Abstract: A tripod having support legs which automatically open and close when the tripod is placed on a support surface and removed from the support surface, respectively, and having a self-contained battery. The tripod includes a telescopic center post, a plurality of downwardly extending support legs, a plurality of coupling links pivotally attached at one end to a bottom end of the center post and pivotally attached at the other end to the support legs, and a battery positioned within a hollow center of the center post. The pivotal attachment of the coupling links to the support legs is offset towards an outer edge of the support legs to bias the support legs outwardly and facilitate the automatic opening of the support legs. The outward biasing of the coupling links and support legs allows the support legs to close to a vertical position parallel and adjacent to the center post while allowing the legs to automatically open when the tripod is placed on the support surface.