How important is a built in level on a tri-pod?

Josh66 · May 11, 2011

I use the level on my tripod a lot. Well, more the level on the head (my legs and head each have one). If I could only have one, I would go with the level in the head over the legs.

I wouldn't say that it's critical, but it certainly helps.

If your tripod doesn't have one, I would just get one of those levels that go in the hot-shoe and just keep that in your bag for when you might need it. They cost like $5.

Ron Evers · May 11, 2011

The only time I am concerned about level is when shooting panoramas. Otherwise I use the grid lines in my viewfinder or LCD.

Netskimmer · May 11, 2011

I found them, there are two but they look like little white buttons. One is on the base and one is on the legs. I was looking for bar levels like the ones one Ron's setup above.

That's a heck of a setup there Ron can that rig link up with the Hubble?

Not sure if my D5100 has the option to show grid lines, I will have to look when I get home. I am at work at the moment.