Manfrotto adds new tripods to its Befree collection, providing even more versatility and improving the shooting performance for travel photographers and videographers. The new Befree Advanced AS is a professional travel tripod, lightweight and compact, designed to cover mirrorless users’ needs and fit any type of hand luggage.
The new Befree tripod aims to resist harsh environments and deliver smooth movement, secure locking, and a large camera angle variety. It has a built-in Arca-type compatible plate holder that allows direct mirrorless camera mounting, a versatile ball head, an ergonomic leg-angle selector, and many more. And because Manfrotto knows that photographers have their preferences on tripod material and lock mechanisms, the new Befree Advanced AS tripods are available in both aluminum and carbon fiber, lock and twist systems.
Key Specs of the Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS Tripods
- Lightweight and compact design for travel-ready professional photography
- Full Arca-compatible camera attachment suitable for mirrorless cameras, with one bubble level
- Ball head with three independent panoramic and friction knobs
- Top spider with Easy Link, ballast hook, and leg-angle selector
- Lever and Twist lock system options for aluminum tripods, Twist lock system for carbon fiber tripods
- Payload up to 9 kg
Biggest Features of the Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS Tripods
Let’s dive into the features of Manfrotto Befree Advanced AS tripods and see what they bring to the Befree Collection.
Built-In Arca-Type Compatible Plate Holder
The new members of the Befree Collection target always-on-the-move mirrorless professional photographers. Befree Advanced AS tripods feature a built-in Arca-type compatible plate holder, which allows you to mount your mirrorless camera fast. It will take seconds to have your photo setup ready and take the shot.
The plate holder is compatible with an L-bracket, camera cage, and lens collar mount, which can be mounted directly on the head without any other accessory. The bubble level is also there for perfectly aligned shots. Befree Advanced AS’s new smart head design improves your speed of reaction and efficiency while keeping your photo gear weight at a minimum.
Fast Lock Mechanism
Manfrotto aims to improve your workflow by providing the lock mechanism you prefer. The Aluminum version of Befree Advanced AS tripods offers both lever and twist lock mechanism options. The carbon fiber version comes only with a twist lock mechanism.
The twist lock system is ultra-fast, allowing you to open the tripod with a single gesture. The finish is exquisite and leaves no protruding parts or anything else that slows you down. The lever lock system is also fast and easy to use but excels in precision or adjustments. This is the go-to option when every millimeter of the leg length counts.
Advanced 494 Aluminum Center Ball Head
Befree Advanced AS tripods come with a ball head designed for quick, smooth, and precise camera movements. The head has three knobs that can be used independently. The first is the main knob that operates the ball lock. The second is a panoramic knob that keeps all the head’s settings locked while allowing you to rotate the camera horizontally and capture beautiful panoramic shots. The third one is an integrated friction knob that adjusts the ball tension to the camera’s weight to optimize balance.
The 494 Aluminum center ball head features the highest safety standards ensured by UNI/PdR 105:2021 compliance.
Ergonomic Leg-Angle Selector
The ergonomic leg-angle selector situated on the top spider provides optimal control for both right-handed and left-handed photographers. It allows for three leg-angle positions for each leg, which can be set individually for full versatility and artistic freedom.
The legs themselves are designed to optimize stability on every terrain and provide the rigidity and support your photo setup requires. They feature four sections and a rapid center column with a ballast hook for even more stabilization. Befree Advanced AS tripods offer a shooting height between approximately 40 cm and 150 cm (around 127 cm with the center column down).
Top Spider with Easy Link
The robust top spider of the new Befree Advanced AS tripods provides an Easy Link connector that allows for adding Manfrotto arms that support reflectors or LED lights. Fabricated from magnesium, the top spider doesn’t add much to the tripod’s weight but expands its usage to any situation from studio photo sessions to remote outdoor locations. It provides stability on rocky or sandy terrains, keeps the camera leveled and at the angle of your choice, and offers maximum flexibility without making setting up difficult or time-consuming.
Who Should Use the Befree Advanced AS Tripods
The new Befree Advanced AS tripods are perfect for outdoor photographers who use mirrorless cameras. And those who appreciate speed and precision in every environment and on any terrain. They may be hobbyist or professional photographers. However, they have advanced photography skills and, therefore, high demands on quality for their photo accessories. Befree Advanced AS tripods are for photographers who travel frequently and prefer lightweight equipment. Whether they do landscape and nature photography, photograph busy streets, or prefer photo sessions in outdoor locations. Suppose you need a tripod that provides stability and precision without taking a toll on your speed and workflow. In that case, Befree Advanced AS tripods are for you.
Befree Advanced AS Tripods vs Befree Advanced Live Tripods
Befree Advanced AS tripods complete the performances provided by the previous generation. Both are very well made and easy to carry. While providing maximum performance, especially for mirrorless camera users. However, Befree Advanced AS tripods focus more on photography, while Befree Advanced Live tripods are better suited for videography.
| Befree Advanced AS | Befree Advanced Live | |
| Weight | Aluminum – 1.61 kg (lever) or 1.51 kg (twist) Carbon Fiber – 1.27 kg | Aluminum – 1.75 (lever) or 1.64 kg (twist) Carbon Fiber – 1.38 kg |
| Safety Payload | 9 kg | 6 kg |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist Lock / Lever Lock | Twist Lock / Lever Lock |
| Leg Sections | 4 | 4 |
| Maximum Height | 150 cm | 150 cm |
| Minimum Height | ~ 40 cm | ~ 40 cm |
| Center Column | Yes | Yes |
| Material Options | Aluminum / Carbon Fiber | Aluminum / Carbon Fiber |
| Plate Type | 200PL PRO Arca compatible | 501PL |
| Head Type | Advanced 494 Aluminum Centre Ball Head | Befree Live Fluid Head |
| Individual Knobs | Main, Panoramic, Friction | Pan, Tilt |
| Easy Link | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion
The new Befree Advanced AS tripods are a welcomed addition to the Befree family and continue Manfrotto’s mission to provide every photographer and videographer with a tripod that fits their workflow. Building on stability and precision of adjustment, these tripods offer impressive freedom of movement, fast settings, and well-thought features that improve maneuverability and efficiency. Furthermore, they pack all these outstanding features in a lightweight, compact, easy-to-use, and intuitive design. A professional solution for confident photographers.
