Well if you are a videographer or director you know you need a crane. Will you use the faucet all the time? No, but if the shot counts, the crane is the next level. This faucet works as intended. It's very smooth and with practice you can really get some really good shots. But be careful not to put your fingers between the bars, as moving up and down will close the gap. Set up is easy though - lock the crane onto the tripod, then attach the camera, but don't tighten anything yet, place the counterweights at the back and make sure it's balanced. Then adjust the 4 knobs on the front to keep your camera at a 90 degree angle and voila, you're done. As mentioned, this takes practice, so don't expect to be a pro right away. Practice with it and you'll like it as much as I do and for the price? yes it is a guard