I'm just about to pull the trigger on some accessories for the 2-series Mountaineer; a set of three Gitzo rubber capped short 30mm spikes (GSF30S), and the series 2 column-mounted bubble level GLEVEL2. My local dealer no longer carries Kirk (KES) products, so a clamp or a levelling base are both. on hold for now.
I'll also order the same spikes for my 2-series Traveller, and hopefully, I can find a 1-series column-mounted bubble level for my 1-series Mountaineer (GLEVEL1). This part may no longer be available, but some dealers apparently still have those in stock.
You sure are stocking up with support gear! If you really want to get into critical leveling for panos, maybe consider a different approach. These devices (which look like the same thing from different brands) go between the ball head and your camera. With these, you just level the platform that the camera's mounted on instead of tripod & head. They're also pretty inexpensive. You'll need to add an Arca-compatible clamp for your camera's plate. I have an older Neewer version, no longer available new, is complete; I wonder why it was discontinued.
I've actually been looking at quite a few levelling solutions, and I've come to the conclusion that the column-mounted levels are the most practical in terms of ergonomics. Most of the levels that are mounted on top of the tripod-plate , can be difficult to read, because you need to be looking down onto the bubble. This is difficult to do when your tripod is already close to eye-level. I need a little bit of distance between my eye and the bubble.
For "panning", once the legs are levelled, I'll simply use the ball-heads panning base for single row pano's. In order to correct for parallax, I'll simply use a "longish" plate which allows me to slide the camera fore and aft, to correctly position the nodal point.
For my monopod, I'll eventually add a clamp with some safety-pin plates, but for now, simply screwing on one of my ball-heads will do. I most likely wouldn't be shooting pano's with a monopod anyway.
I may just have found the ideal levelling base for use with smaller tripods, the Kirk "Mini" tripod-levelling base.30 lb payload with 50mm top-plate and +/-15* tilt. 2.3" tall and 6.3oz weight. Reviews are all 4 and 5-star at B&H. Seems like an elegant solution befitting the smaller Gitzo's.
Done deal, spikes for my 2-series Traveller and 2-series Mountaineer are on the way, along with a couble of bubble levels. Will ship when they receive their order from Gitzo. Thank you TheCameraStore.ca. I've been dealing with these guys for at least 10 years.
Value is subjective. Have you looked into the leofoto leveling base. I tried these types of leveling bases and didnt like the fact that they raise the center of gravity. I prefer the leveling bases integrated into the half ball base of the tripod.
Bobarino wrote:
I may just have found the ideal levelling base for use with smaller tripods, the Kirk "Mini" tripod-levelling base.30 lb payload with 50mm top-plate and +/-15* tilt. 2.3" tall and 6.3oz weight. Reviews are all 4 and 5-star at B&H. Seems like an elegant solution befitting the smaller Gitzo's.
that Kirk Mini is exactly the base I've been looking at. This "Kirk Mini" base matches well with my 2-series Gitzo Traveller, and my series 1, and 2 Mountaineers. It's also very light, and not tall, It also has a higher payload than the larger Kirk levelling base.(30 lbs vs 25 lbs) All of the B&H reviews give it 5 stars, with no issues reported. Most of the reviewers commented on "smooth" operation.
The only issue I have with a top-mounted levelling base is reading the bubble level. When they're at or near eye-level, you end up looking across the top of the bubble, rather than viewing it from overhead. This is why I prefer to have a bubble-level mounted on the base of the column, where it's clearly and easily visible.
Regarding the bowl-type levellers, I have the Gitzo Systematic leveller for all of my Gitzo Systematics, series 3, 4, and 5.
Decisions decisions; I'm a hair's breadth away from ordering the Kirk Mini with 3/8" screw top-plate. Kirk also has another version of the same leveller with a built-in Arca clamp. Theoretically, you could mount a camera with a bottom-plate into the Arca clamp of the leveller, and forego using a head altogether, but you'd have no panning capability. I want to avoid stacking clamps with panning clamps, and a ball-head, in order to reduce overall height
Well, I still have not ordered yet, and struggling with my next move. The product (Kirk Mini) is fine,,, no issues there. What's holding me back is the idea of having a hard-to-read top-mounted levelling base in the first place. I'd like to keep my 1 and 2-series tripods at or below 22" when folded. The column-mounted level accomplishes that goal. That said, I'll eventually add the Gitzo pan & tilt fluid head to these light tripods and I'm sorting out what'll work best.The rapid interchangability of the various tripods and heads is also a factor.
Basically, Kirk's Quick-Disconnect system would allow mw to add or remove heads quickly without having to deal with backing out set-screws on the top-plate of tripod, and between various head selections. I'd just like to avoid a tall stack oh heads and accessories if I can. Again, the column-mounted level seems like the best solution as far as speed and ease of use are concerned.
I'm also looking for Gitzo plates that I can use for balancing the weight of my camera and lenses on these lighter-weight 1 &2 series legs. I realize this won't match the balancing that I can achieve when using a proper gimbal head, but I'm fine with that for now. It'll just take more frequent adjustments to get close to the ball-park. I have a Jobu Design BWG-HD3 gimbal head which I'll use on my 3, 4, and 5-series Systematics.
Bobarino wrote:
Well, I still have not ordered yet, and struggling with my next move. The product (Kirk Mini) is fine,,, no issues there. What's holding me back is the idea of having a hard-to-read top-mounted levelling base in the first place. I'd like to keep my 1 and 2-series tripods at or below 22" folded. The column-mounted level accomplishes that goal. That said, I'll eventually add the Gitzo pan & tilt fluid head to these light tripods and I'm sorting out what'll work best.The rapid interchangability of the various tripods and heads is also a factor.
Basically, Kirk's Quick-Disconnect system would allow mw to add or remove heads quickly without having to deal with backing out set-screws on the top-plate of tripod, and between various head selections. I'd just like to avoid a tall stack oh heads and accessories if I can. Again, the column-mounted level seems like the best solution as far as speed and ease of use is concerned.
I'm also looking for Gitzo plates that I can use for balancing the weight of my camera and lenses on these lighter-weight 1 &2 series legs. I realize this won't match the balancing that I can achieve when using a proper gimbal head, but I'm fine with that for now. It'll just take more frequent adjustments to get close to the ball-park. I have a Jobu Design BWG-HD3 gimbal head which I'll use on my Systematics....Show more →
Oh, the problems GAS causes
RE top-reading level. Would a selfie stick + cellphone (or small mirror like a camping mirror) solve this for you? You could even build a jig to hold the mirror if you feel industrious.
I've been doing a Very Bad Thing to accommodate: I've mounted an Arca plate to the bottom of each add-on camera holder I use. That includes my very functional DIY multi-row pano fixture and PMG Katana JR gimbal. The VBT is that I then clamp the "attachment" to the ball head. Some people, possibly rightly, raise the point that this is less rigid than directly mounting the add-on to the tripod. However I've never found it to be an issue for the camera gear I've used. And it lets me freely move my attachments among my tripods (I don't have as many as you do, though!). I even did this with the Katana on my 1545T and it worked fine with a R5 and RF 100-500 (solid ground, still air). The only "attachment" I don't do this with is my iOptron SkyGuider Pro, which is really heaving and is used for applications that require absolute stability; it's always mounted on my Systematic tripod.
For balancing: are you talking about something like hanging a weight from a column hook (which neither Traveler comes with by default). If that's the case, either buy the Gitzo one or make one yourself. FYI, it turns out that the same hook fits on the Series 1 and 2 Travelers and the Series 3 Mountaineer, so you only need one if you're OK moving it among your tripods.
I've finally decided to order the Kirk "Mini" levelling base. My 1-series Mountaineer is a few inches shorter than the 2-series, so reading the bubble should be possible. I should receive it before next weekend. The impending tarrif threat which is slated to start on Friday (Feb 1st), was a factor in my decision.
Bobarino wrote:
I've finally decided to order the Kirk "Mini" levelling base. My 1-series Mountaineer is a few inches shorter than the 2-series, so reading the bubble should be possible. I should receive it before next weekend. The impending tarrif threat which is slated to start on Friday (Feb 1st), was a factor in my decision.
I do not own the Kirk leveling base, but I have a Leofoto one which is quite similar. I also have an Acratech leveling base. I really like the functionality of these leveling bases especially since I frequently do panos. However, looking at the Kirk model (and I have the same issue with the Leofoto) is that the spirit level bubble is very small. So it's hard to see, especially when the leveling base is closer to your head level so just something to be aware of. I sometimes use the cameras leveling indicator and/or my visual judgement in the viewfinder to confirm the level. The Acratech has a much larger spirit level which is helpful, but there are some other aspects where the design of the Leofoto and I expect the Kirk are better in practice. Enjoy your new leveling base!
RE top-reading level. Would a selfie stick + cellphone (or small mirror like a camping mirror) solve this for you? You could even build a jig to hold the mirror if you feel industrious.
I've been doing a Very Bad Thing to accommodate: I've mounted an Arca plate to the bottom of each add-on camera holder I use. That includes my very functional DIY multi-row pano fixture and PMG Katana JR gimbal. The VBT is that I then clamp the "attachment" to the ball head. Some people, possibly rightly, raise the point that this is less rigid than directly mounting the add-on to the tripod. However I've never found it to be an issue for the camera gear I've used. And it lets me freely move my attachments among my tripods (I don't have as many as you do, though!). I even did this with the Katana on my 1545T and it worked fine with a R5 and RF 100-500 (solid ground, still air). The only "attachment" I don't do this with is my iOptron SkyGuider Pro, which is really heaving and is used for applications that require absolute stability; it's always mounted on my Systematic tripod.
Regarding "hooks", I have them on all my tripods. They Systematics and Mountaineers all came with hooks, and I added one to the 2-series Traveller.
For balancing: are you talking about something like hanging a weight from a column hook (which neither Traveler comes with by default). If that's the case, either buy the Gitzo one or make one yourself. FYI, it turns out that the same hook fits on the Series 1 and 2 Travelers and the Series 3 Mountaineer, so you only need one if you're OK moving it among your tripods....Show more →
Hi Abbott,
The "weight" I'm referring to, is the center-of-gravity of my camera with a longish and heavier lens such as my Nikkor f/2.8 70-200mm G ED VR II. I'd like a plate to slide the load fore and aft to balance the load and reduce torque and possible droop. I'm looking to use the Kirk solely on my 2-series Traveller and 1 and 3-series Mountaineers,,, not the Monopod. I may try the Jobu gimbal on the 2-series Mountaineer, but my gut tells me to stick with the Systematics when using a gimbal.
amv8 wrote:
I do not own the Kirk leveling base, but I have a Leofoto one which is quite similar. I also have an Acratech leveling base. I really like the functionality of these leveling bases especially since I frequently do panos. However, looking at the Kirk model (and I have the same issue with the Leofoto) is that the spirit level bubble is very small. So it's hard to see, especially when the leveling base is closer to your head level so just something to be aware of. I sometimes use the cameras leveling indicator and/or my visual judgement in the viewfinder to confirm the level. The Acratech has a much larger spirit level which is helpful, but there are some other aspects where the design of the Leofoto and I expect the Kirk are better in practice. Enjoy your new leveling base!
FedEx picked up my package today, and they say it'scheduled to be delivered Thursday. B&H says it'll be here Wednesday. I'll pass along the measurements of the levelling base, mounted on the 2-series Traveller, as well as the 1, and 2-series Mountaineers.
Gitzo's website gives the following "column down" heights for the tripods (nothing installed)
series 1 Mountaineer 135.0 cm.
series 2 Mountaineer 137.5 cm
series 2 Traveller.......131...cm
Bobarino wrote:
The "weight" I'm referring to, is the center-of-gravity of my camera with a longish and heavier lens such as my Nikkor f/2.8 70-200mm G ED VR II. I'd like a plate to slide the load fore and aft to balance the load and reduce torque and possible droop. I'm looking to use the Kirk solely on my 2-series Traveller and 1 and 3-series Mountaineers,,, not the Monopod. I may try the Jobu gimbal on the 2-series Mountaineer, but my gut tells me to stick with the Systematics when using a gimbal.
Thanks for those links. The long Gitzo plate has been on my short list for a while. Very nice but "spendy". Seems perfect though.
Kirk has an amazing variety of plates, and excellent quality. I'll have to go through my inventory to double check my current plates. The last time I remember buying plates was when the Nikon D600 was launched (2016??) I bought a Kirk L-bracket for that camera. I probably have a few of their short plates for my Sony RX-100, Panasonic Lumix FZ 1000, and Nikon P-900.
I need to give Kirk a call to see what they have for my footed lenses. (Nikkor f/2.8 70-200 ED VR and Nikkor f/5.6 200-500 E ED VR) I'll probably look at the Jobu Design plates as well.
Bobarino wrote:
FedEx picked up my package today, and they say it'scheduled to be delivered Thursday. B&H says it'll be here Wednesday. I'll pass along the measurements of the levelling base, mounted on the 2-series Traveller, as well as the 1, and 2-series Mountaineers.
Gitzo's website gives the following "column down" heights for the tripods (nothing installed)
series 1 Mountaineer 135.0 cm.
series 2 Mountaineer 137.5 cm
series 2 Traveller.......131...cm
Well, FedEx just dropped off my Kirk levelling base, and I've already mounted it on my 1-series Mountaineer. The bases of the tripod and the Kirk, match perfectly. The height increase is roughly 2.25".
Right from the outset, you get the impression that this is a premium product. It weighs only 6.3oz, but in the hand, there's an impression of solid and refined build quality. The overall finish is A-1. The levelling action is extremely smooth, with no sign of squeeking as you level the base. Once you're level and you lock the "wings", the bubble stays put as you tighten. VERY nice.
My only quibble so far is the size of the bubble. I find it a little bit large, especially when compared to the ultra-tiny bubbles on my Gitzo heads. The viscosity of the liquid also seems a bit lighter on the Kirk. This causes the bubble to move more quickly, and may feel somewhat erratic at first, but one could also say that once it's set,,, it's perfect.
Mounted on the 1-series Mountaineer with the Gitzo GH-1382QD head, the bubble level visibility is quite good. It protrudes just enough from the side of the top-plate. When I mount the larger Gitzo GH-3382QD head, I still have an unobstructed view of the bubble.
Overall, I'm very impressed, and 100% satisfied. Highly recommended. I'll definitely be buying more Kirk products from B&H
Series 2 and 3 mountaineers share the same spider and center column. This makes the series 2 as strong as the series 3 in the upper body, but in the same time a little top heavy .
Yes, I just had a look at the parts diagrams for the Systematics as well, and they also share the same spider for series 3-thru 5. This is precisely why I was so bowled over when I took that 2-series Mountaineer out of the box. It felt to me like this tripod is distinctly akin to the now discontinued 2-series Systematic. With this Mountaineer, it appears there was no longer a need for two different models to be sharing the same level of performance.
I'd like to find out if the Mountaineer family in general, were the natural birth and evolution of the Systematics. It's not easy sorting out some of the vintage model numbers.
Bobarino wrote:
Done deal, spikes for my 2-series Traveller and 2-series Mountaineer are on the way, along with a couble of bubble levels. Will ship when they receive their order from Gitzo. Thank you TheCameraStore.ca. I've been dealing with these guys for at least 10 years.
Update.
Looks like it's going to take a while for my order to arrive. I ordered from TheCameraStore.ca in Alberta, and they've now informed me that they'll have stock sometime around mid-April.,,, hopefully, that's in 2025.
On the positive side, I've got 2 feet of snow in my yard, with another 8-10 inches coming this weekend. That snow will stick around 'til early April
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