Manfrotto Befree Advanced QPL aluminum tripod + ball head

Manfrotto Befree Advanced QPL aluminum tripod + ball head

Otherwise, it's the same tripod as the Befree Advanced Twist , but the tripod legs are locked with a QPL Travel lever lock.

Who this tripod is for: Like all Manfrotto Befree Advanced tripods, this one is designed for the photographer who wants to carry a tripod with them. The tripod set is a compact package with a transport length of 40cm, but when opened it offers a comfortable maximum height of 150cm. The load capacity is 8kg, but this tripod is at its most sturdy with mirrorless cameras or smaller DSLR cameras. As an aluminum tripod, this is a bit heavier than the carbon fiber version , but on the other hand it is also more affordable.

Key features of the stand

• Load capacity 8kg
• Easy Link connection that allows you to attach accessories to the stand
• Manfrotto MH494-BH ball head 200PL Pro with quick release plate
• Tripod length adjustment QPL Travel lever lock
• Minimum working height 40cm
• Maximum working height 150cm
• Aluminum stand

Manfrotto's Befree series tripods are lightweight and stylish, offering fine details and design. They are especially excellent for traveling photographers because the tripod's size makes it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Feet

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced tripod legs consist of four parts and three on-off lever locks, which Manfrotto calls QPL Travel. The lever locks provide a good grip even when wearing gloves.

The angle lock of the legs is not traditional, as the lock is a spring-loaded slide lock on the side of the leg. By sliding the lock down, the lock opens and allows you to adjust the angle of the leg. Thanks to the folding mechanism, the legs fold perfectly around the head and quick-release plate, allowing the stand to fold into a small transport space (40cm).

One of the three legs of the stand has a plastic protector, which makes it comfortable to handle, especially in low temperatures.

Center pipe

The center tube is about 30cm long and its locking mechanism is a twist lock. The center tube only moves up and down, so it does not tilt 90 degrees for straight-down shooting like some Manfrotto tripods. There is no hook at the bottom of the center tube, like some tripods, where you could attach a backpack to, for example, support the tripod.

Easy Link accessory connection

The tripod's central bridge features a 3/8-inch threaded accessory connection, which Manfrotto calls Easy Link. With the help of an accessory arm (e.g. Manfrotto 244 Micro or Manfrotto 234 Flex Arm), you can connect, for example, an LED light or a shooting monitor to the tripod. The connection can be covered with the included plug when not in use, so the connection remains clean from dirt.

Ball head

This tripod package comes with the Manfrotto MH494-BH ball head, which replaces the popular Manfrotto 494RC2 and 496RC2 ball heads. One of the nice features of this ball head, which is not usually found in heads in this price range, is the fine adjustment / friction lock. The fine adjustment lock is located in the middle of the ball head locking lever, where it is easily accessible. The panning function of the ball head makes it easier to shoot landscapes.

The ball head has a Manfrotto 200PL-PRO quick release plate, which is both RC2 and Acra-swiss compatible.

Specifications:

• Load capacity: 8 kg
• Maximum height: 150 cm
• Maximum height with center tube down: 128 cm
• Minimum height: 40 cm
• Transport dimensions: 40 cm
• Weight: 1.59 kg
• Material: Carbon fiber
• Number of leg parts: 4
• Leg locks: 3 lever locks
• Leg flexion: 22, 54, 89 degrees
  
• Leg tube diameter: 12, 15.5, 19, 22.5 degrees
• Quick release plate: 200PL-PRO