Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Twist review

The Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Twist (model MKBFRTC4-BHUS) is the best-documented travel kit from a long-established tripod maker. Manfrotto lists a weight of 1.25 kg (2.76 lb), a closed length of 41 cm (16.14 in) and a maximum height of 150 cm (59.06 in), or 127 cm with the center column down. Its ball head carries a safety payload of 9 kg (19.84 lb) measured under the UNI/PdR 105:2021 standard, which is a more conservative way of stating capacity than most rivals use. The magnesium spider has an Easy Link socket for an arm, light or reflector, the M-lock twist locks have no protruding parts, and the 494 center ball head has separate controls for the sphere lock, friction and panning. Warranty is the other draw: six months as standard, extended to up to ten years from purchase if you register online. Manfrotto's US page sends buyers to retailers rather than selling direct, so the price is pending. We compared documented features and published prices and did not test the tripod.

Who it is for

photographers who want a long warranty

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Weighs 1.25 kg (2.76 lb) and closes to 41 cm (16.14 in)
• Maximum height 150 cm (59.06 in), 127 cm (50 in) with the column down
• Ball head safety payload of 9 kg (19.84 lb) under UNI/PdR 105:2021
• Easy Link connector on the magnesium spider for lights or reflectors
• 494 center ball head with separate sphere lock, friction and pan controls

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Warranty extends to up to ten years from purchase with free online registration
• Strength: Three leg angles of 22°, 54° and 89°
• Strength: Carrying bag included
• Weakness: Standard warranty is only six months unless you register
• Weakness: Minimum height of 41 cm (16.14 in) limits ground-level work
• Weakness: Manfrotto's US page points to retailers, and we could not confirm a USD price

Key facts

• Model: MKBFRTC4-BHUS
• Weight: 1.25 kg (2.76 lb)
• Closed length: 41 cm (16.14 in)
• Max height: 150 cm (59.06 in)
• Safety payload: 9 kg (19.84 lb)

Where it ranks

Manfrotto Befree Advanced Carbon Twist is No. 3 in our Best Travel Tripods verdict.