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Leveling tripod for panoramas

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dual

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Hi

Any tips for leveling tripod for panoramas? I'm using Sirui T-025X tripod at the moment with 5D MK3 since I travel and like to keep my gear weight low. No matter how long I try to adjust the tripod legs on uneven ground there's always one spot where the camera makes a "hill" movement and the horizon is uneven. It's either at the beginning, middle or end of the panorama movement. It always takes way too much time to try to set the tripod level. Any tips or parts I could buy to make the leveling easier?
 
Does your tripod or head has a level? I can also think of using a hot shoe level as the cheapest, effective solution.

I use the following ball head and hot shoe level:

0848bd391df948aab90cc8076efdd401.jpg

8d57e27a48da486a8801c5608c83f86c.jpg

--
Albert
 
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No it doesn't. I should add that I shoot panoramas usually in portrait mode to get more vertical image. So I think adding level would not work?
 
How about if I buy water lever for the tripod/camera, L bracket for the camera and then just level the tripod using my current head and the new water lever and rotate my camera in portrait mode on top of the tripod head using the new L bracket?

Now I've just tilted the tripod head sideways. With the camera on top of the tripod it would help to get better alignment for the panorama too.
 
I find you need two levels to do the job. I use a leveling plate under the tripod head to adjust the tripod legs, and then adjust the tripod head using a level on the tripod head. I find this level plate under the tripod head works great.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/882986-REG/Sunwayfoto_LP_76_Leveling_Plate.html

I always shoot panoramas with the camera in the vertical position. I have an L bracket on my camera and a quick disconnect on the tripod head. I also have an indexer on the head that allows me to set the number of degrees of rotation for each shot.
 
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https://www.amazon.com/SunwayFoto-D...8&qid=1499175735&sr=1-7&keywords=panning+base

With this, you don't need to level the tripod at all. Replace the head's clamp with a panoramic clamp. Level the clamp by adjusting the head, fix the ball, and then rotate the pano base.

I am almost sure that Canon has a built-in onscreen level - I don't have a Canon now, but all my other cameras (Sony, Panasonic, Olympus) have it.

Also, how do you like Sirui T-025 with a relatively large DSLR like yours?

I tried T-024X (a slightly larger version), and found it too flimsy for Sony A7 series, but OK for Micro 4/3.
 
Last edited:
dual said:
How about if I buy water lever for the tripod/camera, L bracket for the camera and then just level the tripod using my current head and the new water lever and rotate my camera in portrait mode on top of the tripod head using the new L bracket?

Now I've just tilted the tripod head sideways. With the camera on top of the tripod it would help to get better alignment for the panorama too.
Click to expand...
Using a tripod for portrait mode without an L bracket is just punishing yourself. You'll be much better off, even when you're not shooting panos.

I just bought a new camera and the first thing I bought was an L bracket.
 
ZodiacPhoto said:
https://www.amazon.com/SunwayFoto-D...8&qid=1499175735&sr=1-7&keywords=panning+base

With this, you don't need to level the tripod at all. Replace the head's clamp with a panoramic clamp. Level the clamp by adjusting the head, fix the ball, and then rotate the pano base.

I am almost sure that Canon has a built-in onscreen level - I don't have a Canon now, but all my other cameras (Sony, Panasonic, Olympus) have it.

Also, how do you like Sirui T-025 with a relatively large DSLR like yours?

I tried T-024X (a slightly larger version), and found it too flimsy for Sony A7 series, but OK for Micro 4/3.
Click to expand...
English is not my native language so need confirmation if I understood it right: I would attach that Sunway panning base on top of my Sirui ball head and then level the panning base using the Sirui ball head?

It works fine with my 5D. I haven't used it in super windy conditions or astro photos (long exposures) yet and I usually never pull open the thinnest legs. I use 2 second timer and no problems with shakyness yet.
 
dual said:
ZodiacPhoto said:
https://www.amazon.com/SunwayFoto-D...8&qid=1499175735&sr=1-7&keywords=panning+base

With this, you don't need to level the tripod at all. Replace the head's clamp with a panoramic clamp. Level the clamp by adjusting the head, fix the ball, and then rotate the pano base.

I am almost sure that Canon has a built-in onscreen level - I don't have a Canon now, but all my other cameras (Sony, Panasonic, Olympus) have it.

Also, how do you like Sirui T-025 with a relatively large DSLR like yours?

I tried T-024X (a slightly larger version), and found it too flimsy for Sony A7 series, but OK for Micro 4/3.
Click to expand...
English is not my native language so need confirmation if I understood it right: I would attach that Sunway panning base on top of my Sirui ball head and then level the panning base using the Sirui ball head?
Click to expand...
English is my 3rd language, so that's try to figure something out together:

- Remove the clamp head from your Sirui head, and attach the pano base instead. Be prepared to fight with the screw - Sirui uses something similar to Locktite (thread locker). Alternatively, you can attach a dove tail to the bottom of the pano clamp, and mount it in the Sirui head's clamp.

- It does not matter if your tripod is leveled or not - just level the panning base using your Sirui head.

- Now your pano base will rotate perfectly horizontally

- Get an L-bracket for your camera. Spend a little bit extra for a dedicated bracket made to fit your camera perfectly, while allowing access to battery, memory card, etc.
 
ZodiacPhoto said:
dual said:
ZodiacPhoto said:
https://www.amazon.com/SunwayFoto-D...8&qid=1499175735&sr=1-7&keywords=panning+base

With this, you don't need to level the tripod at all. Replace the head's clamp with a panoramic clamp. Level the clamp by adjusting the head, fix the ball, and then rotate the pano base.

I am almost sure that Canon has a built-in onscreen level - I don't have a Canon now, but all my other cameras (Sony, Panasonic, Olympus) have it.

Also, how do you like Sirui T-025 with a relatively large DSLR like yours?

I tried T-024X (a slightly larger version), and found it too flimsy for Sony A7 series, but OK for Micro 4/3.
Click to expand...
English is not my native language so need confirmation if I understood it right: I would attach that Sunway panning base on top of my Sirui ball head and then level the panning base using the Sirui ball head?
Click to expand...
English is my 3rd language, so that's try to figure something out together:

- Remove the clamp head from your Sirui head, and attach the pano base instead. Be prepared to fight with the screw - Sirui uses something similar to Locktite (thread locker). Alternatively, you can attach a dove tail to the bottom of the pano clamp, and mount it in the Sirui head's clamp.

- It does not matter if your tripod is leveled or not - just level the panning base using your Sirui head.

- Now your pano base will rotate perfectly horizontally

- Get an L-bracket for your camera. Spend a little bit extra for a dedicated bracket made to fit your camera perfectly, while allowing access to battery, memory card, etc.
Click to expand...
Ok now I understood! Thank you! Seems like a good solution.

I preordered 6D MK2 and I'm going to vacation in 4 weeks. I don't think there will be dedicated brackets available for the new 6D before that so I have to get some non dedicated one instead. One battery last for a full day for me so not big problem if the battery door can't be opened.
 
Here's what is (was) my setup as described above... but don't forget to add a rail with mini-clamp!

Absolutely a recommended solution!

4cf1cd056f564629ad589c3fa4642b3a.jpg
 
Last edited:
dual said:
Hi

Any tips for leveling tripod for panoramas? I'm using Sirui T-025X tripod at the moment with 5D MK3 since I travel and like to keep my gear weight low. No matter how long I try to adjust the tripod legs on uneven ground there's always one spot where the camera makes a "hill" movement and the horizon is uneven. It's either at the beginning, middle or end of the panorama movement. It always takes way too much time to try to set the tripod level. Any tips or parts I could buy to make the leveling easier?
Click to expand...
I went with the Arca Swiss P0 Ballhead. it is a ballhead that doubles as a leveling head. it is fantastic. small, light, precise, and a joy to use.

I agree with others who said an L bracket is a must. You can get one at a pretty reasonable price, or pay extra for an RRS or Kirk. I can emphasize enough how much better thongs work with an L bracket

a nodal slide is also a cheap and valuable tool. I have one from Desmond, and it works great.
 
dual said:
How about if I buy water lever for the tripod/camera, L bracket for the camera and then just level the tripod using my current head and the new water lever and rotate my camera in portrait mode on top of the tripod head using the new L bracket?

Now I've just tilted the tripod head sideways. With the camera on top of the tripod it would help to get better alignment for the panorama too.
Click to expand...
What would be the difference from using a hot shoe level? It is also operated in 3D.

The level on the head I used is more for horizontal panning. When the camera would be set in portrait orientation, it comes to the use of the hot shoe level. Surefly the hot shoe would be occupied....
 
I'm not quite sure if want to use L bracket since it would be in my camera all the time and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like the handling of the camera with the L bracket. Is there a good way to do the same with normal small plate below my camera?
 
dual said:
I'm not quite sure if want to use L bracket since it would be in my camera all the time and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like the handling of the camera with the L bracket. Is there a good way to do the same with normal small plate below my camera?
Click to expand...
You would have to duplicate the geometry of the L bracket on your tripod head. There may be such brackets made; I don't recall one. But that's just another piece of kit to carry around.

I keep L brackets on my cameras all the time. They don't bother me at all for handheld shooting; they're barely noticeable on big ugly Nikon bodies.
 
dual said:
I'm not quite sure if want to use L bracket since it would be in my camera all the time....
Click to expand...
Why "all the time"?

It takes less than 10 seconds to remove it...
 
Leonard Migliore said:
dual said:
I'm not quite sure if want to use L bracket since it would be in my camera all the time and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like the handling of the camera with the L bracket. Is there a good way to do the same with normal small plate below my camera?
Click to expand...
You would have to duplicate the geometry of the L bracket on your tripod head. There may be such brackets made; I don't recall one. But that's just another piece of kit to carry around.

I keep L brackets on my cameras all the time. They don't bother me at all for handheld shooting; they're barely noticeable on big ugly Nikon bodies.
Click to expand...
 
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