Oben AT-3565 Folding Aluminum Travel Tripod with BC-217T Ball Head -

I absolutely love this tripod! It far exceeded my expectations. Very sturdy, and so functional. Anticipating many years of quality. I bought it used for a good deal, and a component was missing. This piece (separate low-angle center column) doesn't affect the integrity or overall quality, but does limit the functionality, which wasn't nice for me to realize. But for what I paid (and it was much much less than what it's worth new), I think I got a great deal, and am happy with it.

If you're wanting a a very solid reliable tripod this is the one. I purchased mine used "like new" that was accurate. Packaging was handled well. After getting it all set up I would recommend this solid piece of equipment for your everyday out in the field photographer

bought for painting, not camera

Great for travel. Lightweight and easy toniae

Pros:This is a beautifully made tripod.Convertible to Monopod. closes down to 16.x " or so. great to fit in backpack. I use it for my outdoor artist's paintbox. Works OK for that.Bag is nice ripstop nylon with sturdy zipper (See below).Multiple knobs to adjust tilt/pan/yaw and pan tension.Looks cool.Cons:Wobbly! each leg has 4 segments, so there's some give. Smallest segment is pretty thin. If you need super steady, this is not it. I tried to photograph some artwork on easel at a distance of ~10 feet. No matter how careful I was, there was blur in the final photo. OK for vacation photos or family, but if you're a photo pro or just a little OCD, look elsewhere.Time to set up: Due to 4 legs and finicky adjustment knobs, it takes longer than old fashioned one.Bag is SNUG. You've got to collapse it just right to fit in bag. Why not spend $.05 more for a little bit more fabric?Changing from tripod to monopod and back is complex and you're in danger of losing the collar piece. There's gotta be a simpler way. TBO, once it's changed, it's secure.The lack of tilt and rotation stalks is not OK. The old fasioned sticks to tilt/pan and tighten just have so much more adjustability and leverage. I don't understand the new look. Maybe it's to look cool, but come on, when it's not broke...If you're just using it for casual stuff or family fotos, OK. But if steady and solid is important, get something heavier and with fewer leg segments. It works for me, and although $95.00 or so was a lot, I need the compact size. I'll get used to the quirks. Works for me.Irony: I've gone back to my 30-4- year old 3 segment tripod, and it's rock solid. Lesson learned.

Overall the tripod is good. Reaches the height adjustments and weight holding I need. So far it seems to be of great quality. However when fully extended for my height it is not very stable, even when using the stability hook to add weight. The tripod is a bit flimsy. Definitely good for travel in terms of its folding size to save space etc... The ball head took some time to get use to and doesn't completely lock in place when I do so to keep my camera from moving. Once I do get it locked it doesn't move but does take a little extra time to do so. Thus taking longer for you to prepare to start shooting. Luckily it was affordable and will work for now till I can afford something a little more durable and stable.