Tripod Review: Oben CT-3561 and BE-117T Ball Head

I have spent the last month or so testing out the Oben CT-3561 Compact Travel Tripod with the Oben BE-117T Ball Head.

Overall, I really liked the tripod and ball head combination.  I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a well-made tripod they can be confident in and still enjoy lightweight and portability that makes it easy to take traveling and hiking.

THE SPECIFICATIONS

• Maximum Height: 64.3 inches
• Maximum Height without Column Extended: 55.3 inches
• Minimum Height: 9.3 inches
• Weight: 3.1 pounds (I believe this includes the ball head)
• Advertised Load Capacity: 17.6 pounds
• Folded Height: 16.8 inches
• Tripod Legs: 5 sections, twist levers, 180 degree rotation
• Rubber feet with covered metal spikes
• Arca-type quick-release plate
• Separate panning lock
• Two bubble levels
• Center Column-Long section of column can be removed so the head and short column section can attach directly to the chassis

Summary

• The ball head is nicely designed and feels solid enough to not worry about it breaking down like the cheap ball heads that come with popular cheap tripods.
• The portability of this tripod is what will likely make it my go-to tripod.  It is awesome for hiking and traveling because it is very light weight and the legs reverse fold to make its folded length only 16.8 inches.
• The height is a little shorter than I would like, but it is a trade I am willing to make for its compactness.
• I am comfortable with its stability.  I had no issues taking a 9 image hdr, focus-stacked image with it.  The bottom leg sections are pretty skinny and I would be wary to use those sections in heavy wind or fast moving water.
• The tripod and ball head were very easy and comfortable to use.

You can check out this tripod on Amazon for current pricing.