The Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod is an example of quality tripod craftsmanship made with carbon fiber. This tripod exhibits all of the best features that a tripod can have on top of its quality construction.
The Oben CT-3535 boasts an extremely lightweight total of 2.5lb and a maximum height of 51.6 inches and would perfectly fit in any travel photographer’s arsenal. This is one of the best travel tripods and can easily be the crown jewel in the eyes of a travel photographer who needs a compact, flexible, and lightweight tripod for the field.
Design
The Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod is designed to be lightweight and is constructed out of high-quality carbon fiber. Easy setup and the ability to compact into a 12-inch small bundle can be found with this tripod. This compactness is one of its best features as many tripods can’t manage to get this tiny.
Thanks to the carbon fiber material used to construct this tripod, the total weight of this tripod is only 2.5lbs. The lightweight nature of the tripod doesn’t detract from its ability to reach a maximum height of 51.6 inches. Again, even though this tripod weighs an incredible 2.5lbs, it does not lack in features.
As mentioned previously, the maximum height to this tripod is 51.6 inches, however, this tripod can get a bit taller when converted into a monopod. Monopod mode supports a higher maximum working height and can reach a maximum height of 53 inches. The maximum working load capacity for this tripod is 9lbs.
The Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod spotlights a BE-series dual-action ball head that provides smooth movements and is effortless to use. Separate locking knobs for independent adjustments are present on the ball and panoramic base. The BE-Series ball head also comes with an Arca-type level of compatibility quick-release plate for immediate removal or attachment of many different cameras.
The Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod in Use
The Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod is the perfect tripod to use in the outdoors. The monopod mode and inverted camera mount mode covers some of the most important possible photography angles that a photographer could want, yet it doesn’t stop there.
The legs to the Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod support multiple locked angles of use: -24°, 22.5°, 50°, 80°. These angles ensure stable support on uneven terrain and provide full customization when all angles can’t be the same. All three legs to the tripod can also sit flat when needed to get a lower shot in the studio or outside on an even surface.
An inverted camera mount is something that only the best tripods can offer and this tripod doesn’t fall short. The inverted camera mount option on this tripod is essential for low-angle photography and macro photography especially.
The Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod legs exhibit commonly found tripod leg twist-locks. These twist locks provide quiet and quick unlocking. Further down the tripod, the feet hold integrated spikes located below and underneath the non-slip rubber feet.
For further stability, there is a spring-loaded hook on the center leg of the tripod for the addition of weight to increase stability. When this hook is not in use, the hook retracts from the spring’s tension and hides back into the center leg.
How Does It Compare to Competitors?
The Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod can’t be easily compared to as not many tripods have the quality carbon fiber construction that this one does. Another point of contention when a comparison with other tripods is made comes to the features. The tripod has some of the best features that a tripod can have, it isn’t easy to compare with others as competitor tripods often fall short immediately.
AÂ similarly compact tripod that shares some features with the Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod is the Benro Slim Travel tripod. This tripod exhibits the same compact nature as the Oben tripod and is designed to be lightweight as well.
Despite the fact that both tripods aim to be lightweight and compact, the Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod takes the cake when compared to the Benro Slim Travel tripod. The Benro Slim Travel tripod is simply heavier, less compact, and doesn’t have half the features.
The Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod is able to fold itself down into a compact 12 inches and weighs 2.5lbs. On the other hand, the Benro Slim Travel tripod folds into a length of 20 inches long and weighs 2.6lbs.
With no doubt whatsoever, the Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod beats the Benro Slim Travel tripod. The tripod wins with its carbon fiber material construction and features like monopod mode, inverted camera mount mode, and ability to sit flat on all three legs.
| Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod | Benro Slim Travel Tripod | |
| Material | Carbon fiber | Aluminum |
| Weight | 2.5lbs | 2.6lbs |
| Inverted Camera Mode | Yes | No |
| Folded Length | 12 inches | 20 inches |
| Monopod | Yes | No |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oben CT-3535 Travel Tripod is a prime example of beautiful carbon fiber craftsmanship and when a company puts the utmost care in the design process to include all the best possible tripod features. This tripod has the ability to sit all three legs flat on the floor of a studio or level outdoor surface and can lock all three legs in multiple angles to suit uneven terrain.
Features like monopod mode, inverted camera mount mode, and the 360-degree panoramic ball mount are only some of the features that put this tripod ahead of the pack.
One of the features that should stick out like a sore thumb, but in a good way, is the combination of the quick-release mount with the panoramic mount. Sometimes tripods require the removal of the camera mount in order to get one feature or the other, but not with this tripod.
