Excellent tripod. It is heavy, which is what I want. The head that comes with this tripod is excellent, fully adjustable, even the tension of the movement of the ball. So with my heaver camera (Sony A7R II with telephoto) it really is what I was looking for. Plus no handle from the head (making folding and storing a breeze), but rather the ergonomic twist tight knobs. They fit my fingers well (bigger hands) and to tighten the ball is smooth. This is probably not what you want to take hiking - and I won't. This is more for taking in the car/truck, city work, studio work. But it is solid. Also, versatile. I can lay the top over 90 degrees and shoot straight down. It is quick to open and close. And taller, so I don't have to stoop to look through the view finder. All in all this tripod and head are just what I want. I also bought the recommended Manfrotto case. It is very snazzy looking, quite the Italian flair. Even the tripod looks good (I know that sounds weird! What can I say? It's a professional photographer's tripod and half the cost and looks like it will last for a very long time.) Will I take this traveling overseas? If I was working, yes. For touring, I might. I feel so safe with the camera on this platform. You can get lighter weight carbon tripods. Me, I like this one best.
