That sounds about right Chris. I haven't actually measured that but I think 18 inches is real close. I have the tripod as high as it will go and leaning a bit forward, up against the table. The front two legs are adjusted a little shorter than the rear one to give a bit more downward look for the camera and then the gun does not have to be tilted as much. I zoom in and out to get the engraving framed nicely and use macro to get a focus at that close a range. Just play around with it and see what works for you. Any more questions just keep asking. Regards.