Given the name of my blog, it should come as no surprise that I often use a tripod for my photography. In fact, unless you shoot hand-held 100% of the time, I think a good tripod is an essential tool for almost every photographer.
Over the years, I have bought and used a number of tripods and currently own several. I have travelled all over the world with a tripod in my camera bag and have a pretty good idea of what makes a good one.
A few months ago I was asked by Manfrotto to review one of their tripods – the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO Carbon. I’d like to make it clear that they sent me the tripod free of charge, however the views in this review are entirely mine. They haven’t had any input into what I’ve written and I’ve received no payment to write this review.
Rather than doing a quick unboxing and giving my initial thoughts, I’ve spent a few months using it. I wanted to base this review on actual real-world usage rather than just a brief look. Read on to find out what I think of this travel tripod.
Contents
Tripod specifications
First of all, let’s get the specs out the way.
- Model number: MKBFRC4GTXP-BH
- Material: Carbon fibre
- Weight: 1.76 kg
- Max height: 162 cm (centre column extended), 141 cm (centre column retracted)
- Min height: 9 cm
- Closed length: 43 cm
- Max load capacity: 12 kg
- Number of leg sections: 4
- Leg angles: 22°, 54°, 89°
- Legs tube diameter: 14.7, 18.2, 21.7, 25.3 mm
- Head mount thread size: 3/8″ screw
Manfrotto Befree tripod range
Manfrotto are an Italian brand of camera equipment and one of the best known tripod manufacturers. They have a well-deserved reputation for making good quality tripods and offer a wide variety of different models.
The Manfrotto Beefree range are designed to be travel tripods, so focus on light weight and compact size. There are several different models and each one is available in either aluminium or carbon fibre. The aluminium models are slightly heavier but also cheaper, so you can decide whether price or weight is a priority.
The legs on all models have a locking system that allows you to set each of the legs at 3 different angles.
The range consists of the following models:
Manfrotto Befree Advanced
The Befree Advanced is the smallest and lightest of the Manfrotto Befree range. It’s a typical centre column design meaning once you extend the legs, you can also raise the centre column to gain some additional height if needed. The legs fold back over the head for transport making it very compact.
This model is available with either a twist or the more traditional lever lock system for extending the legs. It is available in three versions which offer different options for securing your camera to the tripod. The standard version features the Manfrotto RC2 adapter, the AS version has an Arca Swiss compatible bracket and there’s a version with a Sony Alpha quick release system.
The carbon versions of this tripod weigh in a featherweight 1.25 kg which is very light indeed. The aluminium versions tip the scales at a slightly heavier 1.49 kg for the twist lock model, or 1.59 kg if you prefer the lever-lock system.
All models have a maximum height of around 150 cm with the column extended, or around 127 cm with it in the lowered position. The minimum height is around 40 cm, which is also the same as the closed length. This makes it very compact and easy to pack in a relatively small bag for travelling.
Despite the light weight, these all have a capacity of 9 kg. This should be enough to handle all but the heaviest mirrorless camera and lens combinations.
Prices range from £169 for the aluminium range up to around £250 for the carbon versions.
Manfrotto Befree GT PRO
The GP PRO range is similar in design to the Advanced, but is taller and sturdier. Like it’s smaller relative, it is also available in both aluminium or carbon.
There is less choice however when it comes to the leg lock system and head options. The GT PRO is only available with the twist lock system which I personally prefer. There is only one choice of ball head too, which uses the Manfrotto RC2 plate. This is also compatible with Arca-type heads, although Arca plates won’t fit in this head. I don’t think this is the best head that Manfrotto offer though, but will cover this in more detail further down the review.
The legs are made of slightly thicker tubes which gives this range a maximum capacity of 12 kg – a useful 3 kg increase over the Advanced range.
Maximum height is also increased to around 164 cm with the centre column raised and 140 cm with it down. The minimum height is also slightly increased to 43 cm, as is the closed length.
This sturdier build and increase in height unsurprisingly comes with a slight weight penalty. The aluminium model weighs in at 1.85 kg although the carbon version is an impressively light 1.55 kg.
Prices range from £179 for the aluminium model to £329 for the carbon version.
Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO
This is the model I was sent and at first glance the GT XPRO tripod looks almost identical to the GT PRO. However the X in its name indicates there is something different about it. Despite the similar looks, this tripod has a hidden trick up its sleeve. With the push of a button, the centre column rotates 90 degrees enabling you to shoot directly overhead or at ground level.
Like the other models in the Befree range, the GT XPRO is available in both aluminium and carbon. The metal version weighs in at 2 kg, with the lighter carbon tipping the scales at 1.76 kg.
As with the GT PRO range, it is only available with the twist-lock system and the same PRO 496 ball head.
It’s dimensions are very similar to the GT Pro range, with a maximum height of around 162 cm and closed length of 43 cm. The maximum payload is also the same at 12 kg, which is enough for even the chunkiest mirrorless or DSLR camera and lens combos.
One unique difference however is the minimum height – the rotating column means this tripod can get down to an impressively low 9 cm from the ground.
The aluminium model costs £249 and the carbon fibre model I reviewed costs £329.
Initial thoughts
When the tripod was delivered, I was surprised at how small and light the package was. Once unboxed, first impressions were that it was nicely presented and a good quality product. It was also obvious that this was a compact and lightweight tripod.
It comes supplied in a convenient soft carrying bag, which also features a shoulder strap.
The tripod is stored in its travel configuration, which has the legs rotated up and alongside the centre column. This is the most compact way to store or transport your tripod. To use it, you need to pull the legs down and lock them into position which is quick and simple to do.
Everything had a nice feel of quality to it, despite the light weight. It didn’t have the hewn from rock feel of my usual Gitzo tripod, however it also didn’t have the much heftier price tag and weight.
The only aspect that lets it down slightly in my opinion is the head as it’s fitted with a Manfrotto RC2 plate. At first I mistakenly thought it was Arca-Swiss compatible, however soon discovered it is not when my L-bracket wouldn’t fit.
It turns out that the Arca compatibility only works one way. The RC2 plate will fit in a normal Arca head, however an Arca plate does not fit in this Manfrotto 496 head.
Using the GT XPRO
Having used this tripod for a few months now, I’ve had a decent amount of time to get a feel for how good it is. One of its key advantages is that it is lightweight but still solid enough to support my Canon R5 plus a large zoom lens. I can carry it around all day and not really notice it’s attached to my camera backpack, which definitely isn’t the case for my larger tripods!
It’s not the lightest tripod in the world, but I have used smaller/lighter tripods in the past and they’re just not sturdy enough to cope with a camera like my Canon R5 plus a chunky lens. This one is about as light as I’d be happy going and still be confident it will support my camera.
It has a good range of adjustment, with the adjustable legs having 3 different positions. Like most tripods, they all adjust independently of each other.
The other thing I really like is the ability to flick the centre column over by 90°. This is quite an unusual feature to find on a tripod and enables you to get shots that would otherwise be difficult or even impossible to get using a more traditional tripod.
Design and build quality
Manfrotto have a reputation for producing good quality tripods and this GT XPRO certainly lives up to it. Despite its light weight, it feels solid and well made with high quality materials.
From the moment you pick it up the quality is obvious. When you swing the legs down into position, the legs lock into place with a satisfying click and everything feels taut yet smooth.
One thing I did like was that you can carry it by one leg and not have it swing open as you walk along.
I’ve used lightweight tripods previously that feel rather flimsy and unstable when extended, however that isn’t the case with this one. There is some slight flex in the legs when extended but that’s to be expected with a lightweight tripod such as this.
Because the tripod is relatively light compared to my camera, I always felt I needed to be quite careful when placing it, although I never had any issues with instability. It wouldn’t be my first choice for using in strong winds for example, but that’s not really what this tripod is for.
Twist lock legs
There are two camps of tripod users. Those who prefer lever-lock legs and those who prefer twist-locks. I’m in the latter group so this tripod ticks that box for me. If you haven’t used twist-lock legs before then I really do recommend giving them a go. I find them quick and easy to operate, secure and less prone to snagging on things.
Each of the twist locks have a textured rubber finish which is easy to grip. Simply twist half a turn to loosen the leg, then tighten up by twisting it back 180 degrees.
The locks on this tripod are as good as I’ve used on my other tripods and work very well. When the legs are closed you can grip all 3 locks with one hand and loosen them all with one twist, making it very easy to extend all leg sections quickly.
Once you’re used to using them, they are very quick and also easy to use when wearing gloves.
One slight downside of this tripod is that the clips at the top of each leg to unlock them are only located on one side of the leg. This is fine if you’re right-handed as they are easy to slide with a thumb, however if you use your left hand then they’re a bit more awkward to reach.
One feature that this tripod lacks however is removable feet. Some tripods give you the ability to remove the feet and attach spikes, however that isn’t possible with this tripod. Spikes are handy if you’re using the tripod on soft ground or sand and need extra purchase.
Tripod head
As I’ve already mentioned, I’m not a huge fan of the head supplied as standard with this tripod. I like to use L-brackets on my cameras to make it easy to switch between landscape and portrait positions, but this isn’t possible with this head. However, if you don’t use L-brackets or have a collection of Arca-Swiss plates then this won’t be an issue.
I also found it quite fiddly to use the RC2 plate. This has to fit exactly in the mounting bracket on the head, then using one hand you have to push down a plastic tab while flicking the lock lever into position.
It’s not as intuitive as a simple screw lock or even other types of lever lock and I always had to double-check my camera was secure before letting go.
This isn’t the end of the world though, as if you don’t get along with the supplied head it’s simple to replace it with another. It’s not ideal though as this does make it more expensive overall, but it may be worth it for you.
Once the camera was attached, the head worked well and handled my R5 plus 100-400 telephoto lens without any issues. It also supported my camera and 24-105 lens in various positions without slipping.
The locking knob is smooth and has an adjustment dial which sets how floppy the head is when it’s unlocked. I like to have some tension on the head to give a bit of control when I loosen it and make it easier to make small adjustments.
Centre column
At first glance, the centre column on this tripod looks like any other extending tripod. However by loosening a clamp and pressing a button at the base, it quickly and easily rotates 90 degrees.
I’m usually not a fan of centre columns and prefer to use a tripod with sufficient height that it isn’t needed. With a centre column extended, tripods are never quite as rigid as a tripod without a column. However like most things in life it all comes down to compromises.
Most travel tripods have a centre column as it allows the tripod to be compact when stored but still have a decent height.
With the legs and centre column fully extended, this tripod is tall enough to bring my camera to just above eye level. As a guide I’m 5ft 9″.
The ability to rotate the column by 90 degrees makes it ideal if you want to take macro photos pointing vertically down, or at low level.
It’s also useful for getting your camera into positions where a normal tripod wouldn’t be able to, for example over the side of railings.
You have to be a bit careful when using a heavy camera+lens combination with the centre column fully extended. It can cause the tripod to be unstable and tip over, however you can secure it with a handy clip at the top of the tripod, or by resting something heaving on one of the legs.
Extra features
Another feature that might be useful to some is a 3/8″ accessory mount screw thread the top of the leg section. This is handy for fitting an additional clamp, for example if you want to attach an additional small camera or field monitor.
Conclusion
Overall, the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO tripod is a nice bit of kit. It’s ideal if you want a good quality, lightweight and portable travel tripod from a well-known manufacturer.
There is always a compromise with either cost, quality or weight when it comes to tripods. You want cheap and light? Well, it’s not going to be great quality. You want cheap and good quality? You’ll pay the price when you carry it around with you all day.
The Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO is a light, compact and sturdy tripod so unsurprisingly it isn’t particularly cheap. However in my view buying a cheap tripod is a false economy. There’s no point in saving money if your photos are blurry, or you leave the tripod at home because it’s too heavy.
This particular tripod also has the added bonus of the 90 degree centre column which I found to be really useful.
The only real downside is the mounting plate, however if this is an issue you can easily replace the head.
Have you used this tripod? Let me know what you think of it in the comments below.
Where to buy the Manfrotto Befree GT XPRO
If you’re interested in buying this tripod then it’s available to buy at various stores including Amazon and Wex Photo Video.
Please note that these are affiliate links so if you do make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
