The new Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods are an ode to freedom of expression, providing professional solutions for any environment, workflow, and creative vision.
The new additions to the Befree family collect the best and most acclaimed features by photographers and videographers of the previous products and incorporate them in a hybrid design. Artists are now free to switch from taking photos to recording video footage without changing their setup. At the same time, they benefit from the lightweight, portability, and sleek design that Manfrotto has accustomed us to.
Key Specs of the Manfrotto Befree GT PRO 3-Way Tripods
- Hybrid design for travel-ready professional photography and videography
- Fully compatible with RC2, 501PL video plates, and Arca-type attachment plates
- Befree 3-Way Live Head with three independent axes and three bubble levels
- Top spider with Easy Link, ballast hook, and leg-angle selector
- Aluminum and carbon fiber options, both with twist lock mechanism
- Payload up to 6 kg
Biggest Features of the Manfrotto Befree GT PRO 3-Way Tripods
Manfrotto Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods bring plenty of novelty to the Befree Collection. Their features amaze every creator and support them on their journey to produce their best work.
Befree 3-Way Live Head with Fluid Drag System Technology
The Fluid Drag System is the latest Manfrotto innovation in fluid head technology. It aims to provide effortless and smooth pan and tilt movements for both landscape and portrait-oriented videos and photos. It has outstanding stability even at extreme temperatures (from -30°C to +70°C).
Furthermore, the Befree 3-Way Live head includes a long panoramic handle, three independent axes and three bubble levels, and fully foldable handles to make transportation a breeze without any compromise on sturdiness and stability. The 6 kg payload is more than enough for a mirrorless full-frame camera and lens plus accessories.
Dual Compatibility Head Plate Holder
Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods feature a 200PL-PRO plate made of high-quality aluminum that allows fast attachment of Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-type compatible cameras. Mirrorless cameras can be attached without any other accessory, reducing the load and increasing the operator’s reaction speed. The plate has two rubber inserts for maximum grip at any angle, allowing you to fully explore your artistic vision.
In addition, the head plate holder is also compatible with 501PL and Arca-type video plates. This extended compatibility ensures perfect balance and excellent versatility, providing seamless photo and video applications.
Built-in Befree Leveling Column
A tripod with a central column is always a good choice to increase the stability of your photo or video setup. However, the built-in Befree leveling column is essential for professional videography work.
It allows you to level the head quickly and simplify your workflow. Atop the center column, there is a leveling half ball that provides full control over the top plate angle. As a result, you can level the camera without adjusting the tripod’s legs. These small angle adjustments of the top plate angle considerably reduce the setup time and provide fine-tuning opportunities for the most demanding filmmakers.
Fast Twist Lock Mechanism
The GT PRO 3-Way tripods are available in both aluminum and carbon fiber with twist lock mechanisms. That’s because these hybrid models prioritize speed of reaction and adaptability to every situation. The twist lock mechanisms are less likely to get caught in vegetation or clothes, get sand into the locks, and are fast to deploy.
Manfrotto’s twist lock system is user-friendly and ultra-fast. One can open the tripod effortlessly with one gesture. True to their compact and portable design, the lock mechanisms on Befree GT PRO 3-Way models are neat and seamless. The tripods go in and out of the provided bag in a blink of an eye. Just what a photo and video professional wants when on the road.
Robust Spider Design
A successful feature in previous Befree Collection models, the robust spider is present in Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods, too. It features an Easy Link connection for attaching lights and light modifiers, a ballast hook, and an ergonomic leg angle selector. The leg angle selector is suitable for anyone, right-handed or left-handed, and ensures comfortable adjustments without affecting the camera setup.
All Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods feature three independent angle positions, which means you can adjust each leg at a different angle. This is extremely useful on rough, uneven terrains, such as sand or rocks. Add the robust build, the meticulous attention to detail, and Manfrotto’s commitment to high-quality made-in-Italy products, and you have a tripod that will stay with you for a long time.
Who Should Use the Befree GT PRO 3-Way Tripods?
Manfrotto designed the new Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods for artists who appreciate both photography and videography and find themselves switching between them often. Furthermore, they demand stability and precision of adjustment, smooth camera movements, secure locking, and high performance in any aspect. Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods make no compromise in terms of build quality and adaptability.
However, their modern, compact, and ultra-portable design favors dynamic creators, always on the move, who love a long-term, comfortable travel companion. Due to their impressive features for mirrorless cameras, Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods are particularly suited for this type of camera user.
Befree GT PRO 3-Way Tripods vs Befree GT XPRO Tripods
The new Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods inherited the body of Befree GT XPRO tripods. Still, they improved their predecessors’ performance by adding versatility and flexibility. Due to the precise head of Befree 3-Way and the sturdy legs of Befree GT PRO, Manfrotto has created a product that addresses a nonconformist audience and invites creativity and freedom of expression.
| Befree GT PRO 3-Way | Befree GT XPRO | |
| Weight | Aluminum – 2.18 kg Carbon Fiber – 1.92 kg | Aluminum – 2 kg Carbon Fiber – 1.76 kg |
| Safety Payload | 6 kg | 12 kg |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist Lock | Twist Lock |
| Maximum Height | ~ 165 cm | ~ 162 cm |
| Minimum Height | 48 cm | 9 cm |
| Center Column | Yes, with leveling half-ball | Yes |
| Material Options | Aluminum / Carbon Fiber | Aluminum / Carbon Fiber |
| Plate Type | 200PL PRO (compatible also with 501PL and Arca-type video plates) | 200PL PRO |
| Head Type | Befree 3-Way Live Head | Ball Head |
| Easy Link | Yes | Yes |
Custom Build Your Own Tripod
If you want the freedom to build your own tripod, Manfrotto now offers the Befree GT Pro Tripod Legs as a stand-alone product, so you can add a tripod head of your own choice. The tripod’s legs are available in both aluminum (1.45 kgs) and carbon fiber (1.15 kgs) with a payload of 12 kgs. The stand-alone tripod leg options come with twist locks.
Conclusion
Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods are at the peak of Manfrotto’s Befree Collection. Not only do they incorporate the best-of from previous models, but they also address the latest creative trends. Photography and videography are no longer separated artistic categories. Artists no longer work entirely in studios and other controllable, confined spaces. Art has become a mix of ideas and mediums that encourage freedom of expression. Therefore, artists need high-performing equipment that uses innovative technologies and exquisite design to deliver support and inspiration. Befree GT PRO 3-Way tripods are proof that photo and video gear manufacturers are in tune with social and cultural changes.
