The unique center column can be used as a lateral arm with angle adjustment which makes it especially ideal for nature and micro photography. It allows for 360° horizontal and 180° vertical adjustment and the column can be positioned and set quickly with the locking knobs. The column can also be used upside down and reversed. The leg materials are made of French-made high-strength carbon fiber tubing commonly used in aerospace engineering and yield exceptional stability for its weight. Carbon fiber materials are very shock and vibration absorbent but still relatively lightweight. The carbon fiber used for these legs is made from twelve layers and the spiral grain is visible on the surface giving it its high-tech look.