I think you are talking about a different tripod, there is no center column on this unit. Being able to deploy the legs without trying to pull one leg out from under the head in a rush is annoying, you have to experience it in sub zero temperatures to appreciate it., Much faster to set up my old Manfrotto. The reason I purchased the Gitzo was the load capacity which was greater than my Manfrotto and gave me greater stability with a long lens, just the leg deployment is annoying, and I repeat here, others I have spoken to and worked with that have the same tripod are having the same complaiint, so it is not just me