The Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head is a sturdy yet superbly 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 system load capacity of 16.8 lb, the full-sized tripod and head ensure a stable base for any DSLR body/lens combination with multiple accessories, or for a compact HD video camera.
With the four carbon-fiber leg sections and the center column extended, the maximum height of the CT-3410 is 60". The legs are non-rotating, which enables single-handed operation of all three rubber twist locks on each leg: One twist of the wrist, and the three 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 full size 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-0T'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-0T head, and the Arca-style quick-release knob clamps it in for maximum stability.
The CT-3410 Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod also includes a fitted, padded carry case with a shoulder strap, two heavy-duty zippers, and an interior zipper pocket.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 16.8 lb (7.6 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 60.0" (152.4 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 50.8" (129.0 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 16.7" (42.4 cm) |
| Folded Length | 16.6" (42.1 cm) |
| Weight | 2.95 lb (1.3 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 | 3/4 |
| 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) |
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Reviewed by 8 customers
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Comments about Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
This is a great value in a carbon fiber tripod - light yet sturdy, and very versatile. The price of CF tripods often turns away amateurs, advanced amateurs, and even some professionals, but this tripod is priced perfectly. Just what the doctor ordered for a light but sturdy travel tripod. The only complaint is the lack of documentation for the ball head knobs and basic operation of the legs - can be a little tricky...
The five-section model is a bit lighter, but appears slightly less stable when fully extended. I use a Canon 7D and with a long lens I like the added stability of the 4-section legs.
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Comments about Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
I want to say that this can be a poor man's Gitzo with a total value of 450usd that includes the legs and a tripod head. It's sturdy and light enough for travel. It is not a Gitzo but it serves its purpose exceptionally.
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Comments about Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
Steady, sturdy tripod. Well-designed - not over-designed. Instructions are easy to understand.
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Comments about Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
I've only used this tripod a few times so far and haven't had any issues. I have been looking for a lightweight carbon fiber tripod that didn't cost an arm and a leg. This one fits the bill.
I'm looking forward to many good years of use with this tripod.
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Comments about Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
This tripod is built well and is very light-weight except for the ball head. I bought it for travel willing to spend the money for a light-weight tripod, but the ball head is the heaviest part and a little overkill even for my DSLR with zoom. Consider a smaller ball head if you don't have a really big camera and you want it for travel.
I like the twist locks on the legs, they make extending the legs very fast and easy. When I got it the legs were way too stiff to flip down and that increased setup time. I loosened the screws and now the legs are much smoother and easier to rotate down, but that was some work to get them all the same tightness.
There was also something loose inside of one of the legs... I took it apart to find an extra screw rolling around inside of it, then I struggled to get the thing back together.
A side note about Ball Heads: They are not as easy to use to aim for focus and exposure then re-compose the shot as Pan/Tilt Heads.
Overall, I am pleased with my purchase, but I think Oben needs to work on their quality control.
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Comments about Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
As advertised, solidly built, economically-priced carbon tripod. My only complaint is that the knob adjustments on the tripod head are a bit fiddly. I think I would, in the end, have spent more for a ball head that had a single lock for swivel rotation and a single knob for the general ball head movement. As it is, this head has 2 separate locking knobs for the ball head which doesn't add anything and is just annoying. Otherwise, sturdy enough to support my 5D2 with medium size L lenses.
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Comments about Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
I purchased this tripod strictly for travel. The day after I received it, I left for a West coast 7 day trip. It fit perfectly in my carry-on, didn't add much extra weight and with a few minor adjustments, was quick to set up and take down. I am not a big fan of the twist leg feature, much more a clip release person, but even that would not deter me from recommending this tripod to a friend.
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Comments about Oben CT-3410 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
I will be using this for an inside passage cruise and inland trip to Alaska. It is clearly a very rugged tripod with excellent strength for large L glass telephoto lenses. Great stability and the retractable spikes are an awesome plus. As a beginning novice photographer, a quick guide for using the four knobs for the different axes of movement would be nice, but with some experimenting it may become second nature.
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