What's this called?

[mknabster]

I have a question about this one picture i saw: http://www.amvona.com/v7/shop/?page=shop/category&category_id=fecac09b697ada65bb54b5966d05cd99 Is this what you call a reversible column? I want to buy a tripod that can do this, i just would like to know what this featur would be called. Anybody have any ideas?

[grumpyhaggis]

Not sure if it has a name. The centre column of the tripod can be reversed, as in this example from Manfrotto: http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/cache/offonce/pid/2277

In this case, the centre column can be positioned horizontally as well.

It's a vey useful feature, allowing you to get into all sorts of positions, particularly for macro photography.

[rklepper]

I think all of the better tripods have columns that can be reversed like this.

[mknabster]

So if a tripod, like this one for example: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=350488&is=REG, says that it has a 15" reversible column, this kind of position can be done?

[Mitcon]

If it says invertable or reverseable centre column thats what it means, you can pull the centre column out and stick it back in reversed so the ball head (or whatever head you use/have attached) hangs underneath. Perfect for really low angle shots or macro/close up shooting. Doc's right as I think most half decent tripods are able to do this.

[ScottE]

I have used tripods with the centre column reversed for close to the ground macro shots, but it is really not very convenient because your camera is upside down and the viewfinder is so close to the ground it is hard to see through. If you want to be able to shoot close to the ground better options are:

a tripod with no centre column and legs that will spread to 90 degrees
a tripod with a centre column that will mount horizontally or swivel and legs that will spread to 90 degrees
a bean bag

[Mitcon]

If you don't have a centre column that can mount horizontally or swivel this may just be a handy accessory, I'm going to grab one at some point.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PROFESSIONAL-TRIPOD-ACCESSORY-ARM-FOR-4-HEADS-NEW_W0QQitemZ7575599241QQcategoryZ30091QQtcZphotoQ QcmdZViewItem

[Dan GSR]

my 3001BPRO does that
and can do sideways too

[DavidEB]

gitzo explorer (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=206491&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) -- the king of flexible positioning.

A problem with invertible columns, and also with the bogen horizontal column, is the clumsy position it can force you into when trying to take macro shots in odd spots, like on a hillside or in a streambed. The explorer lets you set up the tripod, and position the camera, and still be able to look thru the viewfinder without twisting your body around the gear. Combine it with an acratech ultimate ballhead for total flexibility.

I love mine.