Sometimes the perfect travel companion isn't the person along for the ride—it is an essential and quiet piece of gear that works well and doesn't weigh you down, exactly the aim of Manfrotto's Befree family of tripods. Claiming to be "the new standard of excellence for travel photography," these tripods are compact, easy-to-use, and feature rich, all of which are excellent selling points for a portable support system. Manfrotto continues to expand the line, as well, with professional options, improvements, and variations being added.
Befree GT
A recent addition, the Befree GT is billed as a travel tripod designed specifically for professional photographers, thanks to its 22-lb load capacity that makes it suitable for working with telephoto lenses and DSLRs. Two versions are available: the standard Befree GT Aluminum and the top-tier Befree GT Carbon, which have obvious differences when it comes to material and overall weight. The aluminum version weighs 4.1 lb and can reach a maximum height of 64.6", while the carbon fiber model cuts the overall weight down to 3.4 lb and can reach a maximum height of 63.8". Both offer matching closed lengths of 16.9", which matches the minimum height when the standard center column is equipped.
For positioning, the legs can be locked in three angles and there is a total of four leg sections for expanding and collapsing the tripod. The GT series features secure M-Locktwist locks that are quick and easy to use. The spider features magnesium construction, for strength, and offers an Easy Link connection for mounting accessory arms with ease. On top of this, the Befree GT comes with a stylish carry bag for comfortable travel.
Paired with the GT line is the 496 Ball Head with a matching 22-lb capacity and a smooth, grease-free design. Made from aluminum, this is a durable option and features a Manfrotto RC2 quick-release attachment, though the included plate is also Arca-type compatible if you need to move your camera from the tripod to other systems. Other benefits of this head include independent pan lock and friction control for improved operation and easier balancing of your equipment.
Befree Advanced
Optimized to handle professional mirrorless cameras is the Befree Advanced collection. The top model here is the Befree Advanced Carbon, with a lightweight 2.8-lb carbon fiber build and a strong magnesium spider with Easy Link connection. It also features the M-Lock twist leg locks, three locking leg angles, and the 494 Ball Head with independent pan and friction controls and a maximum load capacity of 17.6 lb. It can be folded to just 16.1" and reaches a maximum height of 59.1" with the center column extended.
There are two other aluminum variations of the Befree Advanced available and, depending on your needs, it may be a better option. One version offers M-Lock twist locks, while the other has lever locks. Compared to the Carbon model, these can be folded to just 15.7" and weigh only 3.4 lb. These models even offer a wide range of colors to choose from.
These are not all the options available, because a partnership with Sony has led to the development of the Sony Alpha Edition with redesigned locking levers and updated graphics that will pair beautifully with current Sony cameras. Perhaps the real selling point, however, is the inclusion of a dedicated Manfrotto RC2/Arca-type compatible 200PL-PRO quick-release plate in a cinnabar colorway and form-fitting design for a7 II-, a7 III-, and a9-series cameras that will ensure a more secure fit.
Befree Standard
For many photographers, the standard Befree could be all that you need. There are two main models available: the Befree Carbon and the Befree Aluminum. Beyond the material differences, and weights of 2.4 lb and 3 lb, respectively, both versions share many key specs. The Befree can hold up to 8.8 lb and features a ball head with QR plate for fast installation and removal of your camera. It can reach a maximum height of 56.7" and folds down to just 15.75", which makes it a perfect travel option. Additionally, they have lever locks and two leg angles, which can be set independently for each leg.
Befree Live
Don't think that Manfrotto forgot about video shooters with this collection, because they have designed the Befree Live just for video. The latest model to be introduced here is the Befree Live Carbon, a carbon-fiber take on the existing models. Updated from the original, the Carbon features updated legs with carbon fiber construction and a stronger magnesium spider with an Easy Link accessory point. Beyond this, the feature sets are quite similar because each uses the Befree Live Video Head with fluid pan-and-tilt movements, a removable pan bar, and a load capacity of 8.8 lb. Other video-specific advantages of this series include a Smart Leveling column to ensure straight horizons and compatibility with the 501PL quick-release system. Even with a targeted video audience, the Befree Live maintains its compact design with a 59.1" maximum height and a 16.1" closed length. Users can find this model available in Carbon Fiber or Aluminum with both the M-Lock twist locks and an Easy Link connection or in aluminum with standard lever locks.
Befree Short Column
If you wanted to go super low with the Befree family, you used to only have one option, which was to reverse the center column. The introduction of a Befree Short Column gives photographers a second, and perhaps more preferable, option. By installing this column on any of the Befree series tripods, you can capture near ground-level shots by simply changing the angle of the legs. And you will be able to capture images while keeping the camera upright.
Looking for a travel tripod? Manfrotto has made sure you would be able to find one that fits your needs and your budget with the Befree family. Which one of these would you like for your next trip? Let us know in the Comments section, below!
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