Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

After using a tripod with all its head accessories from another italian manufacturer I switched to a Gitzo series 5 tripod a while ago and used it with different third party leveling devices which turned out to be awkward. So it was a no-brainer to try this unit after all these not so positive experiences.

This base mounts easily onto the tripod's head after removing the original baseplate. The leveling unit's base fits tightly and is clamped in its position over its circumference. I'd prefer some additional locking screws, to be honest. I had the baseplate locked additionally with a bottom reinforcing plate (like a sandwich), which I had to give up with this leveling unit. Future will tell if the lack of this locking mechanism turns out as a flaw.

There is a bigger ball head (...-55) sitting on this unit. After a first run, i.e. leveling the base and the clamp on top of the ball head and turning the ball head 360 degrees there were some deviations between both spirit levels, the one in the leveling unit and the one in the clamp. After doing some research it turned out that the spirit level in the leveling isn't properly leveled. So I fixed a leveling plate (from the same company like my ball head) with a bigger spirit level between the leveling unit and the ball head. This setup works perfectly now.

Since I live at the Red Sea I didn't want to bother with the return process, that's the reason for the work-around.

For the modification on the tripod, i.e. assembly of the leveling unit, you need a special type of allen key which has neither been attached to the tripod nor to the leveling unit. A famous tripod and accessory manufacturer in CA adds all necessary tools for free to his products! Maybe something to rethink @ Gitzo.

I'd give the highest ranking for this part, but due to described flaws and missing tools I deduct one star.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

So much easier than adjusting the legs a half inch at a time. One control and very smooth.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

I shoot a fair number of panoramas, with sometimes upwards of 150 frames, which requires a level head (no pun intended). I use a great ArcaSwiss Cube head, but for multi-row panos, or even single-row panos where the lens isn't level at the horizon, the base of the head has to be level and that means adjusting the length of the tripod legs. With this Gitzo Leveling Base on my Gitzo tripod, leveling the base of the head is done in just seconds — extend the legs to approximately the right length for the shot, spread 'em, and with a simple twist-tilt-twist, the head is level. The GS5121LV is obviously well made and should works for decades with little trouble. My only complaint is that it's so easy to tilt when the knob is loosened, I do find myself chasing the bubble level around a bit — I don't think it's a fault of the design or manufacture, and practice is making me more sure, but if I'm complaining about it taking 10 seconds, instead of 5, to get things ready to shoot, you can see how un-serious that complaint is.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

Very useful for paranomas. Very easy to use. Able to support heavy gear. Very quick leveling acheived. Can be squeaky after multiple use

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

Use this product on a Gitzo carbon fibre tripod, and a RRS B55 ball head. IN my short time of usage it has worked fast at leveling,and holds even my 500f4L &EOS1MKIV steadly. Plan to use it on Gitzo 3531 with smaller lens. IT's versatility to fit on my larger 5 series tripod is a plus.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

I used the earlier version for years on my Gitzo 1325 tripod. Speeds and aids proper level and panning action, plus facilitates nearly-instantaneous - and frustration-free - leveling on the typical uneven surfaces found in the great outdoors. Very useful in macro set-ups, too. Great accessory used in conjunction with RRS's pano rails and the Wimberly gimbal head. This version, which I now use on my Gitzo System 3 tripod, lighter and more compact than its predecessor, with a superior rubberized base vs. the cork surface in the earlier version. RRS offers a PCL alternative, but if your springing for a Gitzo Systematic tripod, this accessory fills the bill - perfectly, and with no compromises under heavier load. This thing costs as much as many lesser tripods on the market, but I wouldn't be without it.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

It makes my Gitzo tripod easy to use. Also has tighten my ball head to the Gitzo tripod.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

Quick set up for wildlife shoots.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

Thoughtfully-designed 75 mm half-ball leveling tripod platform that will fit any 75 mm bowl but comes with its own (removable) bowl to adapt to the Gitzo Series 3 70 mm diameter and Series 5 80 mm diameter platform rings. Purchased to better extend use to still photography of a tripod that came with a 75 mm half ball video head.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

After using a tripod with all its head accessories from another italian manufacturer I switched to a Gitzo series 5 tripod a while ago and used it with different third party leveling devices which turned out to be awkward. So it was a no-brainer to try this unit after all these not so positive experiences.

This base mounts easily onto the tripod's head after removing the original baseplate. The leveling unit's base fits tightly and is clamped in its position over its circumference. I'd prefer some additional locking screws, to be honest. I had the baseplate locked additionally with a bottom reinforcing plate (like a sandwich), which I had to give up with this leveling unit. Future will tell if the lack of this locking mechanism turns out as a flaw.

There is a bigger ball head (...-55) sitting on this unit. After a first run, i.e. leveling the base and the clamp on top of the ball head and turning the ball head 360 degrees there were some deviations between both spirit levels, the one in the leveling unit and the one in the clamp. After doing some research it turned out that the spirit level in the leveling isn't properly leveled. So I fixed a leveling plate (from the same company like my ball head) with a bigger spirit level between the leveling unit and the ball head. This setup works perfectly now.

Since I live at the Red Sea I didn't want to bother with the return process, that's the reason for the work-around.

For the modification on the tripod, i.e. assembly of the leveling unit, you need a special type of allen key which has neither been attached to the tripod nor to the leveling unit. A famous tripod and accessory manufacturer in CA adds all necessary tools for free to his products! Maybe something to rethink @ Gitzo.

I'd give the highest ranking for this part, but due to described flaws and missing tools I deduct one star.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

So much easier than adjusting the legs a half inch at a time. One control and very smooth.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

I shoot a fair number of panoramas, with sometimes upwards of 150 frames, which requires a level head (no pun intended). I use a great ArcaSwiss Cube head, but for multi-row panos, or even single-row panos where the lens isn't level at the horizon, the base of the head has to be level and that means adjusting the length of the tripod legs. With this Gitzo Leveling Base on my Gitzo tripod, leveling the base of the head is done in just seconds — extend the legs to approximately the right length for the shot, spread 'em, and with a simple twist-tilt-twist, the head is level. The GS5121LV is obviously well made and should works for decades with little trouble. My only complaint is that it's so easy to tilt when the knob is loosened, I do find myself chasing the bubble level around a bit — I don't think it's a fault of the design or manufacture, and practice is making me more sure, but if I'm complaining about it taking 10 seconds, instead of 5, to get things ready to shoot, you can see how un-serious that complaint is.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

Very useful for paranomas. Very easy to use. Able to support heavy gear. Very quick leveling acheived. Can be squeaky after multiple use

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

Use this product on a Gitzo carbon fibre tripod, and a RRS B55 ball head. IN my short time of usage it has worked fast at leveling,and holds even my 500f4L &EOS1MKIV steadly. Plan to use it on Gitzo 3531 with smaller lens. IT's versatility to fit on my larger 5 series tripod is a plus.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

I used the earlier version for years on my Gitzo 1325 tripod. Speeds and aids proper level and panning action, plus facilitates nearly-instantaneous - and frustration-free - leveling on the typical uneven surfaces found in the great outdoors. Very useful in macro set-ups, too. Great accessory used in conjunction with RRS's pano rails and the Wimberly gimbal head. This version, which I now use on my Gitzo System 3 tripod, lighter and more compact than its predecessor, with a superior rubberized base vs. the cork surface in the earlier version. RRS offers a PCL alternative, but if your springing for a Gitzo Systematic tripod, this accessory fills the bill - perfectly, and with no compromises under heavier load. This thing costs as much as many lesser tripods on the market, but I wouldn't be without it.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

It makes my Gitzo tripod easy to use. Also has tighten my ball head to the Gitzo tripod.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

Quick set up for wildlife shoots.

Comments about Gitzo GS5121LV Leveling Base:

Thoughtfully-designed 75 mm half-ball leveling tripod platform that will fit any 75 mm bowl but comes with its own (removable) bowl to adapt to the Gitzo Series 3 70 mm diameter and Series 5 80 mm diameter platform rings. Purchased to better extend use to still photography of a tripod that came with a 75 mm half ball video head.