A Different Tripod Question!!

russellsnr

russellsnr

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Russell
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Hi, I already have two carbon tripods but they do not have the centre colum that you can move slightly to get the head straight when useing a pano setup, saves juggling the legs around.
Looking for a cheap option but with the option to move that centre column also does not need to be carbon.
Any recommendations please?
Thanks
Russ

 
Hi Russ sounds like you need a levelling base such as a Manfrotto 338 which fits between your tripod and the tripod head allowing you to get the top of the tripod level without messing about to much with the legs
probably cheaper than a third tripod.

Bob
 
Agree with Bob. A center column doesn't allow "leveling." Because you are wanting to use it for Pano work, a good/cheap solution is to mount a ball head upside down (if you have one). The "ball" portion then acts as a leveling base, and the camera attaches to the panning base.

Depending on the ball head there are several ways of attaching it. Often the stud can be removed from the tripod and the ball head screwed right in (with 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 bushing). If the head has a clamp they can often be removed and an adaptor stud used (probably custom made). Or a QR plate can be mounted onto the tripod and the head clamped to that.

To mount the camera you can attach a clamp to the bottom of the head, or you can use an adaptor stud (maybe the one from the tripod) or stud and bushing.
 
old bloke said:
Hi Russ sounds like you need a levelling base such as a Manfrotto 338 which fits between your tripod and the tripod head allowing you to get the top of the tripod level without messing about to much with the legs
probably cheaper than a third tripod.

Bob
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Hi, Thanks for your reply. Just bought a used Manfrotto 303 head and it has the 338 with it. Not got round to checking out how it works yet but did assume that a centre column would be (1) faster option (2) easier to use. As the unit was a used one did not come with a user guide. I actually thought I was getting a Manfrotto 303Plus but when it came supprise!! it was the 303SPH with the plate also. Managed to find a user guide for the head but the plate no joy so will need to have a little play.
Thanks for the advice. Russ
 
Echo Bob and Steven, you certainly don't need a tripod with a levelling centre-column. Levelling bases are available from any number of manufacturers, here's one for £33 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product...mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE (but used between the tripod and the head, not as illustrated without the head!).

The easiest method of all is to use a head with a panning top platform. Plenty of those around eg http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUNWAYFOT...-Sunway-NEW-/251025955515?hash=item3a72501abb and that's a very nice head too, or you can usually add one to your existing head - have a look around that CameraGearUK site.
 
sk66 said:
For the 303, a leveling base is the way to go... you're all set w/ the 338. You still have to get the legs level w/in 5* (the range of the 338).
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Gonna hold my hands up here 'I didn't no that was what I had in the 338' first time with this, a virgin again at 60+:woot:
 
It's not immediately obvious what these are for if you are not familiar with them, I had one a while back when I was into pano's sold it as I no longer used it but thinking about getting another to use with a gimbal head and long lens.
 
old bloke said:
It's not immediately obvious what these are for if you are not familiar with them, I had one a while back when I was into pano's sold it as I no longer used it but thinking about getting another to use with a gimbal head and long lens.
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If your tripod has the ability to use a leveling (claw) base, that will be a better choice for use with heavy setups. They usually have more range as well.
 
sk66 said:
If your tripod has the ability to use a leveling (claw) base, that will be a better choice for use with heavy setups. They usually have more range as well.
Click to expand...
Thanks Steven my tripod doesn't have that ability but the Acratech levelling base for example can carry 11.4 kgs which would be enough for my setup, still researching may decide not to bother I'll make up my mind
sooner or later ( probably later).
 
A little off topic additional question. Can you change the camera bracket holder on the 303SPH for an L bracket that will take the Arca Swiss type of fitting as I have an L bracket on my camera? Thanks
Russ
 
old bloke said:
Thanks Steven my tripod doesn't have that ability but the Acratech levelling base for example can carry 11.4 kgs which would be enough for my setup, still researching may decide not to bother I'll make up my mind
sooner or later ( probably later).
Click to expand...
I wouldn't bother (I've tried it). The things you tend to photograph with a long lens on a gimbal are seldom close enough to prevent leveling in post, and even if they are there isn't much in nature that is "level/straight" to begin with. IMHO, it is very seldom a critical consideration with that type of work.
 
russellsnr said:
A little off topic additional question. Can you change the camera bracket holder on the 303SPH for an L bracket that will take the Arca Swiss type of fitting as I have an L bracket on my camera? Thanks
Russ
Click to expand...
No. But you can buy an Arca Swiss clamp to attach in between (i.e. you attach it to the 303/Manfrotto plate instead of the camera). Usually requires a 3/8-16 to 1/4-20 bushing, but some clamps have 1/4-20 threads and some Manfrotto heads have 3/8-16 screw options (not entirely certain about the 303SPH but I don't think so).
 
sk66 said:
I have an Arca Swiss Z1 DP that I never use...
But it is such a nice head that I'm hesitant to unload it.
Click to expand...

Wonderful thing it is too, the King of Ballheads. Though TBH, I prefer my Queen - the amazing Arca-Swiss P0 (and perfect for panoramas, too :))
 
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