imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The articulating center post is especially useful for table top work, shooting straight down, or working in gardens. Safe, successful use requires a counterweight be used at the opposite end of the post from the camera/lens ! IMO, the counterweight should come as a non-optional part of the tripod and should be easily applied and removed ! I made my own .......

DaveC Loc: Illinois

As I mentioned in my previous reply, I use a wrist weight as a counterweight. I hadn’t thought about making one, but now all sorts of ideas occur. I would be interested in what you made, could you please elaborate. Thanks.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Raising a center column reduces the stability of a tripod. And those that rotate to horizontal and are even less stable. Especially when the weight of camera and lens are added to the end of the column that's extended off to one side.

That said, I do have a tripod with a "rapid" center column that's reversible so that I can "hang" the camera and lens underneath the tripod for low angle macro shots. Two things, though: First, this particular tripod is a "tall" model... enough so that I never need to raise the center column for standard use. Second, the macro lenses that I use with it all have tripod mounting rings, so the camera isn't upside down when it's hanging from the center column. It's fitted with a standard, heavy duty ballhead w/Arca-style quick release platform. (Note: I also have two other tripods without center columns for use with particularly long, heavy telephotos where absolute stability is essential. Instead of a center column, they're fitted with a leveling platform which facilitates using gimbal mounts with those lenses. Both those tripods can be used pretty low angle, too... Down to about 15" or 16" inches above ground-level, by adjusting the leg stops to allow the legs to spread wider.)

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

Check out Induro tripods. They come with two center columns, a long one and a short one. They can also be used without a center column.

truetexan

Thanks to all for their response...Hope you all have a great New Years Day celebration, and a great 2018 !!

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I have the earlier version of this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162346-REG/manfrotto_mk055xpro3_bhq2_aluminum_tripod_with.html

I must say that even though I can move the column from vertical to horizontal I've only done it once. And that was just to give it a try. I felt it would be nice to have but I've since decided that it's not a make or break feature for a tripod.

Whitbyrover Loc: Lincolnshire, UK

Hi, I use a manfrotto 190xpro and find it to be stable at all angles. However I don't use heavy cameras or lenses being a m43 user. Hope this helps in some way.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I have tripods with the horizontal column feature. Normally, I keep the column in the vertical position and not extended, using the legs to control height. I use the horizontal ability of the column only when I need to position the camera where the legs don't allow me to do so.

Examples are when the interior view I need is from over a counter or table. I position a leg or two splayed on the counter and the camera cantilevered over the counter. I also may use it for copy work or product table top shooting. I don't use it often, but it is a feature I want in a tripod.

Regardless, I always make sure the tripod is firmly set and stable. Double so when I am off the center of the tripod. My kit holds a few sand bags, straps and bungee cords. I have used the bungee cords or straps to lash down the legs for added stability when set over a counter top. Hooked to knobs and handles or pull a drawer out and hook to the cabinet face opening. Outdoors I have pounded 10" spikes angled into the ground and attached the tripod (or a light stand) to them with straps or bungees to help the weights hold in place.

At the very minimum, you would want to make sure your extended column is directly in line with one of the legs.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

My Induro's came with one center post. However I could order the shorter one and I did for both of them. The Induro is a very good value, both came with a nice carry case and tools.

ecurb1105

In the 70s and 80s we used a big Gitzo Reporter tripod with side arm as well as low plates. We used slr's Hasselblads and 4x5 cameras on them. I'd look at Gitzo and their carbon fiber models.

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

My lord! The camera and lenses that the OP has are fairly light (under 5 lbs.). Practically any of today's tripods will hold his equipment steady unless there is an earthquake or a hurricane. Some of the tripods recommended above are over $1,000. The OP is obviously an amateur and does not need the best available for the occasional use. My Polaroid tripod is as cheap as dirt but it holds my D5100 and lenses steady in good weather and good weather is the only time I will go out and shoot. Spend the money on better glass and buy a less expensive tripod.

Bill_de Loc: US

You will appreciate your new glass a whole lot better on a high quality tripod. I was convinced about 20 years ago to spend a lot on a tripod with no center column. $1,000 was a lot of money for sure. But 20+ years later after updating bodies and lenses, my old Gitzo is still rock solid. It was a good investment.

Just like there is sharp and there is SHARP, there is sturdy and there is STURDY!

--

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

Aside from taking pictures I also have a workshop for wood working and many other crafts. The workshop taught me a good lesson years ago. There are always 10 in one tools available and they are often really cheap too. Indeed when you read the box it does allegedly to ten different things. Alas though, when you unpack it at home and finally put it to work it doesn't deliver on the promises. Often it breaks or is made in a way that doesn't allow the same effect as a specialized tool would. That lesson got me away from such tools.

I applied that lesson to photography too. I have several tripods. There is one that allows me to go flat on the ground for those moments when my insect subject is at the bottom. There are two in different weights that operate like a tripod should. I have ball heads, pan heads and three way heads each specialized for specific applications. I also have a very tall one that I need a step ladder to use.

Personally I suggest you decide what's important to you and get a tripod specialized to that priority. Later as your needs change get another specialized to another specific need. In this way gradually you'll have everything you need.

As to the one you want I agree when people say that is a risky unstable solution to holding a camera. However I do have a compromise. Most of my tripods have a hook at the base of the colum. If it didn't come with one I installed one. When I a happen to have the wrong tripod like in the middle of an unanticipated storm, I need something heavy to support the camera. I take a plastic grocery bag, fill it with rocks or sand, and hang it from the hook. That gives me a solid rigid solution that I can rely on that won't move. Try that technique if you must mount the camera off centre.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Wrong, you buy the best tripod once the when you upgrade to heavier equipment you don't have spend more to buy another tripod. in the long run you end up saving money. If you quit shooting you have a better chance of recovering more of your money.

Edia Loc: Central New Jersey

A concrete block with a steel rod imbedded in it with a camera mount welded to the rod will hold the camera steady in any conditions. I can't say much for it's portability but it will hold it steady.