Let's put a few things in perspective. I think it's unfair that this tripod gets bad reviews for a variety of reasons. First of all, this tripod is NOT intended for use with any kind of binoculars. Yes, Celestron is very wrong to recommend this tripod for use with their binos but common sense, a little research, and an IQ higher than 50 will tell you that, if you need a tripod for your binoculars, you need something that can be raised above your height. I thought I was going to find a bunch of plastic but I was pleasantly surprised. This tripod is very well constructed and it is steady. I only bought this tripod to go with my grab n' go telescope (a 102 mm short tube refractor) for those week days when I wanted to observe. Don't get me wrong, I love my big scopes but during the week I don't have the time to mess with an equatorial mount so I need something I can press into service at a momments notice. If you are new to astronomy and don't want to mess with an equatorial mount or if you need a simple but steady grab n' go mount then this is for you. If you are buying an $80 mount expecting it to perform like the more expensive ones, if you are trying to mount a huuuuge reflector or if you are getting it to go with yout binoculars then you seriously need an IQ test. I'm not giving it 5 start because the altitude axis is only adjustable with a wrench, which gets old fast. C'mon Celestron, would it kill you to add an extra tension knob?????