This is a bit like a diver's bends. It's driving me crazy.

Why does this panorama look like I've been using a fisheye lens?

Having finally mastered a panoramic head (Manfrotto 303 SP) and made sure the lens' nodal point is centred on the axis of rotation, I took seven images from a single vantage point using a 50 mm 1.4 prime lens and then stitched them together using PS CS4 photomerge (all the various options). The nearest point to the camera is about 3 metres; the furthest is about five metres away.

Am I too close? (If so, I'll knock down the wall behind me...). I wanted to use a prime and not a wide-angle to avoid distortion and this is the result...

Should I try to shift the tripod carefully instead?

If anyone has overcome this kind of problem, please share your knowledge. The bends are getting to me!

This is my latest attempt.

I don't think you can avoid the bend with fixed lens. I guess it would be much easier just fixing wideangle's distortion with PS.
On the other hand, I guess zoom lens might be able to solve that (adjusting for each shot)?

A zoom lens reduces the angle of view as the focal length increases. For example, a 50 mm prime has a diagonal AOV of about 47 degrees; a 200 mm lens about 12. A longer focal length foreshortens (gives the impression of compressing distances between) objects relative to each other and to the sensor. Add barrel distortion inherent in zoom lenses and you get a composite that would be impossible to stitch together.

I think the carpenters have been at your whisky. I'd sack them - or possibly more fun, invite them out on the lash.

It's a fair cop, guv. I live in a bendy house. This is all just a sham.

I think i can help you about this problem
I had a doubt about it but now i checked it and it worked

I took it about 2 meters from there, there wasn't any problem.

How to do it...
1. Use your tripod
2. Take first shot than go one step to your right (or left) and than move tripod there, too. Now take your second shot. Continue this way until you take pictures completely
3. Photoshop or other Software, Try with them and make your Panorama (Reposition Only in photoshop) or if there's any Error do it with (Interactive Layout in Photoshop) after that you will see what you want

Unfortunately i couldn't upload it directly here

Thanks. For technical reasons, this wasn't possible and the real question - one I didn't explain properly here - is how to produce a panorama with a panhead (which basically does what you suggest) when the subject is close.

Strangely, I find Photoshop CS4 less effective than CS3 in the reposition only part of photomerge!