As a professional photographer, a good tripod is a must. I've mostly used a Velbon Sherpa 200R which is quiet heavy, so the K&F TC2534 is a great light weight alternative. The CF (carbon fiber) legs have minimal flex and slide out smoothly with gravity and centrifugal force. The metal threaded twist locks secure them with a single turn of the wrist, and are easy to grip with/without gloves. The foam cover on the leg helps with grip and insulates my hands in cold temperatures. Even the CF is less cold than metal.At the top of the legs are thumb lever locks that allow them to quickly be angled at 25, 45, 75, and up to 180 degrees to be upside down or inverted for a compact storage height of 18". The whole tripod takes about 20 seconds to open and 14 to close.The 35mm ball head is solid metal and allows the camera to point in any direction. It's attached to the column with 3/8" screw and can be swapped with different ballheads. There is a pan knob that allows for smooth panning, and has degrees written around it. The largest knob locks the ballhead. The tension is strong enough for a Nikon D7000 and 70-200mm 2.8 (about 5lb), or canon 5D+70-200mm. A bigger lens combo should sit fine on the top if level, but might lose position if tilted. It's rated for up to 16lb.The quick release plate is metal with rubber grip that doesn't slip on the camera. It's nice and small measuring 8x48x50mm. Another great feature is it will not slide out unless fully loosened.The center column has a tall 12.7" CF column, or a short 3.5" metal column. Either can be used individually (the short one allows the tripod to reach a minimum height of 11"). The center column adjusts with a twist lock like the legs, but does not rotate itself. At the bottom of it is a spring hook for hanging weight. This part can unscrew and the center column can be pulled out and combined with a detachable leg to create a 20-68" monopod. The only flaw I found with this design is that in order to connect the center column to the leg, you need to either carry the included 3/8" screw that connects them, or keep it in the bottom of the center column which replaces the weight hook. I wish the screw was built into the tripod leg.Included with the tripod is a rugged padded nylon zipper bag. The zippers are thick. On the bag is a reflective strip for showing up in headlights at night, and there is a detachable shoulder strap. Well made. Also included: ballhead cover, lens cloth, allen key, 3/8" screw, manual.CONCLUSIONThe only thing I would change is put the 3/8" screw in the leg for easier conversion to monopod. And foam jackets on all legs. Also would love to see this in a 3 section version (faster to open). The most important thing is the tripod is sturdy, and dampens vibrations well. With some tripods, the DSLR mirror flap transmits blur to photos during 1 - 1/10s exposures, but this does not have that problem. As long as I use shutter delay, or remote, I can take long exposures at 300mm without any blur. Overall it's great and has worked well in all kinds of situations. 4.5 stars. Sample provided for testing and review.PROS- Small. Light weight. Photos are sharp with it. Several height options and functions, monopod. Rubber feet can be unscrewed and replaced. Materials are 99% carbon fibre, metal, or rubber.CONS- Monopod transformation is tedious, putting the 3/8" screw in the leg would have been better. Only 1 leg has foam grip. Center column is a bit jerky when adjusting.MEASUREMENTS- Tripod: 18" - 65". Max 66", Min 8.5" with short column- Monopod (long column+leg): 33" - 68.5"- Monopod (ballhead+leg): 20" - 56"Leg Diameter:- Center Column: 25mm- Leg Section 1: 25mm- Leg Section 2: 22mm- Leg Section 3: 19mm- Leg Section 4: 16mm