Review Manfrotto’s Befree collection tripods: Befree Advanced and GT Pro 3 Way

Manfrotto offers a wide range of tripods, from compact models like the Compact Action to imposing cinema tripods.

Since the 1960s, the Italian photo equipment company has been recognized as an expert in photo and video accessories and grips.

In this article, we review the new Befree Advanced and Befree GT-Pro tripods.

Ideal tripods for photographers on the move

Manfrotto presents the tripods in the Befree collection as ideal companions for photographers on the move, offering great adaptability to a variety of situations and ease of transport. They are particularly well suited to keen photographers who are often on the move.

The Befree collection offers several tripod variants to suit different needs. You can choose between tripods with legs that open with a twist or lever mechanism.

You can also choose between different tripod materials, enabling you to find a model that meets your needs in terms of strength, weight and ease of transport.

New Arca-Swiss compatible tripods

Manfrotto Befree tripods are now equipped with a tripod head compatible with the renowned Arca-Swiss system, guaranteeing extended compatibility with a variety of accessories and equipment. This head also integrates perfectly with Manfrotto’s RC2 mounting system, making it easy to mount and dismount your camera quickly.

The heads feature an integrated Arca-compatible plate holder, perfectly compatible with the 200PL-PRO plate and other Arca mounts.

Whether you use an L-bracket, camera cage or telephoto collar mount, you can easily attach any hybrid camera directly.

This Arca-Swiss compatibility is a big plus point for the Befree Advanced and GT Pro 3-Ways tripods, as it ensures smooth, direct camera mounting.

Ball heads included with Befree tripods

The Befree Advanced and GT Pro tripods are both equipped with a ball head included directly with the tripod.

The ball head plays an essential role in ensuring quick and precise positioning of your equipment when shooting.

Befree Advanced

The Befree Advanced tripod is equipped with the Manfrotto Advanced 494 aluminum ball head. Compact, powerful and intuitive, it enables fast, precise adjustments. It features three independent knobs: one for locking the head, one for adjusting friction according to weight, and one for smooth panoramic rotations.

Befree GT Pro 3-ways

The GT-Pro 3-Way, as its name suggests, is equipped with a 3-way head, specifically designed to offer great precision and flexibility when shooting, and features a head with a Drag Fluid System.

Thanks to this system, you can effortlessly achieve precise compositions for your photos or videos.

This cutting-edge technology offers highly fluid control of tilting and panning movements, and guarantees stability at temperatures ranging from -30°C to +70°C.

Manfrotto M-Lock system

The Befree range of tripods offers two types of leg lock.

Befree Advanced tripods offer two locking options: you can choose between a QPL lever mechanism or a twist mechanism.

The QPL Travel locking system, as the name suggests, is a “travel” version. The twist mechanism inherits Manfrotto’s M-Lock system, a quick-locking device that allows you to set up the tripod quickly and secure the lock so that your tripod legs don’t move.

Befree GT Pro tripods, on the other hand, are only available with a twist mechanism.

Side-Pull selector

To manage the angle of your tripod legs and get the best possible position for your shots, the tripods in the Befree collection are equipped with the Side-Pull selector.

This selector lets you adjust the angle of the tripod legs in just a few seconds.

Practical and ergonomic, this system lets you change perspective intuitively without distracting you from your shot.

High quality tripod

Befree tripods, both the Befree Advanced and the GT Pro 3-ways, offer excellent value for money: they are well-built, slim and lightweight, yet still offer satisfactory stability.

They are compact and ideal for photographers on the move.

The tripod’s locking leg system, together with other features such as the fluid drag system or the Arca-Swiss compatible ball head, make handling the Befree tripod quick and easy.

All in all, this is the tripod for you if you’re a photographer looking for a lightweight, compact and efficient solution.