tripod center column question

sorry for the simplistic question...
i have a the manfroto listed below and while i love the tripod, it can get pretty heavy at times
i was looking at the carbon fiber tripods (i was looking at benro and gitzo mainly - though i am open for ideas)
and it seems that they don't come with a center column at all. Is that correct? Do you have to purchase a center column separately, or is there just no place for them?

thanks for any help

Manfrotto do a CF version of what you have. I use it myself and have removed the centre column as I never use it! We are all different.

It just depends on the model of the tripod you are looking at. There is no rule that CF tripods have no centre column and aluminium ones do. I like the centre column for quick height adjustment and extra height sometimes, but other times I prefer no centre column to let me get lower.

ceriltheblade wrote in post #16568745
i was looking at the carbon fiber tripods (i was looking at benro and gitzo mainly - though i am open for ideas)
and it seems that they don't come with a center column at all. Is that correct? Do you have to purchase a center column separately, or is there just no place for them?

Both the Benro and Gitzo tripods that don't come with center columns are so called "systematic" designs where the tripod itself is the center of a system that allows it to be transformed for different uses.

So you can install a center column that you buy separately, and it can be a simple straightforward center column or it can be a geared center column. You can also install a video bowl, a leveling base etc., etc.

Most of us buy a systematic type tripod without a center column for stability and then add the accessories as needed. I use a center column and leveling base on mine. They are very flexible tripods.

Many people prefer not to have a center column for the added stability and for the ability to spread the legs out really wide and get the camera very low to the ground. Others prefer to have a column for the ability to make quick height adjustments or for the added tripod height.

You might also want to take a look at Feisol 3442. Comes without center column but available as optional. I did get the center column just in case I need it but haven't used it yet.

I have the Manfrotto 055xproB also and it's a great studio or macro tripod. For the field I use a HorusBennu C-3540v CF and absolutely love it. Super light and solid with large diameter legs. The 1/4 turn leg locks are so much easier to make quick adjustments than the lever locks.