Manfrotto Befree Live, Travel Video Tripod with Video Camera Head and Lever Closure, Aluminium Kit for DSLR, Mirrorless, Reflex and Videocameras, Photo and Video Accessories

After struggling with cheap tripods for years, I thought it was time to invest in a decent tripod that I could travel with and also switch between a spotting scope and DSLR camera with a telephoto lens. This came up on Prime Day and has worked perfectly for both!Although this isn’t the lightest tripod, it does fold down very small and the legs flip up. The legs also don’t lock out, they can be pushed in and out with a little force and moved quickly which is nice with a scope. They also work flat for getting pretty low down.The leg extensions are robust and the clips are easy to use, plus an Alan key is included to tighten them over time.For video it’s excellent as a budget friendly tripod, it’s probably one of the best value for money options, giving smooth pan and tilt control which can be adjusted separately. It’s way better than any cheap aluminium tripod and not too far behind the monster expensive ones!My only issues with it is that it’s uncomfortable to carry over a shoulder with a heavy camera or scope on it and the dials to control the pan and tilt are quite small.I have a 150-600mm telephoto lens and it is probably a little heavier than I should be, but it works and provides stable shots. The scope which is an 80mm 60x zoom is also on the weight limit but it works very well.

I use the three way tripod head attached to my tripod when using my spotting scope. It allows quick resetting for fast moving targets and provides very stable images. Well made and substantial it is an excellent and well used addition to my kit

This model is lightweight, and well made, but is not sturdy when it comes to vibration and focusing on very distant objects. Buy a heavier sturdier model if you want more solid construction. If you are walking long distances and accept the outcome of lightweight construction, this is an excellent tripod.

I spent a couple of weeks searching for a travel tripod and after going through hundreds of reviews and video reviews, I decided to purchase this Manfrotto tripod.Pros :- extremely well built- very flexible as shown in the pictures-adjustable height- comes with its own carry bag- fitted in my travel backpack without any issues- it measures less than 40cm when folded therefore it’s the perfect travel tripod and should easily fit in any carry on bag.-it’s lightweight-sturdyCons- none to be honest. I would rate panning 08/10, this is expected as the tripod is lightweight However, Panning can be improved with practice.Tips.- this is a lightweight tripod therefore it would potentially struggle in windy conditions but I haven’t had any issues with mine because I attach a heavy camera , monitor , two power banks and a phone on my tripod. Attaching heavy camera gears is crucially important if you want this tripod to remain sturdy throughout the day/night.

This is my second BeFree tripod, the first is the carbon fibre version. I need light weight gear as most video shoots are accessed via public transport. This tripod fits the bill. Build quality is good and I prefer the twist lock to lever system as seems less likely to break.Have used indoors and outdoors and sturdy enough but watch out for people bumbling around on set or extreme wind as it can be knocked over. I only use quite light weight camera / lens / mic / light combinations , always under 4KG. Don't overload it.Easily managed to carry two of these and two camera bags to a location shoot.To sum up, good quality, very portable, easy set up however being light it is more likely to be knocked over, that's the trade off and you may prefer a heavier larger tripod for more demanding situations and heavier gear.

This has performed well for me, and seems robust, high quality and well made.

Excellent build quality. Fits easily into hand luggage. Smooth head suitable for scopes up to 65mm. Very good value.

Had this for one day and returned, cheaply made, not at all steady on full extension, really fiddly with the twist extensions, the head was jerky and not in the slightest smooth, had a feeling of something a child would use. Really and truly disappointed with this item, exceptionally poor value for money , back to the 055 for me.On the upside it was compact and came with a nice case and Amazon refunded instantlyWouldn’t recommend this to anyone