Klein - solid - virtually!

The Manfrotto MKBFRA4 bra Befree is a very well-made stand and not that much easier than my normal-used "big". Once set up, it stands firmly on its rubber feet and with extended center column it reaches a height which is quite practical. One has to be clear that this tripod will make a compromise between easy transport and professional level, and it is clear that this can not go without restrictions, otherwise we would all have a 12-part telescopic in a shirt pocket.

In the transport size, it is definitely very good. Collapsed 40 cm are as long as a snake cucumber and also the scope is moderate because the legs can be folded very compact. The included, athletic-looking shoulder bag is made to measure and a bit stressed when it leaves the mounting plate. She has a wide, adjustable strap with shoulder pad, so like a real camera strap and is comfortable to carry.

The stand consists of three legs, each with three extendable elements and a central column. As head which can be unscrewed, is a ball joint with a locking screw, which carries a mounting for a removable (and annexed) mounting plate. In order to achieve the space-saving mini size, you can fold your legs all the way up, as if you invert an octopus, so the center column and the head are included therein. The plate carrier is specially shaped to make concerns the feet close, so they are at even pickled camera plate a few millimeters further apart, which can lead to fumbling when closing the bag.

The three legs stand out by an extraordinary joint construction. They are screwed on one side and carry on top a latching lever in three positions. This formed on the opposite side, depending on the position of different tabs which are expressed at pulling the legs to the midsection. Thus, two different angles are snapped. In the third position allows the legs while dragging completely fold. The individual telescopic elements are held with the usual staples.

In the correct position aligned, the stand is positioned firmly and safely on its rubber feet on the logically thin, innermost elements. The central pole can be solved with a plastic wing nut and adjust. With such a the ball of the head portion is dissolved and attached. The technique is simple but effective. The design also makes it possible to position at slightly tightened screw the camera and then lashed.

I've tried the tripod with my Nex-6 + telephoto lens and then put my nice colleagues are available, of a massive Canon 60D, including battery pack and SIGMA zoom lens calls his own. I thought this was going to show the limitations of the Manfrotto Befree, but he was very enthusiastic about this device. Firm stand, camera can be even in 90 degree - angle tilt, height acceptable.

That's why I want to forgive the full number of stars especially so here, although personally a little bothered me that the operation of the camera holder is something hakelig and I think it's not solved yet ideal, the correct opening and closing these three levers appear that in the must unclip right direction. Maybe I'm spoiled by other constructions stand and I think that even I as "incorporated" may.

As easily transportable tripod in very good mechanical quality, it is definitely a recommendation.