need a leveling ball with a fluid head, or can i work without it?

[forgetcolor]

I've got a GH2 and need a video head for my tripod. I was looking at the Manfrotto 701HDV as the video head (my budget is small).

I have an old Bogen 3021 legset, and this would work with the 701HDV, but I wouldn't have any way to level it other than messing with the legs. Is the new head even worth it w/o a leveling mechanism?

If I do need to with a leveling mechanism, would the Manfrotto 755XB 50mm ball legset work? Any other suggestions for an inexpensive fluid head setup?

 

[Greg Smith]

A ball leveler is a terrific timesaver but not an absolute necessity. I have one tripod with a ball mount and one without, and I definitely prefer working with the one that has it ... but my second tripod (Manfrotto 3246 legs) gets plenty of use also and isn't all that difficult to set up.

You can get this to go in between your head and legs:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554093-REG/Manfrotto_438_438_Compact_Levelling_Head.html

I think it's actually similar to what is built in to the 755XB legs. The adjustment range isn't as great as with a full ball setup, but it would get you more than halfway there. I'm thinking of adding one to my 516/3246 rig.

- Greg

 

[Paul Hudson]

A ball leveler is a terrific timesaver but not an absolute necessity. I have one tripod with a ball mount and one without, and I definitely prefer working with the one that has it ... but my second tripod (Manfrotto 3246 legs) gets plenty of use also and isn't all that difficult to set up.

You can get this to go in between your head and legs:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554093-REG/Manfrotto_438_438_Compact_Levelling_Head.html

I think it's actually similar to what is built in to the 755XB legs. The adjustment range isn't as great as with a full ball setup, but it would get you more than halfway there. I'm thinking of adding one to my 516/3246 rig.

- Greg

Yes, very useful but not needed. I have used and loved Mithcell based heads and sticks for years. If you are using a really heavy camera it is the safest way to go.