Manfrotto has announced some new tripods in the Befree lineup. The new models are the Manfrotto Befree GT and the Manfrotto Befree Advanced. The new variations on the tripods provide you with more options to get exactly the combination of features you like with good build quality.
Both tripods are available in either carbon fibre or aluminium flavours. And while the carbon fibre versions are lighter, the aluminium versions, too, are designed to be lightweight. After all, they’re travel tripods. And both seem to be a nice refresh of the old ones.
Manfrotto Befree GT
There are two new Manfrotto Befree GT packages available. The first is actually also a first for the Manfrotto Befree GT lineup. It’s the first tripod in the Befree GT series to be available as standalone legs. This allows you to use it with whichever head you like. Of course, you can remove the head from the others, but then you’ve bought a head you don’t need.
For those that do need a head, there’s also a new kit that bundles the Manfrotto Befree GT legs with the Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Head ($124.31). Personally, I’m a fan of ball heads and have swapped all of my tripods over to them at this point, but 3-way can sometimes be handy.
If you need a tripod with a neck that can stick out sideways, the Manfrotto Befree GT XPro ($519.88) is still my go-to. It’s especially handy for macro.
Price and Availability
The Manfrotto Befree GT Carbon Fibre Travel Tripod legs only is available to buy now for $299.95. The aluminium version with the 3-way pan/tilt head is also available to buy now for $329.95. The carbon fibre version with the 3-way head is available to buy now for $429.99.
Manfrotto Befree Advanced
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced looks similar in appearance to the Befree GT above, but it’s targeted towards even more weight-conscious photographers. Built to be as small and lightweight as possible, the Befree Advanced is also available in both aluminium and carbon fibre varieties.
On top of the supplied 494 Center Ball Head, you’ll find the standard Manfrotto 200PL-PRO quick-release plate. However, the head itself is also compatible with both RC2 and Arca Swiss plates. This provides a lot of cross-compatibility between other tripods, sliders, gimbals, etc.
Of course, if you’re more on the video side of things, the Manfrotto Befree Live ($213.99) or Manfrotto 190X Video ($299) are still the way to go.
Price and Availability
The Manfrotto Befree Advanced is available in two different varieties. The carbon fibre version with twist-lock legs, and including the 494 ball head, is available to buy now for $289.95. The aluminium version is available to buy in either twist-lock or lever-lock versions for $199.95 each.
