Manfrotto Befree Advanced Twist aluminum tripod + ball head - Black

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Twist aluminum tripod + ball head - Black

Otherwise, it's the same tripod as the Befree Advanced QPL , but the tripod legs are locked with a twistable M-Lock.

Who this tripod is for: The Manfrotto Befree Advanced tripod series is designed for photographers who move around a lot and want a tripod that is easy to carry. The Befree Advanced is a compact package with a transport length of 41cm, but when opened it offers a comfortable maximum height of 150cm. The tripod has a load capacity of 8kg, but this tripod is at its most sturdy with mirrorless cameras or smaller DSLR cameras.

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 lock twistable M-lock
• Minimum working height 41cm
• Maximum working height 150cm
• Aluminum stand

Feet

The Befree Advanced tripod's legs consist of four parts and three twist locks, which Manfrotto calls M-Lock. The locks have a rubber surface that allows for better grip in cold weather and when hands are wet.

The legs fold into three different angles (22°, 54°, 89°), which allows the tripod to be used even on the most uneven terrain. The tripod angle lock is a spring-loaded slide lock on the side of the leg, which is pulled down to unlock and allow the leg angle to be adjusted. Thanks to the folding mechanism, the legs fold perfectly around the head and quick-release plate, allowing the tripod to fold into a small transport space (41cm).

None of the three legs of the stand have a plastic/rubber coating that would make handling the stand comfortable in low temperatures. On the other hand, carbon fiber is a material that does not get as cold as aluminum.

Center pipe

The center tube is about 30cm long and its locking mechanism is a screw lock, like the legs. 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 to attach, for example, a backpack to support the tripod.

Easy Link accessory connection

The Befree Advanced tripod's central bridge features an accessory connection with a 3/8-inch thread, which Manfrotto calls Easy Link. With the help of a separately purchased accessory arm (e.g. Manfrotto 244 Micro or Manfrotto 234 Flex Arm), you can connect, for example, an LED light or a shooting monitor, etc. to the tripod.

Ball head

The tripod set 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: 127 cm
• Minimum height: 40 cm
• Transport dimensions: 40 cm
• Weight: 1.49 kg
• Material: Aluminum
• Number of leg parts: 4
• Leg flexion: 22, 54, 89 degrees
  
• Leg tube diameters: 12, 15.5, 19, 22.5 mm
• Quick release plate: 200PL-PRO