Solid and smooth. While not light like the carbon fiber version, it is not heavy. Very well made. Legs extend with flip of the switches. The controls are smooth and moves buttery smooth. I did put a ifootage Q1S QT attachment and plate on top to make it faster for my uses when I’m hunting. The accessories for manfrotto QD was not as good in my opinion, because the plate did not have that pin although it showed it. So I opted for the ifootage one and it’s wonderful.It’s smooth as butter moving this piece but it’s fairly heavy, definitely heavier than expected.I love all the features of this tripod and the quality. I may have missed this in the description, but it does not collapse into a small footprint. Once it is compacted, and all folded up, it is still about 18-inches tall.I LOVE this Manfrotto tripod! I used this all throughout high school in my video production class and it was the GO-TO tripod for any good student. When I graduated I just HAD to buy one for myself. I've had the same tripod for 3-4 years and it's been amazing! I recommend this to anyone starting out with video production seriously. Super sturdy legs, amazing fluid head, and smooth pan/tilts.This is perfect for tall and small height people.290 Xtra (tripod with 2-way fluid head: MK290XTA3-2WUS)I love the smoothness of the fluid head. Our camera weighs about 1.5 lbs and doesn't put a lot of pressure on the system. I've read that heavier cameras can make the fluid head kind of gritty or such.Overall, the build quality seems good. The center column pulls out and flips over for those hanging shots if you want or need the wider base for the feet instead of collapsing them to lower the overall height.With the vertical adjustment knob, it has the issue that it now only adjusts the vertical friction but also pulls the adjustment wheel in—and adjusts the cant of the camera. This means that if you need to do a vertical adjustment while recording or streaming live, loosening the knob will slightly tilt the camera to the side like you were using a 3-way head and bumped it on that third axis.It's not a make-or-break, but I may look for a different model by Manfrotto due to the head issue. We do occasional vertical adjustments during our church services, and this most definitely WILL impact those moments. Most people watching our streams likely won't notice the details of what's happening (and it's best to make changes when the camera's not live anyway), but I'm still disappointed that the hardware will contribute slightly to a clunky transition any time that happens live.If anyone knows how to tighten something up so the locking knob doesn't change the camera tilt, I'd be grateful.The center column height adjust knob feels on the cheap. I think I heard a click earlier like something was overstressed as I tightened it down. Be careful of this knob if you buy the tripod so you don't crack anything. It doesn't seem like a fair pairing with the rest of the tripod build, as most everything seems pretty solid. I would hope the threading is a standard easily replaced just in case something does crack down the line.Overall, I'd buy again if it were for a context that's not going to require vertical shifts in live time. Horizontal is just fine since it doesn't have the lever shape cranking it over like the vertical arm does. If you need both, I'd look elsewhere for the money.I also didn't realize that it didn't have a level on it anywhere, and that's something I wish I'd noticed while flipping between all the options in my tabs. That's my fault, so I can't fault Mafrotto for that since they didn't advertiseI really like the tripod, but the kit head that comes with it has a lot to be desired. When I put my Sigma 150-600mm zoom on it. No matter how tight I would crank it, the lens would drop. I just bought a new ball head and will use the kit one hopefully on another tripod that won't hold that type of weight. The specs here for this tripod says load capacity is only 13 pounds, but when I went to B&H and checked the same model MK290XTA3-3WUS, it was 22 pounds. It's a good tripod and if I would have bought it without a kit head, I would have rated it a 5. But the kit head just irritated the crap out of me on multiple occasions, and I just said to heck with it and ordered another one almost cost as much as the tripod itself. but, then again. What do you expect for 200 dollars.Not happy at all with this product. I purchased this after reading and watching a ton of reviews. The 128 head is highly regarded and definitely not the source of my complaint. My issue lies with the tripod itself. It’s definitely sturdy and appears well built.However, there is a small set screw that secures the head against rotating on the tripod. The bottom of the 128 head is serrated every 1/2” and the set screw is suppose to interface with it. This was, when turning the tripod counter clockwise, you don’t unscrew the head from the tripod.It doesn’t work. I’ve tightened it a dozen times, moved the head in different directions to “hit” one of the serration shoulders. Still, after enough horizontal panning, the head becomes loose and wobbly.Don’t get me wrong. The fluid head is fantastic but the weak link is how it interfaces with the tripod. Ordering a replacement and will adjust the review accordingly.They say ignorance is a bless. Well I had I dirty cheap tripod and I thought it was good enough. As soon as I got this tripod in my hands I started smiling like a small kid. Quality is exceptional and it’s heavy, which makes it very sturdy. Extending is a breeze and feels good.About the ball head I have some mixed feelings. I really love how you attach and release your camera. It’s easy and snappy! I also like how you loosen the ball to reposition. On the other hand I’m not so sure about the propriety shape, which limits me to the brand L brackets. Also it could be a little bit more intuitive...Overall very pleased with the purchase!It’s always horrified me when I see someone with a camera that cost $1000+ setting it up on a toy tripod that cost $50. A tripod is not the thing to cheap out on - it’s the support system for your expensive camera equipment.This Italian-made Manfrotto tripod is extremely well-made and will last forever if it isn’t abused.At max height it extends taller than I will ever need. Quick to set up with the flip lock leg extenders.Not the lightest thing, I wouldn’t take it on a hike in the woods, but I bought it for stability, not weight. If weight matters, consider carbon fiber for a lot more money.Have wanted a fluid-head Manfrotto since I was a teen and they were very expensive. This one is a nice balance of portability and functionality and includes a bag. Will lift the camera nearly 6'. For smooth pan and tilt with video, you can't beat a fluid head. This is a nice one. They also have catches to spread the legs winder and take the camera lower.When I got it, the head had a small wobble. I contacted their support and quickly got the solution - a loose mounting screw under the head.The only thing missing is a bubble level. Got one for the camera shoe.This thing is solid, easy to use and versatile. I tried two different tripods before getting this one, they all had good reviews, but were a pain to work with. This one is really really stable, it doesn't shake even with heavy load, the height is just right; it's not light, but also not heavy. It works super with other Manfrotto heads (I've got a nice fluid video one). Comes with a bag, the camera-part is rubberized for maximum grip, everything is logical and well thought-through. I would buy this thing again in a heartbeat, cannot say the same with all the noname knock-offs with good reviews.