Oben AT-3535 User manual

1
3500SeriesTripodKit
You’reonsteadyground™

2
Thank You for choosingOben!
This versatile and durable Oben tripod and ballhead
is a compact and lightweight kit that sets up quickly,
folds up neatly into its own carry bag, and oers a
variety of options ideal for the photographer on
the go.
The Oben AT/CT-Series 5-section tripod features
twist locks for fast and eortless height adjustment.
Each leg can be positioned independently at three
locking angles (22.5°–24°, 50°, or 80°) to ensure
stable support when shooting on uneven terrain.
Integrated spiked feet beneath the non-slip rubber
feet provide stability on soft ground, grass, or sand.
The adjustable center column is equipped with a
spring-loaded weight hook for added steadiness in
windy conditions.
This tripod boasts several options for low-angle
shooting, including a separate, reversible low-angle
center column that enables shooting close to the
ground. For additional adaptability, one leg of the
tripod can be removed and used as a completely
functional monopod.
Oben’s BC-Series dual-action or BE-Series triple-
action ballhead is included with the tripod to
provide smooth and eortless operation. It features
two locks that provide independent adjustment
of the ball and panoramic base. Integrated bubble
levels ensure accurate camera alignment with the
horizon. An Arca-type quick-release plate allows for
mounting and dismounting the camera quickly and
eortlessly.
Please read through this entire manual before using
the AT-3500 Series tripod and the BC/BE-Series
ballhead.
Note: Images are for illustrative purposes only. Actual
product may vary.
INTRODUCTION

3
Key Features 4
BallheadOperation 8
TheTripod MountingScrew 8
Mountingthe Ballhead 9
MainLockingKnobOperation 9
Mountingthe Quick-ReleasePlate totheCamera 10
MountingtheCameraand Quick-Release Platetothe Ballhead 11
Tension Thumbscrew(BC-217T&BC-226T only) 12
AdjustingtheFriction(BC-217T &BC-226Tonly) 12
PanoramicBase 14
TripodOperation 14
LegLengthAdjustment 14
LegAngleAdjustment 15
CenterColumnAdjustment 15
Low-AngleSetup 16
Counterweight 19
SpikedFeet 20
IntegratedMonopod 20
FoldingLegs 21
Specifications 22
Warnings 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS

4
KEY FEATURES
D
G
J
L
K
E
B
C
I
F
H
A

5
KEY FEATURES
A
B
H
I
J
K
L
F
G
E
D
C
BaseplatewithDual3/8″and1/4″-20head
mountingscrew
Two-piececentercolumn (AT/CT-3535 andAT-3585)
One-piececentercolumn (AT-3565)
Low-angle center column
Centercolumnlocking collar
Centercolumntwistlock (AT/CT-3535 andAT-3585)
Strapmount
Legangleadjustmentlock
Integratedmonopod
Retractableand removableweighthook
180°foldinglegs
Legadjustmenttwistlocks
Integratedspikedfeet
AlsoIncluded: Carrybag
Carrybagstrap
Hexkeys(×2)

6
KEY FEATURES
C
B
F
H
G
I
J
E
D
A

7
KEY FEATURES
Quick-releaseplate
Bubblelevel
1/4″-20UNC mounting screw
Quick-releaseknob
Panknob
Lockingindexscale(BC-217T &BC-226T)
Mainlocking knob
Tension thumbscrew(BC-217T&BC-226T)
Panoramicbasewith360° markings
90°groove
A
B
F
G
H
I
E
D
C
J

8
OPERATIONOPERATION
BallheadOperation
The AT/CT-Series tripod and
BC/BE-Series ballhead come
assembled. During normal
operation, the ballhead will
occasionally have to be removed
in order to make adjustments to
the tripod.
THE TRIPOD MOUNTING SCREW
The tripod includes a mounting
screw with a 3/8″thread on one
end and a 1/4″-20 thread on the
other, allowing you to mount
a tripod head with either size
mounting socket.
To switch between the two
mounting screw sizes, do the
following:
1. Unscrew the ballhead and use
the included hex key to loosen
the set screw that is next to the
mounting screw.
2. Unscrew the baseplate from
the tripod.
3. Lift the screw out, reverse it,
and insert the opposite end
back into the baseplate.
4. Replace the baseplate by
screwing it back into the tripod
and tightening the set screw
with the hex key.

9
OPERATIONOPERATION
MOUNTING THE BALLHEAD
When returning the ballhead to
the tripod, follow these steps:
1. Tighten all of the knobs on
the head.
2. Align the ballhead socket
with the tripod mounting
screw.
3. Rotate the ballhead clockwise
onto the tripod and tighten it
by hand. To prevent damage
to the ballhead and mounting
screw, do not overtighten.
Note: If a dierent size mounting
screw is needed to mount the
ballhead, refer to The Tripod
Mounting Screw section on page
8 for instructions.
MOUNTING THE QUICK-RELEASE
PLATE TO THE CAMERA
The quick-release plate utilizes
a 1/4″-20 screw that fits most
cameras.
1. Loosen the quick-release
knob by turning it
counterclockwise and
remove the quick-release
plate from the ballhead.
2. Align the mounting screw
with the threaded socket on
the base of the camera.
3. Use the supplied hex key, a
coin, or the D-ring, to tighten
the screw into the camera’s
socket.

10
OPERATION
BallheadOperation(continued)
Note: If a 3/8″-size mounting screw
is needed, use the included 1/4″–3/8″
adapter bushing.
Warning: Some manufacturers’
plates do not meet our
specifications and may not lock
your equipment securely in the
Oben quick-release clamp. Please
test all camera and lens plates
made by manufacturers other
than Oben to ensure compatibility.
MOUNTING THE CAMERA AND QUICK-
RELEASE PLATE TO THE BALLHEAD
After mounting the quick-release
plate to your camera, make sure
that all knobs on the ballhead are
tightened, except for the quick-
release knob.
1. Turn the quick-release knob
counterclockwise until it stops.
2. Mount the camera to the
ballhead by sliding one edge of
the quick-release plate into the
ballhead. Then lower the other
side until the quick-release
plate is lying flat in the quick-
release clamp.
Note: Make sure the mounting
screw’s D-ring is flush with the
bottom of the plate.
3. Turn the quick-release knob
clockwise to lock the plate.

11
OPERATION
Warning: Always use one hand
to secure the camera while
adjusting the ballhead, and make
sure that the lock is engaged
before letting go of the camera.
MAIN LOCKING KNOB OPERATION
The single locking knob locks
and unlocks the ballhead, which
allows for changing the position
of the camera.
When changing camera positions
via the Locking Knob, always
keep one hand on the camera.
Turn the knob counterclockwise
to unlock the head, and clockwise to
lock it. Make sure that the knob is
firmly tightened before letting go
of the camera.
Use the 90° groove to quickly
switch between landscape and
portrait orientations.

12
OPERATION
BallheadOperation(continued)
TENSION THUMBSCREW
(BC-217T & BC-226T BALLHEADS)
The tension thumbscrew is
integrated into the main locking
knob. It’s used to control the
amount of friction on the ball in
order to maintain strict control
when positioning it.
ADJUSTING THE FRICTION
(BC-217T & BC-226T BALLHEADS)
To adjust the friction accurately,
follow these steps:
1. Tighten the head and mount
the lightest combination of
camera and lens that you
will regularly use. Turn the
tension thumbscrew (located
on the main locking knob)
counterclockwise until it stops.
2. Turn the main locking knob
counterclockwise until you
reach the secured minimum
degree of friction. You can set
the friction so that the ball
moves freely or so that it is
immobilized or anywhere in-
between.
3. Turn the tension thumbscrew
clockwise until it stops. You
have now set your minimal
friction limit for this particular
camera and lens combination.
The main locking knob will
not turn beyond this minimal
friction limit.

13
OPERATION
If you want to mount a heavier
camera and lens combination,
you will need to repeat this
process of increasing the tension
on the ball by following the same
steps with the new camera/lens
combination.
Important: To lower your minimal
friction limit, follow these steps:
1. Turn the main locking knob
clockwise until it stops
2. Turn the tension thumbscrew
counterclockwise until it stops
3. Then turn the main locking
knob counterclockwise until
the ball moves freely enough
for you to make adjustments.
Warning: Do not force the main
locking knob to turn beyond
its stopping point. This leads
to “locking up” or “freezing
up” of the main locking
knob—you will be unable to move
it. In this condition the knob is
locked, but the head is loose. To
correct this, increase tension
on the ball by rotating the main
locking knob clockwise until
the desired degree of tension is
achieved. Release the friction by
turning the tension thumbscrew
counterclockwise until it stops.
Release tension on the ball by
rotating the main locking knob
counterclockwise until the ball is
free.

14
BallheadOperation(continued)
TripodOperation
PANORAMIC BASE
The base of the ballhead can be
independently rotated 360°. The
base is controlled by loosening
the pan knob. (The smallest knob
at the base of the head.)
1. Twist the knob counterclockwise
to unlock the base.
2. Rotate the base to the desired
position, and then lock the base
by turning the knob clockwise.
Note: Degree markings on the base
of the ballhead can be used to
accurately set up panoramic shots.
LEG LENGTH ADJUSTMENT
To independently adjust the
height of each leg, do the
following:
1. Loosen the twist locks enough
so that the legs can be adjusted.
Note: Don’t over-loosen the twist
locks.
2. Adjust the leg to the desired
height.
3. Tighten the twist locks to
secure the leg in place.
OPERATION

15
LEG ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
For stable support when shooting
on uneven terrain, each leg can
be adjusted to a preset angle of
22.5°–24°, 50°, or 80°. To set the
leg angle, do the following:
1. Press and hold the leg angle
adjustment lock.
2. Set the angle of the leg to one of
the three preset positions.
3. Release the lock to secure the
leg at the desired angle.
CENTER COLUMN ADJUSTMENT
The center column can be used to
adjust the height of the camera.
Fully extending the center
column after the legs have been
completely extended will place
the camera at the highest position
possible with this tripod.
1. Turn the locking collar
counterclockwise to unlock the
center column.
2. Adjust the center column to the
desired height.
3. Lock the column in place
by turning the locking collar
clockwise.
OPERATION

16
TripodOperation(continued)
AT/CT-3535, AT-3585
1. If more height is needed, turn the center column twist
lock counterclockwise and extend the upper center
column to the desired height.
2. Turn the twist lock clockwise to secure the column.
Note: Make sure the column is secure, but do not overtighten to
avoid damaging the tripod.
LOW-ANGLE SETUP
The following instructions describe three ways to adjust
the tripod for low-angle shots.
Using the Center Column
1. Set the angle of the tripod legs to 80°.
2. Loosen the locking collar and adjust the center column
to its lowest height possible.
3. Mount the camera on the ballhead.
OPERATION

17
Using the Low-Angle Center Column
1. Remove the ballhead from the tripod.
2. Loosen the set screw and unscrew the baseplate from
the center column.
3. Unscrew the weight hook from the bottom of the center
column.
4. Loosen the locking collar and slide the center column o
of the tripod.
5. Insert the low-angle center column into the hole and
tighten the locking collar.
6. Set the angle of the legs to 80°.
7. Screw the baseplate onto the center column and tighten
the set screw.
8. Screw the ballhead onto the baseplate.
OPERATION

18
Reversing the Center Column
Reversing the center column
allows for mounting the camera
upside down in order to get close
to the ground or surface. To reverse
the center column, do the following:
1. Unscrew the weight hook from
the bottom of the center column.
2. Loosen the locking collar and
remove the center column from
the tripod.
3. Slide the center column into
the tripod from underneath so
that the ballhead is facing down
toward the ground.
4. Tighten the locking collar and
return the weight hook to the
center column by screwing it in.
5. Depending on the size of the
camera, adjust the leg angle and
height appropriately.
6. Mount the camera to the
quick-release plate and attach
the quick-release plate to the
ballhead.
If changing your setup to the
reversed low-angle center column,
follow these steps:
1. Remove the ballhead from the
tripod.
2. Loosen the set screw and
unscrew the baseplate from the
center column.
TripodOperation(continued)
OPERATION

19
3. Unscrew the weight hook
from the bottom of the center
column.
4. Loosen the locking collar and
remove the center column from
the tripod.
5. Attach the baseplate and the
ballhead to the low-angle
center column and slide it into
the tripod from underneath
so that the ballhead is facing
down toward the ground.
6. Tighten the locking collar and
return the weight hook to the
center column by screwing it in.
Note: Make sure to return the weight
hook. This prevents the center
column from sliding all the way
through the collar.
7. Depending on the size of the
camera, adjust the leg angle
and height appropriately.
8. Mount the camera to the
quick-release plate and attach
the quick-release plate to the
ballhead.
COUNTERWEIGHT
When shooting in windy
conditions or when using a
telephoto lens, the stability of
your camera is critical. A built-in
spring-loaded hook at the bottom
of the center column allows you to
hang a counterweight, such as a
sandbag (not included) or loaded
equipment bag (not included), to
provide increased stability.
OPERATION

20
OPERATION
SPIKED FEET
The rubber non-skid feet are for
use indoors or on flat surfaces.
Spikes are for soft ground, grass,
sand, and uneven terrain.
To expose the spikes, follow these
steps:
AT-3535 and CT-3535:
Remove the rubber feet by pulling
them o. Adjust the leg height
according to your needs.
AT-3565 and AT-3585:
1. Turn the retractable rubber feet
clockwise. Adjust the leg height
to your needs.
2. When finished using the
spikes, turn the rubber feet
counterclockwise until they are
extended all the way out and
completely cover the spikes.
INTEGRATED MONOPOD
The leg with the extra rubber
grip at the top of the shaft can be
removed and used as a monopod.
To assemble the monopod, follow
these steps:
1. Unscrew the monopod leg from
the tripod.
2. Unscrew the weight hook from
the center column.
TripodOperation(continued)