Manfrotto Befree Advanced Lever 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod with Ball Head, Black

2023-02-05T15:05:00

Purchased based on Manfrotto reputation and a previous product I own. It is a well-built unit, but, unfortunately, it is not stable enough for my camera kit. I'm using a Canon EOS 800D with Canon EF 70-200 L USM III with Canon 2x Extender. Tripod does not dampen vibrations well enough. Timed torsional vibrations lasting nearly 10 seconds. Ball head also creeps when camera is aimed at a high angle (such as for astrophotography).

BRIAN V.

2023-01-28T11:56:33

I bought this mount for my daughter who been a photographer for her high school Yearbook, and creative photography class for past 4 years. The first thing she and I noticed was how heavy this tripod is. I bought this brand because of the name and I am familiar with their quality. Even so, it is considerably heavier than my other unknown brand travel mount. With that aside, the mount head and legs locking mechanism are smooth, fluid, and does the job exceptionally. It is for these reasons I gave it a 4 star rating . The weight alone is not reason enough for me to give it a lower rating, or a 5 star rating.

James N.

2022-12-13T06:25:33

Much sturdier than I anticipated, light enough to easily carry in my backpack.

LARRY B.

2022-10-18T08:19:20

Big big fan! I travel for a living and this thing is so easy to bring along. It?s simple to set up, use, and break down, and it?s rock solid. Well worth the money!

PETER S.

2022-06-21T08:42:14

It's a nice travel sized tripod. The price is pretty steep imo. I probably wouldn't have purchased it but when I got it, it came with a Jobi gorilla tripod as well at no extra cost. It is nice and sturdy however and if you have the extra $ I would recommend it. Tripods can be cheaply made but this one is not. Cry once.

Caleb W.

2022-03-08T08:35:02

I do alot of exploring through urban landscapes and a tripod is a must. For years I've carried around a Manfrotto Tripod that was about 2.5' tall when collapsed, heavy, and generally a pain. Don't get me wrong - I love the tripod, it was just wrong for the application. Enter the Befree Advanced. This little guy collapses down to a very manageable size that fits well in the side pocket on my backup I use for exploring. It's lightweight which is a welcome change from my bigger tripod as it's usually carried around on my back. It's well constructed and generally sturdy. Only one star removed for the lack of a hook on the bottom of the center. As it's so light you will not be able to use it for a longer exposure in a windy situation as there's no way to attach a counter weight. Otherwise, an excellent investment for supporting my camera when needed.

MATTHEW M.

2022-02-18T15:06:45

I've only used this tripod 4 times and it already broke. The ball head gets stuck and have to use pliers to twist the knob even when the lock part is unlocked. During a shoot the leg got stuck inside itself and had to use pliers again to pull the leg out, but then it came out completely. Don't waste your money on this.

MELISSA F.

2021-12-24T16:51:14

Light and portable!

Thomas K.

2020-06-11T11:16:13

I love how sturdy this tripod it for it’s size. It’s super compact, fits in my carry on luggage when traveling, really light weight and perfect for day hikes. It holds my Nikon D850 with all my lenses including my 200mm-500mm with ease. Even at full height it does a great job in reasonable windy conditions. I use this tripod a lot. My only complaint is the ball head, which drops and moves a little bit with my heavier longer lens but that’s to be be expected and I’ve since invested in a more durable ball head as I was wanting some more features anyway. I love this tripod though and it’s a staple in my photography gear.

BEC M.

2020-05-06T08:36:01

Super stable and sturdy. Great build quality as well!

ARMAAN P.

2020-03-23T06:36:17

Excellent travel tripod. Good weight, solid construction & quick set up/break down. I recommend the spiked tips though.

BENJAMIN D.

2020-01-30T07:14:48

I made a typical newbie mistake of buying a cheap tripod on line and hardly ever used it because it was more of a pain than it was worth. An instructor from Bryan Peterson School of Photography recommended this tripod and it is all he said it would be. At first I was a little reluctant because it is a long way from the $ my last one was but it is worth every penny. I am very happy with every aspect of it. Highly recommend!!!

Patricia T.

2019-12-28T14:43:40

The ballhead is useless... I have to send it back... Ballhead knob loosened all the way and tension knob also opened up and still can't move the ball joint freely... Tripod itself seems sturdy, but this head has to GO

Tina A.

2019-12-10T17:49:36

It is a Christmas gift, haven't opened the box, yet.

STEPHEN O.

2019-05-27T10:52:33

Super nice lightweight Manfrotto Befree went on vacation to dark skies for some Astro fun. It’s light and small enough topack in a carryon easy to set up, and sturdy enough to support at least a Sony mirrorless. I like the flipper lock legs! Ball head uses Manfrotto quick release plate. It required a little adjustment because of dual control. Very nice, light,travel tripod that you can carry.

Larry S.

2019-05-14T08:28:25

Just right. I like how compact it is. The laver allows me to quickly I adjust the legs for any type of surface. I believe it’s more sturdy than the first generation. Good value

Yang L.

2018-10-03T09:07:38

I purchased the Manfrotto Befree for use with my Nikon 200-500 lens. Its compact size and weight are perfect for my treks when shooting motorsports events and wildlife. I would recommend this tripod for travel use.

ROBERT R.

2018-08-01T15:51:05

I put my D70 and my 100-400 lens on it, and it did fine with the weight. I wouldn't have dared to put that weight on my previous tripod. Lever locks are ever so much easier than screw locks, something I learned the hard way (although some people swear by screw locks, I think that's personal preference).

MICHELLE M.

2018-07-03T09:59:29

I have been wanting a Ball Head for my tripod but unfortunately my excellent Manfrotto tripod of many years was unable to accept a Ball Head so I had to get a new tripod with Ball Head to satisfy my wants. This was also compatible with my RC2's I've had for years. Needless to say the quality on my new tripod is impeccable as is my old tripod and monopod. I would highly recommend this product.

KIRK C.

2018-03-09T13:10:12

As a serious hobbyist using a Nikon D800E, I pursue photography as a creative means of personal rejuvenation. Thus, it is important that ALL of my equipment ease stress rather than add to it. I purchased this tripod after reading hundreds of reviews of many other options. It meets all my criteria for ease-of-use, especially as its flip-lever locks do not stress my aging, arthritic hands (now recovering from bilateral carpal tunnel surgery). After a full month of usage for hundreds of long-exposure shots, day and night, in Washington State's winter weather (snow, ice, rain, and more rain), I am as pleased as the day I bought it. Its collapsed size and weight allow me to attach it securely to my backpack and transport it easily with all my other gear. The heaviest lens I've used so far has been a Nikon 180 mm. It handled the weight easily, providing the stability I needed for some fun night-time shots. The tripod will no doubt support heavier lenses so long as care is taken to ensure that all three legs are appropriately extended and planted on firm terrain. I look forward to using this tripod next year during a nostalgic adventure to Japan with my two adult sons, exploring places where they were born and where I lived and worked for sixteen years in a pre-digital, pre-internet era. My prior tripods are now dinosaurs, but this one will likely be with me so long as my mind, body and heart still function. No need to look for something more! This was a birthday gift from my doting wife.

THOMAS B.

2018-02-14T07:54:44

Was reviewed well on youtube and lives up to their ratings.

Herbert R.