Manfrotto releases the BeFree Advanced Travel Tripod

[Richard CR]

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 - Canon Rumors

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works. 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...

www.canonrumors.com

 

[Loswr]

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

 

[bbasiaga]

Lever locks for life!

 

[LDS]

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.

 

[HeavyPiper]

I'm voting for twist locks.

 

[shadowsports]

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.