Manfrotto has just revealed its ultimate travel tripod: the Befree GT XPRO. In your choice of carbon fiber or aluminum variants, this compact kit offers advanced shooters the ability to work with extreme angles through the addition of a 90º center-column system. Even with this added function, the Befree GT XPRO offers the same lightweight construction and versatile design as the other tripods in the line, and is an outstanding pick for all types of photographers.
Starting with the new 90º center column system, the Befree GT XPRO makes it easy to offset the camera from the legs, shoot at ground level, or create an overhead shot. The system is completely tool-free, too. This setup makes it a great traveler’s tripod because there are no small tools or parts to worry about if you decide you want to use it. It also comes with the 496 Ball Head, which can hold up to 22 lb of gear and has independent panoramic and friction knobs for precise control. The tripod collapses to less than 17" for ultimate portability, weighs 4.4 lb in aluminum, and just 3.9 lb in carbon fiber. Additionally, it has fast M-Lock twist locks for the legs and simple side-pull selectors for adjusting the leg angle. Altogether, this makes the Befree GT XPRO one of the most feature rich travel-ready tripods on the market.
Joining the Befree GT XPRO in today’s announcement is a small but exciting piece of equipment. The MSQ6T Top Lock Travel Quick Release Adapter is being made available for Befree Tripod Kits, as well as the 492, 496, and 498 Ball Heads. It allows you to use practically any Arca-type compatible plate or bracket on your Manfrotto tripod. It’s extremely compact, making it a great match for the Befree line, and has a two-axis bubble level for quickly lining up your shot. If you want to make your system completely Arca-type compatible, this is the best way to do it.
Is the 90º center column an exciting addition for your work? It’s great to have the option in a travel-friendly package. Leave a comment with your thoughts below!
