A centre column is a common feature on many tripods that provides additional height without significantly increasing the tripod's folded size for transport. However, because it is a single central column, raising it too far can make the tripod less stable and more prone to camera shake. Photographers are generally advised to extend the tripod legs first to gain height. Centre columns equipped with crank handles, geared controls, or pneumatic damping allow for precise and smooth height adjustments, making them useful for careful composition and controlled framing when extra stability is not critical.