Vello Two-Axis Hot-Shoe Bubble Level
On the Level...
I guess I'm not all that enamored of being perfectly level. If that's what you want or need, this inexpensive gadget will get the job done. What I would like to see is a three-axis mount for something like this so I could aim my camera up or down at a set angle. (I do night sky photography, and it would be nice to be able to set the altitude at which the camera is pointing.) Perhaps that's beyond the scope of the manufacturer's objective. Anyway, it works.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Life Saver
I work with the Sony A7s with a tilta cage and this really helps me out for hand helds. Sometimes I use to get an unbalanced image, and it was a pain. Sure you can fix it in post, but for professionals you shouldn't depend on post. This has been a great ad on, I have no complaint, it fits a fine in the hot shoe. It's not super tight in there, but not loose. Some people complain about it being loose, but it hasn't been for me, it depends on your camera.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Vello Two-Axis Hot-Shoe Bubble Level
I use this level on a Nikon D500, which doesn't have an internal flash. If your DSLR has a pop-up flash, this level probably will not be appropriate, because it will block the flash head from extending. On my camera, it is accurate in two axes and convenient to use, requiring only a glance up from the viewfinder to check the horizontal bubble. It fits firmly in the hot-shoe and won't slide off. Four stars, because it will block a pop-up flash.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
No need to spend more
I own a two-axis bubble level from a more famous brand and it easily cost 2-3 times more. This level does the job I need it two plus gives me the 3rd axis. It seems very well made and even if I broke it somehow, it would not be expensive to replace. Overall a good purchase. I have been very pleased with the majority of my purchases from Vello. They are good products at more reasonable prices especially compared to some of the big name brands.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I strongly advise not to buy this article
To review this product is very simple because one can tell by objective standards if a level works or not, this on one doesn't work. Unfortunately there is no quality control in production, the indicator is wrong by several degrees. I ordered it from Hong Kong so it won't worth the trouble to send it back to the States and I'm left alone with it. In order to keep customers happy I strongly advise BH to remove this item from the shop.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Simple!!!
So much of my photography is done while hiking. I like to keep weight to a minimum, as the backpack is for food and shelter first, pictures second. This level mounted on top allows me to set up with a small Joby, and I can even use my egg-timer pano device for video, as it will level in all directions- just have to get that bubble spot on top. Simple, cheap, effective- and it protects the hot shoe while I am hiking. Perfect!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Works great!
I use the level for landscapes. It fits well on the hot shoe of my Canon T2i and stays solidly in place as I move around. The level is easy to read and reliable. It has certainly helped me to obtain level horizons and it is a great asset when taking panoramas that require multiple shots and are subsequently merged/ stitched together. I recommend having a small pouch to avoid losing this item when it is not on the camera.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Will Not buy again.
Looked like a good to to have in my bag. It is leveled when put on a leveled ground, though I have not tested how good a level it is once mounted on the shoe. Unfortunately the plastic seems to be quite fragile. The first time I've put it on the shoe it cracked on the stop corne (see pic). BTW - it was indoor ambiant temperature, never mind cold winter temperatures! I do not think it is going to last very long.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great accesory
Use it to weight down your tripod, or hold accessories conveniently and in reach while in use. Once on the tripod might as well leave it on until the end of the photography session, since it folds up nicely with legs collapsed and folded. Problem is the velcro that straps it around the legs doesn't go to the very end, and leavs a tail hanging out that can get snagged, and cause it to unwrap. Otherwise 5 stars.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Not too useful
The Canon hotshoes have small spring bars which push up... this causes the Vello to be very tentative in its positioning. What this unit needs is a counter screwing lock nut, much like what is on a Pocketwizard or a Flash, to insure there is equal pressure on both side, thereby giving it a level seat in the hotshoe. Nice try Vello... It will get you close, but when using it for precise work don't count on it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
small, cheap, and clever level
Clever product to level the camera for tripod or beanbag shooting. It plugs into the hot shoe so you can't use your speedlight with it. I only use it for outdoor or well-lit shooting. The base is a soft rubber that just slides into place and doesn't lock, so it might fall out as I stuff the camera into a bag, and it is small enough I might not notice if it comes off. Haven't lost it yet, and it works well.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A so-so level
I use a level in my architectural assignments. I had apparently lost my trusty one of 15 years ago, so I purchased this item. It does not fit snugly into the flash-shoe of my Canon, therefore its not reliable to do the job its meant to. You can center all bubbles, but it is immediately obvious that it is off about 2 degrees. With a little push it MIGHT go to the true level position, but not for me.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good for landscape photography
The level is only accurate when used horizontally (landscape). There is a tiny level error when the camera is rotated to vertical position (portrait). The level fits perfectly to my Nikon D5300 hot shoe, but it does not fit tightly into the hot shoe of my Canon SX50. Despite this issue, I used this bubble level to calibrate (in landscape position) the eletronic level of my SX50, with good result.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Awesome little gizmo
This little bubble level is great. I use it on a digital camera with a tilt-screen and shoot from the waist, keeps me perfectly level every time. It's made of hard rubber that does a good job of protecting the hotshoe. It's extremely low profile, and protrudes no more than 3.5mm from the top of the camera. Very sleek and unobtrusive. If you're a waist-level shooter like me this is indispensable.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Staying on the level
Though useful when the camera is horizontal and some maintenence of perspective is desired using wide angle lenses this is most useful when the lens is vertical in macro shots where the plane of focus is narrow by default and when the scene allows for it being on the level can be utilized to achieve corner to corner sharpness. I found it easy to see and accurate, testing it with known equipment.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Fits Perfertly
I had been unable to find a spirit bubble level to fit my Sony a58. I even called Sony and they did not make one. I contacted B&H Photo and they told me that this bubble level would fit my a58. It fits perfectly. It slides on easy but is snug. So far, the bubble level has been accurate and very helpful. B&H Photo charged much less than most other places. Plus, they were very willing to help me.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Small and Great
What a great little level for the price . No matter how hard I try I always end up with my pictures out of level when shooting with my Nikon D90. Before buying this one I read the reviews and seen where some had some problems with it being too loose and falling off. Mine was perfect right out the box. I have used this on several shoots and finally a picture that I didn't have to fix in Adobe.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
good level, but I rarely use it
I have an old low cost tripod without any leveling bubbles. I thought that this would be perfect to level my shots on that tripod.Bubbles are clear, it's easy to install, small enought to put in a memory pocket in my bag. However, after a few months of use, I find the I rarely get it out of my bag to adjust my camera. I'll probably try to find a way to fix it semi permanently on my tripod.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Point and Shoot Usage
I bought this to use with my point and shoot Canon D20. When bending over and holding the camera just above or underwater, it is difficult to see the screen detail (or on a sunny day). I use this setup to keep my verticals and horizon lines correct. See the photo on how I attached it. The left side (viewed from the front) must be used since it is perpendicular to the bottom of the camera.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Handy Gadget
A great little idea to assist anyone who shoots with a tripod that has no built-in level. It is, however, a throw-a-way item and after just a few uses becomes loose and will fall off the camera. It will also take up a hot shoe on the camera, which is not much of an issue for video shooters. It is, of course, very small, hard to see and not lit. Never-the-less, it's cheep and convenient.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Hot shoe bubble level works
Purchased this to use with my monopod. It fits my Sony Alpha6's hot shoe and allows me to keep the camera level when using the monopod. The bubble levels are visible in any camera position . I have not been able to give it a full field test but the short test I ran indicated that it should work fine. It is small enough to fit in ones pocket or camera bag when not in use.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
nice to have
Fits perfectly on my camera hot shoe of D810 and Panasonic GX85. It came off once in the camera back from GX85, but I think it may be due to the size of hot shoe on my GX85 for I lost original hot shoe cover when I loan it to my son. Nice to have extra bubble level when my D810 covers ball head/tripod's bubble level. I think it should also protect hot shoe from gathering dusts.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A handy instrument to have
Some have mentioned that's it may feel a little loose on a hotshoe, I believe that it should be. It's not loose enough to fall off your shoe, that would be an issue, but assuming you are not knocking your camera around :) Once you have leveled, you may choose to remove it from the hotshoe and mount a pocket wizard, there is practically no shake when the level is a little loose.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Works Well
Although my Canon 5diii has a leveling screen option, I often don't want to use it when I am setting up for a shot. It's an extra step that takes me away from seeing the image I am going to shoot. This bubble level is perfect for me. It is very convenient and easy to use. I lose these occasionally -- my own fault. So, I carry one in my camera bag and one in my vehicle.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
