This tripod was bought to replace a lighter aluminum tripod, while retaining the portability of a 102mm ED refractor (about 10 kg all up). Its a well-made tripod with easy to use twist lock clamps on the legs, and it comes with a bonus carry bag. I've used it on a wooden deck and concrete, and the vibrations in the view took about 2 seconds to settle, which is reasonable to me. However, with light winds (gusts especially) and higher magnification, the vibrations became more bothersome.

When I asked FLO about the tripod, Alex provided really good advice about its lightweight nature and stability, though I didn't fully appreciate the significance at the time. I don't extend the narrower bottom leg sections, and the only time I've hung some weight from the hook below the mount, it didn't make much difference in wind gusts. I am thinking the lack of a spreader plate at the top of the tripod may contribute significantly to the instability, because when I make sure the legs are fully spread, the vibrations are minimal. In my view, this should be done whenever the tripod is set up, or shifted a little. I'll also try connecting a cord from the mount hook to a weight on the ground to see if that improves things.

So yes, its a very nice tripod though there are some limitations with its stability that I did not fully appreciate. That reflects my inexperience and ignorance more than anything. FLO provided excellent advice about the tripod before I bought it, and it arrived in NZ within 4 days of being sent!! I will happily buy gear from FLO in the future, so 5 stars for them .

I bought the tripod along with the Castor II alt-az mount for lightweight visual observing. The tripod comes with a really good carry case with shoulder strap. Its very light and very robust. The mechanisms for the legs are easy to use and strong. The legs can be splayed out to almost horizontal by pressing a little clip at the top of each leg. This would allow very stable table-top use in addition to full leg extension on the ground. There are pads for each leg for hard surface use and also a set of spikes for use on grass for extra stability. I am very happy with this tripod, the quality is excellent and it will get a lot of use.

Reliable prompt delivery from FLO. The tripod is light and easy to use, and works well with the Astro Essentials altazimuth fork mount. I have used a 120mm refractor on the tripod without any problems.