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Archive 2010 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

Neroon
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p.2 #1 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

If you are looking for a solution you could go a different route and try the Acratech GP

http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=69

For your money you get a great head that can be converted to a panoramic head with leveling.

Mar 04, 2010 at 05:19 PM

Cableaddict
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p.2 #2 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

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.

Mar 05, 2010 at 10:38 AM

mervifwdc
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p.2 #3 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

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.

Mar 30, 2010 at 01:03 PM

MSC
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p.2 #4 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

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!

Mar 30, 2010 at 01:09 PM

lou f
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p.2 #5 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

yes if you using a video head as there intended for. with a ball head you still need to level the plate. panning clamp is a better photo option.

Mar 30, 2010 at 03:41 PM

mtndo
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p.2 #6 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

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.

Larry

Mar 30, 2010 at 03:54 PM

jdben622
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p.2 #7 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

I use the Arca Swiss P1 ballhead. The pan is above the ball, so it's like a ballhead and RRS panning clamp in one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469930-REG/Arca_Swiss_801203_Monoball_P1_S_Ballhead.html

Mar 30, 2010 at 04:10 PM

adam613
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p.2 #8 · Leveling Base worthwhile?

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...

Apr 01, 2010 at 10:20 PM

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