Italian tripod manufacturer Manfrotto has released three new travel-friendly models as part of its latest Befree Advance line. The new tripods are the Befree Advanced Carbon, Befree Live Carbon, and the Befree GT.
Starting at the top, the Befree Advanced Carbon find a nice balance in terms of functionality and price point. As its name suggests, the Befree Advanced Carbon comes with a new set of carbon fiber legs. It also features Manfrotto`s new Advanced 494 aluminum center ball head, which Manfrotto claims offers a more fluid, precise experience in a lightweight package. The Befree Advanced Carbon retails for $320 and weighs just 1.25kg/2.76lbs, making it a great choice for times when you want to pack light.
Next up is the Befree GT. Like its Advanced Carbon counterpart, the Befree GT comes with a new Advanced 496 aluminium center ball head attached to its frame. Unlike the other two tripods in this release, the Befree GT is available in both aluminum and carbon for $240 and $390, respectively. The Befree GT can support up to 10kg/22 lb of equipment, yet still manages to pack down to just 43cm/16.93in when collapsed.
Both the Befree Advanced Carbon and Befree GT feature Manfrotto`s signature M-lock design, making it easy to extend and lock the legs in place with a twist rather than a clip or lever. They also feature Manfrotto`s more ergonomic leg-angle adjuster and an updated spider (the center piece of the tripod that holds the legs together) that includes Manfrotto`s Easy Link connection for attaching additional accessories to your tripod-something previously reserved for larger, less compact tripods.
Wrapping up the tripod trifecta is the Befree Live Carbon. This tripod is less about stills and more about video-it features Manfrotto`s Befree Live Fluid Head for smooth pans and tilts, with an on/off switch so you can pan and tilt independently without. It features the same carbon legs as the Befree A ...
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