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Archive 2022 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Methodical
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Does anyone use a leveling base with their Gimbal and big lenses? If so, which version do you use an why?

Thanks...

Jul 05, 2022 at 02:11 PM

aCuria
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Methodical wrote:
Does anyone use a leveling base with their Gimbal and big lenses? If so, which version do you use an why?

Thanks...

I use a video head… the “leveling base” is a 100mm ball

The main disadvantage is that if you want the head to swing around fast, you dial the drag down to 0 and the camera won’t stay in exactly the same position when you let go

If you dial the drag up then the camera will stay put, but you can’t swing it around fast

But on a gimbal do you care if the tripod is tilted up/down?

Left/right tilts can be leveled out some by rotating the lens about the tripod collar?

Jul 09, 2022 at 01:53 PM

dmcphoto
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

I use a leveling base and a Wimberly full gimbal head. The tripod can be in nearly any position, you level the leveling base, and if you have the gimbal balanced out (as you should) the camera will stay put in any position with zero drag. It's as quick as you can get with a long lens on a tripod.

Jul 09, 2022 at 03:08 PM

Newenglandrocks
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

I do use a Leofoto leveling base with a Fotopro Eagle gimbal. I don't run huge lenses on it - the Sony 200-600 and the 70-200 GM ii. The main use is for multishot panoramas with the 200-600. They are fun to take and the leveling head lets me simply swing the camera from left to right (or up and down if that's my fancy) and keep everything nicely lined up.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51587774608_c3f89bd94b_k.jpg

Jul 09, 2022 at 03:57 PM

Flowernut
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

yes
have used gitzo, RRS, etc. mostly RRS TA-2U-LB but currently trying leofoto due to availability issues at the time. Not used it enough to know about leofoto yet.

Edited on Jul 10, 2022 at 06:36 PM · View previous versions

Jul 10, 2022 at 09:10 AM

EB-1
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

I use the RRS 75mm bowl leveling base with the long handle on my Systematic Gitzo 3 series LS. That setup has the Kirk/RRS QR for use with either a full gimbal HD4 Jobu or BH55. It works very well, especially compared to the inline RRS 2 series leveling base.

Jul 10, 2022 at 10:45 AM

Robin Smith
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Acratech one for me.

Jul 11, 2022 at 06:12 PM

armd
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Why struggle? I use a solid base with a Flex shooter pro. Smaller, easier to travel with and without the hassles or limitations of a gimbal. https://www.amazon.com/FlexLine-FlexShooter-Pro-Black/dp/B07WNK599N?th=1

Jul 11, 2022 at 08:53 PM

Vancouver47
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

I use a Gitzo levelling base with my Wimberly II gimbal. Unfortunately the levelling bubble is miles off and it was a major hassle to get it fixed. So, I just put a hand level on the leveller and a dot on the glass when corrected. It's only just OK.

Jul 17, 2022 at 12:54 PM

Methodical
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Thanks for the feedback. I was looking at the RRS but they did not have the unit without that long hook.

Armd, I already have the gimbal.

Sep 21, 2022 at 02:01 AM

Methodical
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Flowernut wrote:
yes
have used gitzo, RRS, etc. mostly RRS TA-2U-LB but currently trying leofoto due to availability issues at the time. Not used it enough to know about leofoto yet.

I purchase the RRS leveling base with the stub because I wanted to be able to get the tripod nearly flat. However, when I tested it I had trouble getting my hand in between the legs to tighten the leveler. So, it's going back to B&H. I am now looking at the version with the short handle underneath or this unit with the tightening tabs at the top.

How secure is the leveling base with a big tele lens on it when slung over shoulder and did it add much height? Can you get it really tightened with the 3 tabs?

Thanks...Al

Jan 09, 2023 at 02:40 PM

Methodical
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Jan 09, 2023 at 03:40 PM

quattrocoupe
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

I use the Kirk Photo leveling base with a Wimberly gimbal head. Works very well and easy to adjust

Jan 09, 2023 at 04:02 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

EB-1 wrote:
I use the RRS 75mm bowl leveling base with the long handle on my Systematic Gitzo 3 series LS. That setup has the Kirk/RRS QR for use with either a full gimbal HD4 Jobu or BH55. It works very well, especially compared to the inline RRS 2 series leveling base.

Methodical wrote:
How long is the tightening handle? Is it easily accessible for tightening?

Thanks...Al

I started with the regular handle and then got the long handle. I have wide, but shortish hands (wear XL gloves) and can get in there. The length is 4.5" including the hook, but I removed the hook.
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ta-3-lb?quantity=1&Handle=3&custcol15=2
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/images/products/ta-3-lb.4.5%22,%20Including%20Hook_Lever-Release%20Clamp_01.png?resizeid=11&resizeh=1200&resizew=1200

EBH

Jan 09, 2023 at 06:43 PM

Sy Sez
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Since my "big: lenses attach to the Gimbal by the lens foot, I just turn the camera body to level it horizontally.

At times when the Camera is attached directly to the Gimal head, I level by lowering one of the tripod legs.

Kind of "crude" & old-fashioned, I guess.

Jan 10, 2023 at 12:52 PM

ilkka_nissila
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Methodical wrote:
Does anyone use a leveling base with their Gimbal and big lenses? If so, which version do you use an why?

Thanks...

I have several leveling solutions. The one I like best is Gitzo's leveling base for Systematic tripods:

https://www.gitzo.com/global/leveling-base-systematic-gslvls/

It requires replacing the standard top plate with a video adapter:

The GSLVLS fits onto any Gitzo Systematic tripod via the optional 75mm video adapter GS3321V75 (for Series 3and4 tripods) or GS5321V75 (for Series 5 tripods).

I love how it has good range for tilt and it is very fast to adjust. I use it with fluid and gimbal heads. Saves a lot of time when setting up.

Jan 10, 2023 at 01:01 PM

jmckayak
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

I use the RRS leveler on the RRS 34 tripod. The system works well especially at the shore. The leveler always shifts when carrying the rig on my shoulder. Gitzo 5541 with the Gitzo leveler also works very well but it does shift when carrying on the shoulder. I had an Induro ‘systematic’ tripod with leveler. It worked well but the plastic handle on the leveler did come loose. Fixed that with glue. That also shifted when shoulder carrying. The UuniqueBall head is much smaller and lighter rig than a full gimbal but that will also shift when carrying.
Every leveler that I’ve tried has shifted when shoulder carrying but I still find the leveler useful when I’m shooting near a shore. It’s not important when shooting warblers or sparrows. The viewfinder level is a great innovation but I will frequently be off one or two degrees if I haven’t used a level head.

Jan 10, 2023 at 02:13 PM

ilkka_nissila
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

I never move the tripod when a camera or lens is attached to it.

Jan 10, 2023 at 02:34 PM

Methodical
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

EB-1 wrote:
I started with the regular handle and then got the long handle. I have wide, but shortish hands (wear XL gloves) and can get in there. The length is 4.5" including the hook, but I removed the hook.
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/ta-3-lb?quantity=1&Handle=3&custcol15=2
https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/images/products/ta-3-lb.4.5%22,%20Including%20Hook_Lever-Release%20Clamp_01.png?resizeid=11&resizeh=1200&resizew=1200

EBH

Unfortunately no one that I know has the leveling base with the 4.5" handle. B&H only has the unit with the 2.5" handle. They sell the longer handle separately but B&H is out of stock and I don't see it on RRS website (may have to call them).

Jan 10, 2023 at 02:37 PM

Methodical
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Leveling base for tripod with Gimbal and big lenses...

Sy Sez wrote:
Since my "big: lenses attach to the Gimbal by the lens foot, I just turn the camera body to level it horizontally.

At times when the Camera is attached directly to the Gimal head, I level by lowering one of the tripod legs.

Kind of "crude" & old-fashioned, I guess.

That is how I carry my big lens, too. I lower the lens as far down so it rests at the edge of the tripod platform that way the lens is not pointing upward so that I protect the glass and always ready to shoot. To make it more comfortable to carry, I pull the center leg towards me and use that leg to hold/carry the gear. But because I could not get a good grip on the short stubby knob, it didn't tightened as much as I thought and when I did the above, the lens slid back/upward, so I knew the unit had to go. It only got the one time to scare the hell out of me.

Jan 10, 2023 at 02:43 PM

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