Keep it Level

Overlapping images for single-row panoramas are typically shot from left to right in a single row, keeping the camera perfectly level while panning. Keeping the camera level helps maintain alignment of vertical and horizontal objects during stitching. For ballhead users, that means leveling in two places: the tripod legs and the clamp. When you level the tripod legs, you're ensuring that the built-in panning base of your ballhead remains level throughout the pan. And when you then level out your quick-release clamp, you ensure that your camera remains parallel to the panning axis throughout the pan.

Nikon D200 with 50mm/f1.4 lens. Camera fitted with BMBD200-L plate; mounted on MPR-CL nodal slide & PCL-1 panning clamp. Note how nodal slide has been used to shift camera backwards so that optical center of lens can sit atop the axis of rotation (in this case, the center of the panning clamp).

The Easiest Solution: our PCL-1 Panning Clamp

Instead of fussing with your tripod legs, simplify your life and buy our (patent pending) PCL-1, our Arca-Swiss style clamp with spirit level + precision panning base. With this clamp mounted on your ballhead, the leveling process becomes a quick 10 second task. Just loosen the ball and adjust the clamp until its spirit level indicates the clamp is level; lock the ball into position. No need for bulky leveling bases or panorama-specific heads. Leveling is now quick and painless.

Our PCL-1 panning clamp can be installed on any ballhead. Spin it on any industry standard ¼"-20 or 3/8"-16 threaded stud ( ¼"-20 stud requires a bushing). Or if your head has a female threaded socket, install the PCL-1 with a 1-inch long cap-head screw (included). Of course, the PCL-1 works great with any Really Right Stuff ballhead! At right is our BH-55 ballhead with the PCL-1 panning clamp installed.

Mount your PCL-1 Part-Time

If you already own a Really Right Stuff-style clamp, then you can mount your PCL-1 panning clamp part-time by adding our small PCL-DVTL dovetail. This slim, custom mount allows you to drop the PCL-1into your existing clamp for only those times when you want to shoot panos. Very convenient! And when you're done shooting, just slip the panning clamp back into its custom neoprene pouch and drop it in your camera bag.

Alternate Ways to Level Your Legs

If you can't use our PCL-1 panning clamp on your ballhead, choose one of the options below:

Gitzo Leveling Base: If you use a Systematic series tripod (GT3530S, GT3530LSV) from Gitzo, consider the robust GS5120LVL leveling base. Loosen the pinch bolt that holds the platform tight, pop out the platform, and insert the leveling base. The base offers high performance and 15° tilt around a large half ball. The Gitzo GS5120LVL is available from Really Right Stuff; see eCommerce pages for current pricing.

Manfrotto Leveling Center Column: The Manfrotto 555B leveling center column (aluminum) can replace the stock center column in Gitzo Series 2 Mountaineer tripods (GT2530, GT2540). This center column provides 15° of leveling and does not significantly add to the weight of your tripod since it replaces the stock column. Note that this center column does not have a hook at the bottom. The Manfrotto 555B is available from Really Right Stuff; see eCommerce pages for current pricing.

RRS-337: This handy dual-axis acrylic spirit level mounts effortlessly into any standard hot shoe. Its dual axis delivers far more leveling precision than any single axis spirit level. Add one to your bag.

clamps	plates	ballheads	flash	panos	tripods	macro	CRD
• Contact Really Right Stuff •      • Shop Online •      • Download our Catalog •