I bought this TMA47ALB4 after lots of research and it was one of the very few tripods that met all of my requirements. I wanted a tall (I am 6'6") sturdy tripod without having to extend the center colum (I only use that for fine tuning). I also needed it to hold about 20kg (44lbs) and wanted a quick release acra swiss system on a ballhead. I chose Al over CF as I wanted a heavier tripod for stability in windy situations and it is much cheaper (bonus).The quick release is easy to operate. Turn screw and pull, if you do not pull the plate will not come out. It is an added safety so the camera does not fall out by itself.The ballhead work very nicely and is very sturdy, just what I wanted.I believe that you can convert it to a monopod, I have not tried that yet.The legs extend and retract easily.Man...I am impressed by this excellent piece of work. This is an excellent tripod and I don't know how anyone could rate this anything but 5 stars. Good job Benro!!!Used it for the August 21st eclipse. Worked great.happy with this item. For the price I cannot believe the value. This is a tall, solid, well made tripod with accessories and a carrying case. All high quality and functional. Highly recommended.There is not much more that I say other than that this is a fantastic tripod.Solid as a rock even at full extension height.It came with its own benro carry case which as you can see in photo easily fits the tripod and the B2 head in it.It also came with the short extension central tube and a tool kit to change anything needed on the tripod.In the photos I have covered mine with a camo wrap tape as it is warmer on the hands and protects it from dings and scratches as I use mine always in the field on a daily basis .Being 181cm (6 ft 1in) the tripod is the first one I have had that is perfect height without extending the center column. .Not the lightest tripod to carry around, but despite this it is a well made and sturdy tripod that i would not be without, great value for the money and a tripod that i would highly recommendTall and heavy, just what I was looking for. Comes in a lovely bag, you can't get it in the bag once you put a head on it so what's the point.As stable as my £900 Gitzo, cheaper and lighter - Love this tripod. lets hope it lasts as long as a GitzoDas Stativ ist jetzt kein Leichtgewicht - aber das beste Stativ das ich je benutzt habe!Verglichen mit den üblichen 100-150,- Reisestativen ist das große Benro MERKBAR stabiler - nichts flext oder bewegt sich, steht wie betoniert ;-). Die Rohre sind sehr dick, die Mechanik sehr robust und trotzdem leichtgängig.Zubehör, Tasche etc. ist komplett und von guter Qualität.Wird von mir in einem Studio Setup genutzt mit Makro Schiene und diversen Aufbauten - dafür ist es perfekt.