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Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head (Twist Locks, Black)

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Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head (Twist Locks, Black)
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 19.8 lb
  • Max Height: 59.1"
  • Folded Length: 16.1"
  • Leg Sections: 4
Sporting a 19.8 lb load capacity at a weight of only 2.8 lb, this black Befree Advanced Travel Tripod from Manfrotto is a robust support option that can serve as a convenient travel companion for professional photographers and passionate hobbyists alike. Made of carbon fiber, the tripod reaches a maximum height of 59.1" with its column extended (50" with the column down) and offers a folded length of 16.1" for transport in its included carrying case.
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Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Carbon Fiber... Overview

Sporting a 19.8 lb load capacity at a weight of only 2.8 lb, this black Befree Advanced Travel Tripod from Manfrotto is a robust support option that can serve as a convenient travel companion for professional photographers and passionate hobbyists alike. Made of carbon fiber, the tripod reaches a maximum height of 59.1" with its column extended (50" with the column down) and offers a folded length of 16.1" for transport in its included carrying case.

Each leg of the Befree Advanced is composed of four sections, which can be adjusted and secured in seconds thanks to the M-lock twist locks that operate with a simple 90° turn. A side-pull selector allows you to set the leg at three different angle configurations, enabling low angle shooting with the simple push of a button. Complementing the legs is an equally sturdy center ball head, which offers a dedicated knob for panoramic movement as well as a friction control knob for precise control over the tension during use. The final element is a quick release plate, which offers dual compatibility for RC2 and Arca-type compatible systems, except for the Manfrotto 804-3W and MH804-3W tripod heads.

An Easy Link attachment is available at the top portion of the leg section, and allows you to connect compatible accessories such as flashes or reflectors. This enables you to use the tripod as a support system and reduce the amount of gear you need to carry while travelling. Additionally, rubberized feet are used to avoid skidding and help keep the Befree Advanced stable in most types of terrain.

  • Weighs 2.8 lb, can hold up to 19.8 lb of gear
  • Four leg sections which extend and fasten via its twist locks
  • Maximum height of 59.1" with column extended and 50" with column down, folding down to 16.1" in length for storage
  • Carbon fiber construction for a sturdy yet lightweight profile
  • Side button allows you to select between three different leg angles
  • 494 ball head with separate pan lock and friction control knobs
  • Quick release plate compatible with both RC2 and Arca-type systems, excluding the 804-3W and MH804-3W tripod heads
  • Rubberized feet provide increased stability on most surfaces
  • Easy Link attachment for use with optional accessories
UPC: 719821425403

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Carbon Fiber... Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Male Screw with Retractable 3/8"-16 Sheath (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type / RC2)
Head Type
Ball Head
Drag Control
Yes
Primary Material
Carbon Fiber
Load Capacity
19.8 lb / 9 kg
Maximum Working Height
59.1" / 150 cm
Minimum Working Height
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Closed Length
16.1" / 41 cm
Weight
2.65 lb / 1.2 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Male Screw with Retractable 3/8"-16 Sheath (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type / RC2)
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+40° to -40°
Lateral Tilt
-90° to +40°
Legs
Primary Material
Carbon Fiber
Leg Lock
Twist Lock
Leg Sections
4
Independent Leg Spread
Yes
Leg Positions
3 Positions
General
Load Capacity
19.8 lb / 9 kg
Maximum Working Height
59.1" / 150 cm
Center Column
Yes (Faceted)
Max Height with Center Column Down
50" / 127.00 cm
Minimum Working Height
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Closed Length
16.1" / 41 cm
Bubble Level
No
Weight
2.65 lb / 1.2 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.57 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
17.75 x 5 x 5"

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Carbon Fiber... Reviews

Lightweight, compact

By Sandra
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-31

This is one of four Manfrotto tri pods that we have. Very lightweight for me to use. At first ball head was stiff, but works great now. The plate that goes on the camera was a little confusing on which way it connects to the ball head. I put little dots to align with each piece. Now all is great. Lightweight, compact but sturdy. Now sharp photos. Steady shots

Very poorly designed, customer unfriendly tripod

By Manjiree
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2024-10-28

I selected this tripod based on recommendation by BH Phot Video's tripod expert. Little did he or I know that it is very poorly designed in terms of camera plate and having too many buttons that do not stay put. First of all, my camera kept getting stuck on the plate. Even with the help of professional photographers who have used many tripods, I could not get the camera off the tripod. 9It is not one hand operation either) We had to put in a lot of efforts for it to come off. Also, The ball head (with camera mounted) keeps moving no matter how much you tighten its screw and making the camera look down. The plate kept getting unscrewed constantly making the camera unstable. This issue exacerbated due to the fact that to tighten it, I had to take the camera off of the plate but it was getting stuck. I wasted time and money (shipping costs, teacher's paid time wasting on helping me to take the camera off the plate while moving to another location, etc) I have sent it back to the store as it is well within the 30 day time limit. I would have sent it back right away, but we left on vacation and the store was closed for holidays. Looking for another more expensive but user friendly, well designed tripod.

See any errors on this page?

Is this tripod sturdy enough hold a Nikon d850 ...

Is this tripod sturdy enough hold a Nikon d850 and 200-500mm lens for hiking?
Asked by: Linda
This tripod is sufficient for your setup and great for hiking.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2024-03-28

Will this tripod work with the Really Right Stuff ...

Will this tripod work with the Really Right Stuff L-Plate Set for Select Sony Alpha a7 Series Cameras?
Asked by: Robin
Unfortunately no, the Manfrotto Befree Advanced Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head only accepts the RC2 plate.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2020-03-25

Are tripods universal for all cameras? I use a ...

Are tripods universal for all cameras? I use a Nikon D7000. Would it work with this tripod?
Asked by: Laura
The 1/4"-20 screws would be universal for all cameras, yes. However, stability and weight capacity would ultimately depend on your camera + lens combination.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-03-22

Is this tripod able to accommodate the weight of ...

Is this tripod able to accommodate the weight of a Canon R6, Battery Grip, and a 400 2.8 RF Lens?
Asked by: James
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head would not be recommended for use with a long lens like a 400mm f/2.8. A stronger tripod, such as this option from Robus, would be recommended instead: https://bhpho.to/3eenxYf.
Answered by: Michael S
Date published: 2025-04-10

The Specs on the carbon fiber show the 494 ball ...

The Specs on the carbon fiber show the 494 ball head not the 496 is that correct? see the similiar question/answer showing the 496 is on the carbon.
Asked by: Thomas R
The tripod comes with the 494 ball head.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-07-08

How do you shoot vertical with this tripod? Can ...

How do you shoot vertical with this tripod? Can you adjust the plate for vertical shots?
Asked by: Bill
The head has a notch cut out of it on one side, you can see it in the pictures just above the red logo.
Answered by: Alun
Date published: 2020-07-18

Is this tripod compatible with the Does this ...

Is this tripod compatible with the Does this tripod work with the Sony A1 and does it come with the correct plate for the camera?
Asked by: Linda
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with 494 Ball Head (Twist Locks, Black) BH #MAMKBFRTC4BH is compatible with the Sony A1 and it comes with the correct plate (RC2 and Arca-Type Compatible QR Plate) for the camera.
Answered by: Samik G
Date published: 2022-07-13

Is it possible to replace the ballhead with a ...

Is it possible to replace the ballhead with a fluid head like the MVH500AH?
Asked by: Darryl
Yes you can
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2023-09-13
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