myers-mig wrote:
I have the RRS BH-55 and a Gitzo 320 tripod. Instead of buying leveling base (which adds weight), I purchased my BH-55 with the PCL-1 panning clamp.
Yes, but the PCL-1 and dovetail adds significant weight as well. It's a great system, but not necessarily a weight or $$$ saver.
For instance, I calculated the weight and cost of the top-end Feisol tripod with leveling column, vs the same tripod with just a short regular column and the PCL-1 & dovetail. The weight and cost were almost identical. (PCL system cost a little more, IIRC about $50 more, and the leveling column system weighed maybe one extra ounce)
Yes, you can save weight by not using the PCL when not needed, but when will you need it the most? When hiking, which is exactly when weight savings would have mattered.
So, it really comes down to ergonomics, & how you like to work.
Hi Folks,
I decided to try the gitzo leveling base, and I just love it with the wimberly. I was on a wildlife trip recently, and it was great to just put up the tripod, and level the wimberly even when the tripod was WAY off level in just a few seconds.
mervifwdc wrote:
Hi Folks,
I decided to try the gitzo leveling base, and I just love it with the wimberly. I was on a wildlife trip recently, and it was great to just put up the tripod, and level the wimberly even when the tripod was WAY off level in just a few seconds.
Thumbs up from me!
Merv.
Very good. While one can adjust the legs to get the same effect, it really is a lot faster as you say...enjoy!
I thought for a long time before I finally bought an Acratech leveling base. I consider it to be one of my most important accessory purchases and wouldn't be without one now. Leveling literally takes but a few seconds.
The nice thing about the PCL-1 is that it saves you a leveling step. Instead of leveling the base and then leveling the camera, you just level the top of the head and you're done. That and the internal level on my Olympus E-30 have reduced my pano setup time to almost nothing...now if only I could get time to take shots and a stretch of good weather at the same time...
