What is a center column or center post

Tripods can either have a centre column or not.

The standard usage for center columns is to extend the height of the tripod (upwards) for about 35cm (depending on the model) without any need for tripod leg readjustment.

They come in different sizes: short, medium and long.

So what do you need to consider about a center column:

• Its diameter. It will determine how strong the tube is. The wider the diameter, the heavier the center column is.
• The size of a collar (what eventually holds the center column). The wider and longer it is, the more stable the centre column.
• How do you move it.
• How do you lock it.

There are generally two mechanisms to move a centre column:

Rapid / lift type / smoothed centre column

It is perfect for outdoor photography. Advantages:

• quick,
• light,
• easy to use.

Disadvantages:

• Precision. You have to adjust the height with your hands.
• You need to give support to the camera with your hands while making the adjustments.

When you want to adjust the height, hold the camera with your hands, unlock the lock, position the camera in desired height by pulling center column up or down and then tighten the lock to secure the position.

There are two types of rapid center column locks (locking mechanisms) available:

• The first is a large adjustment ring around a center column. To adjust the height of a center column, spin the ring around until it slowly unblocks the column. Don’t forget to hold the camera (if attached) while doing that!
• The second locking mechanism are wing nuts or locking knobs. Again, you spin them in order to unblock the center column. Pay attention that the locks are tightened well when securing the center column!

Additionally, some tripods with a rapid centre column have a REVERSIBLE center column, which can be (as the name suggests) reversed downwards between the legs of the tripod.

This allows you to take a shot from top down for some macro shots, as well as ability to shoot from low angles that the minimum height of the tripod doesn’t allow you.

To use:

• First take off the hook (if there is one).
• Release the locks and remove the centre column.
• Put it back inside from the bottom.

Furthermore, there are also tripods with a rapid centre column that can be placed HORIZONTALLY.

This feature can be useful when:

• you want to look downwards at the subject (close up work, especially combined with wide spread legs of tripod); this is also a way to create a copystand out of a tripod as well (to read more about copystand, read my support accessories article);
• you want to lean over a wall or a river.

Problems can occur if you don’t use a steady tripod and too heavy camera. It can easily happen for tripod to lose balance and overturn. To prevent it, extend a center column only for few centimetres (and not all the way) and/or use weights to counter balance the weight of the camera.

It’s not over yet! There are also MODULAR centre columns which allow you to adjust the centre column at any desired angle.

Geared center column

It is popular with studio photographers or whenever precision is important.

Advantages:

• Precision is their greatest advantage. However, this depends on the quality of its design and construction! Avoid cheap tripods with geared centre column as their quality (and precision) can be questionable.
• There is no need for supporting the camera while adjusting the height – can be done with the use of only one hand.
• They are much steadier in holding heavier equipment.

Disadvantages:

• slower to use,
• heavier,
• built quality.

The height is adjusted by turning a crank on the side:

There are two types of geared center columns:

Usually, when the tripod is »geared«, it means it has rack & pinion styled gear system. To tighten the position, they can have additional locking adjustments rings.

There is also a worm (helical) style gear system. They are very secure in terms of slipping, as well as locking.

What to consider when doing macro work

Whenever you are doing macro work, it is best to have a shorter center column – simply, to not be restricted with its length when lowering tripod to the ground.

It is also very helpful if the centre post is REMOVABLE / DETACHABLE (this feature is also referred to as ground level set). Firstly,  it allows you to get closer to the ground by spreading tripod legs, and secondly, it can be removed, maybe even left at home if not needed and with that you save some weight.

There are also TWO-SECTION center columns or SPLIT center columns which can be taken on two to get closer to the ground.

Important thing to consider about center columns / posts

When I was writing about the maximum height of the tripod I was recommending not to include the height of centre column when determining the maximum height of a tripod.

Why?

Stability. It’s one of the center column weakest attributes and a much talked topic. The stability of the tripod comes from the fact that it is standing on three legs. And these legs are the reason why tripod is much steadier than a monopod (a one-legged tripod). So what has that to do with a center column?

Well, think about it: when you extend the center column, camera is supported only by one tube:  it is like attaching a monopod on top of a tripod. That makes the camera much less resistant to any vibrations and reduces the steadiness of the tripod as a whole as well, especially if you have extended the center column all the way. This is also a reason why some (especially professional) tripods don’t come with a centre column at all!

I would not extend the center column at all or only for few cm (if necessary), unless the tripod is of a very good quality or your camera is light.

Whenever you want to adjust the height of a tripod, it is much better to adjust the height of tripod legs than extending center column (unless for few centimetres).

I’m not saying not to use one. They are very useful: it is always good to have a backup of some height cm in case you would need them. They are also much quicker to use and adjusted than readjusting the tripod legs. The coins are the stability as well as some extra weight.

To be continued..

I hope you have enjoyed this article!

In my next articles about tripods I talk about another important feature: adaptability.

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