this is a strong, and very adjustable boom. it replaces a cheaper boom, and has some pros and cons: it's easy to position vertically and horizontally, and it stays where it's put: that was my main frustration with the old boom, and the Manfrotto solves my main problem. two cons: the boom arm isn't telescopic: length is adjustable, but by adding and subtracting sections, so a bit fiddly if you need to adjust it often. the big drawback for me was that it doesn't fit the Avenger C stand I wanted to mount it on: I assumed that since both are Manfrotto brands that they'd be compatible. they're not. But in itself, a strong, stable boom, easily strong enough to take the flash head and big sofbox I used it for.