Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head
- Price: $469.95
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # OBCT3520BB1T
- Mfr# CT-3520/BB-1T
Product Highlights
- 22 lb System Load Capacity
- Maximum Height of 66.5"
- Folds Up to Only 16.6"
- 6x Carbon Fiber Legs and Center Column
- One Leg, Column & Head Form Monopod
- Extra Knobs for Pan & Tension Control
- Lightweight - Weighs 3.7 lb
- Retractable Spikes in Feet
- Removable Head
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The Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head is a sturdy yet lightweight tripod with legs that fold upward 180° to create an extremely compact package for transport – with the included head attached, folded length is only 16.6". For further versatility for travelers, one of the legs unscrews from the chassis and attaches to the head & carbon-fiber center column to form a working-height monopod. With a high system load capacity of 22 lb, the full-sized tripod and head ensure a stable base for any DSLR body/lens combination with multiple accessories, or for an HD video camera.
With the five carbon-fiber leg sections and the center column extended, the maximum height of the CT-3520 is 66.5". The legs are non-rotating, which enables single-handed operation of all four rubber twist locks on each leg: One twist of the wrist, and the four leg stages descend. The three legs are independently adjustable, and they can be locked securely at two different angles. The tripod's feet feature retractable spikes for shooting both indoors and outdoors on any terrain.
To shoot in monopod mode, simply unscrew the leg that forms the base of the monopod, remove the center column from the chassis, and screw these two elements together. With the head & center column mounted on the extended leg, you have a monopod that's even taller than the tripod at full height.
Like the legs, the center column features a twist lock that frees up its extension and retraction. For protection when it's retracted quickly, there's a rubber damper that protects the center-post collar. At the bottom of the center column is a spring-loaded, detachable hook that allows you to attach a counterweight for extra stability in windy conditions. The hook doubles as a stopper for the center column, which can be removed and reversed for low-angle shooting.
The BB-1T's three separate rubberized knobs enable higher-precision adjustments to the head than are possible with single-lever heads. The head pans a full 360°, with accurate markings all around to facilitate panoramic photography. The head tilts a full 90° in one direction, which facilitates shooting in portrait orientation. Friction control allows you to set the ease of movement of the ball head to match the particular load that it's supporting. A bubble level on the head aids in framing.
The included quick-release plate attaches to your camera via its standard 1/4"-20 screw. The quick-release plate easily slides into place on the BB-1T head, and the Arca-style quick-release knob clamps it in for maximum stability.
The CT-3520 also includes a fitted, padded carry case with a shoulder strap, two heavy-duty zippers, and an interior zipper pocket.
- 180° foldover design allows it to be folded into a compact package that can easily fit into backpacks or luggage, ideal for travel or trekking
- Only weighs 3.7 lb (1.7 kg)
- Leg construction & design enable easy servicing & maintenance of leg sections
- The tripod features a reversible screw to accommodate heads with either 3/8"-16 or 1/4"-20 threads
- An Allen key is attached to one of the legs, so you're always ready to tighten any component of the tripod that might need it
- Center column is grooved to prevent rotation
- 6x carbon fiber legs and center column for lightweight rigidity
- Two-angle leg adjustment via push-locks
- Bubble level on head
Go To
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 22 lb (10 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 66.5" (168.9 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 57.7" (146.6 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 16" (40.6 cm) |
| Folded Length | 16.6" (42.1 cm) |
| Weight | 3.7 lb (1.7 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | Ball head (3 separate knobs) |
| Quick Release | Yes (Arca-type) |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | 6x carbon fiber |
| Head Attachment Fitting | 3/8"-16 and 1/4"-20 (reversible screw) |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 4/5 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist lock |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | Yes/yes |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Rapid |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
| Bubble Level | Yes (1 on head) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 12 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (7)
- Lightweight (7)
- Compact (6)
- Stable (6)
- Attaches firmly (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (9)
- Travel (9)
- Sports/action (6)
- Portraits (5)
- Weddings (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (12)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
Specifications: The actual Max height w/o column extended measured at 56.5", other specs were as listed. Leg diameters, they are 28mm, 25mm, 22mm, 19mm, and 16mm.
The BB-1 Ball Head - The friction knob has to be turned nearly tight and then if you move the camera more than 20 degrees past perpendicular, the camera and lens will drift downward. Once in position locking the setup, the camera/lens does not move!
The tripod legs - Twist locks work well requiring about a 1/2 turn to lock and unlock them. I'm 6' 1" and with the tripod fully extended the camera viewfinder is nearly eye level. The height will be very beneficial on uneven surfaces and slopes. It is noteworthy that if you do not use the last two leg segments the tripod is extremely solid.
At full height, with a D800 and 24-70mm, required nothing more than carefully press the shutter button for clean images, even on carpet. With lenses up to 200mm you can get away with just using a 2 or 3 second shutter delay.
With a D800 and an 80-400mm at 400mm you can hold your hand on the lens and carefully press the shutter button or use a two second delay and a remote shutter release and get decent images. With the 80-400mm lens above the 200mm, the best results were with hanging a small amount of weight on the tripod hook, locking the mirror up, and using a remote shutter release.
If the quality holds up and for the price point, this is very worthy tripod and head.
I only wished Oben or B&H had an option between the BB-1 and BC-1 Ball Heads, I would have much preferred the BC-1 if it works as well or better than the BB-1.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- 5 Section Adjustments
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
We had great service and a quick delivery. I love my new tripod. It is so easy to use. I can put it up and collapse it with minimal effort. I really like that it has 5 different sections for adjusting perfectly to my height or to the height of my children, who also love to make movies!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
I'm getting older and the weight of my od tripod was taking the fun out of doing photography that required going on locaton. Or even short trips. And I love that this tripod compresses into such a smal portable size. Great for all transport but especially on the airlines. Wish I'd have done it sooner.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
I just bought this because I left my old tripod at a job and decided this was the time to upgrade. It is very light and folds up compact but it's still stable and fully adaptable. Highly recommended.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Easy to open
- easy to use
- Good Stability
- High quality
- Light
- Strong Ball Head
- Versatile
- Very Compact
Cons
- Allen Key Qr Plate
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
I really love this tripod! I feel happy I purchased it everytime I use it and I'm really glad I spent more money than I originally intended. It's worth every $. I spent a lot of time doing online research into the tripod to buy, and I mean a lot! I narrowed the brands down to Oben and vanguard, but Oben just did more and was the best value. I basically wanted everything in my tripod, but obviously this is impossible/unrealistic. I wanted a travel friendly (light and compact) tripod that was also strong, stable, and functional. The Oben was the closest I could find to the perfect tripod. My disclaimer is that i wasn't going to spend over $600 so i assume if your budget is more than you should find a better option in the $1000 range?B&H is awesome so it arrived pretty quickly and was packaged very safely. Straight away it felt like high quality. great carry bag and the carbon fiber finish very high quality. It looked special!My biggest decision was actually between this one and the 4 leg option. I went for this 5 leg because it folded smaller, and extended higher. The extra weight was very small and i only extend the center column or the thinnest leg extensions when needed. It is pretty quick to set up and take down too.It folds up over itself easily and into a very compact and light packagae making it suitable for travel. The monopod is a nice touch although I haven't used it yet, the centre column is reversable for macro. It has spiked feet or rubber tip (twist to reveal spikes). The hook at the bottom of the centre column is also great to hang weights.This is my 1st ball head and I love it. I'll never go P&T again. The ballhead is very easy to use, smooth, stong and versatile. It holds a 5D3 with 24-70 2.8 very easily. Its a real pleasure!Now for the negatives, although they are just more of a wishlist (Potentially unrealistic)as no other tripod seemed as good on paper. The QR plate needs a allen key to put on & take off. It would just be easier not to have to take it out or be afraid to lose it. If you keep the plate on permanently then the camera doesn't sit flat due to 2 safety bolts. no biggy but worth a mention. The leg angles only have 2 positions, 3 would be better but I'm just being greedy I know :)Buy this you will LOVE it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
I have been looking for a good tripod for a while, it had to be tall (I'm 6'1"), light, and compact so it could easily fit into my checked luggage without eating up much of my 50 pound limit. This tripod fits the bill nicely.
My only disappointment was with the original shipment, which was broken. In retrospect I begin to wonder if it was a return item that somehow got back into the system.
However, B&H was prompt on processing the RMA and getting out the replacement.
The replacement rocks! I am looking forward to packing this on my next trip; no more hand holding those critical vacation shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pricey
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
Super small and easy to use. It took a little to get use to however after a couple of hours this was a great investment. I still think its a little pricy but you get what you pay for!!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
Have just used a short time but it is seams to be stong, easy to use and very compact. Looked at many but for the money this made the most since and happy with my choice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
I use the tripod for wide angle and panorama landscapes, and love the light, compact design. Even if you want to walk around with your camera around your neck, and nothing else, there's no reason not to sling the very high quality bag it comes with, over your shoulder,just so you have it with you. It's almost like it isn't there!
The only negative things I've noticed:
- the ball head can't be flipped upside down in order to provide a panoramic platform that can be easily leveled regardless of the tripod's position. I'll have to get a small piece custom machined in order provide a stable base and accommodate the keys meant to keep the arca swiss clamp from rotating.
- the arca swiss clamp was a little sticky when I first got it, but seems its not the clamp itself, it's the way it clamps onto the plate.
Other than those two items, I love the tripod, and the monopod it turns into when needed, and find it well worth the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- All around very usefull
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
I use this tripod for photographing birds. It is very easy to set up, adjust , and the ball sets easy .very furm, and camera moves smoothly and accurately with ease. The tripod is easy to transport . Folds up with ease and is very light to handle. I am very impressed with it and recommend it very highly! It easally suports my 5D mark II with 100-400 L lens even with 1.4 extender easally and accurately. I travel around the world taking Photo s of birds and animals it fits in my carry on and camera bags with ease.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
Light, steady and high. Was a little affraid that 5 sections would be annoying but I was wrong. Very pleased with that. 1/4 turn to unlock/lock is a snap! Very tempting to compare it with the equivalent Gitzo for 1/2 the price. Some minors improvements would be : little wider grips, center column is a bit slippy with heavy gear (~6 Kg/12 lbs). BTW center column can be inverted for macro shots, and has a retractable hook at one end. Very nice bag too. Thx Oben!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
I use this Tripod for panorama shots and night time shots. The Tripod is easy to use and light , surprisingly sturdy for it's weight and easy to operate. A good overall choice .
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-12
Adapter Bushings
- Price: $2.49
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $23.99
Keep a spare plate handy.
Straps
Show more >
- Price: $29.95
Leg Accessories
- Price: $18.95
Dollies
- Price: $41.95
General Tripod Accessories
Show more >
- Price: $17.50
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