This is a great inexpensive setup for beginners. It is comfortable to hold and use, the grips are comfortable. A matte box can help block out some of the light to reduce glare, but it's not a true matte box in the sense that you can install filters. Focus tracking works, but it's not very smooth and the tape can slip. If you have a wide angle lens I would look elsewhere. But if not, he can do what needs to be done. The best advice I can give is to set it up how you intend to use it and not take it apart. The most expensive, high-end rigs are modular, you can take them apart and reconfigure them. This can technically do the same thing, but is impractical in practice. The quality of metal, locks and puffs just can't withstand repeated losses and puffs. If you set it up and tighten it up well, it works great. If you keep trying to reconfigure it then I don't think it will hold together. With that in mind, you can get a cheap feature set for pennies compared to the big brands.