Really Right Stuff TA-3-LB leveling base insert for the Versa 3 tripod series from RRS

Really Right Stuff TA-3-LB leveling base for Versa 3, precise leveling without any fuss

Sometimes even the most solid tripod isn’t enough if the alignment isn’t spot on. That’s exactly where the Really Right Stuff TA-3-LB leveling base for the Versa 3 tripod series comes into play. You replace the standard tripod base plate with this insert and within seconds you have a clean, precisely aligned platform for your tripod head, without tedious fiddling with the tripod legs.

The TA-3-LB is specially matched to the Really Right Stuff Versa Series 3 and also fits perfectly on Gitzo Systematic Series 3 and Gitzo Systematic Series 4 tripods with a 75 mm video adapter bowl. So if you work with these systems and are looking for a stable, finely adjustable leveling solution, you’re pretty close to the ideal choice here.

Lightweight with reserves, 357 g weight, 11 kg load capacity

Despite its robust construction, the TA-3-LB weighs only about 357 g. For a full-featured leveling base with video bowl, that’s impressively slim. At the same time, it supports a maximum load of around 11 kg. That means: heavy DSLR or mirrorless camera, massive telephoto, panorama head or a complete gimbal setup – this insert handles it easily as long as you stay within the specified range.

The integrated leveling unit allows an adjustment range of ±15°. This lets you quickly compensate even on uneven ground without having to readjust all three tripod legs every time. Especially when the light is beautiful but fading fast, that can make the difference between “almost got it” and “perfectly captured”.

Precise leveling with large bull’s-eye level

For alignment you have a clearly visible 12 mm bull’s-eye level at your disposal. This single, easy-to-read level is more than sufficient in practice to bring your camera perfectly level. No searching, no guesswork. A quick glance, a small correction, done.

Especially in architecture, landscape and panorama work, a clean horizontal alignment is worth its weight in gold. The TA-3-LB takes a large part of the fiddling off your hands so you can focus on composition, timing and light.

Thought-out ergonomics, ribbed rubber grip for comfortable operation

Operation is via a ribbed rubber grip that can be held securely even with gloves. You can loosen or lock the insert by turning this grip, without any additional tools. The length of about 74 mm is chosen so that you can still easily get into low-angle positions without the grip getting in the way.

The grip feels comfortable in the hand and provides a direct, controlled feel when tightening. When working with it, you can tell this is not just some generic standard part, but a solution designed for real-world photographic use, even when it’s cold, dark, or both.

Mounting plate with anti-friction polymer coating for stable heads

The mounting plate of the TA-3-LB is finished with an anti-friction polymer coating. That may sound unspectacular at first, but it ensures that your tripod head sits securely and doesn’t shift unnoticed. At the same time, vibrations are reduced, which is especially noticeable with longer focal lengths or long exposures.

The platform itself has a diameter of about 7.3 cm. This provides sufficient contact area for typical ball heads, video heads or panorama heads without being unnecessarily bulky. Using the 3/8"-16 (UNC) mounting thread, common tripod heads can be mounted directly and reliably.

Flexible thanks to TA-3-VB video bowl and 75 mm standard

The TA-3-VB video bowl is already included in the scope of delivery. The leveling unit can be removed separately if required, allowing you to use other accessories for 75 mm video bowls. This makes the TA-3-LB a very flexible base if you switch between photo and video setups or use different heads.

A prerequisite for use in third-party systems is a 75 mm video adapter bowl in the tripod. If your Gitzo Systematic Series 3 or Series 4 is already prepared for this, you can integrate the TA-3-LB almost seamlessly and significantly upgrade your existing setup.

Robust 6061-T6 aluminum, durable and everyday-ready

For the material, Really Right Stuff relies on 6061-T6 aluminum. This alloy is widely used in the professional field because it offers a very good ratio of weight to strength. In short: light enough for on the go, robust enough for continuous use.

The surface is type II black anodized. This anodized layer protects against scratches and corrosion and ensures that the leveling base still looks good even after many field uses. Even if the part bumps into other gear in the case or is treated a bit roughly in the backpack, its function remains unaffected.

Compatible with panorama accessories and pro setups

The TA-3-LB works particularly well with the panorama accessories from Really Right Stuff. The Ultimate-Pro sets or the PG-02 panning bracket can be mounted directly on the platform. This creates a very stable, precisely leveled base for demanding panoramas, multi-row shots or complex studio setups.

If you already work with RRS panorama components or are considering them, this leveling base is a logical addition. It saves you from constantly fine-tuning via the tripod legs and gives you a reproducible, reliable starting point for every session.

Made in the USA, precision from small-batch production

The TA-3-LB leveling base is manufactured in the USA, in typical Really Right Stuff fashion with high in-house production depth and strict quality control. You can see this in the cleanly milled edges, the play-free fits and the overall very high-quality feel.

We’d say this is not a “throwaway part”, but rather a component you buy once and then keep in your setup for many years, perhaps decades. Especially if you’ve already invested in high-quality tripods and heads, this leveling base fits perfectly into the overall picture as a solid, reliable foundation.

Technical data of the Really Right Stuff TA-3-LB at a glance

For better classification, here are the most important key data again in compact form:

• Product type: leveling base for tripods
• Compatible with: Really Right Stuff Versa Series 3, Gitzo Systematic Series 3, Gitzo Systematic Series 4 (with 75 mm video adapter bowl)
• Included: TA-3-VB video bowl (75 mm)
• Platform diameter: approx. 7.3 cm
• Height: approx. 12.4 cm
• Weight: approx. 357 g
• Maximum load: approx. 11 kg
• Adjustment range: ±15°
• Level: 1 x bull’s-eye level (12 mm, easy to read)
• Mounting thread: 3/8"-16 (UNC)
• Material: 6061-T6 aluminum
• Surface: type II black anodized
• Operation: ribbed rubber grip, comfortable with and without gloves

Who is the TA-3-LB leveling base suitable for?

If you often work with heavy setups, shoot panoramas, do video or hybrid shoots, or simply don’t want to spend ages adjusting the tripod legs every time, then this leveling base will suit you very well. It is particularly useful for:

• Landscape and architecture photographers who need precise horizon alignment
• Panorama and multi-row photography with panorama heads
• Videographers with 75 mm video heads or bowls
• Photographers with RRS panorama accessories such as PG-02 or Ultimate-Pro sets
• Users of Really Right Stuff Versa Series 3 and Gitzo Systematic Series 3/4 tripods

Bottom line: the Really Right Stuff TA-3-LB leveling base is a very well thought-out, stable and at the same time surprisingly lightweight solution to bring your tripod system to a precise, professional level – in the truest sense of the word.