I have been looking to get a travel tripod that allows me to shoot video for quite some time now. For over 10 years now, I have been lugging an older version of both the Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Tripod () and their 503 Video Head. I have carried this tripod with me all over the world and while it has served me very well, it is most definitely a heavy piece of gear. The total weight of this combined package is a whopping 7.9lbs (3.6Kgs) and the compact dimensions are 24.4” (62cm). Many times I bring it with me on the trip, but then leave it in the hotel as the extra weight seems like a terrible idea when hiking up a 3,700-meter mountain. There have definitely been shots I wish I could have taken, but wasn’t able to because I left my tripod behind.
Manfrotto BeFree Live Video Kit
When I heard about the Manfrotto BeFree Live Video Kit () I was definitely intrigued. This tripod is designed for travelers, bloggers and anyone else who needs a lightweight, portable video tripod. It has a weight of 3.9lbs (1.9Kgs) which is about half as heavy as my other tripod setup. It folds down to a very compact 17” (43cm) while still having a maximum height of 59.5″ (151cm). It also comes with its own carry bag that will easily pack into most carry-on bags. On top of these impressive features, the fact that it also has a ball adjustable, fluid head gave me the incentive to run out and get one before my next trip.
Unique folding system
The BeFree when folded is extremely compact due to the way Manfrotto engineered the legs to fold back on center column all the way up to the head. This allows the tripod to not only be compact when folded, but also have a great compression ratio, how small the tripod packs down versus how tall it is fully extended. At full extension, the tripod is 59.5 inches or just under 5 feet (1,51 meters)
The way you fold, unfold and set your tripod leg spread is through the three-stage leg position locks. The gray lever slips into one of the three positions which from left to right allows you to fold the legs completely up, place the legs in the traditional tripod leg position, or spread the legs wide to get lower to the ground.
Fluid Head
The BeFree Live is one of the few video tripod heads to not only be a fluid head, but also have a ball adjustment system with spirit level to make leveling very easy. The fluidity of the head is very good, and much better than I expected for such a small and light video head. However the fluid drag is not adjustable, so it requires a bit of care to get very smooth pans and tilts when moving the head slowly. In a more professional setting, this tripod will work extremely well for video shooters who need a very light B or C camera tripod. The ball head adjustment is an awesome feature that will allow you to move the tripod and get the shot much quicker. If you do however find yourself wanting to use a different head, either a photo specific head or one with adjustable fluid drag, you can remove the head by locking the tilt and unscrewing it, revealing a standard 3/8” screw. You can then attach most tripod heads and for those heads that accept 1/4” threads Manfrotto has included an adapter. The BeFree head uses Manfrotto’s 501PL Quick Release Plate which is one of the most common video base plates making it simple to switch your camera from one tripod to another.
Extending Center Column
The way this tripod gets to its full height of 59.5″ (151cm) is extending center column. At full extension, you may need to brace the tripod using the hook attachment at the bottom of the column to weigh the tripod down a bit. In light winds, adding weight to the tripod should help stabilize it from shaking.
Final thoughts
There are many things I look at when judging a video tripod. Stability, fluidity of movement, weight, compression ratio, build quality, features, and price. When looking for a video travel tripod I am looking for the same features, just in a different order. In order, I am looking at weight, stability, compression ratio, fluidity of the head, build quality, features and price. In my mind I am willing to sacrifice a bit of stability and fluidity in order to get a lower weight, high compression ratio tripod. While all those features are important to weigh against each other, the most important question you need to ask yourself is, will you bring this tripod along with you? The BeFree Live is a definite yes for me. Below is a picture of the BeFree Live on my Peak Design Everyday Sling ( ). It fits underneath beautifully and I take around with me biking all the time.
