Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg)

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

I use it with the RRS PCL-1 Panning Clamp for doing landscape panos. That way you do not have to level but one device. I find that most of my landscape shots are near level, so I often leave the ball head at home or on my travel rig, which is a lighter tripod. I use this setup on a Gitzo 3 series Systemic. The whole rig is less than 6 lbs.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

Just like the Acratech GV-2, this leveling base is made of the best materials and is very well crafted. Works just like it should and looks like it will for a very long time. I also use it with the GV-2 on the Kirk low pod - gives me a bit of additional height when I want it along with making leveling quick and easy.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

I do a lot of bird photography and very seldom have a level place to set up my tripod. The leveling base levels the gimbal head, camera, and lens quickly and is far less bother than adjusting the tripod legs.

The unit adds very little weight to my support system and just a couple of inches in height. The quality is very good and typical of other Acratech products I own. I can't think of anything I don't like about this leveling base.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

I love Acratech products - precision and quality!
If you like Aircraft grade products these guys make it. Works perfect.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

Architectural and panoramic photographic applications describe my primary uses for this tool. It provides rapid leveling with a single knob. I have not identified any issues that are negative regarding this tool yet.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

Great addition for pano use; placed below the ball head which permits not having to place the horizon in the middle of the frame for panos, it greatly facilitates the leveling process.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

I bought this base to replace a bigger and much heavier Manfrotto 438 leveling head.
I use it with my Seitz 28/220 panoramic camera and it is perfect.
It fits right underneath the camera base and stays there permanently.
Operation is easier than with the Manfrotto.
I could not have designed it better.
An excellent product.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

I shoot mostly video and have looked in vain for a reasonable solution to the problem of heavy video heads/mounts while travelling. While this solution is certainly compromised relative to a good fluid head mounted in the bowl of a heavy tripod, I have finally found a reasonable compromise that can be packed and carried in a regular sized camera bag:
- A large Joby gorillapod 'Focus'
+ this Acratech levelling base
+ a Gitzo G2180 Series 1 Fluid Head

I will not be doing pans & tilts at 600mm but for normal focal length use this set up works pretty well. That 10˚ levelling ability makes the rig quick to set up and workable.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

I used the base with a Markins Q3 initially but when I upgraded to a Really Right Stuff BH-55, I was no longer able to use the base and had to return it.
The size of the BH-55 actually covers up the bubble level on the base and made the base unusable. So I would have to recommend the Gitzo systematic leveling base instead.
Other than that it's a bit difficult to use at first since there is no tension knob and your equipment's weight is suddenly in your hands.
In terms of build quality this is top notch.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

This leveling base is extremely well made, works smoothly, locks easily and solidly and overall does everything you could ask. I was surprised at how small it actually is, but it is perfectly sized to my Kirk BH-3 head. My only (very minor) gripe is that there are no set screws to keep the head secure on the base. You *must* check the seating of the head periodically.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

This is a great device to turn a non-leveling tripod and head into a quick leveling system. While they say it supports 25 lbs, if you want it for a camcorder, I would not recommend it for use on anything but the lightest weight systems. I found when using it with my Sony FX7 and light weight tripod head (under 5.0 lbs combined) you do not have a solid base. Every time you touch the camera or pan arm you get movement.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

Allows FAST setup and use of your tripod. If you have to adjust the leg length and you don't want to mess with "matching up" the leg lengths, just eyeball it and use the leveling base to level it off. Makes tripod use so much easier if you are on uneven ground, as well. A+ build quality, rock solid.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

Very high build quality, typical of Acratech, although a little expensive. Very robust and locks down well, even with a heavy ballhead, nodal rail, and a Oly E3 with battery grip.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

This is a very practical, quick and sturdy base to level your camera or ball heads or anything in that matter. I always have this fixed on the tripod since it can support anything (11kgs). With just one knob to fix instead of three or more leveling knobs like others - this s more practical and a must have.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

I bought the Acratech Leveling Base because I didn't want to spend even more money to get tripod legs with leveling built in. I already own several Gitzo legs for still photography and needed the ability to level a video head. This fit the bill perfectly allowing me to quickly level a small Manfrotto head quickly and solidly.

Fit and finish are superb and matches the quality of my Gitzo legs. At about half a pound, the weight is worth the convenience. The bubble level is accurate and can be rotated and positioned easily so that it can be viewed from above. The large rubberized locking knob makes it easy to adjust but protrudes too far. The leveling base makes the tripod rather bulky, adding nearly two inches to the overall height and introducing more protruding knobs and parts that make it more difficult to store or transport my tripod. Aside from that, it works great.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

I really love this product. Makes it so easy to open my tripod and start taking pictures, especially panoramas. Very simple to use, takes 5 seconds and bam you have your camera level. Although it's pricey, I highly recommend this!

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

Bought this leveling base to go with my Arca Swiss Z1 head. Use the combo mainly for pano shots. Leave it on all the time. Works very nicely together with my Gitzo tripod.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

The positive reviews posted are spot on. I encountered the leveler mounted under the ball head on a tripod of a photo class instructor. The class had nothing to do with equipment, let alone leveling tripods, so I had to ask what that thing was. I decided that I'd afford the leveler in lieu of moving legs up and down to center my tripod's little bubble for panorama shots.

The leveler is a USA product and seems exceptionally well made. I have it mounted under my Manfrotto 488 head and with it and a bubble level in the flash shoe I can quickly level for panos.

If your present head is ready for replacement, I suggest that you consider Acratech's head that includes a leveling device.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

Allows up to 10 degrees of adjustment. Very lightweight and solid when used Acratech Ultimate Ballhead with Quick Release with Left Side Rubber Knobs. Solid with the Canon 5D Mk II and up to 100-400mm lens.

Comments about Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg):

Light, large bubble level, very easy to use what more could you ask for. I have used this base to create several panoramic photographs consisting of between 5 and 20 pictures. All have turned out great!