Horizontal Tripod Columns - Do you ever use them?

[Troglodyte]

Oh no, another tripod thread....

Anyway, I'm looking to get a new tripod (an upgrade from the cheap, nasty, wobbly thing I currently have). In my price range you can get versions simple up and down centre columns and those that you can move to a horizontal position (eg Manfrotto Q90).

I'd like to know is it worth the extra money, weight etc to have this or should I just stick with a simpler design?

[Kiwi Jaz]

I use the horizontal feature on my Manfrotto 190 quite often. I used it a fair bit tonight actually.

It also facilitates getting a very low position once you have splayed out the legs.

It is one of the main features that I wanted in a tripod when I bought it and I have gotten a lot of use out of the feature.

[animal168]

i use mine most often on landscape shots, great for getting low down shots

[Liam]

I took the column off my manfrotto when I bought it and I have never put it back on.

[Nifkin]

Great for low-level UWA interior shots too :thumbs:

[Dave W]

Great feature and used loads for all sorts.

[PerfectSpeed]

Yep, use mine quite often, I'd be stuck for another low angle option.

[Spiritflier]

Same here... far more versatile with an adjustable centre column. :)

Depending on how much you're looking to spend, I'd take a good look at either the Giottos MTL series or the Manfrotto 190XProB tripod. I've got both (although my daughter uses the Manfrotto now) and I rate them both very highly. I only switched to the Giottos 'cos I wanted a good quality carbon fibre 'pod and I preferred it over the Manfrotto.

Si

[LCPete]

Being able to get low to the ground is great for macro too:)

[Troglodyte]

Thanks for the replies chaps. That's that decided then. ;)

[rpcrowe]

The articulating center column (I use a Giottos MT-8180) is great and enables you to place your camera in some awkward positions. It is especially good for close-up and/or macro photography.