I bought the tripod, because I want to move the camera with telephoto shots from time to time without the same having to build a fairly expansive Tripod or get blurred images because I have taken out of your hands. Second reason was the occasional use of the films as a hand stand. for both purposes this is ideal. It is sufficiently compact with about 55cm but it also allows a height of about 170cm to use other perspectives. the carrying capacity is sufficient, it carries a EOS 600 with BG (AA-battery pack), and Speedlight) .The only thing you could (if you deleted you will always find what) the head is pivoted in the vertical, portrait shots are therefore not complain readily possible, but a metal ball head (such as: Vibesta Ballpoint Mini with 1/4 "thread) is for relatively little money to procure and can also be used other Staiven.