In this article we compare ball head tripod heads with leveling bases in their effectiveness supporting a spotting scope for bird watching.
Both ball-head and leveling base tripod heads have their own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. We will discuss these in detail.
The ultimate aim is to provide bird watchers with a comprehensive comparison of the two types of tripod heads, in order to make an informed decision on which type is best suited for your needs.
Ball head basics
A ball-head tripod head is a type of tripod head that uses a ball and socket joint. This mechanism provides 360-degree rotation and adjustability.
Leveling base basics
A leveling base, on the other hand, is a type of tripod head that is designed to quickly and accurately level a tripod. This device can be used in addition to your tripod head.
Sitting on top of the tripod legs, the leveling base receives whatever tripod head you want to attach on top, be it ball head, panorama head or video head. The function of a leveling base is to level the tripod head to make your spotting scope perfectly level.
Ball head vs leveling base: Key takeaways
- The article compares the two types of tripod heads for bird watching: ball head and leveling base.
- A ball head provides quick and easy adjustments, has a wide range of movement, is cost effective, and lightweight.
- However, it can be challenging to achieve perfect alignment and stability during digiscoping. A leveling base offers quick and easy level adjustments, improved stability for panning, but adds weight and cost to the setup.
- The decision between the two depends on the individual’s specific needs and preferences.
The Benefits of using a Ball Head Tripod Head
Quick and Easy Adjustments
Ball heads allow for quick and simple adjustments, making it easy to change the angle and position of the spotting scope. This allows for greater speed and convenience when trying to follow birds or other targets.
Flexibility
Ball heads also provide greater range of 360 degree movement. They allow for a wide range of angles and positions, making it easier to angle the spotting scope exactly how you would like.
Cost Effectiveness
Ball heads are typically more cost effective than leveling bases. The leveling base is an additional cost to a tripod head rather than something that replaces it.
So ball heads would be better for those on a budget.
Lightweight and Portable
In addition to being cost effective, ball heads are also lightweight and portable, making them a great option for bird watchers who need to carry their equipment with them.
Drawbacks of using a ball head tripod head
Difficulty in achieving perfect alignment
While a ball head tripod head is great for quick and easy adjustments, it can be challenging to achieve a perfectly level alignment.
This is because ball head tripods rely on the user to make precise adjustments, either to the tripod legs or to the head itself. Doing this can be time-consuming and repetitive.
Limitation in panning
For smooth panning across the horizontal plane, a ball head tripod head may not be ideal. While ball heads can be locked into place, it may still be difficult to maintain stability while achieving perfectly level images.
Challenges in maintaining stability during digiscoping
A ball head tripod head may also present challenges if using the spotting scope for digiscoping. This can happen particularly during long exposures when a ball head may not be as stable as a leveling base.
Such situations can result in blurry images, especially when using a heavier spotting scope or binoculars.
Benefits of using a leveling base in addition to a tripod head
Quick and easy level adjustments
A leveling base allows you to quickly and easily adjust the level of your spotting scope. This makes it much easier to achieve level views.
It reduces the time and effort required to get the tripod legs into a position where the tripod head is perfectly aligned, though stability is always a key consideration.
Improved stability for panning the horizon
With a leveling base, you can be more sure that your tripod is precisely level. This is especially important for panning.
In this case, you want to see the same level of view across the whole range, rather than the scope moving increasingly upwards or downwards as you pan.
Ball head vs leveling base: final thoughts
When considering whether you need a leveling base or if a ball head tripod head would be sufficient for bird watching with a spotting scope, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Ball heads offer quick and easy adjustments, as well as flexibility in their wide range of movement. Most ball heads have a lightweight design that is more portable than any other sort of tripod head.
A ball head tripod head also has the advantage in terms of cost effectiveness. Since it can be used mounted directly onto tripod legs it costs less than a leveling base, as that still requires a tripod head on top.
For most birders, using a spotting scope mounted on a tripod or monopod, a ball head by itself would be good enough, without the need for a leveling base.
What a leveling base does well
On the other hand, leveling bases allow quick and easy adjustments when setting up the tripod, especially on sloping ground. They can make it easier to set up a level platform when you are using a different type of tripod head to a ball head.
The use of a leveling base offers improved alignment for panning. This in turn can increase accuracy in tracking bird movements when sea watching, for example.
The downside of including a leveling base in your birding kit is that it adds weight. Using this in addition to your tripod head makes your tripod set-up more cumbersome and heavier.
As the leveling base adds cost as well as weight, it’s a careful consideration as to whether it really is worth it for general birding.
The decision between a ball head and a leveling base will depend on your particular bird watching needs. For those who prioritize portability and ease of use, a ball head may be the better option.