This is the most adaptable tripod I've ever seen.First off, It's extremely tall. I'm 6'3", and when it's fully deployed I can't reach the camera button to take a picture. If I wanted to get a crane shot with whatever I had on hand, this is what I would use. I might actually get some use out of the remote I purchased with my camera years ago.The monopod option feels a bit gimmicky, but if I had just enough room to take one (pod?) with me and felt like I might need a tripod, or a monopod, this is really the only thing I've ever seen that can be both.It has a 90 degree joint so I can get those top down product shots, and it even comes with a ball mount so I don't have to attach my own head. Speaking of the ball mount, it has a great smooth motion, so if I wanted to (and you have steady enough hands) I could use it as a steady axis for panning and tilting motion shots.On top of all that, the legs splay way out, so not only can I get extremely high shots, I can use this as a very low tripod that holds the camera inches away from the ground. With the 90 degree elbow arm, I can even hold the camera out to the side, and swing it upside down with the ball mount holding it at nearly ground level.The legs deploy fairly well. I've used legs with smoother action, but they're not bad.It's light and with the bag it's easy to carry around.The only thing left to talk about is the sturdiness. I'd call it mostly sturdy. I'd trust it to hold my camera, but on a windy day there will be motion in the shot. I can feel a bit of wiggle, and there's more with it fully extended. If I was using it for long exposure photography, I'd want to throw some sand bags on the hook.Overall a great tripod for anyone looking for an all-in-1 solution.Highly recommended.