Manfrotto adds three new travel tripods to its range

Manfrotto's extended its range of entry-level Befree tripods with three new models.

The highlight of the announcements is the Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber. This 4-section tripod features Manfrotto's M-lock twist locks that promise to make setting up and collapsing your tripod quick and easy, while no protruding parts means the tripod can neatly pack away.

The Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber comes complete with a 494 aluminium center ball head (MH494-BH) and can support kit weighing up to 8kg / 17.6lb, while the tripod itself weighs in at a very respectable 1.25kg / 44oz.

Next up is the Befree GT model. This 4-section tripod might not have a carbon fiber construction, but this aluminium model does fold down to a very compact 43cm / 17in and can support a pretty hefty camera set-up of up to 10kg / 22lb.

This is thanks in part to the slightly larger 496 aluminium center ball head (MH496-BH), though the payoff is a slightly heavier tripod compared to the Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber at 1.8kg / 65oz.

Travel tripods for videographers

Manfrotto hasn't forgotten about videographers who like to travel either, with the launch of the Befree Live Carbon Fiber.

Like the Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber, it features the same 4-section tripod design with Manfrotto's M-Lock locking system, but the Live model gains a leveling column and a fluid head (MVH400AH). It promises to be easy to use and set up, with the head featuring two on/off knobs that lock and unlock the head’s pan and tilt movements separately.

The Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber weighs in at 1.38kg / 48.6oz and can support a weight of 3.99kg / 8.8lb.

Available later this month, the Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber will be priced at $349.99, while the Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber will be priced at $319.99 and the Befree GT $239.99. UK and Australian pricing to be confirmed.