Ultralight Tripod and Head

[Hunthigh1]

I received my Oben CT2431 today and it's my favorite so far. It's 3" shorter than the Oben CT 2331 which cured the only complaint I had with the CT2331. The CT 2431 is 2lbs 7.5oz with the 700RC2 head with the handle removed. I can use it standing or sitting and the center column adjust for height easily. I probably will not get to use it tomorrow as I think I'm going to buy a truck but Sunday for sure.

Im confused by the "with handle removed" reference to the 700RC2 panhead. How do you tighten and loosen for panning if you have removed the handle? doesnt this eliminate all adjustablility function for tensioning?

The head must be tensioned in a different manner then?

 

[Hungarydog]

The handle on the 700 rc2 is only for moving the head. The lock downs are separate knobs. The handle assembly just unscrews from the side and takes a little over 3 oz off.

 

[Shrek]

I got to really use the CT 2431 for a couple of hours and although it isn't as solid as the CT 2331 it is plenty solid enough fully extended for my use and the shorter collapsed height makes it worth less dampening in the wind. I just lay my fat paws on the scope for weight and it smoothes out. Hungarydog already answered but yes the tension is separate from the handle on the 700RC2. I take the handle off and use the scope its self as the handle. I lay my hand over the focus ring on my ATS and I can steady , move , and focus the scope all together. Works well. I've picked up a wobble in the base of my 700RC2 like the screw that holds it together has loosened. I'm going to see if I can tighten it but if I can't I'll soon know how good Manfrotto's warranty service is.

 

[Hunthigh1]

Ok,

So im torn!

Oben CT 2431 Paired with the manfrotto 700RC head

or

Siuri t-025X and give the ball head that comes along with it a chance.
If i hate that head. I throw a manfrotto 700RC head on that.

What do you all think? I will be running a 65mm Kowa spotter on this.

 

[Travis Bertrand]

Ok,

So im torn!

Oben CT 2431 Paired with the manfrotto 700RC head

or

Siuri t-025X and give the ball head that comes along with it a chance.
If i hate that head. I throw a manfrotto 700RC head on that.

What do you all think? I will be running a 65mm Kowa spotter on this.

I'm convinced the heads on the oben and Sirui are the same. I have the oben(really like it so far) and going off pics of the Sirui. They look identical. The tripod is a little different however.

 

[Rob McConnell]

Fyi my oben 2331 worked well until I took it hunting sat. A ring on one of the twist locks broke. First time out. Sent it back, ordered a promaster 522.

 

[Shrek]

I had the Sirui x025 and hated it for a standing tripod. Modified it's a great sitting tripod I'm sure but it's not particularly stable at full height and the center column is fixed at the base and the column itself is telescoping. Sirui packs very short. I hated it for general use going between standing and sitting. Between the two Obens you pick up a little shake with the thin fourth leg section in the 2431 that isn't there with the 2331 but the three inch shorter collapsed height of the 2431 makes it pack much nicer.

 

[Shrek]

I hate to hear that Rob. Knock on wood , I haven't had any issues with the two I have. I have a good bit of time with my 2331 and it has held up well so far.

 

[Rob McConnell]

I really liked the 3 leg design. I have an exo pack and it fit perfectly. The 522 is supposed to be super light, and I only need it for sitting. We'll see how it goes.

 

[mtnclimber]

I had the Sirui x025 and hated it for a standing tripod. Modified it's a great sitting tripod I'm sure but it's not particularly stable at full height and the center column is fixed at the base and the column itself is telescoping. Sirui packs very short. I hated it for general use going between standing and sitting. Between the two Obens you pick up a little shake with the thin fourth leg section in the 2431 that isn't there with the 2331 but the three inch shorter collapsed height of the 2431 makes it pack much nicer.

I've been researching this lately and I was curious on the difference between the Siri T-025 and the T-1205. If I remember correctly the only difference is that the T-1205 the center post is removable so your not stuck with it sticking up all the time. I would just remove it and not use it at all.

The only tripods right now that I can find that fit the bill are discontinued. But there are some on eBay so I'll keep an eye out. I want the legs to be about 1lb and be made from carbon fiber.

Anyone know of a tripod that has what I'm looking for that isn't discontinued?

And I'm not picky on height as I only use it sitting/laying down. Here is one I wish wasnt discontinued.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548360-REG/Gitzo_GT_531_GT_531_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html

 

[Ramshead]

I've been researching this lately and I was curious on the difference between the Siri T-025 and the T-1205. If I remember correctly the only difference is that the T-1205 the center post is removable so your not stuck with it sticking up all the time. I would just remove it and not use it at all.

The only tripods right now that I can find that fit the bill are discontinued. But there are some on eBay so I'll keep an eye out. I want the legs to be about 1lb and be made from carbon fiber.

Anyone know of a tripod that has what I'm looking for that isn't discontinued?

And I'm not picky on height as I only use it sitting/laying down. Here is one I wish wasnt discontinued.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/548360-REG/Gitzo_GT_531_GT_531_Mountaineer_6X_Carbon.html

The center column on the Sirui T-025x is now removable I believe. Here it is http://www.amazon.com/Sirui-T-025X-...F8&qid=1425503156&sr=8-1&keywords=sirui+t025x

 

[mtnclimber]

The center column on the Sirui T-025x is now removable I believe. Here it is http://www.amazon.com/Sirui-T-025X-...F8&qid=1425503156&sr=8-1&keywords=sirui+t025x

interesting. thanks for that.

Does anyone have T-025x sirui tripod? if so can you tell me the weight of the legs with the head and center column removed?

 

[Aron Snyder]

I'll try when I get home.....gotta get batteries for my scale.

 

[mtnclimber]

I'll try when I get home.....gotta get batteries for my scale.

Great thanks

 

[_Nick_]

interesting. thanks for that.

Does anyone have T-025x sirui tripod? if so can you tell me the weight of the legs with the head and center column removed?

I got mine down to 18.x ounces by removing all of that and the smallest leg section (putting a rubber cap on the next largest section). It's definitely a sitting only tripod regardless, and I found the smallest leg section to be entirely superfluous. I also removed the leg locking mechanisms so that the legs can now move continuously.

Unlike Shrek, I guess I'm lazy when I'm hiking through the mountains and prefer to sit on my butt, so the ability to stand was of little interest to me.

Anyway, I really like the Sirui.

 

[Shrek]

Nick , I use my tripod and spotter year round for hunting and then dear hunting. I sit when hunting mostly but when I'm birding with a group I use it standing and adjust the height constantly. I'm 6'4" and most of the chicks I'm birding with are a foot or more shorter. I wanted more flexibility in a tripod than a strictly sitting tripod. There was nothing wrong at all with the sirui. I just hated it because it didn't fit my uses. If you're single , birding groups are a great way to meet chicks. Especially if you are over 30 and not looking to replace your 40 year old ex with 2 twenty year olds. Just remember that they're usually a bunch of greenies so don't mention that you bought 4 grand of binoculars and spotting scope to go hunting with

 

[mtnclimber]

I got mine down to 18.x ounces by removing all of that and the smallest leg section (putting a rubber cap on the next largest section). It's definitely a sitting only tripod regardless, and I found the smallest leg section to be entirely superfluous. I also removed the leg locking mechanisms so that the legs can now move continuously.

Unlike Shrek, I guess I'm lazy when I'm hiking through the mountains and prefer to sit on my butt, so the ability to stand was of little interest to me.

Anyway, I really like the Sirui.

YES. exactly the info i was looking for.

i did the same with my cullman nanomax 220, cut the bottom legs off but one of the bottom twist lock falls off if i release the lock..

i always hate the bottom legs anyways, so spindly they are pointless.

Let me know if your looking to sell

 

[luke moffat]

Looking at giving one of those T-025Xs a whirl. Digging how small it folds down too!!! Likely swap to the RC 494 ball head from Manfrotto as its a beast for locking even the heavy 4+ pound spotter.

 

[F16pointy]

I just bought an Oben CT-3451 Carbon Fiber Tripod With BE-113T Ball Head from B&H Photo. I use a Leica televid 77 for hunting and I just bought a Canon XA-20 to take along for video. The tripod is great from what I can tell so far, no tipping over feel yet. Its rated to 13lbs so I don't think I will have any issues. When I bought the spotter I bought a vortex high country tripod with it. The tripod started falling apart on my first trip using it. I still have it but I have to man handle it in order to get the ball head to lock down good. The Oben with the head is right around 37 oz. The head is really easy to use and locks down tight very easily. But since it gets nasty at times in AK and the wind can kick up I bought the Oben tripod hammock. I can put it on and throw a few rocks in it to help stabilize things.

 

[_Nick_]

YES. exactly the info i was looking for.

i did the same with my cullman nanomax 220, cut the bottom legs off but one of the bottom twist lock falls off if i release the lock..

i always hate the bottom legs anyways, so spindly they are pointless.

Let me know if your looking to sell

Get this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ERXXF6

And put one of the caps over the leg once you remove the smaller section. Adds stability (as the cap is a bit bigger and you've removed the flimsiest leg section).

And no, I don't see myself selling that tripod in a long, long time. Sorry