This is a really good quality astronomy binocular tripod. Orion definitely did their homework and created a setup that is wide enough, heavy enough, and firm enough to handle the big boys of amateur astronomy binoculars: the 25x100s. I tried several other tripods and heads only to find that they were either not wide enough (and a little too easy to tip over), they weren't heavy enough (and the binos overpowered them), or they weren't firm enough (the heads slipped due to the weight and the binos wouldn't stay pointed at their target). The pan-and-tilt head on this tripod can be locked in both pan and tilt directions to keep you on target.THE GOOD: wide, heavy, and stable; locking head; can handle 25x100 binos; and comes with a case!THE BAD: the elevator post cranks up and down easy enough but the twist-lock requires a lot of twisting to keep the post from sliding downTHE UGLY: a bit pricey... but worth it (if you don't want the case, Orion sells just the tripod for $158)Product has dents and scratches on several places. Appears used or returned product that was shipped back out. Unfortunately this shipped internationally so cannot send it back. Poor service from Orion on this one.Well designed with excellent fit and finish. My tripod arrived with the quick release lever broken. Orion customer support provided replacement part promptly and at no cost.Great product.I've been using this tripod with my 35mm cameras, medium format cameras (Hasselblads), ETX90 spotting scope and Orion Short Tube 80 refractor. The tripod performs well in most cases, and has a built in bubble level to help in leveling the tripod. The only shortcomings are that the pan head is difficult to adjust in small increments, so centering items in the telescopes are not as effortless as one would like. This tripod is a great platform for a 35mm camera or a medium format camera with shorter lenses. When I use my longest lenses (350mm & 500mm) on my Hasselblad, I have to take additional measures to insure that the tripod remains steady. Then again, these are probably beyond what this tripod was designed for.The case is a great way to store and carry the tripod.Good quality works well. Case is very handy for carrying it around.