This review is meant to be a bit of an introduction to tripods as well as a review of three Oben tripod kits. It has some tips on what to look for when shopping, what features you might want or “need” and to help guide you to making the right choice in your next (or first) tripod. Personally, I use an induro CT-313 tripod with an arca-swiss P0 ballhead. I’m also using a really right stuff lever clamp with their L-bracket on my 5Dii. To top it all off I’ve added a set of gitzo retractable spiked feet to my tripod so I can use rubber feet inside for architectural shoots and spikes out on the slick rocks while landscaping. I’m 6’4″, so my height comes into my personal setup a bit (it’s eye level for me w/o needing a center column). This is my third tripod after an introductory bogen (so old it’s model number doesn’t exist anymore, 3211 IIRC) and a fancy gitzo that was too short for me. Using those three tripods over the last ~15 years has taught me a lot about tripods. B&H was kind enough to loan me 3 oben setups of my choice for this review. Here is my current personal setup as well:
Here are a few pointers:
- make sure it is easy to use, if it’s not you won’t use it or will be frustrated.
- make sure it’s the right height for you.
- DON’T always use a tripod at it’s maximum height, find what works for that shot
- Generally speaking, subtract ~12″ from your height to get to the height of the tripod you need for eye level.
- Try to avoid using the center column if you can, it’s significantly less stable.
- Get a ballhead that is easy to use. Eliminate the controls you don’t need.
- There are different tripods for different purposes. You might need more than one, or to compromise.
- Tripods are an investment. (Thom Hogan has a great article urging you to spend $1000 now or $1700 later because you need to upgrade).
Here you can see the three different tripod kits B&H sent me:
Left to right, that’s the AC-1310 w/BA-0, CT-3420 w/BB-1T then the AC-2320L w/ BA-1. The three tripods represent three different classes or levels of tripods really. The AC1310 is a basic entry level tripod and costs around $100. The AC2320 is ~$180 as a kit and offers a lot more features, while also being taller. The CT3420 is the most expensive in the group with a price of ~$450 as a kit, it’s also the smallest and lightest and makes for an excellent travel setup. Let’s take a look at each tripod on a more individual basis:
AC-1310 w/BA-0 ballhead: This is your basic entry level tripod. No frills, nothing over the top, no exotic materials. But what you get is a great value, or entry level tripod. This setup is designed to hold an 11lb camera/lens combo (my 5Dii w/plate, battery, card, filters & 17-40 weighs 3.69lbs or 1672g). It weights 3.4 lbs itself, and is ~51″ tall w/o the center column (I only use a center column if I absolutely have to, and actually have it removed from my personal setup). This tripod has flip locks which means they’re very fast to setup and break down. It’s a 3 section tripod so there’s 2 locks on each leg making things simple. This tripod is also surprisingly light (it’s actually lighter than my induro, but it’s also much smaller). Personally, this tripod is too short for me to consider, but I will say it’s a great entry level option for <$100 including the head if the height works for you. The head here is a very basic ballhead with a single knob for both panning and locking the ball. This means you can’t loosen JUST the panning lock to do a panorama, but personally that’s not a deal breaker. I like the simplicity of the head with the single knob, but if you want to do panos, I’d opt for something with a suitable head. The included levels on the clamp are amazing making it a snap to level the head. A similar setup from Bogen/Manfrotto would be their 293 aluminum setup. That tripod costs 50% more, holds less weight and isn’t as small folder while being very similar in extended height.
AC-2320L w/BA-1: This tripod is an excellent mid ranged setup. It’s got an articulating center column which is AWESOME for macros or using REALLY wide lenses… For macros, it allows you to move the center column closer or further away from your subject to focus and compose more easily (if you’ve tried macros w/o this feature you’ll know how important it is). I’m really a wide angle guy and I’m alway playing with REALLY wide lenses… I have a rockinon 14mm for my 5Dii, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shot images with a tripod leg in the frame. Using this center column, I was able to “project” the camera and lens out away from the legs so they were completely out of view. The tripod itself is stable enough to do this w/o it becoming too unstable (always keep a hand on it though, I do even w/o this feature). This is the feature that will either make this tripod EXACTLY what you’re after, or one to avoid though. Why? Because this column adds some weight to the setup (that’s why it’s so strong and stable) and it also makes the center column a bit tricky to use at first. I was able to quickly learn which knob did what, but there are 2 knobs and a lever there that you need to adjust to get everything just where you want it. Control freaks will love this, but those of us who prefer things as simple as possible, it can be a bit tricky super early in the morning before the coffee kicks in. 😉 The leglocks on this tripod are flip locks again, but improved over the 1310. You can take them appart and clean them should the need arrise. There are also some spikes hidden inside the rubber feet on this model that are actually nicer than the gitzo spikes I have on my induro tripod. This tripod weighs in at just over 6lbs and is ~56″ tall w/o needing the center column. The head included with this kit is the BA-1. It’s the next step up from the head on the previous setup, so it’s rated to 17lb now. It still uses the same, love it or hate it, lock setup though. Both heads also feature EXCELLENT levels on every surface you’d ever want to level. A similar bogen/manfrotto setup would be the 190xpro legs with a 496rc2 head. These two options are very similar in other specs though, with the manfrotto weight enough less (4lb -vs- 5lb for just the legs) I might take a serious look at the 190xpro instead…
Here you can see my induro next to the three obens. Remember, I’m 6’4″ so I was after a >60″ tall tripod when I bought my induro. The AC-1310 and CT-3420 are both right around 50″ tall and the AC-2320L is ~56″.
So, what have I learned after using these three tripods in the field for a month? Oben is a new brand on the market, at least for me. B&H is their exclusive distributor (as far as I know in the US). They’re a quality option when tripod shopping. The entry AC1310 is a great introductory tripod for <$100. The AC2320L has an amazing center column that you’ll either fall in love with and “need”, or it will be too much for you to handle and not your thing (the also offer other tripods in that size w/o the articulating center column, don’t feel like it’s that model or nothing at all). The CT3420 is an amazing little travel tripod. The monopod feature could save a lot of photographers the extra cost of keeping a dedicated monopod around (I know it would for me). The bottom line is if you’re tripod shopping, make a list of the features and specs you need/want. I wouldn’t recommend letting yourself be biased towards or against any brand, and I would certainly include oben in my search. When in doubt, feel free to leave a comment below or use my contact page to drop me a note. I’d also highly recommend going to B&H if you’re ever in the area as you’ll be able to see EVERY single tripod they’ve got on display where you can see what everything does and pick out exactly what you’d like in person. I realize that’s not possible for most of you though, and I myself pour over specs online before buying.
I am a B&H affiliate. They were kind enough to loan me three tripods (of my choice) for this review. In return I get a small portion of any sale I refer to their site. If you use the links in the article to get to their site, I will get credit for the sale. If you browse over there yourself (using the bookmark I know you have ;)) and then find the product on your own, I do not get credit. That is your choice, I just want to be completely honest with my readers about what I’m given or loaned for a review. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, these are NOT my tripods and this is not what I specifically use. I’m taller than normal so I use a taller setup to suit my needs. I would not hesitate to use or recommend an oben tripod to anyone shopping if it fits their needs. And if they don’t, I wouldn’t hesitate recommending searching B&H for other tripods that better suit your needs, they have the largest selection I know of. Make sure you get what works for you!
Thank you for the review Ben. It was quite helpful and helped me to make up my mind for an Oben tripod.
Just a remark: the link to B&H does not work. When I click on it, it opens a pop-up but nothing happens after this.
Thanks again for the help and keep-up taking some nice pictures 🙂
Eric,
Glad I could help and thanks for the heads up. Not sure what’s wrong with their banner code, but I fixed it so it should work not.
Thanks!
Ben
Hey Ben,
Question. I just bought the Oben 2320L tripod and when I extend out the middle column at an angle with the two knobs tightened and the lock lever, the center column doesn’t seem to stay in place with my very well with my camera attached. It will start to tilt down, almost like the locked lever has been stripped and can’t hold the weight of the camera. I have tried adjusting tightness on the lock lever and still feels the same. The center column with even the slightest bit of weight of putting my and on the camera and the center column drifts down. My question being, when you tested it out was the center column solid when you it was locked at an angle with a camera on it? I really love the tripod and like the features and everything about it, just afraid if I get another it might be the same way. Hopefully what I says makes sense. Thanks Ben! Look forward to hearing your reply
Tanner,
The one I had on loan could hold a 5Dii w/17-40 or 14mm no problem. I didn’t test it with anything heavier but I’d call B&H and have them swap it out. If the second one does the same thing you’d have to return it for something different, but I think you just happened to get a bad one.
Good Luck!
Ben
Hey Ben – useful review – thanks. I can’t seem to find a short center column for any Oben models. Do you know if another manufacturer column would fit? I’m looking at the Oben CT3510 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/687304-REG/Oben_CT_3510_BB_0T_CT_3510_5_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html
Alexis, I’m not sure there is a shorter column option. I’ve got it for my induro.
Ben,
Thanks for the great review. I’ve been researching both the AC-2320L and the AT-3400 series, but I had some concerns after reading reviews of both on B&H. Based on some reviews of the AT/CT 3400 series, I’m worried about how stable it would be with a T3i and a 28-270mm lens (roughly 2.5-3lbs) when set up with the legs in the “wide” position. Did you use the CT-3420 with the legs spread out wide? Did you notice any stability issues?
Do you think (aside from weight) there is a big difference between the aluminum models and the carbon fiber ones? I really like the prices on the aluminum models, and the extra pounds probably won’t make enough difference to me to justify the extra 100-150% cost increase for CF.
Your review mentioned the AC-2320L as being “stable.” Was there a noticeable difference between it and the CT-3420? Since my decision has really boiled down to those two produce lines, I was hoping you might have some insight.
I know that’s a lot of questions, so I’ll stop there. 🙂 Thanks again for the great review, and any suggestions/recommendations you can provide me!
the 3400 series is a travel setup. If you don’t need something short to fit in a small space, don’t get them. Too many locks, too thin of legs. There are a lot of compromises to get a tripod to be both tall for shooting and short for travel. The 2320 is a much more stable platform. The price is it’s a lot heavier. You say the extra pounds don’t matter with aluminum -vs- metal, so they shouldn’t with travel -vs- standard. If they do consider a carbon standard tripod. As for metal -vs- CF, CF doesn’t get as cold when it’s cold outside (sounds trivial but is very nice), it absorbs vibrations better and it also handles salt water much better. For me it’s not about the weight savings, when I switched to a CF setup I just got bigger/better/more stable legs so I carried the same weight but had better more stable legs. But yeah, the 2320 was rock solid. THe 3420 was OK if I needed to fly somewhere or was doing a BC hiking trip where it wasn’t too windy.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for the great review =)
how do you think between these tripods and Manfrotto 190CXPRO4. I´m trying to decide for a 6 days hiking trip to Roraima Mountain for a Nikon D90 + 18-105mm. Which one do you think is better?
thanks again
Tony
Venezuela.
Well, there are a lot of things to answer before I can answer that really. The bogen is shorter when in use bug longer when stored. It costs less than the CF oben option but the Oben comes with a head. I have not used the bogen, but I’d have a hard time choosing the bogen first, but again I’ve never used the bogen.
Thanks Ben for sharing your knowledge and experience. I just bought the Oben CT-3510 tripod with the BB-0T head. When I shoot in portrait mode, my camera slips and tilts downwards. I have a Nikon D7000 with a 24-70mm lens. Is it the weight?
Is there anything I could do to prevent this? I read on some websites that I should consider buying an L-bracket for support?!? Any guidance is appreciated.
And L-bracket would 100% cure the “drift” because the camera would stay over the head when you use it vertically. They’re not cheap, but I can’t shoot w/o one now after having one for a few years.
Hi Ben, thanks for the great review and the excellent site. I did a Google search on the Arca-Swiss p0 and came across your site. I read at the start of your review that you use the Arca-Swiss p0 ballhead in combination with a RRS lever clamp. I was wondering why did you choose the RRS lever clamp over an Arca-Swiss clamp? I am interested in the p0 ballhead but am tossing up whether or not to get an Arca-Swiss quick release clamp (flip lock) or another brand such as RRS. Any feedback would be appreciated.
I use RRS L-brackets and couldn’t not have one at this point… I had to go a month without when the 5Diii shipped and it wasn’t fun. The Arca clamp and plates are only under the body and force you to tilt the whole head 90° to go vertical.
Thanks for the informative and helpful review. I originally had my eyes on the Manfrotto190CX Pro but the Oben 2320L directly competes with it at a much lower price. I purchased the Oben legs and BB-0 head and am very satisfied with the features and performance. Rock-steady, easy controls, excellent build quality.
Hi Ben,
Thanks for the great review. I purchased the Oben CT 3520 version in part to this review. I LOVE it! I think it was taller and folded smaller than the 3420 (although I don’t use the smallest bottom extensions for stability so maybe the 3420 was better?). Thanks especially for the tip on how to quickly tighten and untighten the leg locks with one hand!
I just had a question please:
– My QR 20 QR plate is a hex-head screw, not a hand tightened one. Can you pls confirm yours hand tightens rather than needing the hex screw tool? Although I’m guessing you sent it back and have a better one 🙂
– This is a stupid question but can you pls confirm that the QR plate when attached to the camera should be at 90 degrees to the body? eg. longer end is parallel to the lens? I think this is correct but cant find confirmation.
– I am interested in L brackets. I cant find any that don’t require you to attach the camera strap to the L bracket. I would want to take the L bracket on and off (size of camera reasons) without having to take the strap off. Do you know if any exist?
thanks a lot for any help, Mark
Mark,
not sure on the first question as those were loaner tripods so I only had them for a month. I’d put the plate perpendicular to the lens or across the body personally but that’s personal preference really. I’d just want the camera as sleek as possible with it on there. As for L-brackets, I use RRS (really right stuff) L-brackets and their brackets have never blocked the strap lugs for a strap to be attached to the camera.
Good Luck!
Ben
Hi Ben,
Thanks for reviewing Oben tripods and providing useful information. Can you please share your thoughts on Oben CT 3531? I recently bought this but not sure if this was a good choice. It does feel sturdy but not quite confident about its capacity.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/864566-REG/oben_ct_3531_be_108t_5_section_foldable_carbon.html
Thanks Ben
It’s hard to say without using one myself again. I’m using a sirui 1204x these days as my travel tripod. It’s fine for mirrorless cameras but I would NOT use it with a DSLR personally. I’ve got one with 3 locks/4 sections and I try to keep the center column down whenever possible. I still have my induro ct313 as my rock solid tripod that I use whenever weight isn’t a concern.
Good Luck!
Ben
Excellent web site. A lot of helpful info here. I’m
sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious.
And of course, thank you to your sweat!
Hello again Ben,
Once again your review is very helpful and once again, I find myself in need of advice. I have similar interest in products you have experience with. That first hand experience is important for a decision. I am also 6’4″. Height of a tripod is important to me. As is weight and over all size but I don’t have the funds to have it all. Your 4 tripod review (as well as your 4 backpack review) has been instrumental in narrowing the field for my next big purchase. This one is helpful as well to see the height and weight differences in the categories as well as the conversion into a monopod.
As I have asked in other YouTube comments, I am torn between larger size than you use and the true travel size. After seeing you with the different sizes in this review. I am inclined to think the larger size is better for me.
That said, I could use some advice. Sanford and Davis make a larger model but it does not convert into a monopod. Sirui makes a “waterproof” model that comes in 2 sizes and both convert into a monopod. I eventually will want a monopod ( probably a sirui). You have used your old Sirui in beach environments. Would the Sirui W2204 be the better deal for around 30 more than the larger S&D and sirui monopod as separate entities? With your experience using Sirui in set environments, is the waterproofing of the W2204 needed? The cost as about the same or even less than the N-3204×. The specs are confusing as well since B&H have different specs. ( older model or outdated specs?)
Once again, I could use your expertise. YouTube doesn’t seem like the best way to get in touch. I am hoping this works better. Thanks in advance
It’s hard to answer 100% as I haven’t used any of the other options you’re asking about (and I’m all about trying things myself). Waterproof on a tripod will mean two things most likely (me guessing, I’m not 100% sure). First is it’ll have waterproof legs and locks to keep water out. This is nice in a way in that you won’t have water inside your tripod leaking out after it’s been in water (I set mine up in rivers/streams all the time). The negative of this would be that if it’s water tights it’s also going to be airtight which means there’s probably a vacuum when you pull the legs out or collapse them. I’m sure the air can get out somehow or they’d suck back in once you pulled them out but it’s got to make it a bit slower to use. Personally I’d go w/o for that reason. The second thing they probably due is update all their hardware to stainless. If you’re around an ocean this would be VERY nice! I know I’ve upgraded screws on a lot of my tripods over the years due to rust (especially my induro).
The biggest issue with beach environments is you need to clean the sand off the legs below any joints before closing the tripod to avoid that sand getting into the locks/inner sections. I always extend my bottom leg a few inches when around sand so make sure the bottom lock is NEVER in/on sand itself. I’ll then leave that last section out until I can brush it off or rinse it whenever possible. With some caution I’ve never had issues with my tripods with sand. But I’m sure if I wanted to ruin a set I could in a day or two just being reckless with it around sand so I think this more comes down to how a set is treaded just as much as how it’s made. Salt water is another similar issue and if it gets wet rinse it out at how when possible.
As for getting something with -vs- without the monopod that’s a tough call as I almost never use a monopod… I have a very nice sirui monopod but honestly it’s in the basement and only comes out for the once a year airshow… I’m a tripod guy. So for me I’d rather have them separate so I can use the right tool and leave the dead weight behind. But that will vary depending on how and where you’ll use both.
Hopefully that answers your questions… I know size wise I have a travel set of legs and a full set of legs. The full set can fit (diagonally) in a carry on… just… But I choose the best option for where I’m going. Also, sorry if I missed a comment on youtube. I’m just learning how things work over there. I used to post videos there just to have them on the blog and never looked back on youtube but I’m realizing the majority of the people there never click through to the site now. I’m working on it!