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I ordered this leveling base for mounting on an old series 2 Gitzo tripod (modified with Markins platform that replaces the original central column of the tripod) and a third-party gimbal head for large telephoto lenses. In the field, gimbal heads should be accurately leveled before starting a session. This will avoid the camera/lens from tilting sideways while panning. If the amount of tripod tilt is substantial, a long and heavy lens like my 600 mm may even topple the tripod when swung. While large video tripods typically have a built-in levelling system, most medium-small camera tripods do not. In this case, a leveling base can be added between tripod and head. This accessory should: - allow a tilt in any direction up to about 15 degrees - provide a locking mechanisms that does not require excessive force to lock, but prevents tilt changes when locked (even under heavy load) - add as little as possible height to the tripod and head (tripods with built-in leveler are superior in this respect) - have an accurate built-in bubble level to verify when its top platform is truly horizontal. There are two types of levelers. One uses three micrometric screws. I hate this type, because it is fiddly, slow to operate, and requires multiple tries to level accurately. The second type has a section of a sphere sliding within a matching "cup", much like a partially cut-off ballhead. This is the type I like, because it requires just a single adjustment to level. A separate mechanism for horizontal panning is not a requirement for a leveler. Most levelers, including the Sunwayfoto one, do allow a rough panning when unlocked. This is useful to turn the top platform so that its bubble level is easily viewed, but is not meant to be used for camera panning. A separate panning mechanism below the leveler is a waste of money (because panning at this point destroys the leveling). A panning mechanism above the leveler would work, but it does add to the height of the leveler, and most heads do provide horizontal panning anyway. This Sunwayfoto leveler provides all the characteristics I summarized above, and does its job without fuss on a small to medium sized tripod. It is a little tiny on a large tripod like a Gitzo series 5, so a larger leveler should be used in this case. Build quality of the Sunwayfoto seems to be slightly better than cheaper no-name ones. I also have a Neewer leveler, and so far the two work pretty much the same way. The Sunwayfoto one, however, provides a better grip for my hand when adjusting the top platform. This leveler is a little heavy compared with top-of-the line ones, but the total weight difference together with tripod, gimbal head and lens is not significant. This leveler can also be used for leveling the tripod in panorama composite shooting, but I have never used it for this purpose.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Good
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Product was as described and good quality
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned