Manfrotto Befree travel tripod doesn’t break the bank or your back
posted Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 3:43 AM EDT
Tired of lugging your big, bulky tripod everywhere you go, just in case a photo opportunity presents itself that demands a shutter speed beyond the realm of the hand-holdable? Monopod just doesn't provide the stability you need? Perhaps it's time for a new travel tripod: Italian camera support specialist Manfrotto just launched its latest go-anywhere design, the Manfrotto Befree.
Pairing handsome Italian styling and the company's signature red-on-black trim, the Manfrotto Befree features lightweight aluminum construction, including an aluminum ball head. The result is a three-pound tripod that weighs just 3.1 pounds, yet should happily bear an 8.8 pound payload, easily enough for the typical consumer or enthusiast SLR, travel zoom lens, and accessories.
The Befree's tripod spider offers a choice of two leg angles, and its four-segment legs can also fold upwards to surround the head and release plate for minimum size. When folded, the Befree is just 15.7 inches in length, but it extends to a full 56.7 inches with the center column raised.
A shoulder bag with rubberized carrying strap is included in the product bundle, making sure the Manfrotto Befree accompanies you on your day's shooting. Pricing is set at around US$200, and the Manfrotto Befree is available immediately.
To promote its new creation, Manfrotto teamed up with Utah-based advertising and commercial photographer Adam Barker, who took the Befree on an eight-day road trip across California. As well as the resulting promotional video above and an 11-page PDF photo booklet detailing some of his favorite shots from the trip, Barker also offers up some photo tips in the video below.
More details on the Befree tripod can be found on Manfrotto's website.
(via PMA Newsline)