DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

This link didn't work.

I've done a forum search and there were a few heads, but I found nothing regarding columns. :-)

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Dave, the leveling base, that OddJobber wrote about, when mounted on your current tripod amounts to the same thing as the "leveling column". It works really well.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

:thumbup: Thank you, Rich.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I use two different types of levelers on three different tripods, for different purposes.

My "studio" tripod is a big heavy Bogen (now Manfrotto) that I'm not inclined to haul around out in the field any more. Emphasis on the word "heavy"... that tripod now lives on a dolly so I can roll it around, rather than lifting it. It has a pan/tilt head on top of a Bogen/Manfrotto leveler that's simply two thick, metal plates with three separate, knurled brass adjusting "dials" that can be used to fine tune level for careful and precise shot setups. It is similar to that "Nodal Ninja" leveler (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/850732-REG/Nodal_Ninja_EZL_II_C_EZ_Leveler_II.html) someone linked earlier. If I were using a ballhead on that tripod, I wouldn't bother with the leveler. But it is useful with a pan/tilt head.

This type can be used on a tripod with a center column, in between that and the head. But I wouldn't use it with a field tripod because it isn't fast to use and adds a couple pounds to the weight of the rig.

Bogen/Manftotto now offers another type, that's loosened/tightened with a single lever (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?N=10554093&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi) and is similar to that Sunwayphoto model someone else linked above (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=886344&gclid=CjwKEAiAp_WyBRD37bGB_ZO9qAYSJAA72IkgwSUHz1pWeITCbuYHyp0FwKTJ6EfDJCq9S3ztCvmr1RoCu47w_wcB&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&Q=&A=details). In my opinion this would be a more practical type for use with a field tripod and will work with a center column.

My "field" tripods are Gitzo "Systematic" carbon fiber, two of which have no center columns, in large part because this allows me to use Gitzo levelers on them (older versions of http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898087-REG/gitzo_gs3121lvl_leveling_base_series_2_3_4.html). These levelers are controlled by a single handle that's very fast use. A quick counter-clockwise twist to loosen, the same handle is used to adjust level, then a quick clockwise twist to re-tighten it.... That takes about 2 seconds. I often use these tripods with big lenses on gimbal mounts (a full size gimbal on one tripod and a heavy duty ballhead in combination with a gimbal adapter on the other), which need to be reasonably level to work well. This type leveler is much faster and easier than fiddling to adjust individual legs... Though generally not as precise for fine tuning as the other type of leveler described above. These do add some weight to the rigs... at least a pound apiece... but to me it's worth it for considerably faster setup, often on uneven ground. Now, both these tripods are plenty tall for me without any center column, which I also didn't want because it makes for an overall more stable tripod.

So, I'd have to say it depends... How you use the tripod and the type of leveler should tell you whether or not a leveler would be useful to you. And, are you willing to haul around the extra weight? From some of your followup, it sound a little bit like you may want to try a monopod instead... Perhaps with one of those simple, monopod-specific heads on it.

Whatever you do, the whole idea is that your supporting device is something you find as conveniently usable as possible for your particular purposes... So that you're encouraged to use it as much as possible and will see the benefits of doing so in your images.

EDIT: I've never used any sort of self-leveling tripod, am not even sure what a "leveling column" is, and don't use "pistol grip type" heads because they are just too light-duty for several of my lenses. Some of those might work well for you, though.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

amfoto1,

Wow, some great info and links, thank you!

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

My Canon 60D has a built-in level which I can view on my screen.

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

I have this on my Canon 60D.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

+++++++++++

I do this = I have Always done this.... I make use of a "Spirit-Level" on the hot-shoe mount. And it works good on just about any camera. I also have a 7D where I can use the built in level on the rear L.C.D. ---

Also....

I have the Live-View feature that I really like as it reminds me of my "old" view cameras. The Live-View has an option to display a "Rule of Thirds" overlay as well.

And....

With Live-View, and Manual focus, you can always get the focus correct in Low Light. I like to magnify to X10 and focus on something 1/3rd into the area ( use of Hyper-focal calculations to have everything in correct focus on a landscape seine, and a selection of a small f-stop = i.e. f-13 to f-22. )

The Spirit-Level works in any situation... And Not Only On a Tripod. One quick glance up to the level shows me to correct and look back into the view-finder if I hand-hold the camera = which is a rare occurrence.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

Use 2 hand 1 on the tripod leg and 1 on the camera then it won't tip over.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

To expensive just to level a camera.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

Sounds like just more junk to spend your money on.And make someone rich.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

The post was about quickly leveling a tripod, not a camera, the object being to have a viable center of gravity without playing with the legs more than once. Heavy lenses need a solid base for wind or inadvertent bumping of the camera or tripod. I opt to not hold the camera and the tripod and use a cable release or remote. Often, wildlife won't wait for me. :-)

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

works 0n my computer

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

If you shoot buildings or houses you will need to adjust your verticals in post. It just makes it a lot easier.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I find when shooting architecture on location with a client looking over my shoulder, fussing with a head to get my tilt shift lens level, I give the impression that I don't know what I am doing. Not the way I want to be viewed if I want future work.

When shifting or tilting a lens, being absolutely level is a priority in camera, NOT in post. Just too much distortion you have to contend with in PP.

For me, time is money... whether it is on location or in my studio. Using this nodal ninja for that little money (compared to all you spend on gear) is a god send.

In the field, I can see using a bowl leveler. For my needs, I like the quick, precise incremental adjustments the 3 wheel leveler provides.