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
Depending on your requirement
Let us start with the bottomline: It is a really well made ball head that many might be ignoring. If you have a camera lens setup that is between 5-10 pounds and well balanced this is a very comfortable ball head (be aware that it is rated at 17.5 pounds). I really loved the smoothness of the unit plus I am invested in Arca-type plates. However I use cameras and 600mm lenses that top out at 15 pounds and often require carrying around on the tripo... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great even with pro equipment!
The ball mount on this thing held a D850 with a Tamron 150-600mm or a Nikon 14-24 f2.8 mounted to it like a boss. The carrying bag is nice but not necessary; I ditched it to save weight when hiking with the tripod. Aldo, hiking with the tripod was a breeze. The padded grips did great protecting my hands from cold metal on 28 degree mornings while they also afforded nice shoulder cushioning when caring things over the shoulder. Did great holding the Magnus GH-M1 gimbal head, as well. All that weight, and it never felt unstable or top-heavy, even with the center extension all the way up.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
multiple issue
- the knob controls horizontal rotation is twisted when arriving - quick release plate is too slippery to tight the camera for angled shots. My camera with lens is less than 5 pounds. No where compare to my old other plates ( not this brand) - it was very tricky to tight the three screws between the tripod and this head. Tripod and head are the same brand. If the screws were set too loose, the head could rotate off by itself, if the screw were set slightly too tight, the head will be locked and won't rotate horizontally. It seems to be an impossible issue, but it does take place.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great tripod for the money
After hauling around my Induro AT-313 for a few years, it was time to go with something lighter. I wanted a tall and stable CF tripod but found them to be too expensive, until I discovered the Oben CT-2491. I was a bit skeptical having read reviews about issues with the center column but thought I would give it a try since B&H has a great return policy. This is a perfect tripod for my needs. It holds my Sevenoak gimble, Nikon D850 and Tamron 150-600mm lens with no problem at all. The center column works perfectly. The tripod is stable even at its extended height. It's a winner!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Overall nice tripod
Really nice tripod in the $ range. After looking at a bunch of options locally I went with this one based on the reviews and was not disappointed. Definitely the sturdiest tripod I looked at in this range, has a nice ball head which locks securely. A little heavier than some of the cheap flimsy options or the more expensive higher-tech options. I fully expect this won't be my last tripod, but its a good all-around option for my first tripod. One complaint about the ball head--to pan requires unlocking the ball, which of course means the camera can move in any direction.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I have recommended this tripod
I got this tripod trying to get a good tripod for travel or carrying during several hours. I think this is the perfect combination of weight and sturdiness I was looking for. Extended hight is more than I needed and the folded size is perfect for luggage. Very sturdy for my gear, set's up very easy. Ball head is very easy to use, it holds my camera in position nicely. I would liked a ball head that had independent lever for horizontal panning but it was over my budget. Bottom line, great value, great quality tripod. I just had it for a few weeks but seems to be durable.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great ball head, until it broke
I was loving this thing. Used it on a Rhino slider with Sony alpha cameras in interviews. I've had it just over two months, though, and the locking knob doesn't work anymore. It's stuck at about 80% locked. I can still use it for interviews, but if I'm trying a shot with a bit of tilt or anything off-center, the lock loses its grip. I can't loosen or tighten. It's been well-cared for, so I'm not sure if I just got a lemon or what. It's a shame. This was functioning exactly how I needed it to, but I'm hesitant to buy another one and flush another $70 down the toilet.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Light but sturdy.
I was looking for a light weight but sturdy tripod that was rugged enough to take hiking. The Oben 2331 fit the bill. It weighs only 1.65 lbs but is sturdy enough to handle my large DSLR camera and professional level lenses. Highly recommend use of the counter weight hook on the bottom of the tripod's center column when using heavier lenses or in windy conditions. The only complaint I have is that an allen wrench tool is needed to convert the center column to take low to the ground shots. Would've received 5 stars if it was easier to convert for low level shots
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid value
It's the first ball head I've ever used, so I can't compare, but for the money I'm happy. It adjusts easily, it's light enough, not too large, and adjusts the way I need it to. Couple things though, the Arca compatible plate doesn't tighten to my camera as well as I'd like. The camera can swivel on it slightly. And the blue ring with numbers, around the tension knob, spins freely, making it worthless. All I know is one way tightens up the ball and the other way loosens it. Which is all you need to know anyways, so I suppose it's pointless to begin with.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Creep
The metal ball head is solid and secure. My problem is with the quick release mechanism. There is too much play once the camera is mounted. The only way to adjust this ball head is to support the camera while tightening the adjustment know on the ball head. This is fine, and is recommended standard procedure. However, upon releasing the camera, the head settles into place, completely altering the composition of the shot. I understand this is common with lower priced units, but I have not experienced it to this degree in comparably priced heads.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Ball Head If You Can Keep It Tight
Works great with one exception. Holds a DSLR and 300mm lens with no movement. Prior to purchasing I did not understand review comments about the ball head not staying tight; now i understand. It is difficult to tighten the ball head sufficiently to my tripod so the the head does not come loose. After using the ball head/tripod for a while it is not unusual to find that the ball head has started to come loose from the threaded stud on the tripod. Should be pretty simple to tighten so that it stays tight but have not figured out how as of yet.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Affordable, light-weight and Arca-Swiss compatible
Affordable, light-weight and Arca-Swiss compatible ball-head for photo and DSLR video use. Excellent workmanship overall. All three knobs (for the QR-plate, the main ball and panning base) are knurled (straight ridges) and sized appropriately for excellent tactile feedback and for effortless power/force transfer. Securing and re-positioning the camera is fluid. The smooth pan, angular markings and integrated bubble-levels make it easy to take panoramas. With a rated capacity of 17.6 lb, this will handle typical DSLR rigs with ease.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Hated this tripod
Bought this tripod as a kit with the head and was excited to get it but was not at all happy. The tripod is stiff and difficult to close, some of the leg sections stick and have to be nearly forced to close. Compared to my Benro this is a waste of money. What I did like is that it is tall enough for my purposes on uneven ground. B&H took it back without any trouble (I love you guys :) ) and I wrote to Benro telling them what I was looking for and they recommended their Induro line. I bought one from Induro and couldn't be happier.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Bad center colomn
I read all the reviews so I knew about the center column issue. I though the issue had been fixed by Oben but no, the central column is still very wobbly. I use the tripod to support a Wimberley gimbal and a large & heavy 400mm telephoto lens (6.3kg) so I do not need the central column. The finish is nice but I think you should not use that tripod for more than 25lbs load. The tripod is very light and the twist looks won't rust when use at the beach. Overall a good tripod for the price but it does not equal my Manfrotto 057
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I like it
I don't own other ball heads, but I can't imagine many improvements over this for the money. The lock knobs work fine, but it would be nicer to have fewer turns to lock in place and a more satisfying click or something to indicate the max torque needed to lock has been achieved. But, that is probably wishing for too much at this great price. The base does pan very smoothly when unlocked. The size and appearance of the base matches perfectly with the Slik 700DX PRO TRIPOD and it looks like they were made for each other.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Ball Head
I bought this as a replacement for my Manfrotto 3-way head. What an upgrade! Strong, heavy-duty, simple to use, quick to adjust, and well made, the Oben BE-117 is a joy to use! I love the Arca-Swiss quick-connect, so much more sturdy than the Manfrotto it replaces. And the ability to dial in just the right amount of tension that I can move the camera around to what i want, and it won't move when I let go. So nice to not have to worry about tightening and loosening when I want to make an adjustment. Highly recommended!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Needs a little work to mount
Threads needed a little reworking with a tap (tap and die) to properly fit a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter (I tried multiple adapters and other 3/8 bolts from multiple monopods and tripods). This was probably mostly due to paint applied after millwork. Also, the tiny hex screws at the base were loose (so panning lock wasn't tight and it wobbled a little), but easily tightened and now mounted to Velbon Ultra 655A and working great. Friction is mostly even. Large knob works great. Smaller knob works well enough. Arca clap is fine.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Tripod: Works brilliantly!
The tripod is fairly lightweight; had no problem lugging it up a steep mountain. Incredibly adjustable. The three sets of levels came in use more than I anticipated. The reversible stem allowed me to get some great low shots while doing timelapses. Overall great product. Only complaint would be the quick release has a tendency to loosen from the camera. Hasn't been a major problem, may need be easy to fix. The ball and socket movement does not make it ideal for video panning, but can get the job done if in a pinch.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sturdy Tripod Head
I use this pan/tilt head on a Feisol tripod. It works beautifully. It may not be as compact as I would like but it easily carries the weight of my camera (Canon 70D) and lens (Canon 24-105mm)- my previous tripod couldn't. It has three leveling bubbles so I no longer need to carry my hot-shoe leveler with me. I also like the independent controls for the horizontal and vertical axis. It is relatively light but I wouldn't call it lightweight. However, it feels sturdy enough to hold a lens heavier than my current one.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A Solid Tripod Head
I'm pretty happy with this tripod head, although it's a bit heavy compared to my lightweight travel legs. However, It is sturdy and the knobs all work well. It's a really solid head for use with your DSLR and the 360 motion is cool, but I'm not sure why the price tag is so high. You could definitely find something comparable on a cheap tripod and buy it all together, or even just a head that does just about the same thing but doesn't cost $75. Price aside, you shouldn't be disappointed with its functionality.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great an Light Weight
Ive been using this tripod for everything you'd expect. Low light, slow shutter speeds, and just all around stabilization. Super light, and portable. the carrying case is perfect. it fits my tripod legs (with the head attached) and my monopod (with the head attached) all at the same time. plus i rigged it up to strap right on my backpack. The shoulder strap also works really well as long as you have a side bag, but with my full backpack its fairly useless (just the shoulder strap that is). Great solid design.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Smooth, simple and compact.
I am a portrait photographer that shoots a couple hundred sittings a week. Smooth and durable are important attributes. It is very smooth and reliable. Because I have used it only a few weeks, I cannot attest to its long term durability but I think will hold up. The real test will be if it can survive some of the gorillas working for me from time to time. Some of them can beat up heads costing twice as much in a couple days. Overall, a very good value. It seems to perform as well as brands costing much more.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Works fine for a while, but
I've had this ball head for four years now, not impressed with the longevity of the product. The first two years the ball head worked ok, then it started to bind up and hard to adjust. The tensioner works towards the tight side and won't release the ball for movement. Now I have to set/readjust the tensioner every 4-5 months to be able to move the camera and lens into position. Just doesn't seem right that it goes out of adjustment that fast and totally lock up. I'm currently looking to replace this head.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
So far so good
Since I'm homeless I bought what I can afford. This is a heavy tripod at my age (65) weight is an issue. My old Manfrotto is still working but my hand has difficulty with the small knobs so I bought this one So far the only thing I find inconvenient is when I spread the legs for low photography there is no spring action to secure the legs, I have to manually push the locking mechanism. Yes Photography is my Love, Passion and a Life saver. If anybody interested to visit my web site; www.visiblestimuli.com
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
