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) |