Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you purchase through them. No extra cost to you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Attached to the Manfrotto 410 geared head and 300n rotation unit above left is the Manfrotto 338 levelling base. Far right image is the Sunwayfoto DYH-66i levelling base.

 

Having the Manfrotto 300n panoramic head on my Manfrotto 190XPRO3 (new series) tripod is great for panoramic images, but adjusting the tripod legs to achieve precise leveling using the bubble level on top of the center column can be a bit cumbersome and sometimes quite time-consuming. To resolve this leveling issue, I decided to purchase a leveling base to quickly and accurately level the tripod.

After searching online and reading various reviews, I decided to go with the Manfrotto 338, which has a safety payload of 15kg—well above the weight of the heaviest gear I’d be using. It also weighs 600g and has 3 adjustment thumb knobs, which can be moved 5° in any direction, with additional locking screws once leveled. 

 

When the Manfrotto 338 arrived, I was impressed with its build quality, but the thumb screws were very stiff—much stiffer than expected. Unfortunately, they were glued in place to maintain a certain level of tension, so there was no way to adjust them. I returned this unit and ordered a replacement. The leveling knobs on the replacement were slightly easier to turn, so I decided to keep it, hoping the knobs would loosen a bit over time.

 

Leveling was easy, provided the tripod legs were relatively level to begin with, as there are only 5° of adjustment in any direction. After using the 338 for a few weeks and doing several panoramic images, one of the adjustment knobs became completely locked and wouldn’t budge. I had no choice but to send it back for a refund, as I didn’t want to risk purchasing another Manfrotto 338 with the same issue.

 

I then searched again for a suitable leveling base and came across the Sunwayfoto DYH-90i. This base seemed superior to the Manfrotto 338 as it allowed 16° of movement in any direction and could handle a greater load. It was also slightly lighter. Sunwayfoto also offers a smaller version called the DYH-66i.

 

The DYH-66i has a maximum load capacity of 10kg and weighs only 250g—less than half the weight of the Manfrotto 338. I opted for the DYH-66i because its load capacity easily supports the heaviest gear I use, including the Manfrotto 300n (609g), Manfrotto 410 (1220g), Canon 5DSR (840g), and Canon 400mm f5.6 L (1250g)—totalling 3,919g, which is well below the 10kg maximum capacity. The lighter weight and reduced cost made the DYH-66i the ideal choice.

 

Upon receiving the Sunwayfoto DYH-66i, I was impressed with both the packaging and the superb build quality. I even recorded an unboxing video with my LG G3 and an assistant (video below).

 

As shown in the unboxing video, the DYH-66i comes with several accessories, including an allen key for securing it to the Manfrotto 300n via three allen key adjustment screws. It also includes a 1/4″ to 3/8″ converter screw and a cleaning cloth.

 

The build quality is exceptional—it feels sturdy and is machined from lightweight aircraft aluminum with a scratch-resistant anodized surface. In use, the DYH-66i moves smoothly, making leveling quick and easy using the offset bubble level. Once locked with the locking lever, it stays securely in place until released. Below is a quick demonstration video showing how easy it is to level the base.

 

Unlike the Manfrotto 338, the Sunwayfoto DYH-66i can be unlocked and swiveled (though not independently) to a convenient viewing angle for leveling with the offset bubble level, regardless of the position of the tripod. After that, I can simply rotate the 300n or 410 geared head, which can rotate independently of other attached equipment, if needed.

 

Another great benefit of pairing this base with my excellent Manfrotto 410 geared head is the extra 16° tilt it adds for shooting at higher angles than the 410 would normally allow.

The Sunwayfoto DYH-66i is an excellent leveling base, and I’m very glad I made the purchase.