some links:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DURA-1-in-x-1-in-x-1-2-in-Schedule-40-PVC-Reducing-Tee-C402-130/100343647

https://www.amazon.ca/NIBCO-Pipe-Fitting-Schedule-Female/dp/B007Q2HP4Y/

https://www.amazon.com/NIBCO-Pipe-Fitting-Schedule-Female/dp/B007Q45FTO

1/2″ Double Male Nipple Connector

Cost of item: approx $5 USD at hardware store
Number needed: 1

This 1/2″ connector needs to be about 1 1/4″ long and the threading should extend almost to the middle (or at least 5/16″ inwards from each side).

You may want to try your local hardware store for this one and compare the price of different materials. I picked mine up at Lowe’s for about $5 USD. The part costs a little more online:

https://www.amazon.ca/Blesiya-Double-Thread-Couplers-Connector/dp/B07D4GCGMS/

https://www.amazon.com/SS304-Stainless-Nipple-Threaded-Fitting/dp/B01N5JHSUR/

Machine Screws and Nuts

Cost of item: under $2 at hardware store
Number needed: 4 screws, 4 nuts

You need four (4) 8-32 1/2″ Machine Screws and Machine Screw Nuts. Make sure they are Machine Screws so they have a flat bottom rather than a sharp point.

You should just pick these up at your local hardware store, but here are links to examples of what you’re looking for:

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/paulin-8-32×1-2-ss-pan-phillips-mach-screw/1000423511

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/paulin-8-32-mach-screw-nut/1000128997

Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Rail Bracket

Cost of item: $0.51 USD
Number needed: 1

This will be used as a base plate for your rig. Anything with the same dimensions (4.75″ x 2.625″) will work, but this item is a perfect fit for the PVC Tees listed above.

You should be able to find this item at a local hardware store, but here are some links to it online:

https://www.homehardware.ca/en/2-x-4-z-max-fence-bracket/p/2682902

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-FBFZ-2×4-Z-MAX-Galvanized-Flat-Rail-Fence-Bracket-FBFZ/302860659

1/4″ Mount Adapter

Cost of item: $7 – 15
Number needed: 1 (2-pack)

This 2-pack includes multiple parts that will be used for different purposes:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00OT75QTA/

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Durable-Mount-Adapter-Tripod/dp/B00OT75QTA/

Additional Parts

Whether or not you need any additional pieces will depend on which assembly method you choose.

If you decide to use the Hot Shoe adapters to fasten your camera handles to your base plate, then we’ve already covered all the parts you’ll need to build your 3D rig. If not, you’ll need some way to fasten your Tee connectors to your base plate.

One option for doing this is to use a U-Bolt (under $2). Here’s an example of one:

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/everbilt-1-1-8-inch-x2-1-4-inch-zinc-u-bolt/1000769542

You should be able to find one easily at your local hardware store. It would be a good idea to try to buy this piece in person so you can find one that’s only as large as it needs to be.

Another option that’s more lightweight is to simply use a few zip ties.

For assembling instructions and video demonstrations, see my Udemy course.

Tools and Accessories

To build the 3D rig with the parts listed above, you’ll need the following tools and accessories:

A clamp is typically a few dollars and a tube of construction adhesive is usually under $10.

For the Titanium Drill Saw bit, you can either buy one online or go to your local Home Depot, but I’d suggest the latter. If you go to a local store you can probably pick up one bit for a few dollars and you can confirm with someone at the store that the bit you’re buying will be able to drill through hard metal.