Level any tripod in seconds

If you’ve used a tripod in the field, you’ll know that the chances of finding a perfectly level surface is next to zero, even on city streets that look perfectly level to the naked eye. This can be an issue if you need a perfect level for your shot (for example shooting video or capturing a panorama) which means you need to level the tripod by adjusting the leg lengths which can be fiddly and time consuming.

To get around this, you can choose a tripod with a levelling system like the Alta Pro 3VL (with a built in levelling system) or the Alta Pro 3VRL (with a removable levelling system), or using a dual axis ball head where you can level using the ball head and pan using the top axis like on the VEO 3+ 303CBS tripods (with multi-angle central column) or the incredibly portable ***VEO 5X Series (with no central column).

That said, many of us already own a perfectly good tripod, whether it’s a travel tripod or a full sized tripod, and it’s difficult to justify investing in a new tripod to solve the issue. Even a new dual axis ball head like the ***LB-S Series can be costly, and a ball head is not ideal for every style, especially for videography.

To get around this, Vanguard is introducing the LVL Universal Tripod Levelling System which includes five models that can be fitted to any tripod, in a range of sizes to best match you tripod/head combination. Simply match the best fit by measuring the top plate of your tripod and matching it to the most suitable Vanguard levelling adaptor.

These levelling adaptors have a 3/8” thread and come supplied with a 1/4” adaptor that allows them to be fitted to any tripod from any brand.

On the top is a 1/4” thread which allows you to fit any tripod head. Smaller heads will fit on directly and you simply use the 3/8” to 1/4” adaptor supplied with any larger tripod head (or they are available form Vanguard if you need a replacement).

To secure the tripod head to the level are three locking screws. Simply screw on your chosen head then tighten these using the 2.5mm hex key provided to ensure the head doesn’t come loose by accident.
Once fitted, this allows you to rotate the levelling base by 360° and adjust the tilt by ±15° (or ±13° on the smallest LVL-42). This means that you can level any tripod in seconds on the roughest terrain.

These levelling adaptors are manufactured from solid blocks of high quality aluminium to maximises the life of the level, and CNC machined to the tightest tolerance possible to ensure a superbly smooth movement. Despite this quality, they will add little weight to your tripod, with the smallest coming in at just 115g.

So if you’re looking to save time levelling your tropod in the field, but you don’t want to invest in a new tripod, then check out the LVL Universal Tripod Levelling System from Vanguard.