How is a tripods height measured?

6 years 1 month ago #572349 by Benny13
Is it determined with our without the center column?  I like the idea of having a expandable center column.  But don't like the idea of using one all the time.  I think when you have camera on an extended center column, it's not very stable and moves around.  

So I want to get a tripod that with out the extended center column height is right around chin level for me.  So that should help you understand my questions direction.  So is tripod height including the center column?

Thank you guys.   


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6 years 1 month ago #572363 by Screamin Scott
Normally the specs will list the height with & without the center column extended. If they don't, that would be a red flag to me to stay away...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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6 years 1 month ago #572374 by G Vernon
I´d suggest getting a pro tripod without a center column simply because you can get down lower for angles in landscape and wildlife photography.
The gitzo range and some others provide a carbon fiber structure which is very strong and light for longer lenses in the 500 - 800mm full frame range. You dont state what type of photography you need it for so this is just a guess!


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6 years 1 month ago - 6 years 1 month ago #572425 by effron
I have an Induro carbon fiber and it has a center column. I can't tell you the last time I had it extended even an inch (probably never). So either way, pay attention to the measurement of the tripod alone....

Why so serious?
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6 years 1 month ago #572459 by garyrhook

Benny13 wrote: Is it determined with our without the center column?  I like the idea of having a expandable center column.  But don't like the idea of using one all the time.  I think when you have camera on an extended center column, it's not very stable and moves around.  

So I want to get a tripod that with out the extended center column height is right around chin level for me.  So that should help you understand my questions direction.  So is tripod height including the center column?

Thank you guys.   


The tallest height will usually be with the column extended. As stated, many will report both with and without.

You'll need to look at expensive, tall tripods to get one that is very tall without the column extended.

As for stability, you need to look at better tripods. I now own a 3 Legged Thing Albert, and the center column is quite solid (as solid as the rest of the device). You stabilize them by hanging weight from the center column and making the entire thing much heavier.


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6 years 1 month ago #572565 by Benny13
Thank you all for taking the time with my question.  So out of curiosity, what are you using to weight down the center columns when you are in the field? 


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6 years 1 month ago #572567 by Screamin Scott
I would think most would use their camera bag as a weight. Some, however, have fashioned a sac which they then fill with rocks or whatever happens to be handy.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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6 years 1 month ago #572662 by garyrhook
Take one or two plastic grocery bags with you, and hunt for rocks. Or, as said, camera bag. Or both.


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6 years 1 month ago #572780 by effron

garyrhook wrote: Take one or two plastic grocery bags with you, and hunt for rocks. Or, as said, camera bag. Or both.


Exactly what I do, and at the beach I use sand....

Why so serious?
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