The Manfrotto MT055XPRO3 Aluminum 3 Section Tripod with Horizontal Column delivers an unprecedented level of stiffness. It is its 90deg. center column mechanism, which allows the column to be extended vertically as normal, or horizontally to open up a wide range of framing and shooting possibilities; this makes the 055XPRO3 an extremely versatile tripod, suitable for a wide range of photography and video applications. The horizontal column mechanism is housed within the tripod's top casting for compactness, but it is easily and quickly extended whenever you need it. Switching between vertical and horizontal column orientation requires no disassembly and can even be done with a camera attached. The legs of the 055XPRO3 tripod are also fast to extend and adjust, thanks to the Quick Power Lock levers that block and unblock each leg section. The special design of the QPL levers allows a more single-handed opening of all leg sections in one action. QPL's lever design also offers more powerful locking of each section, meaning the tripod is more stable and rigid than with traditional lever designs. Intuitive and ergonomic leg angle selectors allow each leg to be independently and solidly set to any of the preset angles, again allowing considerable positioning freedom. A bubble level is built in to the top of the center column for precise framing. The bubble level rotates freely around the center column, so it can be positioned wherever it's easiest for you to see it