A column is a component located between the legs of the tripod.
Amateur and professional photographers regard the tripod as an important tool for avoiding camera shake, thus taking sharp pictures. In a tripod, the column is the central component, which is connected to the "head," where the camera is attached. Before buying a tripod it is important to check if the type of column is ideal for the kind of photography you have in mind. Differences on tripod columns are related to the way this component is adjusted and locked in the tripod, reports photographer Vesna Kozelj on her website.
Rapid Center With Adjustment Ring Column
This kind of tripod column is ideal for outdoor photography, and it is locked by an adjustment ring. It is easy and quick to use, but it offers less precision. When adjusting it to the right angle height, you have to spin the ring around until it unblocks the column.
Rapid Center With Locking Knobs Column
Locking knobs or wing nuts form the fixing system in this kind of tripod column, and represent the only difference when it is compared to the "rapid center with adjustment ring" column. Sometimes, rapid center columns are reversible, which allows the column to be pushed downwards, between the tripod's legs. This feature can be very useful, when taking macro photography.
Geared Center Column
A geared center column is more suitable for heavier camera equipment. It is the favorite of studio photographers, because it offers more precision when adjusting height. Tripods with this kind of column normally have a very secure anti-rollback system, and are adjusted through the use of a handle, reports tripod manufacturer Manfrotto.
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