I've used an aluminum Manfrotto Befree tripod w/ballhead for several years and it is a superb lightweight unit. Securely holds my various high-end point-and-shoots (Canon, Nikon, Sony) as well as my Olympus Micro Four Thirds. The ball head adjusts pretty precisely (you do need to get used to maneuvering it). Have never tried mounting one of my lighter DSLRs (Nikon D7100 and D7200) on this tripod but I bet the Befree would work in a pinch, as long as I was using a short, light lens. I've taken this tripod all over the place; for air travel it packs very well in a standard roller bag. I always pack it in the center of the bag with clothes all around as cushioning. Thanks for highlighting this tripod, Ted. I hope many more photographers will see how great a unit it is.
Hey, Ted! A lot of people are going to love using this Be Free tripod. Thanks for posting this superb review. I've used one the past couple of years and it's one of the best purchases that I've made. If people can afford it I recommend the carbon fibre unit... but I do use the metal one and I'm very happy with it. ***ONE WORD OF CAUTION***: I loaned my first one of these to a friend who was going to Japan... all I asked of him was to replace it if he damaged it via an accident. He ended up using the Be Free with a Canon 5D MKII & a 24-70mm f2.8 'L' lens... well that combination ending up cracking the tripod mounting plate.... and he very kindly bought me a new one to replace it. People simply have to be aware that this unit is aimed at mirrorless and equally small digital/film cameras like that. The metal version supports approximately 7.5 lbs of camera kit. Peace!
Hi Ted, Really pleased to see you rec this tripod. Like you, I'd bought several and was never wholly happy...one was robust but heavy, another awkward to adjust, my 3LT..love the design but not the twisty legs.... I bought a Befree (in red as it was £40 cheaper .. total cost UK £75) with a ball head last Friday and used it for a sunrise landscape shoot at the coast the following day. It coped well with a DSLR set up, stable, easy to position, when you lock it in place it stays put! Also used it for long exposures which turned out great. Not my most expensive tripod purchase but certainly my favourite! Glad you're pleased with yours!
While this episode was running, I was editing some night shots I took with my Pentax 67II and the Manfrotto Befree in Heidelberg. I use the Befree now for more than three years and I'm really happy with it. It's light, highly portable and works great even with heavy cameras like the 67II (though I wouldn't extend the legs all the way).
It is a nice set of sticks. I use a Mefoto Roadtrip in conjunction with a Benro S2 fluid video head. About the same in terms of portability, instead of having a built-in bowl leveler. I simply add the S2 fluid head on top of the ball head with an extra area Swiss plate for a similar effect and I recently got a couple of Capture clip knock offs to use on my S2. So I don't need to switch from quick release plates. I like locking legs but happy with twist lock, plus I can make the whole thing to into a monopod for either photo or video purposes when tripods are not feasible.
I am not particularly angry, because it seems your opinion isn't biased, but I do second the opinion that you should mention the sponsorship in the video. Even text would be fine. I don't think anyone would be upset about the sponsorship, as long as it didn't seem like you were hiding anything.
One thing not covered is the cool panning of a fluid head WITH a Leveling center post. I converted my 190L to a leveling post and put a fluid head on. Did some early year Milky Way panorama two level with wide lens SEL1224G @ 12mm (no real worry with nodal point). But with long plate and camera lens entrance over center point was able to do a two level 200 degree panorama with staying level throughout both levels and able to just use the graph on camera LCD for just one block coverage (66% overlap) with super stitching in post and able to get a 3:2 crop. A bear to do with ball head and trying to level first (did it both ways fluid head way faster).
I got a brief little play with the Live this weekend and it's close to ideal for me though there is a "but". Back in 2009, at my first photo show after I bought a 5D Mk2, I asked all the tripod dealers if they had a tripod that worked for video and stills and they all shook their heads. Now virtually every camera is a hybrid device but they've not really cracked the hybrid tripod head yet. With the BF Live I would need to add an arca pano head on the std plate to make it work for me so I could use L plates to shoot portrait stills.
2 years later and the tripod producers still don't get that cameras are "hybrid devices" so why they have not started creating hybrid tripod heads is a tad beyond me... have you managed to work anything out?
I have professional video tripods; however, I am looking for a travel solution. Two things I think make this tripod unique. One is the way that it folds with the fluid head between the legs. This makes it very compact. The other is the bowl. Okay it’s not the same as my 75 mm bowls but allows you to level the tripod without fiddling with the legs.
Looks great. I've been wondering why tripods seem to have lagged behind the whole cameras-getting-smaller direction and this was quite the revelation. Having said that, I nearly killed my tiny Manfrotto Compact last weekend by putting the Mamiya Press camera on it!
I use this tripod and so far I like it. Two mistakes in this video: The Beefree Live is not available in Carbon (The Beefree is), and it doesn't come in different colors. I also think that Ted should have mentioned the hook on the center post that allow us to add some weight for stabilization.
I just Love all of your videos. Pretty new to Photography, and anytime I want pro tips or consumer tips, you are my first stop. Thanks for the info, and education. Really well done.
Many thanks for the Informative Video, however; I have many doubts if a long telephoto lens of 300 mm could be used with professional DSLR camera body with it.
Love your review of this tripod. I am in the beginning stages of tripod research for making you tube videos. I just ordered the canon M50 and looking for my first tripod. I have used the mini version of the manfrotto for iphone and been really pleased with there quality. I l know this review is pretty old is there any other tripod I should look at that has the same capabilities as this one 4 years later. I do see there is a version two of this model now.
I've never allowed "A place to put coffee" to become part of my tripod selection criteria but it's going to be on that list moving forward. Great review, covered just about everything I needed to know.
Thanks for the vid. Correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think this tripod can do portrait mode. That's the one thing putting me off this tripod (I do stills and video). I've got the Manfrotto Compact Advanced 3 way head tripod, which doesn't have the fluid head, but does do portrait mode.
You need to start being up front about your relationship with B&H and manufacturers like Manfrotto whose gear you use - in particular in this case because B&H/Manfrotto are running a Black Friday week promotion at the moment on the BeFree tripod that just happens to be the subject of this video.
Unfortunately I"ve had sooo many problems with my BEFREE tripod. Can't say I can recommend it. Worked great for the first 5 months, after that the clip for holding the mounting plate on broke. I had to buy a new ball head. The small things that you turn on each leg to adjust the leg's angle jam all the time and I struggle so much to adjust them. I have to use a pliers to adjust the one now. One of the pieces of rubber from the bottom of the leg fell out and I lost it. Trying to adjust the legs taller is also really hard as they jam all the time. It was obviously not like this when I first got it, but 5 months later, its basically unusable. Real pity as it was a great tripod at one stage. Maybe I got a bad one?
Muchas gracias amigo por este increíble trabajo. Estoy a punto de comprarme el mismo trípode acá en Chile (Latin-America). Por favor, ¿podrías darme el link de aquella plate de Vello? Gracias enormes.
in the reviews users complained about broken knobs - deformed/bend knobs. Hope the Manufacturer has improved, a German would certainly not buy Italien goods. Great video !
I travel a lot and sometimes take the tripod but don't always use it, ends up staying in my room. Especially when you're on a strict time scale. I also have the manfrotto 5B... And a DSLR Joby gorilla too.... I'm actually going to ditch the DSLR on some trips and go for much more vloggy content with my RX100 V. Great trips on using the RX100 V with the manfrotto. Thanks! :)
Nice video Ted👍🏼 At 6:08 I caught a glimpse of your Vello plate. What model is that? I really like how you have your Rode mic on top of the Vello plate and your Zoom H1 underneath it. Also, do you think the video head is good enough to use even when not traveling? I have a nice Manfrotto tripod ( 190XPRO4) but I don't have a video fluid head yet and Im looking to get one. I will be using the setup for commercial real estate videos. Thanks for your advice and your videos (I subscribed after watching this video).
Hey there I actually am trying to downsize my gear I was wondering have you tried a slider mounted on this at all? I currently have some Manfrotto fluid heads for a Red. Not looking for the Tripod but mostly interested in the Head. Cheers thanks for the excellent video.
I have the MeFoto RoadTrip (the aluminium version), which is heavier like for like than the Manfrotto. It also has an annoying tendency to need its legs tightened every so often as they only lock to stop them splaying outward. I'd like to know if the locking system on the Manfrotto legs locks them to stop them moving inwards or outwards. There's 2 other things the RoadTrip has which I think the BeFree doesn't: A hook on the central column to hang extra weight for stability, and the possibility of removing a leg and attaching it to the central column as a monopod. Can you confirm that's the case? Thanks for a very informative review
I want this tripod! I currently have the Magnus VT-300, but it's pretty bulky. Despite that, I've still had a fair amount of stability issues outdoors on windy days. How stable is this one? I know you can hang a backpack from it, which should help with stability considerably.
Great video. Right now I'm just doing photography and need a good and steady tripod. Would the one with ball-head or fluid head be best? There is atleast a little difference in price of them. Thanks!
Thanks. I really enjoy your reviews. You definitely sold me on the G5X as my go to DSLR. I've ridded myself of the 80D in exchange for the lightweight G5X. I have one question on this BeeFree from Manfrotto. What slide plate fits in it? I have the Man 701HDV head and want to sell it and its tripod in exchange for this rig although I have slide plates and base mounts for the slide plants that fit the 701 which I think are the 501PL slide plates. Do you know straight up if the slide plates from the 701HDV will fit this rig?
Hi, I am just curious. Are you using Canon FD 300mm 1:4 L? I would like to see some examples of still photos. I got Canon nFD 100mm F2, 50 mm F1.4 and 135mm F2. Also got FD 300/5.6 but hardly used this in my Sony body.
Have you seen he Befree live advanced 3 way for video and photo? I have been researching and trying to pick a tripod for my Sony a6600 for months and just can't seem to make a decision lol
I just pulled this out of its box 10 min ago. Your video is the first one I landed on . Thank you so much for posting this . The tripod was kinda expensive in Australia ($400) but I guess you get what you pay for . I try to buy the best straight away so I don’t have buy it twice .. anyway , thanks again . Love you posts , keep em coming .. 👌🏼
I am considering the Beefree tripod (payload 8.8 lb) but want to know if I can use it with my Canon 7D 2 with 15-85 mm lens. You used a compact camera in your video in demonstrating the tripod. I thought the Beefree live is only used if you are taking video not so much for still photos.
I have and like this tripod a lot. Even with an a7rii and a heavy lens its stable enough for long exposure work(depending on wind speeds) but! And theres always a but....the rubber feet are poorly secured and I finally lost two of them to the sands of Lake Michigan....not exactly sucking mud! They're gone. Other than that its a great rig at a reasonable price.
Ha! I've just bought the Manfrotto BeFree Carbon - and love it. I didn't know about the fluid head, but am pretty happy with the ball joint. Love your videos too btw.
Hi, great video and product review. I have one question and I hope that you can help. I'm using Weebill Lab and Weebill's Arca Swiss compatible plate is always on my EOS R. Question is can I use the same plate on this video head? Thanks in advance!
I shoot with my fuji x-t2 with the 23mm f2 wr lens, editing is done on my iPhone with lightroom mobile and thats about it...my whole gear for my work. ( and a bunch of 5 batteries ( fuji problems ))
Hi Ted, I hope all is well. I'm planning to get this tripod for my Nikon D7200 and Tamron 70-200mm F/2.8 G2 but I'm a lil bit worried. Will I need another ballhead for the arca swiss plate of my lens? I believe it can carry both the weight of my dslr and lens. Or, if you have other recommendation which tripod to use. Please consider a budget wise tripod but I really like a compact one. heheh! Thank you so much! :)
Hello Ted! I've stumbled across your videos a few days ago, and I must say, I really find them very interesting and informativ. It'll take a bit of time to watch all of them, but I'm looking forward to it. Thank you very much for your great work! Kind regards Heinz
Good and nice video! Thanks for sharing. Is it possible to attach PROAIM ZEAL 2ft camera slider? Any manfrotto tripod is suitable for attach a slider? Thanks ya~
Hi! What do you think using this head with a Manfrotto MVMPROA5 monopod for a Nikon 200-500mm with a Nikon D750...?.,going soon to a safari in Namibia and i want to travel light!.Thanks.
Any idea how to remove the head from the sticks? I've seen the head separated in other videos, but no one (including the manual) says how to get it off.
Hello and thank you for your Videos! I have a question. Do i have to fully open the screws of the fluid head, to use it? Or can i open it only a little bit to produce more resistence for the pan? because i bought this tripod and when im not fully open the screws, there are points, where its not smooth, where the head hangs just a little bit. Do only i habe this issue? So maybe my tripod is not okay? thank you!
I find that the tripod wiggles when tilting. There seems to be some play at the panning cylinder that allows it to wobble on the tilt. This issue is exacerbated if you loosen the panning resistance knob. Do you have have the same issue? By the way is this a sponsored promo?
Can you remove the fluid head and use it on other tripod/monopod, and use another fluid head such as manfrotto MVH500? one more question, does the rode video micro sounds better than the built in mic in zoom recorder such as H1 and H4n?
Any insights into the weight ratings for tripods? Is it all marketing BS? If not, do the ratings tend to be just fine for the load, or should one ensure their new tripod is rated substantially higher than expected load?
Here's what I posted in my own comment elsewhere here: **ONE WORD OF CAUTION**: I loaned my first one of these to a friend who was going to Japan... all I asked of him was to replace it if he damaged it via an accident. He ended up using the Be Free with a Canon 5D MKII & a 24-70mm f2.8 'L' lens... well that combination ending up cracking the tripod mounting plate.... and he very kindly bought me a new one to replace it. People simply have to be aware that this unit is aimed at mirrorless and equally small digital/film cameras like that. The metal version supports approximately 7.5 lbs of camera kit.
Cracking the mounting plate ? You mean the piece of metal that you screw under the camera ? Maybe if it's in plastic it could break with a Canon MKII and a 24-70, and even then he would have to screw it like a maniac ! I'm really puzzled.
Hi. this is a great video. I already have the Befree stills version and that is a very good travel tripod. My only regret was not buying the carbon fiber version of it. I will definitely get the Befree LIVE this year but haven't decided whether to get the aluminum or the carbon fibre version of it because the weight diff is just 0.6 lbs but the price difference is large. Anyhow, you said that tripods are allowed for carry-ons? Around 10 years ago, I tried bringing in a tripod as carry-on and the airport security told me to check it in. Since then after numerous flights, I've always checked-in any tripod(whether a real one or just a ultralight zipshot tripod) during a flight. I reckon they think it can be used to whack people so they asked me to check it in. Is this still the case? thank you again for the video.
Hallo I was thinking about buying my own first camera and I was looking in to the fujifilm x-t1 or should I get the x-t2 ? I have used cameras befor the one from my dad but it's time for my own . so what should I get ?
I've been on a casual tripod-hunt for several years now. I have a 40-year old Velbon, (aluminum) which is a tank, but it's a great tripod. It's strong enough to hold me up. But it's so heavy I can't hang it from my belt or I'll lose my pants. I hate lugging the thing. I can't seem to find a 72" (6-foot) tripod that is also light and under a $Grand. Most of the travel tripods seem to be made for hobbits and munchkins. I'm curious, how do you deal with a tripod that is only 5' and forces you to bend over and then look up when taking the picture?
I've heard great things about the BeFree but I'm happy with my tripod at the moment (also don't need a pan head). That being said, great episode! And yeah, I vote for more coffee in your vlogs! ;)
Someone with a heavier camera (such as a D750 or D810) should opt for the titan version (it is lighter but also stronger, so you can add weight to help stabilise it) and always remember that when it is windy outside, the Befree (or any small travel tripod) will be really unstable. The Befree is a little marvel, I must admit!
I acquired an Edelkrone Wing for Christmas, and my existing tripod is not strong enough to hold it, my camera, and my microphone. I weighed the three things and they weighed about 6.5lbs. Could this hold them? Could I put the Edelkrone Wing under the video head?
Probably a stupid question, but I already have a solid tripod (Mefoto Globetrotter). Can I just purchase a fluid head and attach it (I'm starting to shoot more videos)
perfect timing Ted.. I've been looking at the befree the last couple of days.. I'm travelling to Paris next year and I just can't be bothered with the tripod I have.. so it might be a good investment :)
I tested this tripod against my other fluidheads ( some much cheaper like an old Bilora ) and was very disappointed. It was not possible to make even pan or tilt moves over a wide angle without any interrupts. Maybe if you never had a good fluid head before but once you used a good one you never want to go back ;).
I got into photography via "event" work. Doing weddings, I was taught to take everything you think you need and then double it. You don't get to call the bride and ask if you can re shoot the procession because your camera's film spooler failed. As I age, my equipment seems to get heavier. For a while, I thought one of my co workers was putting cinder blocks in the bottom of the lighting cases. I'm writing this from Budapest at the end of the first month of a three month stay. One tripod (manfroto) two Canon 70D bodies (with battery packs) multiple batteries and chargers and three lenses (zooms ranging from 10 to 300 mm). Total weight nearly 30 lbs. Doing architecture, night shots and 20 second videos, I don't regret on ounce of it. My travel companion, Susan, brought a Panasonic Lumix with one extra battery and a charger. My deepest fear is that she could do any shot that I can with her equipment
I've used an aluminum Manfrotto Befree tripod w/ballhead for several years and it is a superb lightweight unit. Securely holds my various high-end point-and-shoots (Canon, Nikon, Sony) as well as my Olympus Micro Four Thirds. The ball head adjusts pretty precisely (you do need to get used to maneuvering it). Have never tried mounting one of my lighter DSLRs (Nikon D7100 and D7200) on this tripod but I bet the Befree would work in a pinch, as long as I was using a short, light lens. I've taken this tripod all over the place; for air travel it packs very well in a standard roller bag. I always pack it in the center of the bag with clothes all around as cushioning. Thanks for highlighting this tripod, Ted. I hope many more photographers will see how great a unit it is.
Hey, Ted! A lot of people are going to love using this Be Free tripod. Thanks for posting this superb review.
I've used one the past couple of years and it's one of the best purchases that I've made. If people can afford it I recommend the carbon fibre unit... but I do use the metal one and I'm very happy with it.
***ONE WORD OF CAUTION***: I loaned my first one of these to a friend who was going to Japan... all I asked of him was to replace it if he damaged it via an accident. He ended up using the Be Free with a Canon 5D MKII & a 24-70mm f2.8 'L' lens... well that combination ending up cracking the tripod mounting plate.... and he very kindly bought me a new one to replace it. People simply have to be aware that this unit is aimed at mirrorless and equally small digital/film cameras like that. The metal version supports approximately 7.5 lbs of camera kit.
Peace!
Hi Ted,
Really pleased to see you rec this tripod. Like you, I'd bought several and was never wholly happy...one was robust but heavy, another awkward to adjust, my 3LT..love the design but not the twisty legs....
I bought a Befree (in red as it was £40 cheaper .. total cost UK £75) with a ball head last Friday and used it for a sunrise landscape shoot at the coast the following day. It coped well with a DSLR set up, stable, easy to position, when you lock it in place it stays put! Also used it for long exposures which turned out great. Not my most expensive tripod purchase but certainly my favourite! Glad you're pleased with yours!
While this episode was running, I was editing some night shots I took with my Pentax 67II and the Manfrotto Befree in Heidelberg. I use the Befree now for more than three years and I'm really happy with it. It's light, highly portable and works great even with heavy cameras like the 67II (though I wouldn't extend the legs all the way).
It is a nice set of sticks. I use a Mefoto Roadtrip in conjunction with a Benro S2 fluid video head. About the same in terms of portability, instead of having a built-in bowl leveler. I simply add the S2 fluid head on top of the ball head with an extra area Swiss plate for a similar effect and I recently got a couple of Capture clip knock offs to use on my S2. So I don't need to switch from quick release plates. I like locking legs but happy with twist lock, plus I can make the whole thing to into a monopod for either photo or video purposes when tripods are not feasible.
I am not particularly angry, because it seems your opinion isn't biased, but I do second the opinion that you should mention the sponsorship in the video. Even text would be fine.
I don't think anyone would be upset about the sponsorship, as long as it didn't seem like you were hiding anything.
But it is written under the video. Very clearly :-)
I usually don't read whole description. So I agree with you Juil.
One thing not covered is the cool panning of a fluid head WITH a Leveling center post. I converted my 190L to a leveling post and put a fluid head on. Did some early year Milky Way panorama two level with wide lens SEL1224G @ 12mm (no real worry with nodal point). But with long plate and camera lens entrance over center point was able to do a two level 200 degree panorama with staying level throughout both levels and able to just use the graph on camera LCD for just one block coverage (66% overlap) with super stitching in post and able to get a 3:2 crop. A bear to do with ball head and trying to level first (did it both ways fluid head way faster).
I got a brief little play with the Live this weekend and it's close to ideal for me though there is a "but". Back in 2009, at my first photo show after I bought a 5D Mk2, I asked all the tripod dealers if they had a tripod that worked for video and stills and they all shook their heads. Now virtually every camera is a hybrid device but they've not really cracked the hybrid tripod head yet. With the BF Live I would need to add an arca pano head on the std plate to make it work for me so I could use L plates to shoot portrait stills.
2 years later and the tripod producers still don't get that cameras are "hybrid devices" so why they have not started creating hybrid tripod heads is a tad beyond me... have you managed to work anything out?
I have professional video tripods; however, I am looking for a travel solution. Two things I think make this tripod unique. One is the way that it folds with the fluid head between the legs. This makes it very compact. The other is the bowl. Okay it’s not the same as my 75 mm bowls but allows you to level the tripod without fiddling with the legs.
Looks great. I've been wondering why tripods seem to have lagged behind the whole cameras-getting-smaller direction and this was quite the revelation. Having said that, I nearly killed my tiny Manfrotto Compact last weekend by putting the Mamiya Press camera on it!
I use this tripod and so far I like it. Two mistakes in this video: The Beefree Live is not available in Carbon (The Beefree is), and it doesn't come in different colors. I also think that Ted should have mentioned the hook on the center post that allow us to add some weight for stabilization.
I like it.... Do you know if the head is removable or fixed to the center column? Thanks for the video.
Such a good little tripod.... and when all my other Manfrotto's have fallen apart, this one has kept on going.
I just Love all of your videos. Pretty new to Photography, and anytime I want pro tips or consumer tips, you are my first stop. Thanks for the info, and education. Really well done.
Many thanks for the Informative Video, however; I have many doubts if a long telephoto lens of 300 mm could be used with professional DSLR camera body with it.
Love your review of this tripod. I am in the beginning stages of tripod research for making you tube videos. I just ordered the canon M50 and looking for my first tripod. I have used the mini version of the manfrotto for iphone and been really pleased with there quality. I l know this review is pretty old is there any other tripod I should look at that has the same capabilities as this one 4 years later. I do see there is a version two of this model now.
Love that tripod, bought it for a trip to Iceland in October. Really did the trick.
I've never allowed "A place to put coffee" to become part of my tripod selection criteria but it's going to be on that list moving forward. Great review, covered just about everything I needed to know.
Thanks for the vid. Correct me if I'm wrong, I don't think this tripod can do portrait mode. That's the one thing putting me off this tripod (I do stills and video). I've got the Manfrotto Compact Advanced 3 way head tripod, which doesn't have the fluid head, but does do portrait mode.
If you got an answer to this question I would be very keen to know the answer. Thanks :)
Nice rig, Ted! I was literally looking for a travel fluid head last week. How serendipitous! :)
A must have. You talk like a teacher, like that. Thumbs up!
You need to start being up front about your relationship with B&H and manufacturers like Manfrotto whose gear you use - in particular in this case because B&H/Manfrotto are running a Black Friday week promotion at the moment on the BeFree tripod that just happens to be the subject of this video.
Unfortunately I"ve had sooo many problems with my BEFREE tripod. Can't say I can recommend it. Worked great for the first 5 months, after that the clip for holding the mounting plate on broke. I had to buy a new ball head. The small things that you turn on each leg to adjust the leg's angle jam all the time and I struggle so much to adjust them. I have to use a pliers to adjust the one now. One of the pieces of rubber from the bottom of the leg fell out and I lost it. Trying to adjust the legs taller is also really hard as they jam all the time. It was obviously not like this when I first got it, but 5 months later, its basically unusable. Real pity as it was a great tripod at one stage. Maybe I got a bad one?
Muchas gracias amigo por este increíble trabajo.
Estoy a punto de comprarme el mismo trípode acá en Chile (Latin-America).
Por favor, ¿podrías darme el link de aquella plate de Vello?
Gracias enormes.
in the reviews users complained about
broken knobs - deformed/bend knobs.
Hope the Manufacturer has improved,
a German would certainly not buy
Italien goods.
Great video !
I travel a lot and sometimes take the tripod but don't always use it, ends up staying in my room. Especially when you're on a strict time scale. I also have the manfrotto 5B... And a DSLR Joby gorilla too....
I'm actually going to ditch the DSLR on some trips and go for much more vloggy content with my RX100 V.
Great trips on using the RX100 V with the manfrotto. Thanks! :)
You mentioned a retail price point around $160+ in the video, the links take me to retailers charging $239+...! Change in pricing? What's up?
Very nice commentary, Ted. One question - which tripod you suggest for studio work?
Nice video Ted👍🏼
At 6:08 I caught a glimpse of your Vello plate. What model is that? I really like how you have your Rode mic on top of the Vello plate and your Zoom H1 underneath it.
Also, do you think the video head is good enough to use even when not traveling? I have a nice Manfrotto tripod ( 190XPRO4) but I don't have a video fluid head yet and Im looking to get one. I will be using the setup for commercial real estate videos. Thanks for your advice and your videos (I subscribed after watching this video).
Hey there I actually am trying to downsize my gear I was wondering have you tried a slider mounted on this at all? I currently have some Manfrotto fluid heads for a Red. Not looking for the Tripod but mostly interested in the Head. Cheers thanks for the excellent video.
I have the MeFoto RoadTrip (the aluminium version), which is heavier like for like than the Manfrotto. It also has an annoying tendency to need its legs tightened every so often as they only lock to stop them splaying outward. I'd like to know if the locking system on the Manfrotto legs locks them to stop them moving inwards or outwards.
There's 2 other things the RoadTrip has which I think the BeFree doesn't: A hook on the central column to hang extra weight for stability, and the possibility of removing a leg and attaching it to the central column as a monopod. Can you confirm that's the case?
Thanks for a very informative review
I want this tripod! I currently have the Magnus VT-300, but it's pretty bulky. Despite that, I've still had a fair amount of stability issues outdoors on windy days. How stable is this one? I know you can hang a backpack from it, which should help with stability considerably.
Great video.
Right now I'm just doing photography and need a good and steady tripod.
Would the one with ball-head or fluid head be best? There is atleast a little difference in price of them.
Thanks!
Thanks. I really enjoy your reviews. You definitely sold me on the G5X as my go to DSLR. I've ridded myself of the 80D in exchange for the lightweight G5X. I have one question on this BeeFree from Manfrotto. What slide plate fits in it? I have the Man 701HDV head and want to sell it and its tripod in exchange for this rig although I have slide plates and base mounts for the slide plants that fit the 701 which I think are the 501PL slide plates. Do you know straight up if the slide plates from the 701HDV will fit this rig?
Hi, I am just curious. Are you using Canon FD 300mm 1:4 L? I would like to see some examples of still photos. I got Canon nFD 100mm F2, 50 mm F1.4 and 135mm F2. Also got FD 300/5.6 but hardly used this in my Sony body.
Is the red ring on the head loose on yours? Mine doesn't quite spin but you can twist it side to side a bit.
Have you seen he Befree live advanced 3 way for video and photo? I have been researching and trying to pick a tripod for my Sony a6600 for months and just can't seem to make a decision lol
I just pulled this out of its box 10 min ago. Your video is the first one I landed on . Thank you so much for posting this . The tripod was kinda expensive in Australia ($400) but I guess you get what you pay for . I try to buy the best straight away so I don’t have buy it twice .. anyway , thanks again . Love you posts , keep em coming .. 👌🏼
I am considering the Beefree tripod (payload 8.8 lb) but want to know if I can use it with my Canon 7D 2 with 15-85 mm lens. You used a compact camera in your video in demonstrating the tripod. I thought the Beefree live is only used if you are taking video not so much for still photos.
I have and like this tripod a lot. Even with an a7rii and a heavy lens its stable enough for long exposure work(depending on wind speeds) but! And theres always a but....the rubber feet are poorly secured and I finally lost two of them to the sands of Lake Michigan....not exactly sucking mud! They're gone. Other than that its a great rig at a reasonable price.
Hi Ted! Is there a possibility to take vertical shots (portrait mode) on a video head?
Hi
nice video
I have a 5D4 / 70-200mm / teleconverter 2X 3
do you think it will work well with it ?
Ha! I've just bought the Manfrotto BeFree Carbon - and love it. I didn't know about the fluid head, but am pretty happy with the ball joint. Love your videos too btw.
Hi, great video and product review. I have one question and I hope that you can help. I'm using Weebill Lab and Weebill's Arca Swiss compatible plate is always on my EOS R. Question is can I use the same plate on this video head? Thanks in advance!
I shoot with my fuji x-t2 with the 23mm f2 wr lens, editing is done on my iPhone with lightroom mobile and thats about it...my whole gear for my work. ( and a bunch of 5 batteries ( fuji problems ))
02:50 - Don't you have a lot of work to do with wiping dust from shelves and equipment on shelves?
Hi!! I see you use a videomicro de Rode, what recorder did you use? Because you didn't connected to the camera or do you?? Greetings from Chile
question: is there any way to use this video head with a peakdesign pro plate? Is this an ARCA plate used here? Thanks already
Love your videos and vast knowledge, how do you do lighting set up for your videos? I see an led bounced off the ceiling what else?
Hi Ted, I hope all is well. I'm planning to get this tripod for my Nikon D7200 and Tamron 70-200mm F/2.8 G2 but I'm a lil bit worried. Will I need another ballhead for the arca swiss plate of my lens? I believe it can carry both the weight of my dslr and lens. Or, if you have other recommendation which tripod to use. Please consider a budget wise tripod but I really like a compact one. heheh! Thank you so much! :)
I loved the video, but I could not know the name of that video head. Does it have a model number?
Hello Ted! I've stumbled across your videos a few days ago, and I must say, I really find them very interesting and informativ. It'll take a bit of time to watch all of them, but I'm looking forward to it. Thank you very much for your great work!
Kind regards Heinz
Great production. Which mic do you use along with the Zoom H1 and a6300?
Good and nice video! Thanks for sharing.
Is it possible to attach PROAIM ZEAL 2ft camera slider?
Any manfrotto tripod is suitable for attach a slider?
Thanks ya~
Hi! What do you think using this head with a Manfrotto MVMPROA5 monopod for a Nikon 200-500mm with a Nikon D750...?.,going soon to a safari in Namibia and i want to travel light!.Thanks.
Any idea how to remove the head from the sticks? I've seen the head separated in other videos, but no one (including the manual) says how to get it off.
Hello and thank you for your Videos! I have a question. Do i have to fully open the screws of the fluid head, to use it? Or can i open it only a little bit to produce more resistence for the pan? because i bought this tripod and when im not fully open the screws, there are points, where its not smooth, where the head hangs just a little bit. Do only i habe this issue? So maybe my tripod is not okay? thank you!
can this head shoot portrait? or should i go with the ball/ socket head?
I have the carbon fibre with ball head and it's great for mirrorless. Don't use it with DSLRs though
Got mine the other day and I absolutely love it. Perfect combination with my Lumix FZ2500 :)
I suppose the ballhead is better for photography-only people?
Every time I watch one of your videos I feel smarter for it. Love the coffee holder. Thanks for what you do🙂
I find that the tripod wiggles when tilting. There seems to be some play at the panning cylinder that allows it to wobble on the tilt. This issue is exacerbated if you loosen the panning resistance knob. Do you have have the same issue?
By the way is this a sponsored promo?
Can you remove the fluid head and use it on other tripod/monopod, and use another fluid head such as manfrotto MVH500?
one more question, does the rode video micro sounds better than the built in mic in zoom recorder such as H1 and H4n?
Any insights into the weight ratings for tripods? Is it all marketing BS? If not, do the ratings tend to be just fine for the load, or should one ensure their new tripod is rated substantially higher than expected load?
Higgins2001 usually they're able to withstand a higher weight but they won't work fluidly
Here's what I posted in my own comment elsewhere here:
**ONE WORD OF CAUTION**: I loaned my first one of these to a friend who was going to Japan... all I asked of him was to replace it if he damaged it via an accident. He ended up using the Be Free with a Canon 5D MKII & a 24-70mm f2.8 'L' lens... well that combination ending up cracking the tripod mounting plate.... and he very kindly bought me a new one to replace it. People simply have to be aware that this unit is aimed at mirrorless and equally small digital/film cameras like that. The metal version supports approximately 7.5 lbs of camera kit.
^ Great Info! ^
Cracking the mounting plate ? You mean the piece of metal that you screw under the camera ? Maybe if it's in plastic it could break with a Canon MKII and a 24-70, and even then he would have to screw it like a maniac ! I'm really puzzled.
grégoire Nedelcovici
He cracked the metal plate.. the metal actually split and cracked.
Nice, would you say it is strong enough to use withe a Hasselblad 500 CM/80 lens setup?
Hi. this is a great video. I already have the Befree stills version and that is a very good travel tripod. My only regret was not buying the carbon fiber version of it. I will definitely get the Befree LIVE this year but haven't decided whether to get the aluminum or the carbon fibre version of it because the weight diff is just 0.6 lbs but the price difference is large. Anyhow, you said that tripods are allowed for carry-ons? Around 10 years ago, I tried bringing in a tripod as carry-on and the airport security told me to check it in. Since then after numerous flights, I've always checked-in any tripod(whether a real one or just a ultralight zipshot tripod) during a flight. I reckon they think it can be used to whack people so they asked me to check it in. Is this still the case? thank you again for the video.
Hey Ted, your videos are alway well lit, what do you use for lights on the Vlog? Have you already done a video about that?
Hallo
I was thinking about buying my own first camera and I was looking in to the fujifilm x-t1 or should I get the x-t2 ? I have used cameras befor the one from my dad but it's time for my own . so what should I get ?
I've been on a casual tripod-hunt for several years now. I have a 40-year old Velbon, (aluminum) which is a tank, but it's a great tripod. It's strong enough to hold me up. But it's so heavy I can't hang it from my belt or I'll lose my pants. I hate lugging the thing.
I can't seem to find a 72" (6-foot) tripod that is also light and under a $Grand. Most of the travel tripods seem to be made for hobbits and munchkins. I'm curious, how do you deal with a tripod that is only 5' and forces you to bend over and then look up when taking the picture?
I've heard great things about the BeFree but I'm happy with my tripod at the moment (also don't need a pan head). That being said, great episode! And yeah, I vote for more coffee in your vlogs! ;)
Hi, among Manfrotto 190 go and befree advanced, which one do you suggest to buy?
Can the resistance of the fluid head be adjusted?
Loved the coffee holder add-on, you should try to push that to Manfrotto, they might credit you for the idea :D
Here's a silly question...does this be free tripod match the fluid head resistance to your camera's rolling shutter?
what mic are you using on the Sony that's on the tripod?
Someone with a heavier camera (such as a D750 or D810) should opt for the titan version (it is lighter but also stronger, so you can add weight to help stabilise it) and always remember that when it is windy outside, the Befree (or any small travel tripod) will be really unstable. The Befree is a little marvel, I must admit!
I acquired an Edelkrone Wing for Christmas, and my existing tripod is not strong enough to hold it, my camera, and my microphone. I weighed the three things and they weighed about 6.5lbs. Could this hold them? Could I put the Edelkrone Wing under the video head?
Great video!
I've got a question...
Is it possible to change the plate system to the RC2 model?
Just got mine! Can't wait to take it out with me
Would you still recommend it as a portable and reliable tripod?
what kind of payload are we looking at?
Probably a stupid question, but I already have a solid tripod (Mefoto Globetrotter). Can I just purchase a fluid head and attach it (I'm starting to shoot more videos)
I’ve read some reviews on Amazon and there are many users having problems with ball head screw. Caveat emptor.
can you use this for a spotting scope as well? Or is it just for videography?
Great video (as all the others I've seen so far). Thanks for the tipp with the coffee cup holder. Love it. :)
Great review, you are a natural at speaking.
perfect timing Ted.. I've been looking at the befree the last couple of days.. I'm travelling to Paris next year and I just can't be bothered with the tripod I have.. so it might be a good investment :)
Something to consider for sure!
Awesome! Thanks so much for the video and keep em coming.
I tested this tripod against my other fluidheads ( some much cheaper like an old Bilora ) and was very disappointed. It was not possible to make even pan or tilt moves over a wide angle without any interrupts. Maybe if you never had a good fluid head before but once you used a good one you never want to go back ;).
I have an older and somewhat low budget Manfrotto 701HDV head, which I love. Do you think this head on the befree would be that much more worse?
Would it be sturdy enough for Z6+24-70/4 ? Thx
Very helpful video. Can't wait until these reach the UK! Subscribed to your channel, looking forward to more 👊🏻
I have one. Got it from my local LCE about 18 months ago. :)
Alun Beard do you mean the ball head though? I want the fluid head :)
Ahh, ok. Yes, I have the ballhead.
Will it be possible to replace the head if you need it? Like a 502AH?
Should I get the BeFree Live or the Manfrotto 502 fluid head with a cheaper tripod?
I got into photography via "event" work. Doing weddings, I was taught to take everything you think you need and then double it. You don't get to call the bride and ask if you can re shoot the procession because your camera's film spooler failed. As I age, my equipment seems to get heavier. For a while, I thought one of my co workers was putting cinder blocks in the bottom of the lighting cases. I'm writing this from Budapest at the end of the first month of a three month stay. One tripod (manfroto) two Canon 70D bodies (with battery packs) multiple batteries and chargers and three lenses (zooms ranging from 10 to 300 mm). Total weight nearly 30 lbs. Doing architecture, night shots and 20 second videos, I don't regret on ounce of it. My travel companion, Susan, brought a Panasonic Lumix with one extra battery and a charger. My deepest fear is that she could do any shot that I can with her equipment
Hello, I only have a d810 and nikkor 24-70 E. is it ok for this equipment? I want it for travel
Is the long handle only adjustable up or down or can it also swing out left or right?
Will you review the Fuji X70?
What's your recording level on zoom h1 and do you edit audio in post?
How many miles have you traveled with the befree?