Slik Short Center Column f/ 700DX

I don't know why this isn't the column that came with the tripod. Perhaps it was an attempt to get more profit, forcing owners to buy a must-have accessory. With this column, I can finally take full advantage of the low leg setting without the center column hitting the ground.It appears that in newer versions of the tripod, the center column can be taken apart, so this isn't required. Unfortunately, mine came only with the long center column.

I purchased this after reading other reviews about it. Thought it was needed for close-up shots, but when I looked at the tripod (a SLIK model PRO 700DX-AMT) I had ordered at the same time, I found that all that needed to be done was to remove the bottom cap from the origional center column and take the center column apart (it's screwed together in the middle) then re-install the end cap onto the upper section of the center column and that was it!This piece wasn't needed, at least for this model of SLIK brand tripod.

Based on various internet reviews, I bought the short column when I bought the 700DX tripod. Both are very strong and lightweight, but the optional short column is far more useful. The 700DX tripod can reach serious heights with the column fully collapsed. I'm 6'5", and with the legs fully extended, the 700DX tripod very near places the viewfinder of my SLR at eye level with the stability of the rock of Gibralter.The standard, long center column has it's uses, but they are not apparent in daily shooting situations. On the other hand, the optional short column is cheap, works fine as a standard column even for a 6'5" photographer like me, and most important, it allows you to get your camera far closer to the ground for macro/field work than the long column would ever allow. For the extra nineteen Dollars, buy the short column when you buy the 700DX, and make it your standard choice. When you need to get a camera or flash over 7' in the air, you can pop in the longer column that came with the 700DX in about 2 minutes.This option is an easy choice. Buy it now, and be happy in the future.Jim K.