When folded, the SLIK MINI series tripods are about the size of standard telephoto lens, meaning they can be carried in your camera bag all the time so tripod support is always at hand! Besides its traditional use as a tripod, the SLIK MINI series have another great feature, the ability to use the tripod as a "Chest-Pod" camera support. To use it as a chest-pod, first loosen the locking collar around the center column, pull out (raise) the center column at least one inch and tighten. Then, with the legs spread, place the feet of the legs against your upper chest. Loosen the tripod head and position the camera so you can see through the viewfinder comfortably. This will better stabilize the camera and help avoid image degrading "camera shake." The bottom of the center column has a suction cup, which can be used to mount the SLIK MINI on a clean smooth glass surfaces, including windows. Stick the MINI to a window for a higher angle picture or take photo in low light with a slow shutter speed. MINI PRO-III uses a newly designed compact ball head that is also used on the SPRINT and SPRINT PRO tripods.