I’ve enjoyed the Italian design and quality of Manfrotto tripods over several decades. Recently, I was looking for a travel tripod that was different than my usual tripods. I wanted a silky-smooth fluid head, lever locks, and compact sturdiness with extreme portability. That’s when Manfrotto sent me their Befree Live Aluminum Tripod to review.
Unboxing the tripod was as joyous as any other Manfrotto product. The tripod was packed extremely well, the case featured the bright red color, and the tripod exuded top-notch build quality.
Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Tripod — Technical specifications
All technical specifications were taken from the Manfrotto website.
- Weight: 1.75 kg
- Safety Payload UNI/PdR 105:2021: 4 kg
- Maximum Height: 151 cm
- Min Height: 40 cm
- Base Diameter: 40 mm
- Bubble Spirit Level (No.): 1
- Carrying Bag Included: Yes
- Center Column: Rapid
- Closed Length: 40 cm
- Colour: Black/silver
- Top Attachment: 1/4″ screw, 3/8″ screw
- Ball Flat: Ball
- Powered By (Batteries): 0
- Easy Link: Yes
- Front Tilt: -90°/+65°
- Head Type: Video/Fluid Head
- Leg Type: Single
- Leg Angles: 22°, 54°, 89°
- Leg Lock Type: Flip Lock
- Leg Sections: 4
- Legs Tube Diameter: 12, 15.5, 19, 22.5 mm
- Material: Aluminium
- Maximum Height (With Center Column Down): 130 cm
- Maximum Working Temperature: 60 °C
- Minimum Working Temperature: -30 °C
- Pan Bar Included: Yes
- Pan Drag: Fluid cartridge with fixed drag
- Panoramic Rotation: 360 °
- Plate Type: 501PL
- Quick Release: Yes
- Tilt Drag: Fluid cartridge with fixed drag
- Upper Disc Diameter: 40 mm
Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Tripod — Initial Setup
Weighing in under 4 lbs, it is certainly suitable for travel and extremely compact. Silver tabs easily slide down to allow movement of the legs through three locking angle positions. I opted for the lever-lock instead of twist-locks because I find them more dependable and simpler to use (my other tripods are twist-lock). But note that this option does add a fraction of weight to the tripod. This series also offers the twist-lock option.
Setting up the tripod stages is as easy as it gets. With the center column extended, the height can reach 59.5”. This is a great height achievement for the 15.75” folded length, as some other tripods in my toolkit can go taller but are 4” longer when folded. So, this size provides optimal mobility.
A 3/8” 16 EasyLink accessory mount is provide by the leg attacments.
Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Tripod — Build quality
I opted for the aluminum build because I wanted to see the difference in sturdiness vs my carbon fiber tripods. The aluminum version is really only about a half pound heavier than the carbon fiber tripod, but if you are doing grueling day hikes with a huge pack where every ounce matters, Manfrotto does offer carbon fiber versions.
The knock on aluminum tripods is usually that they aren’t as stiff as carbon fiber tripods. While that is largely true, aluminum tripods tend to offer more stability. In the case of this travel tripod vs others I own, I find these qualities to be a tradeoff. This tripod is definitely well-constructed and durable. It has a hook to add a weight if you are in more extreme situations. The center column is quite sturdy even when extended, and the tripod supports up to 8.8lb.
And, you are saving a significant percentage of money by going with aluminum. This can help those on a budget or just starting out (and starting out with a Manfrotto tripod is really great). For most use cases, especially indoor use, the benefits of carbon fiber may not be as noticeable or useful – but cost savings is always noticeable! Just know that with Manfrotto, you can get the options that appeal to you.
The center column is quite sturdy even when extended. This tripod supports up to 8.8lb.
Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Tripod — Fluid head
The most important part of any tripod is being able to move your camera fluidly like the professional you are. In this case, the fluid head is outstanding. It’s a super smooth fluid drag system, and even though this is a quality Manfrotto product, I wasn’t sure it would be so good given the price point. You will definitely obtain smooth movement in your video.
You have 360-degrees of pan movement, -90/+65-degree tilt adjustment, and separate pan and tilt locks. The tripod comes with the Manfrotto 50PL quick release plate.
