Oben CT-3520 5-Section Carbon Fiber Folding Tripod with BB-1T Ball Head
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 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (6)
- Easy to use (6)
- Lightweight (6)
- Durable (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (6)
- Travel (5)
- Wildlife photos (4)
- Family photos (3)
- Sports/action (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
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 1-6
Adapter Bushings
-
- Original: $2.49
- Save: $0.25
- Price: $2.24
Quick Release Plates
-
- Original: $23.99
- Save: $2.40
- Price: $21.59
Keep a spare plate handy.
Dollies
-
- Original: $41.95
- Save: $4.19
- Price: $37.76
Sandbags/Weight Bags
-
- Original: $13.95
- Save: $1.39
- Price: $12.56
General Tripod Accessories
- Price: $89.99
What's in the Box
- QR-20 Quick Release Plate
- Padded Carrying Case with Shoulder Strap
- Tool Kit
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
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