manfrotto 438 Archives

There's a dozen or more things you'll often consider when purchasing a Tripod. Weight, Folding Size, Overall Height, Payload, Flip-Locks vs Twist Locks, Aluminum vs Carbon Fiber, etc. etc. In this article we're just going to point out quick differences between a Flat Base vs Bowl Mount and how you might be able to get the best of both worlds using a Manfrotto Tripod Leveling Base.

If you're shopping for a Tripod, want having the ability to adjust height with a center column, but want the ease of leveling with a Half Ball, then check out the Manfrotto 755 which is available in Carbon Fiber or Aluminum (found here).

manfrotto 755 with Fluid Head
Manfrotto 755CX 755XB Half Ball Tripods

If you already have a tripod in mind, you can add a Leveling Base. There's a number of different types out there, but over the years, I still think the Manfrotto 438 is the more robust one available. But if you're working with a smaller tripod, smaller camera, then the smaller leveling bases would be a better fit (seen here).

camera tripod half ball leveling mafrotto 438 leveling base
Half Ball Tripod Leveling Bases

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Shooting on a tripod is the most stable shot you can perform, but moving that Tripod from one place to the next and leveling it out can be tedious depending on the system you're using. Not many people are even aware this adapter exists, so here's the post. You've got that fancy tripod with a long neck to give you a bit of extra height but it comes 'without' a Ball head. Getting that thing lined up to the horizon is a task, especially if you've already got a ton of weight mounted on the fluid head. Instead of locking, unlocking, lowering, and raising each leg to get a perfect level, you can try the Manfrotto 438. It's a hefty fee (very hefty), but for those who feel the pain, the Manfrotto 438 Ball Level adapter sits in between the video tripod and the standard 3/8" threaded fluid head. This little gizmo will give you more flexibility in that final leveling adjustment. It's also a perfect solution for those DIY's that lack any type of leveling adjustments from DIY cranes, to DIY sliders, and compact skate dollies.

ball-level-manfrotto
Manfrotto 438 Compact Ball Level Adapter