The best travel tripod 2020? Manfrotto Befree Live with Fluid Video Head!

[@faircloughstudios2552]

Is this the best travel tripod money can buy? I was REALLY skeptical, and thought this looked really flimsy, weak and would break after a few uses unlike my bulletproof and classic Manfrotto 055 photography tripod. But it was cheap so I bought it anyway, so I thought I'd share my thoughts with you now it's arrived. This video is my first thoughts review of the Manfrotto Befree Live travel tripod for video, with the Manfrotto Befree Live fluid head! Although there are more attractive options for a much higher cost (yes Peak Design I'm looking at you but my wallet is screaming NOOOOOO!), I think this Manfrotto Befree Live might be the best compromise of size, weight and price for making travel films and packing light while hiking or travelling internationally. I made the switch to the Manfrotto Befree Live video travel tripod after an 8-mile carry of our heavier Manfrotto 055 xb-pro tripod. It was a killer hike, and even though my trusty Lowepro Protactic 450 handled it with ease, my ageing shoulders didn't and I was in agony. Is this tripod good enough for professional use? Is it as flimsy as everyone says it is, or will I be travelling with it for the next year? Is it really smaller and lighter than a standard tripod? Is the fluid head a great design or clunky and awkward? Is it the best travel tripod money can buy? Will I instantly regret the decision and sell my organs to buy a Peak Design one? Find out all this and more in my initial thoughts review. I really appreciate when you like (and even dislike) my videos - it helps me to grow the channel and to continue making relevant content to help other content creators make their best work. It’d mean the world to me if you would consider subscribing to the channel and turning my notifications on. Thanks again for watching and see you next time! Check out the full spec of the Manfrotto Befree Travel Tripod with the Befree Live Head here: @t

[@pauldiming]

Loved your video! I have the Befree with a ball head. I'm looking to add a video head and am looking at the one you are using. Looks great! Thanks for doing the review.

[@Motoeuro]

Great review thanks - Ive just bought one and is it me or does the fluid head not really ‘lock’ for tilting? Just a little pressure and the head will still tilt even with screw in tightly! Does this sound correct? Thanks!

[@stanleyschubert8933]

Peak Design makes the best mobile tripod in the world. lightweight , sturdy and small as well as very versatile

[@faircloughstudios2552]

I can't wait to get my hands on one of those and put it to the test, I'm a little concerned about no fluid head for video but it might not matter. I'd like to try it out. The little Manfrotto is my favourite so far as it does have a mini 'proper' fluid head, but I suspect you're very right about the PD!

[@stanleyschubert8933]

@@RelaxingWalks I already own 2

[@gibsonwashere6005]

Thank you for your review. It was very helpful.

[@faircloughstudios2552]

Thanks so much, I love this little tripod, glad it was useful to you!

[@stefans6557]

I ordered nearly the same, but the Twist - not because I prefer the twist-locks, but I found a better offer for the twist-version. Nice would be a test of the fluid head!

[@faircloughstudios2552]

Awesome, i was torn but i'm very used to flip locks. I'll get on testing the fluid head on here, it's a great little head!

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

I pair this with my Ricoh GR III. The perfect travel combo.

[@FabrizioZago]

I was thinking about to buy this one to take with me for my "photography on location" videos for youtube, the levelling system looks very practical, much better than adjusting the legs one by one until you're levelled. I think the extra investment to put into a tripod with this system is worth. Interesting channel, subscribed ;-)

[@faircloughstudios2552]

The more I use this tripod the more I love it, at today’s wedding where we were live streaming and filming, the tiny size of it let me position in a tight space at the back of the ceremony where my bigger manfrotto wouldn’t fit. For location shoots it’s perfect as it’s so easy to carry and to attach to a backpack like the lowepro pro tactic 450 without adding too much weight. Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@lensmanonline]

Nice video very well presented and explained, I'm on the look out for a travel tripod, this may just fit the Bill

[@faircloughstudios2552]

Thank you so much, I'm so glad it was helpful; it's a fab little tripod, far better than I expected it to be. For the price I don't think it can be beaten!

[@janaygreenlee6518]

What is the model no. of the head in this review?

[@LestarikanBurungLiar]

Have you tried it with Nikon P1000 at its max 3000 mm zoom? Does it work well? Thank you...

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

Yes, I use it with my P1000 all the time. Never had it fall over.

[@MRNOFILTER718]

Superb Video!!

[@faircloughstudios2552]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@daktariwameno]

Too flimsy! Just returned the tripod to manfrotto. While the head isn't bad in relation to weight, size and price (head alone currently 69€) for a small and lightweight camera like the Sony ZV-1, the tripod just isn't sturdy enough and hight is compromised, too. However, the head can be perfectly combined with the Rollei CT5C, which in my opinion is the better option at half the price of the Manfrotto. You'll loose the levelling option, though. Unlike the Rollei ball head (which you'll want to use for stills), the Manfrotto fluid head though is not arca swiss compatible. If you don't want to change the quick release plate frequently, you'll need an adapter plate or you might want to consider a Sirui head instead.

[@PeterPan-wh1sg]

I've used this tripod with my Nikon P1000. No issues.

[@daktariwameno]

@@PeterPan-wh1sg I‘m using the Manfrotto head on a more versatile, sturdier (and heavier) Rollei tripod now. Works better for me.

[@eddieharcourt6049]

3:00 Show us, please.