I'm a casting director and also offer audition recording services for actors. I use a top of the line consumer camera with an attached boom mic, so nothing too heavy, but this tripod could clearly handle much heavier professional gear. During auditions, and going from record session to record session, the height of the camera is constantly adjusting up and down to accommodate actor height differences, sitting, standing, etc. This has been a challenge for the lighter weight consumer tripods, even with the larger legs, but not enough to justify a big and bulky $600+ tripod geared more towards professional gear. However, the SIRUI AM-255 is the "just right" fit between consumer and professional needs, to include the price. The floating head is a bonus feature I never knew how much I needed and wanted. The added height from previous, less stable 72" options is really helpful with actors over 6 foot. My last tripod was a top price point among consumer offerings, much heavier duty than previous options, but there was an audible sound whenever tilting up and down that was very frustrating. Not so with the AM-255. All is quiet and smooth, and the unit is super stable, easy to raise and lower without risking pinched fingers while doing so. The size and weight are sturdy, but lightweight enough to travel with for remote projects. If I had a additional casting or recording rooms, I'd purchase this tripod again and again, but as one of my actor clients noted while admiring my new purchase - "This may go with you to the grave it's so well built!"