A tripod includes a vertically movable center column dividable into an upper column member and a lower column member. A lower flange on a lower end of the lower column member prevents the center column from slipping off the tripod when fully extended. When a user removes the lower column member for an activity such as low-angle photography, a number of stopper protrusions prevent the upper column member from slipping off the tripod. When the user reattaches the lower column member, the stopper protrusions disengage to permit free movement of the center column. The present invention thus allows low-angle photography, provides a wide range of vertical motion of the center column, and prevents the user from accidentally damaging a camera when the lower column member is removed.