Video Chat with a Photography Expert - Live

Kirk TLB-1 Leveling Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Stud

BH #KITLB1 • MFR #TLB-1
Print
Kirk TLB-1 Leveling Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Stud
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 25 lb
  • Adjustment Range of +/-32°
  • Black & Silver Anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum
  • Locking Wing Nut on Leveler
The black and silver satin anodized aluminum and steel TLB-1 Leveling Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Stud from Kirk Enterprises attaches to a tripod via its 3/8"-16 mounting socket. This leveling base has an adjustment range of 32°, which is +/-17° in any direction. You can lock the position into place with the over-sized locking wing nut, and the leveler is capable of supporting a load capacity of 25 lb. This leveler provides a 3/8"-16 mounting stud, allowing a compatible tripod head to be used for your photographic application.
More Details

Kirk TLB-1 Overview

The black and silver satin anodized aluminum and steel TLB-1 Leveling Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Stud from Kirk Enterprises attaches to a tripod via its 3/8"-16 mounting socket. This leveling base has an adjustment range of 32°, which is +/-17° in any direction. You can lock the position into place with the over-sized locking wing nut, and the leveler is capable of supporting a load capacity of 25 lb. This leveler provides a 3/8"-16 mounting stud, allowing a compatible tripod head to be used for your photographic application.

Kirk TLB-1 Specs

Load Capacity
25 lb / 11.3 kg
Adjustment Range
Leveling Base: 17° (32° Overall)
Tripod Mounting Thread
3/8"-16
Finish
Black and Satin Silver Anodized
Bubble Level
Yes
Material of Construction
6061-T6 Aluminum and Stainless Steel
Base Diameter
2.9" / 7.4 cm
Height
2.8" / 7.1 cm
Weight
12.3 oz / 348.7 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.1 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
6.65 x 5.45 x 4.6"

Kirk TLB-1 Reviews

EXCELLENT!!!

By T. Anthony
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-28

I purchased this leveler to use with my Robus tripod and Acratech pan & tilt head and immediately loved it. The ball is solid and smooth. The wings are likewise smooth and easily lock. I was kind of concerned at first I was going to have to turn the wing lock a lot before it tightened but it wasn’t the case at all. Maybe a half or a quarter turn. I also wondered if 15-degrees of tilt was going to be enough for landscape photography and I absolutely fell in love with this setup. The 15-degrees tilt is more than sufficient. As said by others, the building quality is exceptional and it is clear Kirk takes pride in their products - this leveler is going to last for years. A little spendy compared to others but worth every single nickel.

Wonderful addition to my tripod!

By Paul
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-28

Like many photographers, I did the due diligence research into the myriad of leveling base units available in the marketplace. Some are relatively inexpensive and of questionable build quality while others have pricing that reaches the stratosphere with what appears to be very high quality construction. After reducing the shortlist to a few contenders, my purchase decision was driven by four critically important operational questions. First off, was the leveling base a good physical size match for both the base of my existing Kirk BH-1 ball head and the top diameter of my Manfrotto 055 tripod. Secondly, how convenient was it to maneuver and lock the leveling head in place. Third, could I see the leveling head spirit level once I installed the ball head. And finally, was there a mechanism - other than brute force that would allow me to secure the leveling head to the top of my tripod. Here are the answers that apply in my situation: 1. The Kirk TLB-1 is a perfect size match for my existing Kirk BH-1 ball head. They're even color / finish coordinated. 2. The large locking collar on the TLB-1 makes leveling in place so easy! 3. Yes -- given the ball head and the leveling base are from the same high quality manufacturer, the spirit level can be easily seen as it protrudes from under the ball head. 4. Finally -- the Kirk TLB-1 comes with a 1/4- 20 cone screw that secures the leveling base to the top of my tripod. While this is a small point. I think it's really important that in addition to using a small amount of Loctite on the threads, you now have a mechanical device to assist with keeping all components securely in place. Without question -- I'm a pleased with my purchase!! I think the Kirk TLB-1 leveling head is a product worthy of your consideration because while you can buy a cheaper product, I wonder if you'll be happy and end up wishing you'd spent a little more for a higher quality product.

See any errors on this page?

Are the four holes in the top plate suitable for ...

Are the four holes in the top plate suitable for grub screws or some other item to hold the tripod head in place (to keep it from rotating)?
Asked by: John
I have not had a problem with mine when installed according to furnished instructions.
Answered by: STEPHEN
Date published: 2020-07-26

Is this leveling base compatible with the ...

Is this leveling base compatible with the Manfrotto 608 Fluid head?
Asked by: Brad
If the Manfrotto has a 3/8-16 tripod thread for mounting, it will. That is the common standard.
Answered by: Steve
Date published: 2021-02-03

What is the top threaded connection where the ...

What is the top threaded connection where the head or camera would be attached?
Asked by: John
3/8-16 It is meant to install a tripod head on it
Answered by: Dumitru
Date published: 2020-02-22

Is this compatible with the Sirui W-2204 tripod, ...

Is this compatible with the Sirui W-2204 tripod, and the Manfrotto MVH500AH?
Asked by: Manuel
No really, Kirk TLB-1 Leveling Base works fine with Manfrotto MVH500AH, but you probably will have a problem with he Sirui W-2204 tripod. The size of the base (the place where you will screw leveling base) of tripod is too small to won't prevent to unscrew TLB-1 when you will try "lock" leveling base.
Answered by: Dmytro
Date published: 2020-12-14

Is this compatible with the Sirui W-2204 tripod, ...

Is this compatible with the Sirui W-2204 tripod, and Manfrotto MVH500AH video fluid head?
Asked by: Manuel
While the Manfrotto MVH500AH head can fit on the top of the Kirk TLB-1, the base would be too wide to sit flush with the base on the Sirui W-2204.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2020-12-16

Will the base of the Kirk TLB-1 be too large for ...

Will the base of the Kirk TLB-1 be too large for the apex on my Lefoto LS-364C? The apex diameter is quoted at 60 mm, but this includes the protrusions over the leg locks: the circular diameter on which the head or leveling base would sit is closer to 55mm. My concern is that the Kirk TLB-1 will interfere with the leg locks on my tripod, when the legs are adjusted to be horizontal. I'll be using the Manfrotto MVH500AH fluid head - so, Kirk Industries recommended the TLB-1 vs the TLB-2. However, if the base of the TLB-1 will be too large for my LS-364C, I guess I'll have to look more closely at one of the Acratech leveling bases...
Asked by: Matthew
The Kirk TLB-1 will fit on your tripod, but for your specific question, you would need to try it.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2022-01-04
  • y_2026, m_9, d_4, h_7CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.48
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_6
  • loc_en_US, sid_1459636, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo
Whatever You Need, We've Got It