Are there standalone geared panning bases for tripod heads?

Asked 1/7/2020

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2 answers

I’m looking for a compact geared tripod setup for precise framing, especially with a long macro setup. High-end options like the Arca-Swiss Cube GP include geared panning, but they’re larger and more expensive than I need.

I’m considering smaller geared heads such as the Leofoto G2, but that head does not have geared panning. Are there standalone geared panning bases or geared panning clamps that can be added separately to another head? Ideally I’d like something compact, without large pan-tilt handles.

macro panning support-systems geared-heads tripod-heads

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

6y ago

2 Answers

There are a few available.

Feisol PB-70

The base in 70 mm wide with a 3/8"-16 UNC socket. The top is 60 mm wide, with a 3/8"-16 UNC stud. This is intended to be the panning base below other mounts, such as pan/tilt or ball heads. This should be mounted on a leveled tripod, or on top of a leveling base.

Sunwayfoto GC-01 geared clamp

The base diameter is 58 mm. Comes with a detachable Arca-style QR plate for the bottom. Does not come with an Arca-style top plate. This is intended to be the panning base/clamp on top of a ball head.

Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11924

6y ago

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes—standalone geared panning accessories do exist, though they’re not very common.

Examples mentioned are:

Feisol PB-70: a geared panning base designed to sit below another head. It uses standard 3/8"-16 tripod threading.
Sunwayfoto GC-01: a geared panning clamp intended to sit on top of a ball head.

Which type you want depends on where you need the panning motion in your setup:

below the head: use a geared panning base
above the head: use a geared panning clamp

A base mounted below the head generally works best if the tripod or leveling base is already leveled, otherwise panning will introduce tilt.

If you’re open to replacing the whole head, another lower-cost Cube-style geared option mentioned is the Photo Clam Multiflex.

So the short answer is: yes, separate geared panning units are available, but the selection is limited and you’ll want to check mounting compatibility, size, and whether the geared pan belongs above or below your head.