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clairelou's Avatar
clairelou
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29-09-08, 10:15 PM
#1

are spirit levels any good?

im getting really cheesed off with my tripod now

twice last week i have taken my lightweight tripod (with no level) to try out my filters and all my pictures seems to be lopsided !! Aaaaaaargh !!!plus im fed up of cropping them on photoshop lol

but i do fine when im holding by hand lol

anyway i was thinking of get them hotshoe spirit level or am i better off buying a new tripod head with spirit levels ?...but mind it very lightweight
Kit 1
nikon D80
nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-s IF-ED
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nikon F55
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Bazza
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30-09-08, 01:42 AM
#2

Re: are spirit levels any good?

You don't say if you put the camera straight onto the tripod or not, but I suspect not. What I have is the Manfrotto 322RC2 pistol grip tripod head which incorporates a spirit level and a quick release mechanism, but you would need the release plate for your camera as well. This together with the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod which also has a spirit level is a deadly combination but no lightweight. However the legs can be spread out and the centre arm very easily put in the parrallel position, so that the camera can get right down to ground level. this combination is rock solid however the rig is set.

Also own a Velbon CX 300 which is very light weight but find it isn't stable enough in comparison, so generally use that for the flashgun when being used remotely.

there are spirit level cubes on ebay which might be your solution.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/__camer...idZm38Q2el1313

Bazza


     
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30-09-08, 02:26 AM
#3

Re: are spirit levels any good?

I'm not a big fan of spirit levels on tripods.

Firstly - a tripod is 'vertical' - by that I mean a wee bubble set across an inch or so isn't really ideal. Perhaps thats the surveyor in me talking.

Secondly - what 'is' level' often doesn't appear level in the frame. I always think it's best to level the lower edge of your camera viewfinder against what you want to be your horizontal line and then set your shot.
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30-09-08, 07:04 AM
#4

Re: are spirit levels any good?

Quote:
Originally Posted by clairelou View Post
im getting really cheesed off with my tripod now

twice last week i have taken my lightweight tripod (with no level) to try out my filters and all my pictures seems to be lopsided !! Aaaaaaargh !!!plus im fed up of cropping them on photoshop lol

but i do fine when im holding by hand lol

anyway i was thinking of get them hotshoe spirit level or am i better off buying a new tripod head with spirit levels ?...but mind it very lightweight
They work ok but it's still down to siting the camera in the right position, getting the tripod and the land just right etc. Have you switched on the grid in the D80 viewfinder?
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clairelou
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30-09-08, 09:09 AM
#5

Re: are spirit levels any good?

hi bazza ,
mine is very much like your velbon and i also have a heavy study tripod benbo trekker with a level which is really good but it is way too heavy for me when i go off walking then my back is in agony next day lol im a weakling
im not sure how old is my benbo is as it was given to me so i wonder if they make them a little lighter now ?
plus thanks for the link

thanks phil !
that a good tip and hopefully works for me , lol i may sound daft but do you mean the screen on the camera or the eye veiw ? usually i use the eye veiw (dont use the screen) but when it really sunny i find it hard to see thro lol

BC !
i never thought about the grid !
will have to check it out !
yah found it !

thanks guys for your helpful tips !
Kit 1
nikon D80
nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-s IF-ED
50mm nifty fifty
Kit 2
nikon F55
AF nikon 28-80mm F/3.3-5.6
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View my profile to see my other kit!
My Compact/P&S: Canon PowerShot A590IS


     
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30-09-08, 12:37 PM
#6

Re: are spirit levels any good?

When I was shooting my waterfall photos yesterday I was using my new trusty P&S Nikon S550. It's credit card sized and very thin. You can hand hold it for photos but are better off on a tripod. Folks surrounding me paid careful attention as they noticed me using the end of posts, rails, walls, benches and any solid surface available. Some asked me why I did this. Simple, stability. I edit every single photo I take with Photoshop Elements. Straightening out a photo shot on the end of a pole is easier than dealing with blur caused by an unstable hand held shot.
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