Looking for advice

I'm considering buying either a Arcatech GP or GV2 ballhead.
The difference between the two other than the $60 cost is, the GP offers a built in leveling base for doing stitched panoramics.
There is a bubble level on my tripod and also on the head clamp so, would I need the leveling base feature of the GP?

If my tripod is level and the tripod head is level, would this not accomplish the same thing as the leveling base?
I generally don't do many stitched panoramics but, I have from time to time so, i'm just wondering if the extra $60 feature is really needed.
On the other hand, for $60 more, it appears to be a good deal when it would cost almost double that amount to buy the leveling base seperately if I went with the GV2 model.

If your tripod and the head are level, yes. It is much harder to get the tripod perfectly level compared to a leveling base however, since you have to adjust 3 legs instead of just 1 platform.

I'd go with the GP. I almost did, in fact.

Sirrith wrote in post #15956041
If your tripod and the head are level, yes. It is much harder to get the tripod perfectly level compared to a leveling base however, since you have to adjust 3 legs instead of just 1 platform.

I'd go with the GP. I almost did, in fact.

Thanks for the information Sirrith.
I wasn't sure if my line of thinking was correct regarding the tripod and head clamp all being level.
I now see what the advantage to having a built in leveling base would be.
It's funny how you have the RRS BH-40 because, that's originally what I planned on buying.
I had not heard of the Arcatech ballheads until they were brought to my attention by someone else.
The Arcatech brand have dealers for their ballheads in my Country whereas RRS don't.

canongear wrote in post #15956107
Thanks for the information Sirrith.
I wasn't sure if my line of thinking was correct regarding the tripod and head clamp all being level.
I now see what the advantage to having a built in leveling base would be.
It's funny how you have the RRS BH-40 because, that's originally what I planned on buying.
I had not heard of the Arcatech ballheads until they were brought to my attention by someone else.
The Arcatech brand have dealers for their ballheads in my Country whereas RRS don't.

I actually chose the RRS over the Acratech after comparing them side by side at a store. I was originally leaning toward the Acratech because of the open design and leveling base, but opted for the RRS as it felt like the quality was a bit better (smoother operation and better controls), and it was cheaper here in Hong Kong. I like it very much, though I do still lust after the Acratech's low-maintenance design.