Manfrotto releases the BeFree Advanced Travel Tripod

Richard CR

Canon Rumors Premium

Dec 27, 2017

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3,309

Canada

www.canonnews.com

Aug 23, 2024

#1

• Aug 23, 2024

• #1

One of the many conversations that Craig and I have had was about tripods. As it turns out, I liked the leaver leg locks, and Craig liked the twist locks. So I thought it was rather amusing that Manfrotto released the Advanced travel tripod that offers your choice of leg locks.

Manfrotto releases the BeFree Advanced Travel Tripod

One of the many conversations that Craig and I have had was about tripods. As it turns out, I liked the leaver leg locks, and Craig liked the twist locks. So I thought it was rather amusing that…

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Last edited: Aug 23, 2024

neuroanatomist

Canon Rumors Premium

Jul 21, 2010

33,046

15,376

Aug 23, 2024

#2

• Aug 23, 2024

• #2

I started with Manfrotto lever locks, then graduated to RRS twist locks. I prefer twist, for four reasons.

• Faster to open – I was never able to open all the lever locks on one leg simultaneously, but that's easy to do with twist locks.
• Easier to clean – My RRS twist locks can be disassembled and cleaned in the field, without tools. Couldn't do that with the Manfrotto levers, but perhaps there are designs where that's possible
• Can be 'slightly' unlocked – lever locks are binary, open or locked; twist locks can be loosened slightly and the load on the head allows the leg to collapse slowly and gently, almost like the air cushion on a light stand (I use Manfrotto for those, but they're twist locks albeit with a knob not a collar); that difference tends to be more useful with my monopod than with my tripod, but I still do use it to help level my travel tripod
• No pinching – pretty self explanatory

 

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B

bbasiaga

Canon Shooter

Nov 14, 2011

793

1,094

USA

Aug 23, 2024

#3

• Aug 23, 2024

• #3

Lever locks for life!

 

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Reactions: 1 user

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L

LDS

Sep 14, 2012

1,815

341

Aug 24, 2024

#4

• Aug 24, 2024

• #4

I have tripods with both systems and I have no real preference. Adding some thoughts to those said above:

• It's easier to see what is locked and what is not with levers locks.
• Twist locks don't get stuck in some backpacks tripod pockets as levers ones.

Does anyone know a good geared head that can fit well the Beefrees (40-44mm base plate diameter)? I have a GT Pro, and while the ball head is mostly adequate, I'd like something more precise, and I don't know it the Befree 3-Way Live is good enough - using it especially with T/S lenses.

 

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H

HeavyPiper

EOS R5

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Jul 31, 2018

148

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Oregon

Aug 24, 2024

#5

• Aug 24, 2024

• #5

I'm voting for twist locks.

 

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shadowsports

R5 C - RF Trinity

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Jan 15, 2023

235

181

Bay Area, CA

Sep 1, 2024

#6

• Sep 1, 2024

• #6

I just want to thank @Richard CR again. He posted a hot deal in July. I got a Befree Carbon for a steal. I just took it to Europe for 14 days. I really enjoyed using it.

 

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