Manfrotto BeFree GT Pro Review

The Manfrotto BeFree GT is one of a new range of Manfrotto BeFree tripods. This range has been a market leader in the travel and everyday tripod arena, and it’s easy to see why: the compact design of the tripod fits snugly into the carry bag that comes with every model. This bag isn’t a cheap freebie either; it’s a proper high-quality tripod carry case and continues to be one of the major features of the series, something that all other manufacturers have followed.

The tripod itself aims to keep things simple, so there are no complex centre column mechanisms or unnecessary features. This is a tripod to choose if you just want a high-quality, solid support for travel or everyday use.

This particular model sits in the mid-range, so while it has the carbon legs and usual solid build, there are a few areas where savings have been made, such as the feet and securing plug at the base of the centre column. However, there are also features that stand out and, while they keep the tripod simple, add significant versatility to its use.

Features like the accessory port on the side of the crown enable monitors, lights, and other devices to be attached with a friction arm. Then there are the sleek leg twist locks and angle adjusters, all robust and of high quality.

This model is a solid option for everyday and travel use, with build quality and a design that keeps things simple yet offers enough flexibility to expand its use for macro and video work if needed.

The Manfrotto BeFree GT sits in the mid-range of the BeFree line-up and is a solid choice that balances features and quality. In this review, I’ve examined the carbon fibre version of the tripod, though there is also a cheaper aluminium version that features the same main attributes, with the only real difference being the aluminium legs instead of the carbon fibre in this model.

As with all BeFree tripods, the base design includes the “up and over” legs, which fold down around the centre column. This allows the tripod to pack down compactly, fitting into the carry bag with ease. While this review focuses on the legs only, the tripod is also available in a kit with a ball head.

Starting from the top down, once the legs are unfolded, the twist locks can be used to extend each section. The carbon construction of the legs feels solid, even as the leg section diameters taper down to just 11.2 mm. At this diameter, you might expect the lower sections to feel somewhat flimsy, but here the high-quality carbon fibre weave provides impressive rigidity.

At the top of each leg are angle adjusters, which are spring-loaded—a nice touch that works well. With a slight push toward the centre of the leg, the release can be pulled down, allowing the leg to be repositioned before the lock springs back into place.

As you unfold the tripod from its packed position, the centre column is fully extended. To adjust the height, you need to use the centre column twist lock. As with previous BeFree tripods, this remains a weaker part of the design; while it’s adequately sturdy, it doesn’t allow the centre column to move smoothly. Even when fully loosened, there’s considerable friction when trying to raise or lower the column.

On the crown, there’s the Easy Link accessories port with a 3/8-inch thread, allowing friction arms to be easily attached. This feature, added to the range some time ago, significantly enhances the tripod’s versatility and expands its range of uses.

Another design aspect to note is the feet. Unlike more expensive models, these are simply push-fit, which makes them easy to replace if needed but lacks the screw-thread type found on higher-end models. Similarly, at the base of the centre column, there’s a push-fit plug rather than a bag hook. This does make it easy to reverse the centre column, but it lacks the refined design seen in many other tripods.

The BeFree series has been designed with travel in mind, but unlike travel tripods before it, Manfrotto’s experience with market-leading design and innovation has produced a tripod that is lightweight, robust, and reaches a decent height—all at a price that appeals to a wide audience. This latest model, the BeFree GT, builds on that heritage, offering a travel tripod that provides lightweight support wherever you are. Its design also makes it an ideal day-to-day tripod, with added features that make it stand out.

First is the now-iconic design, with legs that fold around the centre column, allowing the tripod to pack down compactly. Although the tripod comes with its own travel bag, its compact size means it will easily fit inside a holdall or travel bag, making it an ideal companion for any carry-on-sized luggage. While it packs down to just 41 cm in length at its smallest, it reaches a full height of 150 cm, which is more than sufficient for most users.

To ensure the tripod is quick to erect, the legs fold down smoothly, with spring-loaded angle adjusters that click into place to automatically secure the angle. The twist leg locks are designed and positioned so that all three on each leg can be loosened with a single twist of the hand, allowing for quick setup before being individually locked.

Other notable features include the carbon legs, Easy Link accessories port, strap loop, and carry bag.

First and foremost, the carry bag that comes with the BeFree tripods deserves another mention. The quality of this bag is exceptional. While it is only designed to protect the tripod in transit, the fabric exterior and design perfectly set off the quality of the tripod from the outset.

After the tripod is removed, the legs fold down, and the twist locks release the four-section legs, which can then be tightened and positioned. The leg locks are of good quality, with a half-turn being more than enough to release the leg. Initially, the leg sections are a bit stiff, taking a couple of weeks of use to settle into a smooth motion. The carbon legs tend to be a little more “sticky” than aluminium from the outset, but they should smooth out over time with use.

With the legs adjusted, the centre column can then be lowered. It’s secured by a single twist lock around the centre column; however, the plastic material against the carbon centre column is extremely sticky. Despite using the tripod almost daily for three weeks, the column remained sticky. Unlike the rest of the solid, high-quality design, this mechanism slightly detracts from the ease of use. While it functions, I found myself starting to leave the column down rather than raising it when packing away the tripod, which somewhat defeats part of the design’s intent.

In use, coupled with a Manfrotto ball head, the rigidity of the new BeFree GT really stands out. Although it’s a lightweight travel tripod, it feels more substantial once positioned and can handle a considerable amount of weight without issue.

The stability is impressive, and the small rubber feet, though simple, provided good grip on all surfaces—from classroom floors to stairwells, wet rocks, and grassy hillsides. The lack of a bag hook wasn’t really an issue for a tripod at this level, but the option to quickly remove the plug and flip the centre column makes a huge difference to usability. This feature allows the centre column to hang from the tripod, enabling the camera to get closer to the ground, which is ideal for macro and low-angle shots.

Another feature that expands the tripod’s versatility is the accessories port on the side. This port accepts the standard Manfrotto friction arm or any arm with a 3/8-inch thread. The Easy Link design means that once a Manfrotto arm is in place, the bayonet design prevents rotation, allowing monitors and other accessories to be easily attached.

In use, the Manfrotto BeFree GT offers excellent support, and its lightweight, relatively slimline design makes it extremely portable. When it comes to practical use, this is a great tripod for travel and everyday applications. Once the legs are loosened, the tripod feels natural and fluid to set up, with the only minor issue being that sticky centre column. Overall, the BeFree GT is an excellent all-round tripod with the added appeal of understated design and graphics, all highlighting why the BeFree tripods are so popular.

The Manfrotto BeFree GT is a superb travel tripod. The sticky central column may be a minor issue at first, but like the legs, it becomes smoother and more fluid with regular use.

When it comes to build quality, the GT truly stands out. Despite being a travel tripod, its rigidity and support make it an excellent everyday option that’s both lightweight and versatile. Although it has been designed primarily as a stills support, the addition of the Easy Link port and the fully reversible centre column provide extra flexibility in how the tripod can be used.

Overall, as a travel tripod, the GT absolutely excels. If you’re looking for a well-priced, versatile option for your travels, this is a fantastic choice. Additionally, if you want an easy-to-use, no-fuss tripod that packs away compactly when not in use, the BeFree GT is also a solid option.