After searching a while monopod practical, compact, low minimum height for the macro, and high enough not to have unfolded to squat to take pictures. The price was also important to me. I came across this monopod meet all these conditions: 35cm folded, it reached 1.45m unfolded, what with the height of the case, allow me to take pictures without problems standing without having to bend down. (I measure 1.83m) Lightweight and compact, it fits in a bag. In terms of stability, often a problem for these monopod, with many segments (5), it is excelente !! Very rigid when unfolded, stability is still very good! I have not chosen this monompode in order to make sports photography, with a large telephoto lens, so I can not judge the stability in these conditions, but for routine use, to gain some stability without to have the bulk of a tripod, this monopoode is perfect. No comments on Amazon UK is amazing for a monopod of this quality! Go take a look on Amazon UK, the English seem to have adopted this tripod, and especially appreciate it!