Oben AC-2361 Tripod with BE-117 Ball Head Kit

UPC's:
MPN's:
- CT-2331/BE-108
- CT-2331/BE-117
- CT-2331/BA-111
- CT-2491/BC-139
- CT-2491/BC-166
- CT-2361/BA-126T
- CT-2361/BC-126
- CT-2361/BE-117
- CT-2331
- CT-2361
- CT-2491
- CT-2431/BA-111
- CT-2431/BE-108
- CT-2431/BE-117
- AC-2361/BE-126
- AC-2361/BE-117
- AC-2341
- AC-2361
- BA-111
- BA-113
- BA-117
- BA-126
- BA-108
- CT-2431
- AC-2341/BA-117
- AC-2341/BE-117
- BC-126
- BC-139
- BC-166
- AC-1451/BA-113
- AC-1451/PD-117
- AC-1441/BA-111
- AC-1431/BA-108
- PD-117
- BE-117
- BE-126
- BE-108
- CWM-01
Solid Ball Head for Tripod, but Limited Mobility
The BE-117 is the first ball head I have used on a tripod. Previously, I used an older tripod with a pan/tilt head. While I appreciate the increased range of motion the ball head allows, I find the time it takes to accurately position my camera frustrating. The knobs on this ball head are rather close together which makes quickly changing my position difficult. It can also be awkward to move the camera to a vertical position for portraits because... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
My first Arca-type ball head
I'll start by saying that Obein branded ball heads delivers excellent value for the price. This ball head is not my first Obein ball head so for me to return to them to upgrade speaks volumes. I've found that I am constantly switching camera bodies and lenses with tripod collars so I wanted a system with a standard plate across multiple tripods so I decided to move into the Arca type ball heads. I'm not disappointed with the BE-117, albeit it's s... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Why did Oben make the tripod 2 longer than the CT-2481?
The Oben CT-2481 was a great tripod with a working height of55 without extending the center column and a collapsed length of 21.2. Why Oben replaced it with the CT-2481 that is 2.1 inches longer at 23.3 when folded and otherwise the same tripod is a wonder. Most travel luggage is 22 long on the outside and 21.5 inside and so the CT-2481 would barely fit along the side of the case but the CT-2491 need to be placed diagonally and take up a lot more... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Works Well and holds the weight
I got this for my Oben leg set, and this head does an awesome job of holding my 5 pound 6x7 camera. So far no matter how far I tilt it, it doesn't sag at all. I love all the levels that are on the head, as I'll never second guess if the camera is level. My only complaints are that it was listed as NOT having a quick release with it, but it in fact did. Not a huge waste buying another, as I have multiple cameras. Also the lock was a bit stiff at f... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Stiff and no play
I really love this head, and the best part is that it doesn't move AT ALL while at extreme angles with my Pentax 67 on top. My only complaints are that is doesn't fit into the Oben bag with my tripod without taking the handles off. This is annoying, but I don't have anywhere else to put it. I kept the plastic piece that they came in so I don't get grease everywhere. Also it is stated it doesn't include a release plate, but it infact did. Not a hu... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
3 years old and the pan lock has seized
I was really hopeful when I got this head. For a while it worked pretty well. Sadly over time the grease has gotten stiffer and the knobs gradually got harder and harder to tighten (and yes, I know how the tension control screw works). I'd left it sitting for a couple of months over the summer and when I took it out to do some work last week I found that the panning knob had completely seized. I could barely pan and I couldn't use the knob to eit... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Excellent Bang-For-The-Buck!
If you're on a budget, this ball head really fits the bill. It's quality manufactured, not perfect but close. My only issue (not a 'serious' complaint)is that no matter how you adjust the tightness (and it can be locked down VERY tight if that's what you want), there is a bit of 'stickness or sticktion' if you want to leave things just loose enough to hold everything with a good grip but still be able to move your camera without touching a knob. ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Strong and sturdy
I am always concerned with buying things like tripods online, not able to handle it first and feel safe with it supporting the weight of my camera. However this tripod didn't dissapoint. It feels very sturdy, even extended to full hight, and the fast release is very secure, needing both levers pused to remove. This is important for a ball head tripod, so your camera doesn't just fall off at strange angles. It also has a hook to add more weight, s... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great ball head on my 2nd one due to defect!
I had this ball head on my previous Manfrotto tripod (that was lost somewhere). Anyway I purchased a new tripod and this ballhead just because it worked before and was within budget. This one however had issues with being loose. The issue was within the base of the quick release plate and the ballhead. Whenever I would align the camera (A7rII w/85mm) vertically and let go the whole assembly would move a fraction of an inch. No matter what I ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Arca not compatible with my current plates & pan not smooth
I saw a lot of great reviews of this head and want to like it. It is machined nicely and I'm happy with how smooth the ball works. Unfortunately, the base won't tighten enough to hold several Arca plates already on my equipment. I plan to use this on a monopod, but the pan isn't smooth if I move it to a tripod. Not looking for fluid smooth, but better than the grinding I feel. I don't know if it's supposed to have adjustable tension for panning, ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good legs, horrible column
Probably one of the biggest disappointments for me in a long while. I really want to like these sticks but the it has a major flaw. The center column is round with a grove in it and the only thing that holds it from turning is a little plastic tab and a tension knob. If the knob fails to hold it in place that plastic tab snaps! Look for a column that is hexagon or triangular as they can't twist. Other than that, these legs are sturdy and can hold... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Recommended. Solidly made at a reasonable price.
A very well built solid ball head. All the materials appear to be of high quality and it adjusts easily with very fluid movement. This is my first ball head with multiple control knobs as opposed to a single lever and I am very impressed. I personally don't like the bubble level on the one side because it sticks out and it would be that much more compact without it. Also I need to use the supplied hex wrench or a coin to tighten the quick release... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great first time tripod upgrade.
I'm new to photography for about a year and tried to use the inexpensive Polaroid tripod that came with my Canon T6i package. Not even worth trying. This AC-2361 Tripod is much sturdier, easy to set up and break down, medium weight, but very tall. The BE-117 Ball Head is a joy to use. The added feature of a separate adjustment for panning is a must. The ball adjustment makes it very easy to position, but is no good fro panning, because when the k... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Maybe ok for the tropics,, but garbage when its cold
It seemed like a great bargain. In the summer this tripod head worked fine, but its truly bad and nearly useless when it gets cold. Just last month I took it out for a late fall excursion, to capture a late night, long exposure pano. I loosened the pan lock knob and could not rotate the head at all. It was totally locked. I had to do the shot by loosening the ball lock and rotating it by the ball, which one should agree is a sub-optimal behavior ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Quality at an Affordable Price
I ordered this to replace a Manfrotto 496 RC2 ball head mainly because I didn't like the RC2 quick release and plate. Everything now seems to support the Arca-Swiss type mount, my Cotton Carrier hand grip included. Immediately I was impressed with the quality and operation on this ballhead. Very smooth and the dial indeed goes from 0-10. I have a Benro V2 head where the adjustment knob only moves about a quarter turn. Works good but it goes more ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Quality Build By Oben
This is first Ball Head I have bought. I use it with Oben AC-1441 Tripod. I was very pleased with the quality build. Works well with my Canon 60D and 18-135mm Zoom. Ball Head and Tripod are light weight for carrying around. Numerous Bubble levels are a nice option. Quick release works fine with a little practice :-) Con - With 70-200mm Zoom, I get lense droop due to weight. I was disappointed that the BA-111 doesn't have pan movement. If you are ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Surprisingly perfect
This ball head has every feature you need for a fraction of the price. The only drawback you may encounter is its load capacity. Personally I do not have an issue with this but if you have a heavier kit you should obviously find a ball head that supports your requirements. The head is sturdy and does not budge when tension is applied. The head is very light, almost to light. Personally I would like the head to have a wider and more weighted base.... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sturdy ball head tripod with levels under $200 with bag
I've never owned a professional-grade tripod until this year - and really like my upgrade. Pardon my lack of technical jargon...I was accustomed to tripods with a plastic stabilizer that connected the 3 legs and slid down the middle, limiting the angle; no levels, and limited range of motion without the ball head joint. This sturdy tripod has a great build quality (solid aluminum body, nice legs, ball head locks into place well), and has two opti... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good ballhead, bad QR plate
The ball head itself is pretty solid, its what I was hoping it would be given its size and price. The action is fairly smooth, the lever works well. My gripe is that the quick release plate is very small, and the piece underneath it that you twist with your fingers is also quite small. The result is that its hard to get it on quickly and securely in the field. If using a standard pro DSLR body and lens in the vertical orientation, the camera will... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A fine Ball Head
This is a great value. I have a couple of smaller RRS heads and an ancient Arca Swiss B-1. This is not quite as elegant as those heads, a touch less smooth. But for the price it is hard to go wrong. I am not shooting anything heavier than a Canon 5DS with 70-200 f/2.8 or a 100-400 zoom and it adjusts easily and holds them firmly in any position without any slippage. That is all that I need from a head. I got this as a package with an Oben tripod.... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Seems solid and well made
I got this to replace my Giotto's ball head since I upgraded to a C100 mkII and the weight seemed to be an issue at certain angles. So far this head hold it securely at every angle I've put it at. My only negative point on this is that the tighten knob is on the left side and I am used to it being on the right side. So I am very comfortable squaring my camera up holding it with my left hand and now all that has to change and I need to learn to ge... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great value!!!
Bought this tripod head fro my Sirui tripod. It solidly built and has some weight to it. The panning is very smooth and can be locked in with a screw below it. The ball head movement is also very smooth and locks in tight. One of the main reason I purchased it was for the two levels on the platform that are very helpful for keeping everything straight. Another reason was the quick release function and plate which make it super easy to munt and un... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Has some definite design or build problems
Over a short period of time the ball head became more and more difficult to rotate around its base. I sent it back to Oben (Gradus Group importer) for a warranty repair and when I received the ball head back the secondary tensioning adjustment for the ball, using the large knob and the silver inner screw, did not work properly and restricted the tensioning of the ball slip resistance. The numbering is also odd in that at the lowest resistance, nu... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Exactly what I wanted and expected
I bought this to replace my cheapo Manfrotto tripod, which was blown over by the wind during a long exposure. This tripod is an excellent replacement, it's much more stable, and the ability to spread the legs out extra-wide lets me get the camera very low to the ground with excellent stability. It's the perfect weight for my purposes, and the ball head and quick release are easy to use while wearing gloves. The foam coverings on 2 of the legs mak... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video