31.8.2013

I already own the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon fibre tripod which is excellent for my long exposure landscape photography and macro photography. However for a recent holiday to Portugal, I wanted a smaller tripod for ease of carrying with all my family luggage (I have 2 teenage daughters!) for some seascape photography. I researched many travel tripods and opted for the Manfrotto, the ultimate decision coming down to brand loyalty i.e. good experiences with Manfrotto so I decided to stick with them. I have shared my first experience here.I have just returned from holiday and found that the tripod performed very well supporting my 5D mark III and EF 16-35L II lens with Lee filters very well even for exposures up to 10 minutes.I obtained shots I just could not have obtained without a tripod. The Befree is very compact and I could fit my camera rucksack and tripod into a regulation size cabin bag making air travel with it easy. When using it, the tripod attaches easily to the rucksack for walking / hiking. It is easy and quick to set up and fold and comes with a nice, high quality carry case. Shame Monfrotto don't supply such a case with their larger tripods. I had to buy mine separately for my O55.The tripod is relatively light but not obviously as light as some carbon fibre travel tripods but being aluminium is considerably cheaper so there is a compromise here. The supplied head is small but holds the camera well with surprisingly little creep. Again, don't necessarily expect it be as good as a more expensive, larger head but for a travel head it really is perfectly OK even for 10 minute + exposures.My RC2 head I use on my 055 fitted nicely into the Befree head. The tripod is supplied with an RC2 head which is a nice addition so I now have a spare. I know some people do not like the RC2 head but I have had no problems so far and have used one for over a year with the 055.Overall, the tripod is well built as you can expect from Manfrotto.There are a few things you need to be aware of:-1) It has quite small feet so if using on sand, beware it can sink a bit especially if the sea runs over the legs and loosens the sand. This can happen with any tripod but the smaller the feet contact area, the more likely it is to happen. This ruined one long exposure shot. So always try to place the feet on rocks or a similar hard surface (common sense!). In this case there were no rocks nearby so had to use the sand. I found that pushing the tripod further into the sand solved the problem. Always wash the legs thoroughly and allow the tripod to dry fully extended overnight after exposure to sand and salt water. Note this 'sinking' is not a problem with the tripod specifically - just my experience of using it!2) It is not as stable in wind as my 055CXPRO3 but this is to be expected. I found the stability in wind quite good without the centre column extended but with it extended, I would not be so confident it would hold the camera steady in windy conditions for long exposures. On one shot with the column extended, I noticed the camera moving in the wind (it was quite strong) so I stopped the shot, retracted the column and found the camera to be much more stable albeit I had to use a lower position for the shot which actually was not an issue in that case. Using some additional weight would probably help although I did not try this as I had no extra weight to use.I think as long as you are aware that with any travel tripod there are some compromises, you will really like this product. As I said, if I did not buy this, I would not have taken a tripod on holiday and missed out on some great photo opportunities.I will definitely be using it more even when not traveling for hiking etc. I would probably not use the tripod for macro shots at home as I would always opt for the greater stability of the 055 for that. But when traveling, I'm sure it would be fine for macro in still conditions but then again, if it is windy, your subject is likely to be moving too!In terms of service, the tripod arrived earlier than expected so no issues there.

18.12.2019

First off I'll say I did return this item to get the more expensive befree gt xpro due to 2 flaws in the entire befree range except the xpro but I ordered this item as a at the time of order the xpro carbon was £400 but by the time it arrived they had dropped the xpro carbon to £299 but note price was not the reason for the return. (I wanted under 1.8kg weight hence going carbon rather than the ally options but wanted a good solid tripod to hold 7d2 and 70-300L lens why it had to be the befree gt range rather than the lower befree ranges)First off the build quality of the legs, centre column and ball head are really good on the carbon, the twist lock on legs is really good and the feel and weight are very good,ball head is very easy to use and feels strong and well build but does lack a level but how often do you really use this and most cameras have a build in level you can use.I use up to 7d2 with 70-300L lens so the befree gt is easily able to hold this stable fully extended (the befree advanced or befree wont hold this weight steady. I wouldn't go over a mid range 100 lens or a 70 pro lens on the lower befree range) but there are 2 huge flaws with the entire befree range except the xpro.1. The little rubber bung in the end of the centre column. 2. The tightening and release center column twist screw. Now I had watched reviews and none mentioned number 2 but a few said about number 1 the bung. The issues are to use this travel tripod everytime you have to lower the centre column to get the most stability from the tripod but to pack away you have to raise it. So in raising it to pack away or raise right up you loosen the centre twist and lift the column and 8 of 10 as you hit the stop which is the end rubber bung the bung will start to pop out the bottom of the centre column but the 2nd or 3rd light pull on this centre and the bung falls out. Every now and then it will fall out on 1 pull when you lift the centre even if it was fully in place.2. The centre twice retainer feels very cheap and feels like it's done up when it's not. You really have to twist it and lock it hard to hold the centre column into place if you use it slightly up or fully up to hold the weight of the camera (even just with a small lens on) what's worse is if you turned the column upside down to hang the camera you run the risk of the camera falling to the floor as the stop bung would just come out rather than stopping if the centre lock wasnt tightened fully. The flaw is it feels tight to twist up even if it's not and you feel like the twist centre lock is going to break when you do get it to tighten.Given you have to use both the bung stop and the centre twist lock every time you use a befree tripod (all models even the xpro) having something that feels like it will break and something that will fall out every time is not ideal. I had read about the rubber bung and had decided I could glue this if I liked the tripod and at time of ordering the xpro was an extra £200 to get around this (xpro uses a press locking pin on the centre column) was a bit much for a minor flaw but given the centre twist lock flaw it turns into a big problem at least for me (the tripod wont fit into its carry bag unless the centre is right up) as said If was just the bung I could live with it as the rest of the product if extremely good quality. If your pushing to get this then do it's very light weight, strong and very nice to hold and use but if you can push at time of review from £269 for befree gt carbon to £299 then I recomend getting the gt xpro as both these flaws are removed on the xpro as has different designs for both.All In all the befree gt carbon is a really good product just be aware.

27.12.2013

I ordered this after some considerable research and with a little trepidation as to its stability and weight bearing capacities. But I was specifically looking for a tripod that I would be able to carry without a second thought - and not end up thinking I need to decide between taking the tripod OR the camera when travelling.All I can say is that it turned out to be the perfect choice for me. It is, as you'd expect from a Manfrotto, a beautifully designed and intuitive piece of engineering. But in this case I think they've really found the perfect balance between lightness, compactness and sturdiness - as well as price. You instantly know that whoever figured this one out has been around cameras,a budget, as well as fingers and thumbs. ( And I often seem to have more of the latter than were in my original inventory at birth...)When it arrived - very promptly - I didn't at first think it WAS the tripod, because the package seemed just too small and too light - and the guy from DPD was carrying it in one hand when I opened the door. The small and simply stylish case gave up a firmly folded tripod that opened up in a minute.I happen to like the RC2 head that comes with it - (alot) - and the ease of the quick release plate. Because it's a ball head its always wise anyway to make sure you have one hand on the camera when you loosen it. If only to manage your heart rate. And although I understand another reviewer on here mentioning that it takes three hands to place the camera into the plate or release it, I have to say I think this is just a question of practice and finding the right rhythm for you. As it is with most things camera wise. And I was pretty quickly able to master pushing down the safety switch with my index finger and opening the catch with my thumb, while holding the camera with my other hand.As to stability, all I can say is that I use it for a Hasselblad 501CM and tend to use it with all the legs - except for the very lowest extension - as well as the central column fully extended. ( Although the camera sat on the fully extended version just fine - I just wouldn't personally feel too comfortable doing that if for instance a child was running around in the vicinity - or if the winds are high. And in the case of the Hasselblad I like to use the waist level view finder so I don't need to raise the tripod to eye level. ) No such reservations when using my Lumix FZ200, of course, but that's a relatively light bridge camera. I can't speak for a full DSLR with heavy zoom, simply because I haven't tested that. And there'll be others on here more knowledgeable than me about that. However, I have no doubts about trusting it with the 501 with a fairly heavy chrome 150mm lense attached.And it fits neatly into my carry on bag - a small wheeler that goes into the overhead compartment on a plane easily - or strap on my shoulder - without me giving it a second thought. ( I am no body builder..)Of course you can find cheaper - as well as much more expensive options - and it's the usual thing of being psyched up or down the price range. But after using this for a few weeks, I can only say it feels like a keeper to me. And enduring. Excellent for the price.

22.7.2017

This is my review of the Manfrotto, Befree Aluminium Travel Tripod (40cm).Just picked up this excellent example of Manfrotto’s World renowned built quality and at a decent price too, just £117.00 on Amazon at the time of this review (a 30% discount on the RRP) .There are two different size options available, the 30cm or 40cm (Size when closed) but for this Review I will be focusing on their 40cm version.At first glance this tripod is not only pleasant to look at, but also practical with a compact size and fairly light too, at just 1.4kg or 3lbs.The full specs of this Semi-professional grade tripod are;– Hight when fully extended: 144cm or 56.7inch– Size when closed down for storage: 40cm or 15.7inch– Colour options are: Black with either; Red,Blue, Gray or Green accents.– Weight: 1.4kg or 3lbsThe build quality of this tripod dose not disappoint, which is what we have come to expect from Manfrotto. When out and about it is great to have the option of such a compact tripod that is easy to carry, easy and fast to set up and has a quality ball head system for composing your shot, locking the ball head and getting your desired composition every time with the least hassle possible, compared to some of the other options out there. The Camera mounting system is well thought out too and secure with a double locking latch system for added protection of your camera. The tripod has a well built smart adjustment system for the legs, easily allowing you to select three options; 1. Packing mode, which allows you to fold the legs back giving you the compact storage design. 2. Normal use mode and 3. Low level shooting mode. The only possible downside to this tripod would be its weight restrictions, if you are planning on using a larger Pro DSLR or a Semi-Pro DSLR with a battery grip and a X-300mm lense, then this is not the tripod for you. However if you are using a standard Canon 70D size camera like myself with my trusty 17-85mm, then you will have no problems what so ever.All in all I am well impressed with this tripod and I look forward to using it out on location. My main reason for getting the tripod was obviously its compact looking design, but after actually holding it in my hands and getting to test it out around my local area, I am a satisfied customer and would give this model top marks. (Based on my requirements)My first major test of this tripod will be in the Scottish Highlands next week (October 13-18 2016) when I will fully put it through its paces and post a full on location, hands on review on my YouTube channel so check it out if you are looking around at different travel tripod options and can’t make a decision or if you are just interested in Travel Photography in general.My overall star rating: 5 out of 5Check out the amazing Manfrotto Befree deals available at: www.amazon.comThank you for taking the time to read my review of the Manfrotto Tripod. If you would like to see more; Blogs, Reviews and Travel Photography Vlogs, don’t forget to Subscribe at: www.jbmltd.co.uk

5.8.2014

The Manfrotto BeFree makes an excellent tripod for travelling; it is compact at only 40cm long when folded and fully extends to 140cm. More importantly it weighs only 1.4Kg in total, so it doesn't take too much out of your baggage allowance when flying and is light enough to carry around all day in a backpack. The BeFree is also small enough to fit into carry-on baggage when flying. A neat, high-quality padded bag with a wide strap is also supplied which is comfortable to carry over the shoulder.The BeFree is easy to set up, although I'd recommend practicing a few times before using it in the field so that you don't miss the moment. The quick leg-angle setting knobs are an ingenious design,

20.8.2015

This Manfrotto is the 4th Manfrotto in my collection of photo equipment, such is the quality associated with their tripods and monopods. This model compacts down to small enough to strap to a photo backpack without feeling it will topple over. It is not the lightest tripod you can buy but the weight is down to the materials used. The sturdiness gives the user some confidence when screwing on an expensive DSLR, zoom lens and flash unit. It gives the idea that it is built to last, except with the leg angle stays.The stays allow the unique design of having the leg flip 180 degrees to allow the compactness. Everything else seem built very study but am not so sure about these stays.

4.7.2017

Just to clear up a few inaccuracies in the reviews here:The ball head has a quick release mechanism, it is compatible with the metal RC2 200pl plate and indeed the Peak Design PROplate which comes with their Capture Pro Clip.What can the tripod hold? I have put my Canon 5D3 on it with the 100-400 Mk11 (weight 2.6kg) attached successfully, with the tripod legs fully extended (not column) BUT by connecting using the lens collar not the camera base and making sure the lens is above a leg i.e. lens and leg facing forward - obviously this is not something you walk away from in a strong breeze, but it will function with care.Will the head detach? Yes it does,

1.2.2020

The Befree Live tripod is a fantastic, lightweight, ergonomic tripod designed for the content creators, videographers, filmmakers, vloggers who want lightweight, but high-end support when they are on the go.Even though it is designed for "on the go" photography and videography, it can be used in many different situations.I mainly use it with my Nikon Z7 which can get a little heavy so the adjustments this tripod offer are great.• Befree Live Fluid Video Head - a fluid drag system on pan and tilt and maintains the camera perfectly balanced. Both pan and tilt are extremely smooth, and you can control each individually / you can quickly level it.• The M-lock - a twist lock that allows you to have a fast,

4.5.2016

I spent some time considering whether to buy a new tripod to suit my Nikon D7200. I was convinced when I read an article that made the point that the best tripod for your camera is the one that you are prepared to carry with you and so my research for a travel tripod began.I looked at many offerings on Amazon, some half the price of this model and often well reviewed. In the end my choice came down to the following points:- I was able to go and look at this one in a shop, Pick it up, feel the weight and the quality and understand how it works.- The legs are extended with locking levers, not twist grips.

6.12.2013

First of all I've been impressed by its stylish look. My first thought was: It's too delicate. But Manfrotto says it's design to hold up to 4Kg. (Wow - 4kg it's enough even for my D4 with 70-200mm f/2.8). So, that's a big PLUS. If I'm speaking about pluses - I have to mention that Be free is coming with a replaceable ball head with quick release plate and it has a beautiful designed carry bag. Be Free is practicable even for video - I have test it with the video fluid movement head (Manfrotto 701 HDV). Due to its supple look, it's got no trace of weakness - it's solid build from aluminium made and it has very strong articulations.The biggest minus I've noticed it's still for its heavy.

21.5.2015

Great tripod. I'm only just learning the value of a tripod having spent a day with a 'real' photographer! He lent me some tripods to try and for me this was the winner. Some reviewers think it's rather lightweight and not stable enough. With my nikon d5200 and 18 200 lens it was fine. It feels well made and folds up very small. If you're an enthusiastic amateur like me you will think this is a quality item ( i've never used anything more expensive though). What i discovered during the day was that as well as stability you need to be able to adjust height etc quickly and easily so that you can concentrate on the photography. I found the ball head really nice to adjust and easy to swap to portrait.

3.9.2015

Been a pro photographer for nearly 20 years and this is genuinely one of my favourite tripods ever. It's so small! But it's so stable! As cameras get smaller and lighter tripods don't need to be the mammoth bits of scaffolding they used to be. I got this for a short tricky trip using M4/3 equipment and it was great, fitting in an over the shoulder camera bag on planes and whilst out and about. OK, it's not as high as my 055s but that's why we have walls, cars, boulders, etc - just work around it since it's about the only (and expected) shortcoming - and the legs adjust independently so you can easily rig it on uneven surfaces/objects.

7.2.2017

I found the grey one for only £116 so a bargain. I had just bought a Sirui carbon fibre for £139 but returned it immediately for being flimsy. This is MUCH stronger and although not carbon fibre, only slightly heavier, but £90 cheaper than the carbon model. I find the quick release plate extremely slow and is my main gripe. I see someone else has removed the head. I tried but could not get it off, it only arrived today so I will persevere. I have a 055C which obviously you would use if there is a choice. This I bought for long haul trips. I would never use it with the centre column at full height, so it is low, but I have the Canon D80 which has a swivel screen, so being low not an issue.

29.4.2020

Holds two cameras. FOR panning and any pro use I would add a weight to the tripod. It's quit sturdy but any wind could make camera wobble. If your looking for a tripod that is rock solid this is not for you as its a travel one and has to compromise od rigidity. Seems quite well built. Does take a bit of getting used to with the fluid mount. I was expecting way more drag than provided. It works same as my other non fluid heads just stops the initial jerky movement and irons out movement jitter. The twist locks on legs need a lot of turning to fully tighten. The small fold up size and weight are amazing. As with all tripods I wish there was a way to secure the head better so it don't come lose when panning.

7.2.2015

I have a Nikon D200 with a standard zoom lens. This tripod is fine in landscape shots. However, the tripod loses sharpness in normal portrait mode, never mind any angles. Whilst I appreciate I don't have the lightest of cameras, the tripod should be able to tolerate putting the camera into portrait mode - which I use a lot!Three stars given because it is very sharp in landscape mode and is certainly more portable than my aluminium 190 Pro. Due to its weight, I would categorise this more as a compact tripod, rather than a travel tripod.UPDATE:I took this back to Calumet who checked it out for me and it appears that the screws in the legs were loose, extremely so in the case of one leg.

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Alu Kit Twist - Reviews

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