Tripod portability is always an issue and occasionally a hindrance. Giotto's new YTL “Silk Road” series new center column concept addresses and solves this issue. The key is the new Y-Tube center column that is designed to make the tripod 30% more compact when folded as well as lighter compared to similar models. The main benefit of this new design is that it allows the legs to be folded more compactly than with traditional round column designs. The new line of tripods is available in aluminum or carbon fiber.