What is a bowl adapter for tripod

Discussion

5 replies

Posted by Paula Dittrick on February 13, 2010 at 10:52 AM

Hello everybody,

I have been watching the tripod discussions with interest as I am ready to buy a lightweight tripod. Found one online that I am considering, a Gitzo 3531 LSV. The model comes with a bowl adapter, and I am clueless as to what that means.

I have a Nikon D300 with a 300 f4 and 1.7 teleconverter as well as a 80-200 Nikon f2.8. (heaviest lens)

Thanks
Paula Dittrick
Houston

Posted by Buck Ward on February 13, 2010 at 4:26 PM

I think the V in LSV stands for video and the bowl adapter is for a video camera. I'm not really sure how it's used, but it's my understanding the the LSV type tripods are suitable for use with a still camera. I'm not an authority on this. You may be able to find out more on Gitzo's website.

Posted by Dan Borzynski on February 13, 2010 at 6:49 PM

Isn't it used for breakfast cereal while you are waiting for the sun to rise?

Actually, I think Buck answer is right, but I've never seen one used in real life so I am not real sure either.

Posted by Duane Burleson on February 14, 2010 at 1:05 AM

A bowl adapter would allow you to mount your tripod head on the bowl/ adapter. It consists of a "bowl" and a 1/2 ball (that sits in the bowl) that has a platform to mount a tripod head on. You can set up the tripod, loosen the bowl and level it without having to level the tripod using the three legs. It is quick to set up and level, especially when you are all set up and then have to move a few feet on unlevel ground. You can relevel in just seconds. Videographers have used them for years but they also work great for still shooters. The Manfrotto model I use I mount a Wimberly Sidekick on. It is similar to this one - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/504855-REG/Manfrotto_745XB_745XB_MDeVe_Aluminum_Video.html - the bowl is the red part, you just loosen the center post, level the head, tighten and shoot.

Duane

Posted by Paula Dittrick on February 14, 2010 at 8:46 AM

Thanks for the answers, all good information with some fun. That's great.
Regards
Paula

Posted by Catherine Reilly on February 16, 2010 at 2:32 AM

Yeah, I could use a bowl for that pre-sunrise cereal! Hey, great information! One thing I really get disgusted with is fiddling with equipment; seems I'm fiddling while everyone else is shooting… So any useful gadget that eliminates fussing and fiddling sounds good to me. Thanks for the posting the question and for the info.