The Oben CT-3510 5-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 a mere 15.6". 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 five carbon-fiber leg sections and the center column extended, the maximum height of the CT-3510 is 62.5". 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 removable 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-3510 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 | 62.5" (158.8 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 54.2" (137.7 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 15.0" (38.1 cm) |
| Folded Length | 15.6" (39.6 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 | 4/5 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist lock |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | Yes/no (removable) |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Rapid |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
| Bubble Level | Yes (1 on head) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Reviewed by 12 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-12
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
Very light travel tripod. Used with Nikon D700 and 14-24mm lens and it felt very stable considering its size and weight. The rubber pads allowed me to set up on irregular surfaces. The monopod is great for getting overhead shots and such. Also, for ease of travel, I removed the monopod leg and then stowed the tripod in the side pocket of my roll aboard bag.I was using the tripod in and out of water, It is very easy to remove the legs and drain the water from them. The rubber foot pegs come off easily when the spikes are needed. The ball head however was very hard to tighten enough to keep the camera from tilting down when shooting in the vertical orientation. The camera base is hard to hand tighten, use the included hex key wrench to tighten down snuggly to the camera.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
This tripod is great for a pack in go in a tight space. The tripod folds down to less than 16" and this makes it extremely portable. I've only had this tripod for a short time but I am impressed with it's workmanship. I am using it for landscape and sports photography. The panning knob works well. The other knobs compliment each other and make the BB-OT head easy to use. At first I wondered if this light weight could hold my D7000 with 18-200mm lens but it balances perfectly. This is a solid professional piece of equipment.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a really portable, strong tripod that fits just about anywhere is light and works as well as it's described. The only complaint that I have is the bubble level. This level is totally useless and I believe was an engineering oversight. The level should be placed on the side of the head where it can be utilized. This is my only complaint about this great tripod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
I bought this tripod for an upcoming trip to Italy. It is very compact and study, just what I was looking for. The ball head has a number of controls for accurate setup. The padded carry bag will be useful. Oben changed their rubber feet. Instead of screwing out the spikes for a ground setup, the rubber feet come off to reveal the spikes.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
I have used Oben CT-3510 for about a month and I would highly recommend it to my friends. It's well made, light and folds down into a 17" carry bag.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
[*] I think it's fair value considering it includes the ball-head which is smooth and effective. The backwards folding feature is great! Short enough to take anywhere.Does NOT have retractable spiked feet despite the description. They are provided but are separate and not retractable. At first glance seems very light and flimsy but after trying it out I believe it will do the job.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
I've recently acquired this tripod and started using it, mainly for landscape photography. As described, the tripod is light and folds to a very convenient size. It's easy to use and convenient for travel. So far I am very pleased. B&H order processing and shipping is always very efficient and prompt.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
I use this set up for landscape and wildlife photography. Light weight and easy to use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
Perfect for traveling. This tripod has been with me when traveling in europe and asia, and so far without any problems. Highly recommended for those who need a lightweight and sturdy tripod.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
A tripod can only help if you bring it with you. This one is light, sturdy, and functional. No more excuses.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
this is, at any price, the best tripod for backpacking that i've ever seen, and i've packed a few. this thing is light, sturdy, and the ballhead does the job. the only thing that i would like to have seen would have been lever leg locks instead of the twist locks, only because of the speed in setting up that the lever locks provide, but that is just a personal preference. there is no compromise in its manufacture that i could find after going over it and checking it out. worth every cent.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
Purchased this light-weight tripod for the ease with which it is carried, the facile way the legs are extended and the neat kit it fits into -- about 15 inches in length. I plan to use it as a travel tripod for the synergy it will have with the ultra light-weight Nikon D7000. It comes with screw-in pointed foot ends and a beautiful, well constructed ball-head. Unfortunately the total weight did not balance well, so I traded the ball-head for a similar one made by another vendor.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Oben CT-3510 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-0T Ball Head:
Bought this as a travel rig because of its sturdiness and compactness when folded, but have realized that this unit will easily replace my old aluminum rig full time.
Displaying reviews 1-12