On the Level Although I have a level on my tripod, it's useless when shooting on rugged terrain or irregular surfaces, I prefer using a ball head with this single bubble level mounted on my camera where I can see it. I slip it on and off the hot shoe when I need it. For the price, you can't beat it!
decent, but poorly thought out This level works very good for as much as it does. However, its design is very poorly thought out, and that limits its functionality.
Looking at the picture, you can see that there are 2 clips so that this level can be mounted on your camera 2 different ways. What you might not realize, however, is that the second clip is entirely redundant, and does not let you achieve any useful orientation different from the first clip.
The result of this is that, when in landscape mode you can turn the level to achieve either left/right or front/back leveling, but when in portrait mode you can only level the camera front/back. This is kind of pointless. In most photography, you almost always want your horizon leveled left-to-right, but rarely ever are you concerned that the camera is front-to-back leveled (that's usually more of an artistic/composition factor).
Had that extra clip actually been put on a different side, you would be able to level the camera either direction in either orientation. As it is now, the level is virtually useless for shooting in portrait mode.
Handy gadget makes a great gift for the photo enthusiast There is nothing special to report in terms of functionality: this handy level is designed to fit a standard-sized hot shoe. HAMA also makes a double bubble level (levels in two directions) which costs a few dollars more. Materials are durable, weight and camera bag space are inconsequential. I use mine frequently for landscapes. My only complaint is cost: many local photo shops charge $40 or more for one of these, and even the price here seems excessive. Will some competitor please get in the ring and knock those prices down to the $10 range?
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
