Tripod levelors: Are there any worthwhile tripod leveling center columns or base levels that are in use? Thinking about trying something on a Manfrotto 190cxpro.

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Tripod levelors

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Dec 1, 2015 11:20:31 #

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Are there any worthwhile tripod leveling center columns or base levels that are in use? Thinking about trying something on a Manfrotto 190cxpro.

Dec 1, 2015 11:55:11 #

twowindsbear

Why not just adjust the length of the legs?

Dec 1, 2015 12:00:27 #

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I was thinking about ditching the tripod and just finding something sturdy to prop up against or rest on, that would also work. I may skip the new flash and just wait and shoot in better light.

I like the toys and convenience some offer.

Dec 1, 2015 13:36:37 #

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I have an old Kaiden panohead with a 3 wheel leveler that worked wonderfully. I wanted to use just the leveler in another setup but it was awkward to adapt the leveler itself to another tripod, too many parts and pieces required for the panohead that were in the way.

So I picked up this Nodal Ninja from B&H and it is much faster and less cumbersome to level than a ball head or pistol grip for accurate and precise control.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850732-REG/Nodal_Ninja_EZL_II_C_EZ_Leveler_II.html

Just get close with your setup and fine tuning is a snap. I use it for architectural shooting with a tilt shift lens on a pistol grip... a great combo that works for me. Cheaper setup than a quality geared 3way head.

Dec 1, 2015 15:05:06 #

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

I use a Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base, rated for 22 pounds, $70. Sometimes I skip the gimbal and mount the lens directly to the leveling base.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=886344&gclid=CjwKEAiAp_WyBRD37bGB_ZO9qAYSJAA72IkgwSUHz1pWeITCbuYHyp0FwKTJ6EfDJCq9S3ztCvmr1RoCu47w_wcB&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&Q=&A=details

They also have one rated for 66 pounds for $100.

twowindsbear wrote:

Why not just adjust the length of the legs?

(1) I can adjust for level in just seconds without removing the camera and gimbal.

(2) Much greater chance of accidentally tipping the tripod over lifting the legs off the ground to adjust.

Dec 1, 2015 15:21:54 #

Leitz Loc: Solms

DaveO wrote:

Are there any worthwhile tripod leveling center columns or base levels that are in use? Thinking about trying something on a Manfrotto 190cxpro.

Something like this is more accurate than a bubble level. Level one plane, turn it 90° to level the other.

http://www.trick-tools.com/Wixey_Digital_Angle_Gauge_WR300_360

I have an old Sears Universal Protractor Plumb & Level (dial and needle) with a 3" base that also works pretty well.

Dec 1, 2015 16:11:52 #

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

OddJobber wrote:

I use a Sunwayfoto DYH-66i Leveling Base, rated fo... (show quote)

I too use that leveling head usually with a ball head or a panning clamp (lately my preferred set up). As OddJobber said it is quick to set up and it is also very stable as you normally have the tripod legs extended evenly

Dec 1, 2015 17:45:58 #

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Many thanks to all who replied. I did check and enjoy the provided links. Dave.

Dec 1, 2015 18:06:26 #

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

I use my tripod legs with a 75mm bowl whenever I know I am going to be on uneven ground or moving my tripod often. Not having a center post has never been an issue for me. I have one bowl set up with my pan tilt head and the other one has my gimbal on it so I can easily choose and change the entire head depending on what I need. Leveling is fast and easy without having to unlock legs or bend over.

Dec 1, 2015 20:39:09 #

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I've often though about getting a leveling base for my acratech gp-s (that is on my 190pro tripod). Just not sure if I want to spend the $150 on it.

Dec 1, 2015 20:59:30 #

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

I was hoping that someone had tried the leveling column. I caught a pro using one but didn't get the opportunity to talk about it. A few seconds and he was set and shooting. Kind of nice and quick for wildlife opportunities.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10272854&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

Dec 1, 2015 21:09:25 #

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

DaveO wrote:

Dave: It looks like you have a D7100. Here's what I do: I have a 3-way geared head on my tripod. I get "visually close" and then I go to the menu and select the "tools" (the wrench symbol). Find Virtual Horizon and then adjust the geared head until the line is green. See attached photo.

Virtual Horizon

(Download)

Dec 1, 2015 21:15:59 #

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Yes, I can do that, but in varying terrain I want to ensure that the camera, particularly with a long lens, is solid. That usually requires leg adjustment, but the levelors may help in situations that require just a little quick tweaking and is quicker than changing screens on the camera or more playing with the legs.. At any rate, that is kind of what I was looking to hear about, particularly after observing one in use.

Dec 2, 2015 05:21:00 #

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

DaveO wrote:

Are there any worthwhile tripod leveling center columns or base levels that are in use? Thinking about trying something on a Manfrotto 190cxpro.

Other than shooting for panos why do you need to level the tripod ?,

Dec 2, 2015 07:32:51 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

DaveO wrote:

Are there any worthwhile tripod leveling center columns or base levels that are in use? Thinking about trying something on a Manfrotto 190cxpro.

A while back there was a discussion of self-leveling tripods.

http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=sel-leveling%20tripod

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