What does it mean to “be free”?

To many, it’s means to be free from constraints. Freedom.

And with a name like “Befree” , the latest Manfrotto tripod seems to be designed to give one just that.

With sexy carbon fiber weave running the length of it’s 3 sexy legs that seem to go on forever (ahem), it weighs in at a unheard of 1.1kg, extending to a respectable 144cm. And more to that, it’s unique folding mechanism allows it to be a compact 40cm in height when folded (a buddy remarked that the padded sling case it comes packed in looks like a sneaker bag)

With it’s sporty stripes,the Italian outfit’s designers also seemed to have somehow made a utilitarian item like a tripod look like the love child of a Ferrari and a road bike.

So we looked to test this and more in the video review of the tripod. Bringing it out to a nice secluded location one dark and humid night in Singapore, for a spot of long exposure night photography (I must apologize for how disheveled I look. It was a longer trek in to the location than we had bargained for).

Fortunately,even with all the equipment we brought along with us, the Manfrotto BeFree tripod didn’t add to that. In fact at times, it was so light we forgot that it was even there. Check out our review video below:

In conclusion, I will say this, if you want to get the job done, you have to use the right tools. One item rarely fits all purposes.Our slight niggle is actually about it’s main selling point. It’s weight. Or the lack of it. A simple weight hook would have been a easy remedy to reduce vibrations. Not a deal breaker, but a nice extra.

So if your purpose is to have a reliable, compact and lightweight tripod to capture your moments in the great outdoors, there is no better choice than this.

The Manfrotto Befree tripod comes in either Aluminium (20% heavier) or Carbon Fibre and are available at all Cathay Photo Outlets

About The Guest Blogger

A sweaty Paul can be found on dark and humid nights at Choa Chu Kang next to the Christian cemetery. He also does corporate event videos and photos. Portfolio: www.201pdtn.com