Solid Performance, Solid Value A.M.T. makes all the difference. SLIK's exclusive A.M.T. super Aluminum-Magnesium-Titanium alloy legs make the PRO 500 DX tripod legs rock steady, yet lighter than it looks. The A.M.T. alloy has a 40% greater strength to weight ratio than standard aluminum, making it lighter and stronger than the standard metal used in most tripods. A tripod should be solid and easy to use, so you spend more time concentrating on your photography than you do your equipment. The PRO 500 DX legs makes setting up easy with secure, speed-release leg locks . A gearless center column and 3-position, adjustable angle leg locks allow easy set-up on uneven ground or steps. The PRO 500 DX center column is actually two threaded pieces that unscrew to convert the top piece to a short column. This combined with the adjustable leg angle locks allows the tripod to be lowered to just 13.8 inches for very low angle or macro photography in the field.