The Oben CT-3420 4-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 17.7". 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 four carbon-fiber leg sections and the center column extended, the maximum height of the CT-3420 is 64.8". 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-1T's three separate rubberized knobs enable higher-precision adjustments to the head than are possible with single-lever heads. 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-3420 also includes a fitted, padded carry case with a shoulder strap, two heavy-duty zippers, and an interior zipper pocket.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 22 lb (10 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 64.8" (164.6 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 54.7" (138.9 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 17.2" (43.6 cm) |
| Folded Length | 17.7" (44.9 cm) |
| Weight | 3.65 lb (1.65 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 4 customers
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Comments about Oben CT-3420 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
My previous experience with tripods was very little with very cheap tripods. Needless to say, using a wobbly tripod just makes you NOT want to use a tripod ever. After doing a lot of research on different tripods and balancing my limited budget I decided it was worth the extra money to go carbon fiber. One article advocated spending more now to avoid spending a lot more later. After using this tripod I am glad I spent the money. This tripod is stable beyond expectations. I love the ability to tweak the ball head setting with the three adjustment knobs. Because I am on the road a lot, the fact that this tripod folds down to 17.7" and fits in my carry on and only weighs about 4 lbs. makes this a must have for those who travel with their cameras. This has been such a joy to use from the moment I got it I have been looking for almost any excuse to use it. I even set it up in my car, to my wife's dismay, and took pictures while she was driving. From the picture in the review you will note that there is zero camera shake in the vehicle, while driving! This was a 30 second exposure on an average road. I highly recommend this tripod.
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Comments about Oben CT-3420 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
I bought with tripod with the purpose of having a very lightweight and yet competent piece of equipment. It both very light in weight and pretty small folded down, making it excellent for travel. Fully extended it still gives a respectable height with good stability. A nifty feature is also that you can detach and re-fasten one of the legs to the middle column, creating a lightweirgh monopod.
The only critisism of the product is that the ball head does not quite match the great standard of the tripod itself. The release plate is somewhat fiddly compared to others I have tried, although by no means a big hassle to use.
On the other hand, with the ball head being included it means the whole set folds down nicely into the bad that is included.
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Comments about Oben CT-3420 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
Bought this to use for travel and was better than expected! really light weight but very rugged and sturdy. if this was your only tripod and were going to use it every day you would be very happy
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Comments about Oben CT-3420 4-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head:
Fits inside my bag and has amazing features at an appropriate price.
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