This tripod is strong enough for any type of photography, including long exposure astrophotography. The end user can disassemble it with the tool provided and service/clean the tripod. It folds compactly at just 17 inches and weighs 3.6 pounds, making it the perfect all-round tripod. Using it on a rocky beach or grassy fields has been a pleasure so far. Company: What sets the 3-leg thing apart from other companies' tripods is that if a part breaks, they replace that part at cost plus shipping. They are one of three companies that use tripods that use their own carbon fiber. Designed by photographers for photographers, these tripods include features you'll actually use.