Leofoto LB75 Leveling Base and Lever Clamp
Leveling Bases For Coyote Hunting – More and more Tripod Setups For Coyote Hunting are topped off with a Leveling Base instead of a Ball Head. Doug has been using the Really Right Stuff TA-2U Leveling Base with quick lever release clamp for several months and is very happy with that choice. I just purchased the Leofoto LB75 Leveling Base and Lever Clamp. I will have to hunt with it for a while to see how I like it.
Like Ball Heads, Leveling Bases have migrated from photographers’ tripods to hunters’ tripods. They do not have quite the degree of vertical movement of a ball head, but most are adequate with at least +or- 15 degrees of vertical movement, so they work fine shooting across flat fields or rolling hills where coyote are normally hunted
They are also much lighter weight that a ball head. A leveling base weighs a pound or more less that a ball head. That weight savings is significant. It is another option for your hunting needs that helps you make that shot count!
Let’s first take a look at two different type of leveling bases, and then we will look at some very good options available ranging from $65-$400.
Leveling Bases – Two Types of Controls
There are two types of leveling bases for hunting. One screws down onto a 3/8″ stud commonly found on top of a tripod. You control the movement of the your rifle by loosening and tightening a large butterfly nut around the bottom of the the leveling base.The typical maximum tilt for these levels is 15-20 degrees.
Different brands of this type leveling base are similar. Some have a three or four wing butterfly nut and some only have a two wing nut to control the locking. The RRS leveling base above comes with a 4-wing nut and is much better for hunting than a two wing nut.
This type of leveling base is very easy to use and will work with any type tripod with a 3/8″ stud.
There is another type leveling base that has a half ball bottom that sits down into a bowl in the Apex of the tripod legs and uses a “joy stick” to tighten and loosen the base to move the rifle. The top of the joystick fits under and tightens to the bowl in the tripod to lock the base. It only takes a very small twist of the joystick to loosen and tighten the leveling base for a rock solid hold for your rifle.
To use this type leveling base you will need a tripod that has an apex with the bowl like a Leofoto SO-362c available from AMAZON or a 2Vets QDT tripod.
These tripods use the Leofoto YB-75LK 75 MM Tripod Leveling Head W Hook W/ BA75 Bowl available from AMAZON.
The same type of setup is used for the Vortex Radian and FatBoy tripod systems.
This type of leveling base has to be used with a tripod designed with a larger apex with a hole in the center for a bowl. The Leofoto tripod above has an apex designed for this type base. Accessories with the tripod include a bowl and a mounting plate so you can use either type leveling base. The bow accepts the half bow/joystick base. The mounting base has a 3/8″ stud to accept a screw on leveling base or ball head.
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MOJO Outdoors Critter Predator Hunting Decoy
MOJO Outdoors Critter Predator Hunting Decoy $39 at Amazon
Leveling Bases For Coyote Hunting
Leofoto Leveling Base & Sunwayfoto SM-76 Grip – A Great Combo!
There are several things to consider when you choose a leveling base for coyote or hog hunting.
Your Budget – Really Right Stuff is the best…if you can afford it. All Really Right Stuff is made in America and the quality is the best. RRS has a little more tilt for elevation than the other brands and it has a 4 wing butterfly nut for easier and quicker use in the field. There is a very big difference in the prices between RRS and leveling bases made in China.
Locking Ring. One of main differences is the feel and locking ring tension. The RRS gives you a smoother feel and more precise and gradual grip as you turn the lock ring. It is easier to use a butterfly nut with more than two wings. 3 or 4 are better.
You will need a lever clamp for the top of the leveling base. Some brands like RRS include the lever base as an option. Make sure you leveling base has locking screws to hold the lever clamp and keep it from unscrewing.
Make sure the base screws down on the 3/8″ stud on top of your tripod. Some fit 1/4″ only.
Really Right Stuff TA-2U Leveling Base with Lever-Release Clamp $380 from Amazon
The RRS Leveling base screws down on the 3/8″ stud on top of your tripod. The base uses a butter fly ring (see silver ring in image above) to release or tighten the base to move your rifle (up to 40 degrees of movement). It also comes with lever clamp included.
This base is compatible with series 2 tripods and installs on tripods with 3/8″-16 male and female threads. The leveler, which has a built-in bubble level, has 40° of adjustment, and it levels out your tripod on uneven ground or on terrain with steep angles without the need of adjusting the legs. The Arca-type clamp with lever release comes pre-installed, and it accepts Really Right Stuff plates and L-brackets as well as other third-party brands of ARCA Mlok mounts. The base can support a load capacity of 25 lb, and it locks at the required angle with ease by turning the triple-lobe locking mechanism.
Leofoto LB-75S 75mm Leveling Base
LB-75S 75mm Leveling Base From Leofoto $109 from Amazon
LB-75S 75mm Leveling Base for 70mm Systematic Tripod w Butterfly Lock Collar 55lb Max Load +/-15° Tilt Compatible with LN-364C / LM-364C
About this item
- ►+15° to -15° Tilt. ►3/8″-16 Top Stud. ►70mm Outer Diameter Systematic Mount.►Fits LM-364C LN-364C
- ►Fully compatible with older Gitzo Systematic Tripods. Partially compatible with newer Gitzo Systematic Tripods (safety groove is different)
- ►Butterfly Type Lock Collar ►Includes 3 Anti-Rotation Set-Screws.
- ►Max Load 25kg (55lb). ►Ball Diameter 75mm. ►Base Diameter 81mm. ►Weight: 346g.
- ►Height 77mm. ►Includes Bubble Level.►Includes Drawstring Storage Pouch.
| Color | Black, Grey |
| Brand | LEOFOTO |
| Item Weight | 346 Grams |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 25 Kilograms |
Specs
- ►+15° to -15° Tilt. ►3/8″-16 Top Stud. ►70mm Outer Diameter Systematic Mount.►Fits LM-364C LN-364C
- ►Fully compatible with older Gitzo Systematic Tripods. Partially compatible with newer Gitzo Systematic Tripods (safety groove is different)
- ►Butterfly Type Lock Collar ►Includes 3 Anti-Rotation Set-Screws.
- ►Max Load 25kg (55lb). ►Ball Diameter 75mm. ►Base Diameter 81mm. ►Weight: 346g.
- ►Height 77mm. ►Includes Bubble Level.►Includes Drawstring Storage Pouch.
Desmond DLB-65 65mm Leveling Base
Desmond DLB-65 65mm Leveling Base $56 from Amazon
Easy Grip Butterfly Lock Collar
40lb Max Load
+/-15° Tilt
- ►+15° to -15° Tilt. ►3/8″-16 Top Stud. ►3/8″-16 Bottom Socket w 1/4″-20 Bushing.
- ►Includes 3 Anti-Rotation Set-Screws.
- ►Easy Grip Butterfly Type Lock Collar
- ►Max Load 18kg (40lb).
- ►Ball Diameter 65mm.
- ►Base Diameter 60mm.
- ►Height 60mm. ►Weight 7.6oz
- ►Includes Bubble Level.
- .►Includes 1/4″ to 3/8″ Bushing Adapter.
- .►Includes Storage Pouch.
SUNWAYFOTO DYH-68 Leveling Base
SUNWAYFOTO DYH-68 Leveling Base $69 at Amazon
- Strong and durable: All-metal structure, T6061 aero-space grade aluminum main body material, light yet strong, easy to carry; CNC machined, hard-anodized finish ensures it’s resistant to abrasion and corrosion;
- Max load capacity of 22 Pounds;
- Smooth operation: Exquisitely CNC machined to make sure the base of the hemisphere is perfectly fit with the base, and use professional damping oil for its smooth and easy operation;
- Safe and steady: The overall height of DYH-68 is only 39mm, with low gravity center, very steady and safe.
- Packing List: Leveling Base DYH-68*1, Velvet Bag*1, Bushing TN-1*1, Bushing TN-3*1, Set Screw M5*1, 2.5mm Wrench*1, Cleaning Cloth*1, User Manual*1
- Sourced from China
Joystick Leveling Base For Coyote Hunting
The Joystick leveling base is used with tripod legs that have an bowl Apex at the top with a hole in the bottom. That bowl allows a matching leveling base to be set down into it and a joystick control goes through the hole.
The shooter uses the off hand to turn the knob at the bottom of the joystick to unlock and tilt the leveling head then tighten it back to hold the rifle in position to make a shot.
To use a ball head with this type tripod, a base with a stud in the center replaces the leveling base. This type of leveling base is available from Vortex, FatBoy, Leofoto and other tripod manufactures.
I tried one of the joystick leveling bases and found that it works well but I preferred a ball head.
Vortex Optics Radian Tripod Heads (Leveling Head)
Vortex Optics Radian Tripod Heads (Leveling Head) $155 at Amazon
- Compatible with the Radian Carbon Tripod, this Levling Head offers smooth, intuitive control with rubberized, twist-to lock/unlock handle and +/- 15° of leveling capability to guarantee precise positioning.
- The Radian Leveling Head Uses Arca-Swiss Style Quick-Release Plates.
FatBoy Levitate Leveling Head w/ARCA/Picatinny Mount
FatBoy Levitate Leveling Head w/ARCA/Picatinny Mount $335 at Amazon
- 65mm ball
- 15 degrees of motion in any direction
- Arca/picatinny mount, adjustable to fit all brands of picatinny and arca
- Qd locking style lever
- Adjustable tensioning stem with thick and grippy rubber knob which can be leveraged as a counterweight
- Stowaway tension wrench
- Fits all 70mm bowls
- Lifetime warranty
Leofoto YB-75LC Leveling Base
Leofoto YB-75LC Leveling Base with Lever Clamp $139 on Amazon
Leofoto YB-75LC Leveling Base with Handle, Lever Release, Long Handle with Hook, for 75mm Systematic Tripod, Arca Compatible (YB-75LC)
Leofoto LMP-324CL Poseidon Series Systematic Tripod $395 at Amazon
- Lever Release Clamp, Arca Compatible
- Bubber Level
- 75mm Diameter, Compatible with 75mm Systematic Tripods
- Adjustment Range: +/- 15°
- Handle Screw: 3/8″
- YB-75SC: Length: 96mm/3.78in, Weight: 330g/0.72lb
- YB-75MC: Length: 131mm/5.15in, Weight: 347g/0.76lb
- YB-75LC: Length: 174mm / 6.85in, Weight: 382g/0.84lb
Quick Release Lever Clamps
A Lever-Release Clamp is absolutely essential if you want to make sure your rifle never falls from your tripod. You just can not trust a screw clamp to secure an expensive rifle and thermal scope. It will hit the ground if you rely on a screw clamp!
Really Right Stuff QR Lever Clamp on Amazon
Leofoto QR Lever Release Clamp
LEOFOTO LR-70 Lever Release Clamp, 70mm $79 at Amazon
Leofoto makes a LR70 QR Lever Release Clamp that works well also. It will fit any brand of ball head other than a RRS ball head. I am using one on my Leveling base and it works very well. It will also fit any tripod or mounting plate with a 3/16″ stud. Best value clamp of the Best Tripod Setups For Coyote Hunting 2024.
ARCA-Swiss Rifle Mounts
ARCA RAIL Mount for AR15 or Rifles With MLok Hand Guard
The ARCA Rail fits on the bottom of the hand guard of an AR type rifle or other rifle with MLok hand guard or chassis. The Clamp on top of the ball head clamps onto the ARCA Rail.
Attaching the mount to your rifle is very simple if you are running an MLok rail on your AR style rifle, or bolt action rifle with an chassis instead of a standard stock. I have also mounted ARCA-Swiss mounts to the bottom of a composite stocks on rifles like the Tikka T3.
There are hundreds of combinations when you put a Hunting Tripod Setup together, but we just wanted to give you some suggestions that we have found to be the best for coyote hunting at night. Good luck on your next adventure and please be safe.
Leveling Base for Hunting – How It Can Help You
Hunting is a popular outdoor activity that requires patience, skill, and precision. Whether you are hunting for game or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, a tripod with a leveling base can be an invaluable accessory. Let’s explore the benefits of using a tripod with a leveling base for hunting, and provide tips for getting the most out of this accessory.
One of the main benefits of using a tripod with a leveling base for hunting is stability. When you are hunting, you need a steady platform for your rifle or camera to ensure accurate shots. A tripod with a leveling base can provide this stability by distributing the weight of your equipment more evenly across the base of the tripod and locking your rifle for the shot. This can help reduce the chance of wobbling or tipping, and provide a stable shooting platform.
In addition to stability, a leveling base can also help you quickly and easily level your rifle. This is important for getting steady shots, or avoiding crooked horizons in your photos or videos. When hunting, you may encounter uneven terrain or hillsides, and a leveling base can help you quickly adjust your rifle to ensure that your rifle is not canted before the shot. This can save you time and effort when setting up your tripod, and allow you to focus on your shot.
Efficiency is also an important benefit of using a tripod with a leveling base for hunting. By eliminating the need to make repeated adjustments to the legs of the tripod to get it level, you can save time and effort when setting up your tripod. Instead, you can make one quick adjustment to the leveling base and then focus on your shot. This can be particularly important when you are hunting in an area with changing light conditions or unpredictable wildlife behavior.
When using a tripod with a leveling base for hunting, it is important to choose the right equipment for your needs. There are many different types of tripods and leveling bases available, and it is important to choose a setup that is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to use. Look for a tripod that is made from high-quality materials, such as carbon fiber or aluminum, and that has a weight capacity that is appropriate for your equipment. Additionally, look for a leveling base that is easy to adjust and that has a locking mechanism to prevent unwanted movement.
When using a tripod with a leveling base for hunting, it is also important to practice good technique. This includes ensuring that your tripod is set up on stable ground, and that the legs are fully extended and locked in place. Finally, be patient and take your time when setting up your shot. Rushing can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities.
In conclusion, using a tripod with a leveling base can be an invaluable accessory for hunting. It provides stability, precision, and efficiency.
Other Coyote Hunting Posts
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Best Electronic Coyote & Predator Calls For Beginners
Best Lights For Coyote Hunting At Night
Coyote Hunting With Tikka .223
