Oben AC-1420 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with BA-1 Ball Head

The Oben AC-1420 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with BA-1 Ball Head provides a sturdy base of support for any DSLR, point-and-shoot camera, or camcorder. The head/tripod combination weighs just over 4 lb and bears almost 17 lb, to support DSLR cameras even as they're equipped with long zoom lenses and multiple accessories.

The AC-1420's four-section aluminum legs are composed of high-tensile-strength, extremely lightweight extruded aluminum. The legs and center column extend to a maximum height of 63.7". The beauty of four-section legs is that when folded, the entire tripod/head system contracts to an extremely compact 22.7". Three flip locks on each leg enable extremely fast deployment and retraction of leg stages. Three leg angles are possible, and pull-out/press-in locks secure the legs in their notches. The legs' angles are independently adjustable to accommodate shooting on uneven terrain. At the widest leg angle, the tripod sits extremely close to the ground to facilitate low-angle shooting.

The AC-1420's rapid center column extends with a twist of the butterfly knob. For protection when it's retracted quickly, there's a rubber damper that protects the center-post collar. Locking screws underneath the collar enable you to fasten the head securely to the center-post collar. By twisting the spring-loaded hook at the bottom end, the center column becomes removable and reversible, for a second method of achieving extremely low-angle shots. The center column's hook holds a counterweight, in case you need additional system stability in windy conditions.

The included quick-release plate attaches to your camera via its standard 1/4"-20 screw. A retractable, removable video pin provides additional stability for camcorders. The quick-release plate easily snaps and locks into place on the BA-1 head. The safety lock on the quick-release mechanism prevents the camera from loosening inadvertently.

The BA-1 head's single-action knob allows you to unlock all axes of movement in one fell swoop, so you can quickly orient your camera properly, retighten the knob, and return to shooting. The ball-locking mechanism is remarkably strong for reliably stable performance. A friction-lock coating on the tripod collar's base plate extends this rock-like solidity to the head's connection point with the tripod itself.

The head's four bubble levels (one is a spirit level) will tell you whether or not your framing hews to the horizon, in both portrait and landscape orientation of the head. (There's a second spirit level on the tripod chassis.)

The head pans a full 360°, and degree markers around its base help you properly orient your shooting. The BA-1 features a 90° groove for tilting the camera to portrait orientation.