Tripods Manfrotto Befree or similar

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I'm just getting back into photography after a few years away and .I've been trying some landscape stuff with a cheapo basic tripod .
Unfortunately it's getting a bit wobbly, weighs a ton and is awkward to adjust so I'm looking for advice on what to buy.

I'm considering one of the compact travel type tripods such as the Manfrotto Befree as I take my camera gear on the bike
frequently so something that packs up small would be handy.

Has anyone tried the Befree or has anyone got a similar tripod they would recommend?
 
I'll second that. The Mefoto Backpacker is a good tripod at a very good price. I looked at it but eventually bought the Roadtrip as it's a bit sturdier, a little taller, is rated at about 18lbs (as opposed to the Backpackers 8lbs) and only weighs about a pound more. Defo worth a look.
 
I have a lightly used BeFree available if you'd like to put a request in the Wanted section. It's not at all a bad tripod; I just wanted to switch to Arca-type plates and the BeFree won't fold properly with any other head.
 
I've got a befree, bought it for travelling so it would go easily into a small suitcase for going on planes. Couldn't afford the carbon, so bought the other and got it at a time they were reduced - £85 :D
Great tripod provided you remember it's limitations. As it's small, it's got 4 section legs but they are thin. Reasonably sturdy but nothing like a heavy tripod, I've not used it in really windy weather yet. Works well with a Canon 5D mk3 and 70-200 f2.8 IS or 100-400, although usually it's got my 24-105 or 14mm on. So far it's been all over the place with me.
Comes with it's own carry case

I find it works really well and a great addition to my other two tripods. I have a redsnapper carbon with a manfrotto head which was my goto for travelling in the UK and I still tend to use it a lot. I've had this 5-6 years and it's light and easy to carry but too long for a suitcase, hence the befree.
We also have a manfrotto 055, good for video work or if it's night time shots not far from the car. To heavy to carry far but rock solid.
 
I recently bought a Befree.

I can't compare it to other compacts but I can say it's one of the best purchases I ever made. - simply because I actually carry it with me.

Yes, it has limitations, but the biggest limitation of my Redsnapper is I leave it at home.

I've used it with a Bronica SQ with no problem so it should be good with most DSLR setups.
 
I too have been looking at something smaller to pack onto my backpack.... After reading this I'm torn between the MePhoto & the BeFree. One is lighter (slightly) and the BeFree is longer (slightly) but I use manfrotto heads.... Can't make me mind up
 
Thanks for all your replies!

I'm edging towards the Mephoto Roadtrip! I like the fact that it can be turned into a monopod as I'm hoping to get
back into some sports photography as well so having something that could be used as a monopod would be handy.
 
I've got the Mefoto Globetrotter, it's that good I even take it outside with me :)
 
Same idea for me, I wanted something to come on bike trips with me. Had ride up to Currys last night, picked up a Manfrotto compact action tripod, really impressed, absolute bargain for £50 inc. nice padded bag. Its the one with the hand grip and rubber wheel for tightening ballhead. Took it out last night to give it a trial run (great sunset) and love it already, easily holds my very heavy Nikon. Great excuse to organise more bike trips.
 
Thanks for the replies!

When I stupidly sold most of my gear a while back there was an expensive tripod that had probably
left my house three times. At least one of those times it was left in the van because I couldn't
be bothered to carry it the final 1/2 mile from the car park and found a convenient wall to use instead!
This time I'm determined to get something easy to carry on the bike or for walking around!

I've noticed a few of the compact tripods like the Manfrotto Compact and the Velban Ultrek have
weight limits of 1.5kg - 2kg and I've been avoiding them because I was worried I might be pushing
my luck with camera, grip and lens! It's good to know others are using them for DSLRs and they
can cope with the weight.

Might take a trip up to Currys and have a look tomorrow!
 
As a very lightweight and compact option the SIRUI T-025X is worth a look.. I use one for holidays when my normal tripod just isn't practical, supports 6kg and my D800 sits on there easily.. don't get me wrong I certainly wouldn't use it as a full time landscape tripod but if it's lightweight/compact and occasional use it takes some beating.. build quality is top notch too

Simon
 
Either I'm missing something but Amazon never seems to list the weight of the tripod... Which is the most crucial thing to me
 
Speedy136 said:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010DEHKXW?psc=1 Been looking at this one. Anyone had any experience with this or other models by the same manufacturer?
Click to expand...

Yep, I have one of those. Mine has a different manufacturer name but looks identical. I think that design is marketed under a few different names.

It's pretty good. Sturdy, tiny, quite light. The head is surprisingly robust though I had to add a bit of electricians tape to get it to work with Arca plates. There are a few tell tales that identify it as a cheap product but it's pretty good VFM and I find it great for occasional use.
 
Glyn Carnell said:
Either I'm missing something but Amazon never seems to list the weight of the tripod... Which is the most crucial thing to me
Click to expand...

I'm afraid you're missing something! :p

Both the links above have weights on. They do take a bit of finding though.

The Zomei one is 1.25kg

The Vanguard is 2kg.
 
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