Manfrotto’s New Befree Travel Tripods for Hybrid Creators Start at $200
Manfrotto has added three new models to its Befree travel tripod series, each designed with modern hybrid content creators in mind.
Update 8/26/2024: Some of the models mentioned in the original version of this article were not officially new additions to Manfrotto’s lineup. The article has been updated to feature only new products.
Manfrotto calls its trio of new Befree Advanced AS series tripods “A lightweight solution for those photographers and videographers looking for compactness with no compromise on image quality.”
This tripod series, starting at $199.95 for the aluminum version, is a “travel-ready pro photo tripod ideal for mirrorless cameras.” It includes an Arca-compatible attachment, a lever lock system for its four-section legs, and a ball head with three control knobs. Manfrotto positions it as ideal for “advanced hobbyist photographers.”
The tripod’s maximum height is 59.45 inches (151 centimeters) with the center column extended, its closed length is 15.75 inches (40 centimeters), and it is rated to safely support up to 19.8 pounds (nine kilograms) of gear. The aluminum version weighs about 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms), while the carbon fiber version ($289.95) weighs 2.8 pounds (1.3 kilograms). Further, while the carbon fiber version is sold only with twist-lock legs, the aluminum version is available with levers or twist knobs.
Essentially, there are two $200 options for those who want an affordable travel tripod, both with aluminum tripod legs. The only difference is that one uses twist locks and the other uses lever locks. Which one is “better” comes down to personal preference.
If someone wants the lighter carbon fiber version, it comes with an $80 higher price tag and is only available with twist locks — no lever locks on these legs.
Next up is the Befree GT collection, which has a new model, the Befree GT Pro 3-Way Aluminum.
This aluminum travel tripod has a three-way pan/tilt head and can support up to 13.2 pounds (six kilograms) of camera equipment. The tripod legs include a twist-lock mechanism and the tripod reaches a maximum height of 66.1 inches (168 centimeters).
Given the three-way head design, the tripod is relatively heavy, weighing in at 4.8 pounds (2.2 kilograms). The tripod is primarily designed for videographers, and includes a self-leveling center column. Further, Manfrotto promises that the pan/tilt head delivers fluid movements across both vertical and horizontal axes.
The Manfrotto Befree GT with 3-Way Pan/Tilt head is available now for $329.95, making it a relatively affordable video-oriented travel tripod.
There is another new option, the Befree GT Aluminum Travel Tripod, which comes as just legs for $199.95. Users can add their own tripod head to these legs, which reach a maximum height of 59.8 inches (152 centimeters) and can support up to 26.5 pounds (12 kilograms) of gear.
Image credits: Manfrotto
