Manfrotto BeFree tripod review - is this the best tripod for travel photographers?

Is the Manfrotto BeFree tripod the best tripod for the travelling photographer? Paul Farris from Photo Genius shares his thoughts in this comprehensive review.
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About this video : Why the Manfrotto BeFree is our favourite travel tripod.
#photography #PhotoGenius #manfrotto #tripodreviews #befree #tripod #cameras #dslr #nikon

[@teaforthree1]

Excellent video. All the info, clear, concise and no waffling

[@jediwarlord8718]

I just bought one on the basis of your review and it's absolutely amazing. Couldn't have asked for better. Thank you for all the videos, as someone just starting out with photography they have really helped with understanding things. If I was in Australia I'd definitely come to your courses.

[@photogenius]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Glad you like the BeFree tripod, I use mine all the time 😀

[@terrynestor6353]

Great tip as always

[@lynsmith1096]

Good review Paul.

[@mrooq]

Very nice review, thanks!

[@ravifernando1637]

Thanks for sharing your ideas 👍 Very helpful

[@CVCC]

thanks for the reveiw, I did not know the regular quick release plates worked on theis, that's awesome news! Thanks!

[@photogenius]

Thanks for watching.

[@MiaHessMusic]

Thank you for this review! I really need a new tripod, this might fit the bill.

[@SEARLY100]

g Great impartial review. Many thanks :)

[@Blogg4]

Thank you Paul. Excellent t review, I have one and like it.

[@photogenius]

Thanks Les, it is a really handy tripod.

[@malgorzataruman8372]

Thx mate I just looking travel tripod for my self and ur review is one of the best, I'm still thinking which I should buy this or mefoto.

[@photogenius]

+MALGORZATA RUMAN Glad you like the review, not familiar with the MeFoto tripods but can definitely vouch for Manfrotto.

[@gilean6179]

This is a good travel tripod. I have had it since early 2015 and field tested it immediately on our Angkor wat trip. My ultralight travel setup back then was the canon S95 + zipshot ultralight tripod; but I eventually went down the dslr road so I had to research the light tripod equivalent. Right now I'm still contemplating getting the carbon version and that is a testament on how useful this travel tripod is. My only gripe now a days is I'm getting into shooting more video footages so I have yet to research the video version of this.

[@photogenius]

I looked at the carbon fibre version too, but can't justify the extra cost when the aluminium version is so light anyway. Have not used the video head yet. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍

[@renoaczhary1232]

Thanks for the review, I really like it when i saw this tripod at the store, it made me think twice buying it since I have no idea which tripod I should buy. I have only camera canon 200d ii, I use camera for basic purposes, self portrait or group pic and also for travel. But its heavier than any other tripods, But I think my camera would be safe because iTs seems very sturdy.

[@barrygiddey9139]

Another interesting video-Thanks again 📷

[@photogenius]

Thanks Barry 👍

[@darrens7040]

thanks for that good review

[@photogenius]

+Darren S Thank you, I plan on adding more reviews over the coming weeks.

[@vertusmatjaz]

great. tnx

[@michaelboonphotography3014]

I've had this tripod for awhile and I really like it .It's very sturdy and adjustable also I hike a lot and it is very compact Though the carbon fiber model would be nice but is very expensive here.Thanks for the review.

[@photogenius]

+ Mike Boon Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍

[@TheBranston111]

Thanks for making the video. I'm thinking about buying it but was unsure if my camera set up(Nikon d3300, Nikon 18-300mm) will be okay. After watching this I think I might buy it, thanks🙌🏻

[@photogenius]

No worries, thanks for watching and leaving a comment, have fun with your new camera. Paul @ Photo Genius.

[@cromdaleblvd4677]

Cool im going to pick up a used one today.... just wondering have you used this tripod with binoculars?

[@brynscott2997]

I have one and love it, ideal for taking on holiday etc.

[@photogenius]

Totally agree Bryan.

[@feydanmedia]

Great review, second video I watched to convince me aha

[@photogenius]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@tretmizz5656]

Nice review!

[@photogenius]

Thanks. Hope to be offering more review videos very soon so please consider subscribing to my channel.

[@tretmizz5656]

Photo Genius already am, haha 😂

[@mrfeast391]

Any review that involves using its overhead rig ?

[@media1981]

Just picked up mine in carbon fiber version today and it's so light weight and does excellent job!

[@photogenius]

+ JimmyDPX The carbon version is super cool, thank you for watching. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@gewglesux]

Same here... gonna try it out in Europe shortly.

[@mariemclaurin90]

Hi Paul - are you able to tell you the model that this tripod is? There's quite a range of Manfrotto BeFree tripods........TIA

[@Yatri234]

What is the maximum height of this tripod ? Can we use a Nikon D 750 with Tamron 150-600 mm lens?

[@vitalijusbanevicius7814]

Hello Paul, I have problem, I can't find remove shutter for Nikon D3500. Do you have any idea there I can find this? Thanks

[@mathis20737]

Can I mount my a7iii on it or do I need to but anything additional?

[@adaml99a]

Hi. I brought this, and I like it but I do find that it’s quite difficult to keep the camera still when you tighten the ball head screw. It feels like you have to aim the camera slightly higher and allow it to move by itself until it grips and stay still. Maybe I’m doing something wrong! Camera is rx-10 Iv

[@photogenius]

Have not noticed this myself. I also have a much larger Manfrotto tripod with an equally larger ball head attached and it has a tension control so you can stop any unwanted camera movement, particularly useful when using a larger camera. Not a feature on the BeFree sadly because it is designed to be much lighter for travel.

[@bhadravarma6648]

Is this tripod good for canon 1200d....

[@bloberoonie]

I was waiting for you to see how yours pans when taking panoramas, I found mine to be useless as when you lock the ballhead it’s near impossible pan. I came across another photographer in the Lake District and he said exactly the same as me. I ended up buying another ball head that had an independent pan function. Otherwise the tripod is great.

[@photogenius]

Agree - not being able to pan without releasing the ball head is the only real flaw of this tripod. Thanks for watching and supporting my channel Steve.

[@ramidaoud4323]

How to mount my 5d3 in vertical (portrait orientation) on manfrotto befree live tripod?

[@photogenius]

The BeFree 'Live' is a video tripod so as far as I know you cannot rotate the camera to portrait orientation. The regular BeFree (not live) has a ball head so you can, but it's worth mentioning that the 5D is a heavy camera and probably better suited to a larger, heavier and sturdier tripod than the BeFree range.

[@gulrezaahmad1545]

Is it compatible with mobiles ?

[@alanr1476]

Great review. Can you recommend a similar tripod that also has the advantage of a panning head. I enjoy taking panoramics but with this head that's not going to happen.

[@ssmith278]

Geekoto 79 has a ball head, but you can pan with it too, but you will have to use a level on the hotshoe, or use the level in your camera (if it has one), because the tripod does not have one. It is also pretty tall at maximum height..

[@KarlVaughan]

Great review. I have one question though. Does the central column unscrew so that the tripod can go down even further? I have a Velbon Ultra Luxi L that does that which allows me to take ground level macro shots. My problem with that tripod is the twist lock legs. They can be very fiddly - especially when the feet are wet. This is why I'm looking for an alternative lightweight tripod with clip locks instead. Thanks.

[@photogenius]

The central column is adjustable (up and down) but cannot be removed or inverted like some tripods. Minimum height when the legs are in the wide position and is 49 cm. Thanks for watching :)

[@KarlVaughan]

Thanks for the reply. Looks like I will have to keep on hunting for the right tripod for me.

[@Jsop0331]

Karl Vaughan I'd imagine you could just invert the legs and use it upside down for low macro.

[@gilean6179]

The central column is removable and can be inserted from below underneath the 3 legs. That way you could shoot objects underneath the tripod.

[@giancarlo4756]

Will the quick release work with peak design anchor mount?

[@photogenius]

Not as far as I know, because with the PD anchor mount attached to your camera there is no threaded hole to then attach the BeFree QR plate. Thanks for watching, please consider subscribing for more videos.

[@barbarelladossantos7652]

Hey! Thank you! Could u help me out pls, just started using it but i can’t release my camera from the manfrotto! :(( how does the release mechanism work?

[@photogenius]

There is a safety catch to stop the camera accidentally falling of the tripod, look for a small lever that you need to press down to release. Hope that helps.

[@ander172]

pls recommend any tripod without any cheap plastic part for 2kilo binocular weight. I just broke my cheap plastic vanguard mak 203 :(

[@craigwallace5184]

Have you tried shooting photos of the moon with this tripod? If so, do you find that the camera does not hold its position after you tighten down on the lock. I have a Nikon P950 and am looking for a head that does not move after I tighten it down. I find myself having to compensate for the amount of drop.

[@janreed99]

I've struggled with the head slipping with a longer lens and thought I was doing something wrong. Finally upgraded to a better Manfrotto head.

[@kellygrothe8851]

Thank you for the review. The problem I find in tripods is that I am taller at 6'6" and with a short tripod I find myself having to bend way over and uncomfortable to use. Do you have any suggestions for me?

[@robertb.3651]

Sit down on a portable chair !!!!

[@kellygrothe8851]

@@robertb.3651 That may work until you are packing all that additional gear around.

[@djm-photography]

Do you know the difference between the BeFree and the BeFree One is ? Cheers

[@photogenius]

Hi DJM Photography, from what I know the BeFree One is smaller and has 4-section legs rather than 3-section as in the original BeFree. The centre column is also two-section unlike the original which is one-section. Hope that helps 😊 Paul @ Photo Genius

[@danieldougan8613]

They make a pricier version with the twist locks for people who prefer those (I have no idea why anyone would pay MORE for those).

[@photogenius]

Agree. Thanks for watching.

[@peteryates308]

My BeFree came with a metal plate, perhaps it's a regional difference? Or yours is a newer model?

[@photogenius]

Maybe the've started supplying the metal plate instead? Thanks for watching. 👍

[@gilean6179]

Hmm.. I just checked mine now and the plate is metal. I got this befree as early as march 2015.

[@ryanzepp9185]

Hey I want to use this tripod with my 80d do the plates come separate or with the tripod or have to buy the one to suit your camera

[@photogenius]

Wade 927 QR plate is supplied with the tripod.

[@ryanzepp9185]

@@photogenius thank you good sir! Where did you get the metal mount from??

[@saracurry_33]

does this tripod allow me to put the camera vertically?

[@photogenius]

Hi Sara. Absolutely, the ball head allows for easy repositioning of the camera including vertical (portrait) orientation. Thanks for watching, please consider subscribing. 👍

[@jctalk18]

can it hold the weight of Sony Fe70-200 F4 with Sony without being shaky?

[@photogenius]

+ James Tai I've tried the BeFree tripod with my Nikon camera and a 70-200mm lens and it was a little unsteady due to the weight - but I got some great results (using the remote to avoid shake helps). Thanks for watching 😀

[@RichardWraith]

Isn't the entire point of it being a travel tripod that it has a plastic camera plate to reduce weight? The plastic one will also outlive most owners, which given given the tripods weight capability, criticising it for being perfect for travelling by not having metal parts where not needed seem unfair? You could actually say that this is a bonus, rather than a criticism? Good that you mentioned the plate is the same size as normal ones too though mate, I was wondering towards the end, so well mentioned :-)

[@photogenius]

Hi Richard, thanks for watching and commenting. I've been using the plastic QR plate and to be fair it's fine, but I've got so many Manfrotto tripods all with metal QR plates that I was initially a little disappointed with the inclusion of a plastic one. The difference in weight between the metal and plastic plate is minimal and it really is a great tripod 😀 Best wishes.

[@carlj2979]

I believe the wedge plate is fibre reinforced plastic. Very strong and lightweight.

[@kipling1957]

I'm wondering how well this would work with my C100? Been looking for travel sticks for a while. Did anyone use this combo?

[@photogenius]

Manfrotto recommend a maximum of 4kg payload. Thanks for watching, please consider subscribing for more videos 😀

[@kipling1957]

Yes, thanks, I do know the technical spec., just hoping someone could maybe pipe in with practical experience of using it with a C100 MkII and a fairly light lens, which would come to about 2.5-3kg. Nothing like hands-on feedback.

[@meriembensemane5281]

Thank you for the review. Does this tripod have a horizontal arm for overhead photos ( flat lay of food photography) ? Thank you.

[@stephaniel4347]

Went to buy one today but it isn't really lightweight - I'm sure it is "compact" in comparison to a normal sized tripod but this one is still too heavy for me - I wanted to take it with me overseas to take photos of my husband and I while hiking in the mountains when perhaps there weren't many people around - so bummed as it would be have been a great tripod I could use when travelling and also when I got home (dual purpose). It is a great quality tripod and you could take it travelling if you had a big suitcase and hiring a car. We are using trolley bag/backpack type luggage and catching trains and this tripod would just become a hassle. Ended up buying a cheaper, lighter tripod and compromising on quality.... :(

[@photogenius]

That's a shame Stephanie, I did mention the weight (1.4kg) in the video - this is still very lightweight compared to many other tripods, alternatively you could have looked at the carbon fibre version which is even lighter but more costly. I hope the tripod you purchased does the job and you have a great holiday.

[@stephaniel4347]

Actually Paul after watching your video again, taking in the features and reading comments online of someone who fitted it inside a backpack I have changed my mind and switched the one I bought for the Manfrotto BeFree - as it was really the one I wanted all the time...... :)

[@photogenius]

Fantastic Stephanie! 👍

[@ishtine18]

Stephanie L what's the tripod you bought? Also thinking to buy one that is lighter but sturdy.

[@acekat7009]

sir,what is a timelapse on a dslr?

[@photogenius]

Time-lapse video is a technique where we film a sequence and the frame rate is much captured is lower than norma (for example one frame per second), when played at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster (thus time-lapsing).

[@evildiesel1709]

I don't know much about tripods but when panning on this it seems to loosen the mechanism. I must be doing it wrong!

[@evildiesel1709]

Forgot to mention the one I have is the fluid head one.

[@photogenius]

I have not tried the fluid head version so I can't help you on this I'm afraid - sorry.

[@lexlex2912]

does not tell how to get the camera on to the to the trypod

[@occy2307]

Hi Paul, Could you please tell me if the ball head can be removed as i would like to use a joystick head with this tripod. Cheers Michael

[@photogenius]

Hi Michael. The head of this tripod cannot be removed, but there is another version available with a video head that may be worth looking at. Thanks for watching 👍

[@occy2307]

Thanks Paul and great video I enjoyed your review. Cheers Michael

[@11omri]

Does the head have a panning mode?

[@photogenius]

+omri mesika When the ball head lock is released the head can be rotated. There is also a different version of this tripod available with a video pan head. Thanks for watching 👍

[@sankoram]

Is there a way to pan without making the ball head loose. If the ball head is loose, then it kind of destabilizes the levelling.

[@gilean6179]

yep exactly. This is my dilemma now since I want to be taking more videos.How I wish, since the center column is removable anyway, that a video version center column would be available. huhuh.

[@mattrosoff1117]

How about telling how to fold the tripod and put it away. It’s impossible

[@photogenius]

The trick with the BeFree tripod is to effectively invert the legs, so rotate the legs until they are upside down and then adjust the centre column. Hope that helps.