Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent choice for the traveling photographer.
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2016
As a photography enthusiast who shoots primarily outdoors/landscapes, a tripod is a must. For that kind of photography many rely on relatively large, stable tripods to support big lenses or for long exposures. I have a Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 carbon fiber tripod with a Vanguard BBH-100 magnesium ball head that is steady as a rock and suitable for long exposures and big glass. It is not especially heavy for a CF tripod, but it is relatively large, meaning it can be awkward to carry and it occupies a fair amount of space in my checked baggage. There are occasions where such a big tripod is overkill, so I wanted a lightweight travel tripod. I ended up buying an Oben CT-3431 carbon fiber travel tripod. Weighs a bit more than three pounds and works well. However, my wife needed a travel tripod so I bequeathed her the Oben and went on the hunt for a replacement for myself.
Because I was familiar with Vanguard, I started with them and researched their travel tripod offerings. After reading some reviews and I decided on this model. I opted to stick with aluminum. The weight savings (a few ounces) the CF model would offer just wasn't enough to justify the extra $120 or so. And, I don't expect to need the extra bit of stiffness that CF provides when I travel. If that's necessary, I'll use my Manfrotto.
So, we went on a photo trip to New Mexico; her with the Oben and me with the Vanguard. Both are stable platforms. However, Vanguard's flip locks are faster and easier to deal with. It's impossible to visually tell when the Oben's legs (and other tripods with twist locks) are fully locked and ready. It's also faster to collapse the Vanguard and several times my wife was muttering about having the more expensive but less convenient tripod. So, after a week's steady use I can attest to its practicality, strength and overall value.
First and probably foremost, the 235AB is very well made. The legs and all the components are nicely machined; one of them has a rubber cover for cold weather and easy gripping. The leg clamps are firm and easily manipulated. A push-button on each leg permits quick adjustments for low-to-the-ground shooting. The feet have spikes for outdoor use and rubber feet for other surfaces. (Neither my Oben or Manfrotto have spikes.) The head operates very smoothly. The camera plate and the deck (Arca-compatible) on which it mounts are both rather small. I use a Black Rapid 70mm Arca camera plate that covers the spirit level, but otherwise fits well and provides good stability. (I don't rely on a tripod spirit level for landscape shots; there are alternatives.) The center column swings up and down for storage or carrying. It's a nice feature and results in a compact package. The 235AB doesn't have a monopod option like some travel tripods. At the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta I used mine as a makeshift monopod by extending one leg and got excellent low-light shots at dawn and dusk..
I would not use this tripod for a large, heavy rig in windy weather or for long night shots. There is no center column hook for ballast. There is an eyelet where one could use a carabiner and suspend ballast for added stability. But, for travel in ordinary conditions, this is an excellent tripod that will provide enough stability for most photographers who don't need their full size legs.
