This is the most adaptable tripod I have ever seen. First of all, it is extremely tall. I'm 6'3", and when it's fully extended I can't reach the camera button to take a picture. If I wanted to take a picture with a crane with whatever I had handy , that's what I would use I could actually I use the remote I bought with my camera years ago The monopod option seems a bit fancy but if I had just enough room to pack one (pod?) be both It has a 90 degree joint so I can get those product shots up and down, and it even comes with a ball joint mount so I don't don't have to tie my own head. Speaking of the ball mount, it has very smooth movement, so if I wanted to (and you have sufficiently steady hands) I could use it as a stable axis for panning and tilting shots. On top of all that, the legs are set wide apart, so not only can I get extremely high shots, but I can also use it as a very low tripod that keeps the camera inches off the ground. With the 90-degree angled arm, I can even hold the camera sideways and rotate it upside down with the ball-and-socket mount that keeps it nearly level with the ground. The legs spread quite well. I've used legs with a softer action, but they're not bad. It is lightweight and with the bag it is easy to carry. It only remains to talk about the solidity. I would call it mostly rugged. I would trust it to hold my camera, but in windy weather there will be movement in the shot. I can feel a little squirming, and there's more with her fully extended. If I was using it for long exposure photography, I would throw sandbags on the hook. Overall a great tripod for anyone looking for an all in one solution. Highly recommended. a great tripod for anyone looking for an all-in-one solution. Highly recommended. a great tripod for anyone looking for an all-in-one solution. Highly recommended.