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Acratech Leveling Base

BH #ACLB • MFR #1117
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Acratech Leveling Base
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Acratech 1117 Overview

The Acratech Leveling Base is a leveling base that fits between the tripod (or stand) and the tripod head, and can be used with any tripod that features a 3/8" head screw. This device allows for the photo or video head to be quickly leveled, independently from the tripod.

At its center is an oilless and greaseless ball that will not attract or hold dirt and debris. It allows 10° movement in any direction, and features smooth knob action for easy and secure positioning.

Precision bull's eye bubble level provides accurate positioning
Ball will not shift when tightened
Satin black anodized finish
All knobs are captive so they cannot fall off accidentally
Low profile design-just 1.77" (45mm) tall not including the 3/8"-16 threaded screw
2.4" (60mm) Base & top diameter(excluding the knob and bubble level)
Precision C.N.C. machining
Made in the U.S.A.

Acratech 1117 Specs

Load Capacity
25 lb (11.4 kg)
Control Range
15° movement in any direction
Height
1.77" (45mm)
Weight
8 oz (240 g)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.755 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
4.75 x 4.35 x 3.4"

Acratech 1117 Reviews

Perfect, exactly what I was looking for.

By Steven
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-03-27

The base is lightweight, yet it seems solid and well-made. Its design is superb in two important respects. First, it's very easy to adjust: a quick turn of the knob, and the base moves smoothly and evenly; a quick turn locks it firmly in place, regardless of the weight of camera and lens I'm using. Second, the very large leveling ball makes it very simple and quick to know when the camera is level.

Best levelling base

By Bruce A
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2026-01-04

I tried two other levelling bases before ordering the Acratech and returned them both. The problem was the size of the level and bubble within it. In both cases the diameter of the entire level was about 1/8 inch and the bubble was so small I literally laughed out loud. Impossible to see. I was happy to see the size of the Acratech level was huge by comparison. The diameter of the bubble is almost as big as the entire level on the other two. It's easy to use, functions well and does the job. When it's dead level it exactly matches the level shown on the bottom of the head which often isn't the case. I didn't give it 5 stars because I have to routinely check that it is tight to the tripod plate. It is prone to coming loose. Not sure this is the fault of the leveller but it could easily be prevented if Acratech had provided a tacky or rougher surface on the bottom. Or on the tripod plate I suppose. Maybe they were concerned that it might get stuck together which is always a headache. Overall a great product, I have two.

See any errors on this page?

Does the ball rotate 360 degrees?

Does the ball rotate 360 degrees?
Asked by: Arthur
Yes, the Acratech Leveling Base can rotate 360 degrees.
Answered by: Erik H
Date published: 2025-03-13

question

Has anybody bought this to use with the GP ballheads (which already have a levelling feature)?My GP-SS when inverted should be able to do level panoramas but if I need to tilt the ballhead up or down (while maintaining a level pan) I believe this levelling base is required as the ballhead base would need to be levelled first in order to rotate on a level horizon.
Asked by: Jon
I have both, the GP and ACLLB larger leveling base. Even though the GP does have the pano feature, the leveling base makes everything so much easier. I leave it on my tripod all the time and any ball head or pano head I use goes on top of it.
Answered by: Bob S.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Are there TABLE TOP TRIPODs that are compatible ...

Are there TABLE TOP TRIPODs that are compatible with this leveling base? preferably carbon fiber, but those are pricey.
Asked by: Roger
All of our bases are equipped with a standard 3/8-16 tripod socket, but we include a 1/4-20 adapter with every unit we sell. This allows them to work with just about any tripod on the market, even the table top tripods that will allow you to mount your own head. A quick search on the B & H and I am confused too, but I can tell you which ones we have experienced. The FLM CP10, Berlebach Mini Tripod and on the low end Sunwayfoto T1A11-II.
Answered by: Acratech Product Expert
Date published: 2019-10-02

Is the top stud on the Acratech 1117 leveling ...

Is the top stud on the Acratech 1117 leveling base 3/8"-16 ? Thanks, Steve
Asked by: Stephen
Yes the top stud on the Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread is 3/8-16.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2021-01-18

Will this work with a RRS BH55 head?

Will this work with a RRS BH55 head?
Asked by: Margaret
Our 1170 Large leveling base is the one for your BH-55.
Answered by: Acratech Product Expert
Date published: 2022-06-14

question

Does this allow for rotation as well as tilt? I want to put it between a tripod and slider, but I can't tell if it will let me adjust the pan configuration relative to the legs as well as leveling.
Asked by: Anonymous
Yes it does.
Answered by: Brian W.
Date published: 2025-03-13

Is the tops stud on the Acratech 1117 3/8"-16? ...

Is the tops stud on the Acratech 1117 3/8"-16? Thanks, Steve
Asked by: Stephen
The Acratech Leveling Base, with 3/8" Tripod Thread - Supports 25 lb (11.4 kg), B&H #ACLB, listed above has a 3/8"-16 male thread on the top of the leveling base. If you need the option that uses the 1/4"-20 male thread, you may instead purchase the Acratech Leveling Base for Tripods with 1/4"-20 Thread Head Mount, B&H # ACLBS, for your usage needs.
Answered by: Manzell L
Date published: 2021-01-18

What bag would you recommend storing this base ...

What bag would you recommend storing this base in? Thanks
Asked by: Gary
A Zing Designs SPB1 Small Drawstring Pouch (Black/Blue), BH # ZIPSBL would be suitable to store the Acratech Leveling Base.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2022-12-08
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