The Sirui N-1004KX 4-Section Aluminum Alloy Tripod is an excellent all-purpose model with many useful features not found in other tripod systems. By using high quality materials and designing the leg tubes to have only a 3mm difference in diameter for added stability, this tall tripod is also able to be folded very compactly. It can extend to an impressive 63", while folding down to only 17.3". Yet, it weighs only 2.9 lbs and has a load rating of 26.5 lbs.This tripod also has a unique leg mechanism that allows you to move the legs up 180deg. This allows the tripod to be folded significantly smaller than comparably sized tripods with conventional leg designs. Simply depress the leg angle lock and invert the legs 180deg.. An added advantage is that you can keep a ball head on the tripod and it will still fit in the included tripod case. Another advantage is that the N-series can be converted into a monopod.The new split center column makes changing from the standard center column to the short center column fast and easy. By unscrewing the hanging hook from the bottom of the center column, the column separates and the short center column remains on the tripod, ready to go! No need to remove the full-sized center column and replace it with the short center column. In addition to being a high quality tripod, This tripod has the ability to be converted into a monopod. This is really convenient when tripod is not allowed or when you"re shooting in tight spaces. By at