Tripod center column

J

J.P.Dhondt

Suspended / Banned
Messages
7
Name
Jean Pierre
Edit My Images
Yes
I am thinking of buying a tripod without a center column, first of all, to get very low (without having a center column in the way) but also according a lot of tests the absence of a center column is the tripod more stable. But I asked advice to a local camera store, and they told me for Landscape photography this is not recommended and they told me to use a tripod with a center column to get more easy the correct height. Of course this is true and this is more quicker, Does anyone have experience with a tripod without a center column (like the Benro Tortoise i want to buy). another option would be if I need it, is buying a seperate center column that can be screwed on the tripod.
 
The choice can only be down to you. There are pros and cons of each.

As you have pointed out, having a centre column can prevent you from getting down low while having a centre column also allows you to increase your height in a pinch. Generally photographers prefer not to use a centre column because you loose stability especially in windy conditions.

So which is more important to you? Getting a bit higher occasionally or getting down low?

I mainly shoot with a tripod without a centre column but it's a fairly tall tripod anyway. I also have a tripod which came with two centre columns a long one and a short one although in reality you probably won't carry around a second column so you need to pick one before you head out (unless you have the space and you like carrying around extra weight).

Some tripods like the Manfrottos have a long centre column that can be moved out to the side thus still allowing you to get down low.
 
Last edited:
I tend to convert my tripods to use the shorter centre column, as I rarely use the long one.
 
The other benefit of a centre column can be that they usually have a hook off which you can hang something heavy. I found this helpful when I wanted additional stability in breezy conditions.
I really should pick up a column for my Feisol, there have been a few times I wished I had it.
 
In the olden days, (last weekend) one simply removed the removable centre column and slipped it back in from the bottom, splaying the legs appropriately...
 
It perhaps worth saying that the centre column is often reversible, making it possible to mount the camera inverted and hence shoot at very low level. Very good for flowers.
 
The column in some Vanguard tripods can "hinge" in a manner that allows the camera base to almost touch the ground, with the camera still the right way up. Very clever, and well engineered tripods.
 
Tripods with and without centre columns have been available since the earliest days of photography.
Some of the most stable tripods have no column.
However I rarely raise the centre collum by more than a few inches to fine tune a view point. But to have one is definitely useful. A table top type tripod is very useful for ground level shots. Most of us end up with a number of tripods each suitable for a range of uses.

As yet no one has come up with a universal tripod that can do everything equally well.
 
My Manfrotto centre column can be pulled up then turned through 90 degrees so as to lie horizontal, that way the legs can be flat on the floor and the camera just a few centimetres above it.
 
ShinySideUp said:
My Manfrotto centre column can be pulled up then turned through 90 degrees so as to lie horizontal, that way the legs can be flat on the floor and the camera just a few centimetres above it.
Click to expand...
I have a Gitzo like that, a very useful feature.
 
I have the Benro Tortoise 35C which has served me very well so far. I also purchased the additional screw-on Centre column. Luckily, the 35C is pretty tall, and I haven’t actually needed to use the add on column so far.
 
Get a systematic type tripod and an accessory center column.

On a systematic the top plate removes and a new one mounts in it's place; to change between different heads, or add a center column (geared or not).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top