This is a very nice mid-range tripod with a lot of functionality. While it does fold down, it is not a small thing, and it's great that it comes with a case but this isn't too small either so be prepared for an extra thing to lug around. This isn't going to fit in well with a compact set of camera gear.It is incredibly adjustable, extending to a height well over the height of my head so it's ideal for really tall people (alas, I am not really tall). Despite its size, it is also very lightweight, being made of aluminium. It does feel a little rattly when you are setting it up but once you have it ready with the camera on (and possibly hanging a bag/weight from it) it feels very sturdy indeed.There is no pan handle but there is a bolt you can loosen to allow panoramic panning, which is a very smooth movement. The head is also fully rotatable, moving through 360 degrees.You can also remove one leg and part of the central tube to create a monopod instead, the rubber foot of which is removable so you can use the spike instead to prevent the leg sliding along the ground.The tripod is rated to take up to 8kg in weight. One of my lenses is a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM which actually weighs close to 15kg. Add the body at another 700g and surprisingly the tripod doesn't struggle at all. They've obviously greatly undersold how well the tripod handles with greater weights loaded on it. However, this was tested with no additional weight hanging from it, and I was inside on a level hard floor at the time.All in all this is an amazing tripod for the price. Perhaps more expensive than a beginner would like to pay but it is getting on for professional quality at only a fraction of the price. It is a very good investment if you have any desire to up your photography game.