LOL!!! I never seen a video so bias!!!. You are terrible at lying it is so obvious. It is quite obvious why you favor the manfrotto, is not only obvious, the things you mentioned are ridiculous, it is hard not see all the fabricated reasons and how you try so hard to make the manfrotto look better and make the 3 legged thing look bad. This is not a review, It is a clandestine paid advertisement...
8 років тому+9
I noticed that Tony has started to add metric measures as well as US measures, that is great for us international users. Much appreviated!
Tony, I love you dude, but I disagree. I use a Manfrotto tripod in my home studio and I've used a Three Legged Thing Brian for over three years for travel, I've never had the problems you delineated. The knobs are actually really convient, and give you more flexability than just one latch for the ball head. The top one is for the plate lock the bottom one is for lateral rotation, that simple. As for the leg twsits, the quickest way to release the twist locks is to use your entire hand to release all four at the same time, pull the leg to extension, then twist 1.5 turns to the left up the leg, repeat x3-it takes 15-20 seconds to setup max. The head on the Brian is older, as it uses a standard Arca-Swiss plate, which has a safety lock. (maybe this the older version you refer to?) As for the D-ring issue, I use a Custom SLR quick release plate that works for both Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto mounts, which have d-rings, and they never come off my cameras or my larger lenses. This allows me to switch between tripods with ease and no worries about my camera ever falling, or having to retighten a plate. I don't know many photogs that go around having to switch quick release plates often in the feild, but D-Ring is definitely a better design because you NEVER need a tool.
I'm a retired pro photographer, I bought two tripods in the 1980's, one a Gitz the other a Manfrotto. The Gitz used screw fittings on their legs while Manfrotto used clasps. I got rid of the Gitz in the first 12 months as the screw fittings would seize up and generally had to be released with a pair of grips, no grips usually meant no tripod. On the other hand the Manfrotto Model 055 with clasps, has served me well and still does some 36 years later, as far as I can recall I have never had the need to tighten the clasps. A great tripod.
Bought the befree based on this review, absolutely love it. Fits in my hard sided carry on case for air travel and my pack for field trips. Wish it had a center hook for adding weight but just have to get a net basket to solve that problem. Now we will see how long it lasts.
My friend gave me Pantan Q6 Plus Big Size Professional Aluminum Magnesium DV Tripod as my birthday gift, I am extremely happy with this product, the quality and construction are superb. It definitely makes my life easier when I do photography or video shooting both outdoor and indoor. Thanks, Jack! I love it.
And what you do if you want to change height after the camera in mounted? Unmount camera, change height, mount camera again and see if the height is ok. If not, repeat?
To Jose: Yep...no difference in levers or collars for that scenario! Actually the friction adjustment ability of a collared tripod works best for changing height because you can regulate the leg slide tension!! However I usually un-mount my camera when changing positions. I do have an old really heavy Manfrotto auto tripod with push buttons on the legs!
Always pleasing to see an unbiased review - people need to understand that social influencers being critical makes the industry improve their products. Just because a company sends you something, it doesn't mean you have to say 100% nice things about it. Had my camera fallen off my tripod because of a design flaw, I'd be pretty irritated.
After a recent trip lugging my old (and very heavy) Manfrotto 458B, I turned to my go-to photography youtube channel and found this great review of travel tripods. I've now bought the latest model of the Manfrotto BeFree and have tested it out with my Canon 6D Mk2 and my heaviest lens (70-200 f2.8). The tripod handles the weight no problem and will be a great addition to my travel kit.....now I just need to book a vacation!
Same thing with the Arca Swiss mount. He's loosening it enough to flip the camera out rather than slide it, thereby defeating the safety pin on the head. I've used twist-lock legs for decades, including an original Marchioni Bros. Tilt-All (which I still own and use) without any of this anguish. I'm guessing Tony's "review" and Chelsea's profanity-laced spew were inspired by ulterior considerations.
I honestly think this is just a bit of an unfair mockery of the 3LT. Some Benro tripods are very similar with twist locks and there are counterpart versions of clip locks. It just comes to preference. Comparing to PD mounts, they also do not have D-rings.
Alright, I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with this, I far prefer using twist locks over flip locks. I've used both extensively, and in my experience twist locks have a faster set up time than flip locks. Maybe since the Leo is a 4 section tripod, the grips stack to become longer than the span of your hand, but with most 3 section tripods you can actually grip all 3 locks and twist them at the same time to loosen it in one quick motion. I had this conversation with Justin a few weeks ago over twitter DM, and I sent him a video on how to effectively use twist locks. If it's a well designed lock, it should only require a small rotation of about 20 degrees to break it loose. I can understand your gripe about tightening them, but I've personally never had an issue with one loose section so severe that it risked the safety of my camera. One advantage of being able to only loosen a section slightly is that it makes it much easier to make incremental adjustments to the height and level of your tripod. Whereas with flip locks, you're either completely locked, or completely loose, making it hard to make slight adjustments when you have a very heavy lens+camera attached. My next gripe with flip locks is that at below freezing temperatures, they are much harder to use than twist locks. You have to stick a single freezing finger behind a pull up, vs with a twist lock you can easily wrap your entire hand around it. What you said about the locks getting caught as you take it out of a back back is also a huge issue, I've gotten my tripods caught on straps so many times. The durability of flip locks I've found aren't nearly as good compared to twist locks. When you shoot seascapes those metal screws corrode easily and make it hard to retain a tight grip. Anyway, that's just my opinion. I've shot 10s of thousands of landscape images on both flip, and twist lock tripods in many different states, and these have been the things I've observed. If you've gotten all the way to the end, thank you for reading this far.
Eric Lowenbach Oh I don't doubt that this tripod isn't very well deigned, so I certainly don't think that it should represent twist locks as a whole. I think Tony should try out a well made twist lock before he can compare the two types of locking mechanisms. I understand that this was a review for two specific tripods, but he made a lot of broad statements about the systems that can apply to all tripods.
I totally agree with you, Kyle. Until beginning of this year, I only used flip locks. The travel tripod I bought early this year just needs a small amount of rotation and I can turn all the (three, in my case) locks on any one leg with just one twist when pulling the legs out or after having pushed them in. Also, I have never had the problem of not tightening the locks enough or being in doubt of whether I had. The main advantage on a compact travel tripod is to me that twist locks allow for an even narrower width (I use a tripod without a center column and thus a very narrow diameter) and easier storage on the side of my backpack (for the reasons you mention and Tony gave in the video). This may not be an important point for anybody but me. Having said that, I have also used flip locks at freezing temperatures without any problems; but it was just an ordinary central European winter and may just not have been cold enough. In the end, I don't really prefer one type of lock over the other.
Yeah, it's entirely possible that the 3LT twist locks are just worse than other manufacturers. We definitely know how to use it, though--I went back and forth with their engineering and sales teams to make sure we were doing everything correctly... that, and many people in the comments have echoed our experiences with the 3LT. It doesn't seem likely after this review, but I do hope another manufacturer with twist locks steps up for a comparison! I'll say that it's hard for me to imagine giving up being able to see and feel whether a lock is tight or loose. We do regularly use our tripods in sand and sub-freezing conditions and haven't had any problems with the flip locks, but everyone has different experiences.
I have never used any Gitzo tripods, but from what I read their twist locks are supposed to be among the best - they better be at that price point... Other companies that I know of have received mixed reviews.
Yes, in theory, "The best tripod is the one you have with you." However, what I wish someone had told me is, "Carry a full-size tripod (or do some push ups so that you are not fatigued by carrying one for an hour or two). ALL of these 'travel' tripods seem to use plastic bushings that hold the leg sections together and act as a "stop" for the legs when you're extending them. What happened to me, AND what I've read a fair amount of on the user reviews of the main players in the travel tripod game, is that the bushings wear out and/or fail, rather quickly...……………...meaning, you'll go to extend a section of the legs, and the entire section of the leg will just fall out into your hand." Probably an issue of the plastic bushing costing the manufacturer 10 cents each versus using some type of metal which might cost the company 50 cents or hell, even a dollar each. I had the MeFoto Road Trip, and only used it 2 or 3 times before one of the bushings failed, and a leg section came out right in my hand as I was extending it. There were even several reviewers who wrote about this problem with the Benro Travel Angel. That's unacceptable for a $300 or $400 tripod. Any tripod is essentially useless if you're always worrying that one of the leg sections will fail. Another thing I don't like about "travel" tripods, is that they have 4 or 5 sections of legs, and usually, 1 or 2 of those leg sections are so spindly and thin, that I am not comfortable putting +$1,000 camera on them. Whereas, most of the (name brand) full-size tripods I've seen, have 3 sections and even the thinnest legs look strong enough to inspire confidence. The last thing I don't like about "travel" tripods, is that the 'inverted' design of the folding legs (which is what makes them so compact), also seems to take longer (for me) to set up than a full-size, because you've got to unfold those 3 legs. Yes, it's a matter of maybe 10 or 20 seconds, but I just find it annoying. Now, I just use a full-size tripod. I don't mind the weight. About the only downside for me, is that it won't fit into any carryon luggage.
" Yes, in theory, "The best tripod is the one you have with you." "... You haven't seen my Tri-pod. It's horrible. As soon as I get a new one I will burn the old one in my driveway, run over the charred remains with my 4x4 then throw it unceremoniously in the dumpster.
I took the same 3LT tripos travelling for the last 3 months. I did love how small it could be packed away and also how light it was to carry around. I did have have the same issues with the legs not locking and it became a bit annoying. I mainly had a issue with the hex screws coming loose on 2 of the legs and I was constantly having to tighten them. The spinning head has also become very tight, I do love this tripod but I will be upgrading it soon.
Tony at 14:10, with the little hex screw thing, I use my car key to tighten it. My car key fits perfectly in the little slot. And I always have my keys in my pocket.
Thumbs up for the observation about twist locks, I forget to tighten one of them all the time! A problem I've had with all the tripods I've had is that they loosen up at very low temperatures. On numerous times I've been shooting near 0 degrees F and accidentally pulled off a foot or the clasping locks have failed. This happens because the parts shrink at different rates due to different materials.
Bought a Dolica from Costco and have the same twist lock problem as well as the last segment of one of the legs falling out. Time to upgrade long overdue. Appreciate the timely review, thanks.
The reason why I choose twist locks now is because of one incident. I used to use those clamp down locks and I brought it to shoot some waterscapes. The sands got in between the clamps and corroded the locking mechanism. I had to lock it with my body weight. I then bought the twist locks and I can take it out to wash whenever sands get in between the screw. Super convenient.
Hi Tony thanks for the review. I have the Manfrotto Befree and I really like it. I'm still fairly new to Photography and this is my first tripod I tried a few at the camera shop and liked this one the best. I've been watching your vlog for awhile now and it's really informative so today i am subscribing . Thank you and Chelsea
I bought one of the 3 legged thing. My 1st impression was very good. It small, light, and it can become a monopod. I really like the way it was built. However using it was another story. I had most of the issues Tony mention. Had a problem locking the legs, my camera almost fell off as well. I had a leg drop on me when I was carrying it because it was not fully tight. I regret selling my old tripod.
I've owned the BeFree for a couple of years now and do appreciate its portability. I did just recently swap the head out for another one, the Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W XPRO Fluid Head. It made an unbelievable difference in being able to easily compose shots!
I've had a Giottos Vitruvian tripod for a few years and the twist locks are a real pain. So many times I would have to re-tighten a leg section after a partial collapse. Also I've had to strip down the legs on many occasions as grit or sand get into the locks and tubes and they can jam up. Just bought the BeFree with the lever locks which I find so much easier. The 3LT's are extremley well made and very stylish. I think with twist locks, if they make them to just allow a half turn to tighten and loosen, then that would solve the problem.
You are spot on as usual. I bet you wish you had a cushion or mat on the table when you recorded this... Lol. By the way, your the best and I truly appreciate all that you and yours do and have done for my education in photography!
I switched from Latches to Twist Locks after shooting in cold conditions and the latch pinched my skin and bled underneath the skin... I also used to have a heavy duty ManFrotto Tripod and the Latch needed to be re-tightened every so often... It was annoying... Bought a FotoPro C5i, no issues for 4yrs... I prefer Twist Locks...
I quite agree with you guys. I bought a cheap Chinese tripod with twist locks - drove me up the wall, for all the reasons you've mentioned. I then bought a Manfrotto BeFree Carbon about two months, and its the one for me. Simple to use, easy to see if the one the locks isn't locked. What's not to like? Oh, and its very very light!!
Hi Tony & Chelsea, I recently bought my first camera for a family vacation. Thanks for all the high quality videos, I think I found myself a new hobby. Best wishes from Sydney, Australia.
I think the issue with the 3LT is the NUMBER of leg-locks. Others have commented that Gitzo twist leg-locks are incredibly fast to deploy, and solid once locked down. On the model I have, there are also only three of them, so one (1!) twist of my wrist loosens all three, leg gets extended, and a quick twist of each of the three locks the extended leg in place. Done, and for me, absolutely FAST to do. One area where I completely agree with you Tony is the Manfrotto quick release plate. SO many people have poo-pooed these lately, preferring instead Arca-Swiss. I'll keep my Manfrotto QRP's. Fast and secure. What's not to like?!
I despise twist locks. Especially on heavier tripods. You have to get that stuff tight as if tearing down and setting up tripods aren't already annoying enough
I use two Manfrotos with the snap locks. I found the catch problem when I put it in the sleeve on my back-pack. I took care of the problem by putting a small (empty) cottage cheese container in the sleeve. The added advantage is that the legs don't tear the sleeve.
While not a tripod, my dad had some collapsible hiking stick with the clasps. He had a lot of trouble with the clasps breaking and it was a good walking stick. The twist style is a collet clamping down on the section and is going to be more durable in the long run.
Thanks for the review. My Gitzo has knobs. One advantage of knobs is that you can loosen all three knobs simultaneously and quickly deploy the legs. I find it faster and with practice can tighten them faster too. Also, I think the max weights you state are apples and oranges. Max weight for a tripod state the max weight of the camera for the tripod to be stable and not tip over. There is also the max weight that the ballhead can support. I'm sure 8lbs is probably the same for both.
Completely agree with you Tony. The claps on Manfrotto works fast and is reliable. Even if it does need adjusting there is a tool supplied right there on one of the legs. Personally I have never had any issues with the way or how tight the Manfrotto mounting plate works, can't see why anyone want to carry a tool around just to change the plate. Probably just want to sell more plates because it's such an issue to change. Yeah don't understand the graphics either.
I agree with your argument, basically a statistical argument, that the flip style telescope leg locks are better than the twist leg locks. I've had the same problem with twist locks you described. The flip leg locks on my Manfrotto never fail me and the fact that I can see if they are locked is a big plus. I have the exact same Manfrotto as your old tripod. Did you know it breaks down and the center post comes out easily for packing during travel? Anyway, it fits in my carry on bag with it broken down like that. The only problem I've had with the Manfrotto is with fine sand and dust getting into the sliding legs. I was at Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ, (where cameras go to die due to the dust and fine sand), and the fine sand was insidious, making the ability to slide the Manfrotto's legs very difficult.
Tony, I totally agree about the twist style locks. I just bought a ZoMei Travel Tripod 65 that cost me $190, and it has the same damn twist locks. I have Arthritis in my hands and twisting and untwisting is SOOO much more trouble than the flip locks. I also had the same problem with the legs slipping when I thought I had it tight enough. I just used it for the 1st time to shoot fireworks on the 4th. It was going to rain soon so all the sudden the show began 15 minutes early. I was still having to mess with the tightening when I should have been shooting. I will say the ZoMei does have the D-ring plate and a pin style safety lock. It also has the same design as the Manfrotto, with the legs folding to hide the center column and is nicely constructed. Thanks for the honest review. It hopefully will be considered on the companies next design.
Tony, great review, sounds like you smashed and dented the heck out of your camera. Your dry humor review on the 3 legged things legs was hysterical! I have the manfrotto travel tripod, it works, only problem I noticed with it is the 3 stage position switch seems to jump out of the locked position when you move the tripod to a new place to shoot without collapsing it. . keep the great videos coming!
I agree. Gitzo people get really sniffy and snotty about their $1000 tripods, and I would too if I spent way too much on something like that. But at the end of the day, my Manfrotto 055CX has been an absolute gem. I'd never part with it. If you google "gitzo tripod failure" you'll see that money can't always make you invincible.
Completely agree, my 475B has taken constant abuse on commercial shoots, everything it's had thrown at it (intentionally or not) it's worked perfectly. Being submerged in beach sand, rivers and salt water for hours. It's repeatedly been kicked by stylists, knocked over by set builders. Spent days rattling around in the back of numerous rental vans with tonnes (literally in weight) of c stands, generators etc etc smashing into it and it works perfectly. Manfrotto make the sturdiest tripods going and if you ever have an issue (our magic arms occasionally wear out) their warranty and repair services - in the uk anyway are good value for money and very efficient. The only thing I ever bought for personal use that I was unbelievably disappointed with was MKC3-H01 photo movie kit that tripod couldn't support a gnat, the lower extensions were unbelievably flimsy, making them out of rolled up tin foil would be a better solution.
+Mick Sandra just because you make money doesn't mean you have to throw away $1k on a tripod. As everyone is saying, Manfrotto makes awesome tripods that last, for a fraction of the price.
As a new subscriber and amateur photographer, I found this review extremely practical and helpful. Yes, I've had a few snags with the clasps going in & out of cases but it requires minimal effort to get used to. Like you say, the confidence of having secured gear on the tripod far outweighs any snagging concerns one may have. Glad to be a new YT subscriber and Follower on your G+ page. Happy shooting.
One hundred percent agree! I prefer my cheap, old, no-name tripod with clamp-lock legs over my newer Mefoto with twist-lock legs. Anyone who has placed their twist-lock-legged tripod in a lake/river/creek/stream/seashore to capture an image will soon learn to hate twist-lock legs. The twist-locks get full of sand/salt/grit/gunk and they stop working properly until you completely disassemble the mechanisms for cleaning. Also, must have a d-ring on the quick-release plate! You can buy a replacement d-ring fastener on amazon.
I bought the manfrotto be free and while I liked the compactness and lightness of it I ended up returning it. I didn't feel it was stable enough for my purposes with a heavy DSLR and 70-200 mm lens, especially outdoors in any kind of breeze. I can see it would be good for hiking though as it is light but I already have something comparable. I'm looking for more the mid sized tripod. Thanks for the reviews though, Tony.
I have the Manfrotto 190Go, it has the twisty knobs and I prefer them however they are way different than what you show on the 3 legged thing. They are extremely fast and secure. And theres only three of them on each leg and it's a bigger tripod than those. But it has a locking feel to it.
I've been using the Manfrotto BeFree with the RRS BH-30 ballhead (compact, with locking latch) and the RRS L-Plate for my Pentax K-1 and I'm really happy with it.
I own both types of tripods and I completely agree with you Tony. Even if you apply a lot of force to try and lock the leg, it will somehow expand/compress at the weakest point. It's inconsistent and annoying. Sometimes I even burn my hand with grip burn when I apply rotational tension. The clamp locking system is a much better design imho, save yourself the annoyance, time, and inconsistency
i actulay won a free 3 legged thing, model BRIAN from them on FACEBOOK, and since i had been using a 25 yr old BOGEN tripod, this was a welcome gift. i don't have issues with the twist locks and my ballhead does have a lock built in. i must confess tho, i swapped their ballhead for a new MANFROTTO head for reasons you have mentioned. like all your videos!
I own a Vanguart veo265ab and it's really nice. Double the load of those smaller tripods, rotatable center column makes it faster to setup (no need to rotate 3 legs, just get one column out of the way), quick release plate has a safety pin. There are 3 knobs on the head but they are all different shape so there's no confusion...and it's very sturdy.
I have the MeFoto Globetrotter tripod and it also has those twist locks. I never had a problem with the locking mechanism. They were also tight enough, but what I don't like about them is that they take longer to tighten and loosen than any other tripod locking mechanism. If you walk around with the tripod a long time and always have to adjust the height of the tripod, it gets annoying over time to twist all the locks.
Danny, yes, I too, have the MeFOTO GlobeTrotter and have had very good luck with it as a studio tripod. It is quite solid and robust. For travel though, I recently acquired an Oben AT-3565 with a BC217T ball head, and so far, it seems like an equally robust and well-made tripod, especially for a smaller kit such as the Fuji X-system. It does have the same twist lock legs/center column height adjustment, but I don't have a problem with it, as I photograph landscapes and small products, which don't usually require speed. :-) Good luck!
Thanks a bunch for taking the time and reviewing the tripods and doing the video! Now I am absolutely sure that I like the "flippie" locks on my tripods! Having really bad arthritis in my hands it has to be the flippies over the twisties. Twisties are too difficult for my sore arthritic hands to handle, especially 12 of them, and then trying to remember if I locked them all. No thanks. This was an honest review and I greatly appreciate it! Thanks again!
My mother bought me a “HILLPOW Q1 tripod”on Amazon. The rubber feet on the bottom of the tripod legs grip nicely on level and any unbalanced surfaces. And it has a quick release mount so you can swap out cameras with ease. Most importantly,it’s really lightweight since I’m a little girl. It’s my favorite gift. I recommend you can buy it if you’re looking for a tripod.
haha yes I agree, the flat head screws are such a pain. The flat side of your standard front door key fits almost perfectly btw as a makeshift screwdriver. I've done that so many times even with giant broadcast sport lenses with no issues, just don't tweak your key.
Completely agree on the twist locks. I own a 3LT and as there's usually a moment when i'm out with it that one of the legs collapses on me so now I have to double check all the legs each time using pressure to make sure it's locked which is a pain. Doesn't give you confidence when you're using it. If I was buying a new tripod I would only pick one with flip locks. You can see when it's locked or not. It's a nice idea, but totally impractical. The quick release plate has also failed on me twice, meaning my camera has fallen and one of my lenses now has a nice scratch down the side and my camera body is dented on one corner. The lack of the d lock means the screw holding the camera also comes loose slowly which is no good when you want a camera to be steady, which is the whole point of using a tripod.
I’ve got a “HILLPOW Q1 tripod”from my boyfriend. It’s great for beginners. It’s lightweight but can load 5kg,3-section legs with locks that can be adjusted to several different angles. I love it so much.
The clasps on the Coastar tripod that were manufactured in ~1980 and still work fine and last I knew the ~1968 Bogan's clips were still going strong as well.
I almost bought the Manfrotto B3 but after doing more research I went for a Sirui T series. They are reasonably priced, excellent quality, out spec the Manfrotto and use Arca Swiss plates. I was a Manfrotto die hard but not anymore, Sirui make really well manufactured equipment, it's light weight and looks good.
So pleased you chose the mafrotto. I spent ages looking at these things and only ordered it today before seeing this. Looks like I chose the best. I looked at the SIRUI T-005X for a long time as its cheaper and has good reviews and can fold smaller but for the extra £ i got a name I have used and trust more than the "WalMart" tripods you mentioned. Also considered the XCSOURCE Q-666C but it seems to be just more "Hong Kong Tat". Would consider this review the budget travel tripod review. Some of the more rugged hiking ones cost a small fortune.
I purchased a "Mefoto" tripod which looks nearly identical to the 3LT (In fact, I would bet they are the same but just branded differently). My experience is identical. When I first received it, I was surprised at how solid and well built it is. After using it for a few months, I've grown frustrated with it. I too have had my camera slip off the head because you have to get the tension "just right". Additionally, it doesn't matter if I'm expanding or collapsing it, there are always 1-2 legs that seem to become loose again after I swear I just tightened it down (and its always a different leg I need to adjust). The BEST way to describe it is that there appears to be a DIFFERENT "sweet spot" that each adjuster needs to be tensioned to.
Tony, please consider the following tripod for travel...It completely solves that issue you mentioned of the head having several of the same identical knobs! I found a Chinese brand called Leofoto, that makes an Amazing travel tripod for only a few dollars more than this Sirui, AND it includes a fantastic ball head with one feature that I've not found INCLUDED on any other ball head...namely, a panoramic head! This allows the single ball head to function as a pano head, plus, if you swing it into the notch, turns the pano head into a "poor man's " gimbal head! (Max payload = 22 lbs.) Also, another feature of this tripod/head combo, is that the knobs/controls on the ball head each have a different shape and texture (ALL metal, CNC aluminum)! Simply ingenious design, because it eliminates the possibility of inadvertently loosening the wrong knob!! Why ALL ball head manufacturers don't do this is beyond me...actually, probably because of design and manufacture costs! In any case, this Leofoto LN-254CT Tripod is awesome...10X carbon fiber legs, included quality metal spikes (with rubber gaskets), included handy carabiner allen tool, and a very nice carrying case. Well worth $380, IMHO
So, I was leaning toward a Manfrotto Compact Advanced, but I happened upon a 3 Legged Thing Punks Patti in a local camera store and it looks pretty great! Thinking I will go that route now, but the 3LT website doesn't have detailed explanation of all of the features, nor is there a detailed review on UA-cam yet.
Tony, Chelsea, would be able to review "Dolica Proline 57" Aluminum Traveler Tripod with Ball and Pan Head". This tripod could also be transformed into a Monopod. It would also be very helpful if you could discuss some scenarios when we should use it as a Monopod.
I recently bought the Manfrotto 190GO and it has the twists locks. I haven't had a chance to take it out in the field yet but now I am hoping I made a good decision. It was somewhat funny though that you didn't like the twist locks because of not knowing how hard it was tightened down. But then you liked the D-ring because you could hand tighten it down.
I have a manfrotto clasp style tripod that was handed down to me by my fater must be 20-30 years old. Clasps are still 100% fine, never had to tighten them.
LOL. Interesting discussion around here. Funny enough I ended up here because I was looking for a new tripod to replace my 3LT. Because I constantly have issues with the twist locks (closed the locks but the leg was sliding in - have to unscrew and screw some locks several times before they "grip"). And last time I used it in portrait mode my camera nearly fell out of the head - because there is no lock. Exactly the things they say around here. Will try a tripod with latch lock now and a head with a more secure way of mounting the plate.
I have an older 3LT Jack with the safety pin in the ball head and fewer leg segments. I love it. No problem with the mounting screw for the plate as I use a Black Rapid D-ring. Can't imagine why 3LT would choose to remove that safety pin from the current generation of ball heads.
I *really* appreciate your complete honesty in your reviews, it is rare thing to see these days. If 3LT won't send you any review samples after you give them well reasoned criticism - so be it then!
Chelsea's was definitely the most blunt and least 'diplomatic' of the three testimonials. I, personally, liked it. I also liked the differences in the testimonials: One was blunt, one was from a technician's viewpoint, and one from an 'engineering' viewpoint. The three together make for a good overall view. Thanks again for what appears to be a reliable, trustworthy comparison/review. As a note on latches: I fell away from the twist type when the flip latches began showing up in trekking poles and I saw how reliable and easy they were there even when they were supporting a good bit of my body weight plus pack, so when I began looking at tripods I rarely even considered twist type. Like anything else though, the quality of the particular item/brand will obviously play a part.
Great review. Being videocentric my own travel setup is: 1. Manfrotto Befree Legs, Aluminum, Black 2. Topped with a Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head - looks like Chelsea might need this ;-) 3. Topped by a Manfrotto HDV701 Video head
BTW I'm surprised that you didn't show the monopod conversion. I was hoping that you would have explored the different configurations of the 3LT and given your thoughts on the modular design. That's one of the features that put the 3LT on my consideration list.
The Cullmann Magic is a pretty great travel pod, that also converts to monopod, and the twists on it are just a slight turn. I just hope they are not plastic, in case I overtighten one day. Latch lock all the way!
Tony, I'm older than you (66, but I'm 25 at heart) and I worked in a camera store for over 2 decades and, as you say, almost every QRP I've seen that had a slot on the bottom of the mounting screw would work perfectly with either a US nickel or quarter. Sometimes a nickel would be a tight fit so I usually make sure I kept a quarter in my camera bag. That's a hardly a burden is it? I actually have more of a problem with trying to dig a fingernail under a D-Ring to pull it out. A little history, from the way I heard it back in the 70's, the size of the slot was determined by the thickness of one or more common coins used in Japan, or it might have been Germany. I see nowadays more and more QR plates using the Arca-Swiss mount as a standard and many of those have a pin to help keep the plate from slipping out of the head. I've standardized on those myself. I just keep the plates on the camera all the time since they're small and lightweight. I sold Bogen/Manfrotto tripods for years and the problem with them is they have too many different size QR plates that are incompatible with each other and some of the smaller sizes don't hold a camera tightly at all. IMHO, most of them didn't mount the camera tight enough, especially when using a big lens like a 70-200 f2.8. Another problem with some QR plates is they use a rubber or some other material on the top of the plate that prevents the camera from being tightly held in place. My personal opinion is metal on metal, or metal on a very thin grippy material works best. I remember I did a test once of the 35-40 tripod models we carried in the store where I set them up at their max height, without extending the center column, and with a 35mm SLR camera mounted. Then I'd tap various parts of the tripod, legs center column, etc with the handle of a screwdriver while I rested a finger on the camera and waited to feel any vibrations. Of all the tripods I tested all the winners (no vibration felt) were Gitzo's. Some of the smaller Gitzo's were not winners though. It might be important to point out to people with cameras or lenses that have image stabilization that you probably should turn off that feature off when using a tripod as it will often cause the camera or lens to try to compensate for movement that isn't there and actually cause a more blurry image.
The 3 legged thing is obviously for photographers who like to sit in coffee shops and place it on a table for everyone to see, it does look super cool, but from your video not very practical, I already have the befree and love it, it even fitted in my rucksack when I went to the theatre after a day shooting in London, great review.
As an astrophotographer my experience with clasps varies a bit. Sitting at night in a cold and and often damp environment i have had a few situations, in which the whole equipment almost tipped over, because the clasps lost their tightness over time and the whole assembly would just collapse. With screw-tightening i can verify with a simple twist, that the camera, the star adventurer and the lenses are safe. The tightening option with the clasps is not a real one at night in the dark, when you cannot use light (would disturb other photographers). I dumped my old clasps-type tripod because of that, and really find the screw-type much more trustworthy. But setting up astro-equipment is a whole different animal than just putting a camera up - you check and double-check and triple-check to really make sure, the setup is right.
Spot on regarding the twist vs flip locks. Besides not knowing whether it's locked or not simply by a visual scan (a huge plus for flip lever locks), you kinda have to reverse your thinking regarding lefty loosy/righty tighty in terms of hand motion when your making the adjustment from above the way Chelsea was demonstrating at 15:56.
It's so true about twist lock legs and why I would never buy a tripod with them. One other thing is if you try and use them in a cold climate your hands are too cold to get sufficient purchase on them. Give me lever locks any day
Hi Tony Thanks for the review. I have the Three Legged tripod and I couldn't agree more: - Legs twist locks same problems that you... annoying. - Quick release plate. I dropped my camera with my very expensive lens :( Plus I neither have anything to tight it up when I am outdoors. Annooooooying!! - Head: very well built but a nightmare. Summary I've been using for more than a year and I feel stupid when I have issues setting the tripod... Very good review, although a little late for me :) Keep up the good work!! Just one question: What about rotating the camera with the Manfrotto head to shot vertical?? I am talking about Mark 3 plus 24-105mm. Thanks!
The BeFree CF is fab. It evens packs inside my mid-sized Think Thank backpacks. The thing is the colour scheme attracts passerbys. As for the D-Ring, I remove and replace it with the Black Rapid Fastenr Tripod, so I can use their straps too. The BeFree's head can be removed, hard to though, took me a few tries, I had to have a body mounted, and that lifted, twisting and turning the legs below it.
Three legged thing must have watched your review because they came out with a Punks Patti model that now has click lock legs and a D ring on the plate! Good review as usual.
⭐ Get the Manfrotto BeFree on Amazon help.tc/befree ⭐
Hi Tony, may I request an updated travel tripod video for 2018 or 2019? Thank you :)
As Gabriel mentioned, it would be nice to get an update for 2018/19. Thanks!
Also looking for an updated choice.
LOL!!! I never seen a video so bias!!!. You are terrible at lying it is so obvious. It is quite obvious why you favor the manfrotto, is not only obvious, the things you mentioned are ridiculous, it is hard not see all the fabricated reasons and how you try so hard to make the manfrotto look better and make the 3 legged thing look bad. This is not a review, It is a clandestine paid advertisement...
I noticed that Tony has started to add metric measures as well as US measures, that is great for us international users. Much appreviated!
Tony, I love you dude, but I disagree. I use a Manfrotto tripod in my home studio and I've used a Three Legged Thing Brian for over three years for travel, I've never had the problems you delineated. The knobs are actually really convient, and give you more flexability than just one latch for the ball head. The top one is for the plate lock the bottom one is for lateral rotation, that simple. As for the leg twsits, the quickest way to release the twist locks is to use your entire hand to release all four at the same time, pull the leg to extension, then twist 1.5 turns to the left up the leg, repeat x3-it takes 15-20 seconds to setup max. The head on the Brian is older, as it uses a standard Arca-Swiss plate, which has a safety lock. (maybe this the older version you refer to?) As for the D-ring issue, I use a Custom SLR quick release plate that works for both Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto mounts, which have d-rings, and they never come off my cameras or my larger lenses. This allows me to switch between tripods with ease and no worries about my camera ever falling, or having to retighten a plate. I don't know many photogs that go around having to switch quick release plates often in the feild, but D-Ring is definitely a better design because you NEVER need a tool.
I'm a retired pro photographer, I bought two tripods in the 1980's, one a Gitz the other a Manfrotto. The Gitz used screw fittings on their legs while Manfrotto used clasps. I got rid of the Gitz in the first 12 months as the screw fittings would seize up and generally had to be released with a pair of grips, no grips usually meant no tripod. On the other hand the Manfrotto Model 055 with clasps, has served me well and still does some 36 years later, as far as I can recall I have never had the need to tighten the clasps. A great tripod.
Bought the befree based on this review, absolutely love it. Fits in my hard sided carry on case for air travel and my pack for field trips. Wish it had a center hook for adding weight but just have to get a net basket to solve that problem. Now we will see how long it lasts.
My friend gave me Pantan Q6 Plus Big Size Professional Aluminum Magnesium DV Tripod as my birthday gift, I am extremely happy with this product, the quality and construction are superb. It definitely makes my life easier when I do photography or video shooting both outdoor and indoor. Thanks, Jack! I love it.
Chelsea's rant was so LOL. Thank you for doing real world reviews!
You need to set up your tripod before you mount your camera...bad technique Chelsea :-))
And what you do if you want to change height after the camera in mounted? Unmount camera, change height, mount camera again and see if the height is ok. If not, repeat?
To Jose: Yep...no difference in levers or collars for that scenario! Actually the friction adjustment ability of a collared tripod works best for changing height because you can regulate the leg slide tension!! However I usually un-mount my camera when changing positions. I do have an old really heavy Manfrotto auto tripod with push buttons on the legs!
Always pleasing to see an unbiased review - people need to understand that social influencers being critical makes the industry improve their products.
Just because a company sends you something, it doesn't mean you have to say 100% nice things about it.
Had my camera fallen off my tripod because of a design flaw, I'd be pretty irritated.
After a recent trip lugging my old (and very heavy) Manfrotto 458B, I turned to my go-to photography youtube channel and found this great review of travel tripods. I've now bought the latest model of the Manfrotto BeFree and have tested it out with my Canon 6D Mk2 and my heaviest lens (70-200 f2.8). The tripod handles the weight no problem and will be a great addition to my travel kit.....now I just need to book a vacation!
You're not supposed to unscrew the twists like you're unscrewing a bottle cap. They're 1/4 twists. That's it.
Same thing with the Arca Swiss mount. He's loosening it enough to flip the camera out rather than slide it, thereby defeating the safety pin on the head.
I've used twist-lock legs for decades, including an original Marchioni Bros. Tilt-All (which I still own and use) without any of this anguish. I'm guessing Tony's "review" and Chelsea's profanity-laced spew were inspired by ulterior considerations.
Never have I been so appreciative of a tripod review. Thank you so much.
I honestly think this is just a bit of an unfair mockery of the 3LT. Some Benro tripods are very similar with twist locks and there are counterpart versions of clip locks. It just comes to preference. Comparing to PD mounts, they also do not have D-rings.
Alright, I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with this, I far prefer using twist locks over flip locks. I've used both extensively, and in my experience twist locks have a faster set up time than flip locks. Maybe since the Leo is a 4 section tripod, the grips stack to become longer than the span of your hand, but with most 3 section tripods you can actually grip all 3 locks and twist them at the same time to loosen it in one quick motion. I had this conversation with Justin a few weeks ago over twitter DM, and I sent him a video on how to effectively use twist locks. If it's a well designed lock, it should only require a small rotation of about 20 degrees to break it loose. I can understand your gripe about tightening them, but I've personally never had an issue with one loose section so severe that it risked the safety of my camera. One advantage of being able to only loosen a section slightly is that it makes it much easier to make incremental adjustments to the height and level of your tripod. Whereas with flip locks, you're either completely locked, or completely loose, making it hard to make slight adjustments when you have a very heavy lens+camera attached. My next gripe with flip locks is that at below freezing temperatures, they are much harder to use than twist locks. You have to stick a single freezing finger behind a pull up, vs with a twist lock you can easily wrap your entire hand around it. What you said about the locks getting caught as you take it out of a back back is also a huge issue, I've gotten my tripods caught on straps so many times. The durability of flip locks I've found aren't nearly as good compared to twist locks. When you shoot seascapes those metal screws corrode easily and make it hard to retain a tight grip. Anyway, that's just my opinion. I've shot 10s of thousands of landscape images on both flip, and twist lock tripods in many different states, and these have been the things I've observed. If you've gotten all the way to the end, thank you for reading this far.
I was there that morning. This particular tripod was very disappointing for everybody.
Eric Lowenbach Oh I don't doubt that this tripod isn't very well deigned, so I certainly don't think that it should represent twist locks as a whole. I think Tony should try out a well made twist lock before he can compare the two types of locking mechanisms. I understand that this was a review for two specific tripods, but he made a lot of broad statements about the systems that can apply to all tripods.
I totally agree with you, Kyle. Until beginning of this year, I only used flip locks. The travel tripod I bought early this year just needs a small amount of rotation and I can turn all the (three, in my case) locks on any one leg with just one twist when pulling the legs out or after having pushed them in. Also, I have never had the problem of not tightening the locks enough or being in doubt of whether I had. The main advantage on a compact travel tripod is to me that twist locks allow for an even narrower width (I use a tripod without a center column and thus a very narrow diameter) and easier storage on the side of my backpack (for the reasons you mention and Tony gave in the video). This may not be an important point for anybody but me. Having said that, I have also used flip locks at freezing temperatures without any problems; but it was just an ordinary central European winter and may just not have been cold enough. In the end, I don't really prefer one type of lock over the other.
Yeah, it's entirely possible that the 3LT twist locks are just worse than other manufacturers. We definitely know how to use it, though--I went back and forth with their engineering and sales teams to make sure we were doing everything correctly... that, and many people in the comments have echoed our experiences with the 3LT.
It doesn't seem likely after this review, but I do hope another manufacturer with twist locks steps up for a comparison! I'll say that it's hard for me to imagine giving up being able to see and feel whether a lock is tight or loose. We do regularly use our tripods in sand and sub-freezing conditions and haven't had any problems with the flip locks, but everyone has different experiences.
I have never used any Gitzo tripods, but from what I read their twist locks are supposed to be among the best - they better be at that price point... Other companies that I know of have received mixed reviews.
I have been using the 3 Legged Thing for years and they rock. Twist locks failing? I dont think so. I am also a long time Manfrotto user and fan.
If you really can't use twist locks, that's more a you thing, than a them thing.
One important factor I did not hear you mention - the Manfrotto is not Arca-Swiss compatible, so it will not fit Arca-Swiss grips, brackets and rails.
Thanks for pointing that out! 3 legged thing it is then!
Yes, in theory, "The best tripod is the one you have with you."
However, what I wish someone had told me is, "Carry a full-size tripod (or do some push ups so that you are not fatigued by carrying one for an hour or two). ALL of these 'travel' tripods seem to use plastic bushings that hold the leg sections together and act as a "stop" for the legs when you're extending them. What happened to me, AND what I've read a fair amount of on the user reviews of the main players in the travel tripod game, is that the bushings wear out and/or fail, rather quickly...……………...meaning, you'll go to extend a section of the legs, and the entire section of the leg will just fall out into your hand."
Probably an issue of the plastic bushing costing the manufacturer 10 cents each versus using some type of metal which might cost the company 50 cents or hell, even a dollar each. I had the MeFoto Road Trip, and only used it 2 or 3 times before one of the bushings failed, and a leg section came out right in my hand as I was extending it.
There were even several reviewers who wrote about this problem with the Benro Travel Angel. That's unacceptable for a $300 or $400 tripod. Any tripod is essentially useless if you're always worrying that one of the leg sections will fail.
Another thing I don't like about "travel" tripods, is that they have 4 or 5 sections of legs, and usually, 1 or 2 of those leg sections are so spindly and thin, that I am not comfortable putting +$1,000 camera on them. Whereas, most of the (name brand) full-size tripods I've seen, have 3 sections and even the thinnest legs look strong enough to inspire confidence.
The last thing I don't like about "travel" tripods, is that the 'inverted' design of the folding legs (which is what makes them so compact), also seems to take longer (for me) to set up than a full-size, because you've got to unfold those 3 legs. Yes, it's a matter of maybe 10 or 20 seconds, but I just find it annoying.
Now, I just use a full-size tripod. I don't mind the weight. About the only downside for me, is that it won't fit into any carryon luggage.
" Yes, in theory, "The best tripod is the one you have with you." "... You haven't seen my Tri-pod. It's horrible. As soon as I get a new one I will burn the old one in my driveway, run over the charred remains with my 4x4 then throw it unceremoniously in the dumpster.
I took the same 3LT tripos travelling for the last 3 months. I did love how small it could be packed away and also how light it was to carry around. I did have have the same issues with the legs not locking and it became a bit annoying. I mainly had a issue with the hex screws coming loose on 2 of the legs and I was constantly having to tighten them. The spinning head has also become very tight, I do love this tripod but I will be upgrading it soon.
Tony at 14:10, with the little hex screw thing, I use my car key to tighten it. My car key fits perfectly in the little slot. And I always have my keys in my pocket.
The tripod has one attached to the legs. It's that plastic thing that clips on that everyone loses because they don't know what it's for lol
same!!
Thumbs up for the observation about twist locks, I forget to tighten one of them all the time! A problem I've had with all the tripods I've had is that they loosen up at very low temperatures. On numerous times I've been shooting near 0 degrees F and accidentally pulled off a foot or the clasping locks have failed. This happens because the parts shrink at different rates due to different materials.
Bought a Dolica from Costco and have the same twist lock problem as well as the last segment of one of the legs falling out. Time to upgrade long overdue. Appreciate the timely review, thanks.
The MeFoto Roadtrip has been my goto travel tripod.....
Great review. I agree the leg locks on the 3 legged tripod are awkward. I've stopped using it on shoots, as it slows me down.
The reason why I choose twist locks now is because of one incident. I used to use those clamp down locks and I brought it to shoot some waterscapes. The sands got in between the clamps and corroded the locking mechanism. I had to lock it with my body weight. I then bought the twist locks and I can take it out to wash whenever sands get in between the screw. Super convenient.
+chuckwalla yes! That is also a plus point. It's so fast and easy to get them extended fully.
Hi Tony thanks for the review. I have the Manfrotto Befree and I really like it. I'm still fairly new to Photography and this is my first tripod I tried a few at the camera shop and liked this one the best. I've been watching your vlog for awhile now and it's really informative so today i am subscribing . Thank you and Chelsea
I bought one of the 3 legged thing. My 1st impression was very good. It small, light, and it can become a monopod. I really like the way it was built. However using it was another story. I had most of the issues Tony mention. Had a problem locking the legs, my camera almost fell off as well. I had a leg drop on me when I was carrying it because it was not fully tight. I regret selling my old tripod.
I've owned the BeFree for a couple of years now and do appreciate its portability. I did just recently swap the head out for another one, the Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W XPRO Fluid Head. It made an unbelievable difference in being able to easily compose shots!
I've had a Giottos Vitruvian tripod for a few years and the twist locks are a real pain. So many times I would have to re-tighten a leg section after a partial collapse. Also I've had to strip down the legs on many occasions as grit or sand get into the locks and tubes and they can jam up. Just bought the BeFree with the lever locks which I find so much easier. The 3LT's are extremley well made and very stylish. I think with twist locks, if they make them to just allow a half turn to tighten and loosen, then that would solve the problem.
You are spot on as usual. I bet you wish you had a cushion or mat on the table when you recorded this... Lol. By the way, your the best and I truly appreciate all that you and yours do and have done for my education in photography!
I switched from Latches to Twist Locks after shooting in cold conditions and the latch pinched my skin and bled underneath the skin...
I also used to have a heavy duty ManFrotto Tripod and the Latch needed to be re-tightened every so often... It was annoying...
Bought a FotoPro C5i, no issues for 4yrs...
I prefer Twist Locks...
I quite agree with you guys. I bought a cheap Chinese tripod with twist locks - drove me up the wall, for all the reasons you've mentioned. I then bought a Manfrotto BeFree Carbon about two months, and its the one for me. Simple to use, easy to see if the one the locks isn't locked. What's not to like? Oh, and its very very light!!
Hi Tony & Chelsea, I recently bought my first camera for a family vacation. Thanks for all the high quality videos, I think I found myself a new hobby. Best wishes from Sydney, Australia.
i busted out laughing with Chelsea's review of the twist knobs! 16:07 that's EXACTLY my opinion and experience of twist knobs! WHY!? dear lord why
I think the issue with the 3LT is the NUMBER of leg-locks. Others have commented that Gitzo twist leg-locks are incredibly fast to deploy, and solid once locked down. On the model I have, there are also only three of them, so one (1!) twist of my wrist loosens all three, leg gets extended, and a quick twist of each of the three locks the extended leg in place. Done, and for me, absolutely FAST to do.
One area where I completely agree with you Tony is the Manfrotto quick release plate. SO many people have poo-pooed these lately, preferring instead Arca-Swiss. I'll keep my Manfrotto QRP's. Fast and secure. What's not to like?!
I despise twist locks. Especially on heavier tripods. You have to get that stuff tight as if tearing down and setting up tripods aren't already annoying enough
I use two Manfrotos with the snap locks. I found the catch problem when I put it in the sleeve on my back-pack. I took care of the problem by putting a small (empty) cottage cheese container in the sleeve. The added advantage is that the legs don't tear the sleeve.
While not a tripod, my dad had some collapsible hiking stick with the clasps. He had a lot of trouble with the clasps breaking and it was a good walking stick. The twist style is a collet clamping down on the section and is going to be more durable in the long run.
Thanks for the review. My Gitzo has knobs. One advantage of knobs is that you can loosen all three knobs simultaneously and quickly deploy the legs. I find it faster and with practice can tighten them faster too. Also, I think the max weights you state are apples and oranges. Max weight for a tripod state the max weight of the camera for the tripod to be stable and not tip over. There is also the max weight that the ballhead can support. I'm sure 8lbs is probably the same for both.
So, I'm a little unclear. Did you guys like the 3 Legged Thing or not.... ;P
I found the issue hilarious when Chelsea was struggling to setup the tripod on the stone - then came the testimonial.
Completely agree with you Tony. The claps on Manfrotto works fast and is reliable. Even if it does need adjusting there is a tool supplied right there on one of the legs. Personally I have never had any issues with the way or how tight the Manfrotto mounting plate works, can't see why anyone want to carry a tool around just to change the plate. Probably just want to sell more plates because it's such an issue to change. Yeah don't understand the graphics either.
Happy it turned out the way it did as I had ordered my Manfrotto before the video came out. It's arriving tomorrow :)
I agree with your argument, basically a statistical argument, that the flip style telescope leg locks are better than the twist leg locks. I've had the same problem with twist locks you described. The flip leg locks on my Manfrotto never fail me and the fact that I can see if they are locked is a big plus.
I have the exact same Manfrotto as your old tripod. Did you know it breaks down and the center post comes out easily for packing during travel? Anyway, it fits in my carry on bag with it broken down like that.
The only problem I've had with the Manfrotto is with fine sand and dust getting into the sliding legs. I was at Antelope Canyon near Page, AZ, (where cameras go to die due to the dust and fine sand), and the fine sand was insidious, making the ability to slide the Manfrotto's legs very difficult.
Tony, I totally agree about the twist style locks. I just bought a ZoMei Travel Tripod 65 that cost me $190, and it has the same damn twist locks. I have Arthritis in my hands and twisting and untwisting is SOOO much more trouble than the flip locks. I also had the same problem with the legs slipping when I thought I had it tight enough. I just used it for the 1st time to shoot fireworks on the 4th. It was going to rain soon so all the sudden the show began 15 minutes early. I was still having to mess with the tightening when I should have been shooting.
I will say the ZoMei does have the D-ring plate and a pin style safety lock. It also has the same design as the Manfrotto, with the legs folding to hide the center column and is nicely constructed.
Thanks for the honest review. It hopefully will be considered on the companies next design.
Tony, great review, sounds like you smashed and dented the heck out of your camera. Your dry humor review on the 3 legged things legs was hysterical! I have the manfrotto travel tripod, it works, only problem I noticed with it is the 3 stage position switch seems to jump out of the locked position when you move the tripod to a new place to shoot without collapsing it. . keep the great videos coming!
Manfrotto has made the best tripods for at least 30 years......not surprised not much has changed....
I agree. Gitzo people get really sniffy and snotty about their $1000 tripods, and I would too if I spent way too much on something like that. But at the end of the day, my Manfrotto 055CX has been an absolute gem. I'd never part with it. If you google "gitzo tripod failure" you'll see that money can't always make you invincible.
+Eric Lowenbach jeez does that $1k tripod make coffee?? Never could I justify that price for a tripod
Yes it makes coffee for you, if you makes money out of your tripod, a lot of pro photographers do.
Completely agree, my 475B has taken constant abuse on commercial shoots, everything it's had thrown at it (intentionally or not) it's worked perfectly. Being submerged in beach sand, rivers and salt water for hours. It's repeatedly been kicked by stylists, knocked over by set builders. Spent days rattling around in the back of numerous rental vans with tonnes (literally in weight) of c stands, generators etc etc smashing into it and it works perfectly. Manfrotto make the sturdiest tripods going and if you ever have an issue (our magic arms occasionally wear out) their warranty and repair services - in the uk anyway are good value for money and very efficient. The only thing I ever bought for personal use that I was unbelievably disappointed with was MKC3-H01 photo movie kit that tripod couldn't support a gnat, the lower extensions were unbelievably flimsy, making them out of rolled up tin foil would be a better solution.
+Mick Sandra just because you make money doesn't mean you have to throw away $1k on a tripod. As everyone is saying, Manfrotto makes awesome tripods that last, for a fraction of the price.
As a new subscriber and amateur photographer, I found this review extremely practical and helpful. Yes, I've had a few snags with the clasps going in & out of cases but it requires minimal effort to get used to. Like you say, the confidence of having secured gear on the tripod far outweighs any snagging concerns one may have.
Glad to be a new YT subscriber and Follower on your G+ page. Happy shooting.
One hundred percent agree! I prefer my cheap, old, no-name tripod with clamp-lock legs over my newer Mefoto with twist-lock legs. Anyone who has placed their twist-lock-legged tripod in a lake/river/creek/stream/seashore to capture an image will soon learn to hate twist-lock legs. The twist-locks get full of sand/salt/grit/gunk and they stop working properly until you completely disassemble the mechanisms for cleaning. Also, must have a d-ring on the quick-release plate! You can buy a replacement d-ring fastener on amazon.
Haahahaahaha..."I'm Tony Northrup, I can figure out anything."
I bought the manfrotto be free and while I liked the compactness and lightness of it I ended up returning it. I didn't feel it was stable enough for my purposes with a heavy DSLR and 70-200 mm lens, especially outdoors in any kind of breeze. I can see it would be good for hiking though as it is light but I already have something comparable. I'm looking for more the mid sized tripod. Thanks for the reviews though, Tony.
I have the Manfrotto 190Go, it has the twisty knobs and I prefer them however they are way different than what you show on the 3 legged thing. They are extremely fast and secure. And theres only three of them on each leg and it's a bigger tripod than those. But it has a locking feel to it.
I've been using the Manfrotto BeFree with the RRS BH-30 ballhead (compact, with locking latch) and the RRS L-Plate for my Pentax K-1 and I'm really happy with it.
I am from the old school The center column was only for emergencies not and standard to reach your eye level.
Good job on the head attachments
I own both types of tripods and I completely agree with you Tony. Even if you apply a lot of force to try and lock the leg, it will somehow expand/compress at the weakest point. It's inconsistent and annoying. Sometimes I even burn my hand with grip burn when I apply rotational tension. The clamp locking system is a much better design imho, save yourself the annoyance, time, and inconsistency
i actulay won a free 3 legged thing, model BRIAN from them on FACEBOOK, and since i had been using a 25 yr old BOGEN tripod, this was a welcome gift.
i don't have issues with the twist locks and my ballhead does have a lock built in.
i must confess tho, i swapped their ballhead for a new MANFROTTO head for reasons you have mentioned.
like all your videos!
Chelsea's testimonial was hilarious. I have an aluminum befree myself and it's great.
I own a Vanguart veo265ab and it's really nice. Double the load of those smaller tripods, rotatable center column makes it faster to setup (no need to rotate 3 legs, just get one column out of the way), quick release plate has a safety pin. There are 3 knobs on the head but they are all different shape so there's no confusion...and it's very sturdy.
I have the MeFoto Globetrotter tripod and it also has those twist locks. I never had a problem with the locking mechanism. They were also tight enough, but what I don't like about them is that they take longer to tighten and loosen than any other tripod locking mechanism. If you walk around with the tripod a long time and always have to adjust the height of the tripod, it gets annoying over time to twist all the locks.
It's a good quality tripod though.
I agree, I also dont like the knobs on the head all that much
Danny yeah, the 3LT must have lower quality twist locks or something, because I also have the Globetrotter, and have never had such issues.
Danny, yes, I too, have the MeFOTO GlobeTrotter and have had very good luck with it as a studio tripod. It is quite solid and robust. For travel though, I recently acquired an Oben AT-3565 with a BC217T ball head, and so far, it seems like an equally robust and well-made tripod, especially for a smaller kit such as the Fuji X-system. It does have the same twist lock legs/center column height adjustment, but I don't have a problem with it, as I photograph landscapes and small products, which don't usually require speed. :-) Good luck!
I was waiting for a Travel tripod review from you guys! Thanks so much!
I had the BeFree. I sold it the moment I bought the Sirui. I have since bought a second Sirui. They are truly excellent.
After watching this review, I am going to get a BeFree tripod.
Chelsea is so fun to watch, Tony reminds me of a strict teacher in my college.
Have you enjoyed your BeFree?
Thanks a bunch for taking the time and reviewing the tripods and doing the video! Now I am absolutely sure that I like the "flippie" locks on my tripods! Having really bad arthritis in my hands it has to be the flippies over the twisties. Twisties are too difficult for my sore arthritic hands to handle, especially 12 of them, and then trying to remember if I locked them all. No thanks. This was an honest review and I greatly appreciate it! Thanks again!
16:24
Hah. That is so what he would say: "Like, I'm Tony Northrup; I can figure out anything!"
My mother bought me a “HILLPOW Q1 tripod”on Amazon. The rubber feet on the bottom of the tripod legs grip nicely on level and any unbalanced surfaces. And it has a quick release mount so you can swap out cameras with ease. Most importantly,it’s really lightweight since I’m a little girl. It’s my favorite gift. I recommend you can buy it if you’re looking for a tripod.
haha yes I agree, the flat head screws are such a pain. The flat side of your standard front door key fits almost perfectly btw as a makeshift screwdriver. I've done that so many times even with giant broadcast sport lenses with no issues, just don't tweak your key.
Totally agree about the D-Ring convenience. I avoid carrying money change, screw driver and hex tools. Great point.
Completely agree on the twist locks. I own a 3LT and as there's usually a moment when i'm out with it that one of the legs collapses on me so now I have to double check all the legs each time using pressure to make sure it's locked which is a pain. Doesn't give you confidence when you're using it. If I was buying a new tripod I would only pick one with flip locks. You can see when it's locked or not. It's a nice idea, but totally impractical. The quick release plate has also failed on me twice, meaning my camera has fallen and one of my lenses now has a nice scratch down the side and my camera body is dented on one corner. The lack of the d lock means the screw holding the camera also comes loose slowly which is no good when you want a camera to be steady, which is the whole point of using a tripod.
I’ve got a “HILLPOW Q1 tripod”from my boyfriend. It’s great for beginners. It’s lightweight but can load 5kg,3-section legs with locks that can be adjusted to several different angles. I love it so much.
The clasps on the Coastar tripod that were manufactured in ~1980 and still work fine and last I knew the ~1968 Bogan's clips were still going strong as well.
I almost bought the Manfrotto B3 but after doing more research I went for a Sirui T series. They are reasonably priced, excellent quality, out spec the Manfrotto and use Arca Swiss plates. I was a Manfrotto die hard but not anymore, Sirui make really well manufactured equipment, it's light weight and looks good.
truthful review, agree !
Well done.
So pleased you chose the mafrotto. I spent ages looking at these things and only ordered it today before seeing this. Looks like I chose the best. I looked at the SIRUI T-005X for a long time as its cheaper and has good reviews and can fold smaller but for the extra £ i got a name I have used and trust more than the "WalMart" tripods you mentioned. Also considered the XCSOURCE Q-666C but it seems to be just more "Hong Kong Tat". Would consider this review the budget travel tripod review. Some of the more rugged hiking ones cost a small fortune.
I purchased a "Mefoto" tripod which looks nearly identical to the 3LT (In fact, I would bet they are the same but just branded differently). My experience is identical. When I first received it, I was surprised at how solid and well built it is. After using it for a few months, I've grown frustrated with it. I too have had my camera slip off the head because you have to get the tension "just right". Additionally, it doesn't matter if I'm expanding or collapsing it, there are always 1-2 legs that seem to become loose again after I swear I just tightened it down (and its always a different leg I need to adjust). The BEST way to describe it is that there appears to be a DIFFERENT "sweet spot" that each adjuster needs to be tensioned to.
Tony, please consider the following tripod for travel...It completely solves that issue you mentioned of the head having several of the same identical knobs! I found a Chinese brand called Leofoto, that makes an Amazing travel tripod for only a few dollars more than this Sirui, AND it includes a fantastic ball head with one feature that I've not found INCLUDED on any other ball head...namely, a panoramic head! This allows the single ball head to function as a pano head, plus, if you swing it into the notch, turns the pano head into a "poor man's " gimbal head! (Max payload = 22 lbs.) Also, another feature of this tripod/head combo, is that the knobs/controls on the ball head each have a different shape and texture (ALL metal, CNC aluminum)! Simply ingenious design, because it eliminates the possibility of inadvertently loosening the wrong knob!! Why ALL ball head manufacturers don't do this is beyond me...actually, probably because of design and manufacture costs! In any case, this Leofoto LN-254CT Tripod is awesome...10X carbon fiber legs, included quality metal spikes (with rubber gaskets), included handy carabiner allen tool, and a very nice carrying case. Well worth $380, IMHO
So, I was leaning toward a Manfrotto Compact Advanced, but I happened upon a 3 Legged Thing Punks Patti in a local camera store and it looks pretty great! Thinking I will go that route now, but the 3LT website doesn't have detailed explanation of all of the features, nor is there a detailed review on UA-cam yet.
Tony, Chelsea, would be able to review "Dolica Proline 57" Aluminum Traveler Tripod with Ball and Pan Head". This tripod could also be transformed into a Monopod. It would also be very helpful if you could discuss some scenarios when we should use it as a Monopod.
I recently bought the Manfrotto 190GO and it has the twists locks. I haven't had a chance to take it out in the field yet but now I am hoping I made a good decision.
It was somewhat funny though that you didn't like the twist locks because of not knowing how hard it was tightened down. But then you liked the D-ring because you could hand tighten it down.
Well, with or without the D-Ring, I'm hand-tightening it. I don't know of a clasp lock for a QRP.
I think this review is spot on. Really like the comment about tool-less design.
I have a manfrotto clasp style tripod that was handed down to me by my fater must be 20-30 years old. Clasps are still 100% fine, never had to tighten them.
I recently got a MeFoto Globetrotter Air. It ditches the twist-lock clasps. I'm really pleased with it.
LOL. Interesting discussion around here.
Funny enough I ended up here because I was looking for a new tripod to replace my 3LT. Because I constantly have issues with the twist locks (closed the locks but the leg was sliding in - have to unscrew and screw some locks several times before they "grip").
And last time I used it in portrait mode my camera nearly fell out of the head - because there is no lock. Exactly the things they say around here. Will try a tripod with latch lock now and a head with a more secure way of mounting the plate.
I have an older 3LT Jack with the safety pin in the ball head and fewer leg segments. I love it. No problem with the mounting screw for the plate as I use a Black Rapid D-ring. Can't imagine why 3LT would choose to remove that safety pin from the current generation of ball heads.
I *really* appreciate your complete honesty in your reviews, it is rare thing to see these days. If 3LT won't send you any review samples after you give them well reasoned criticism - so be it then!
Chelsea's was definitely the most blunt and least 'diplomatic' of the three testimonials. I, personally, liked it. I also liked the differences in the testimonials: One was blunt, one was from a technician's viewpoint, and one from an 'engineering' viewpoint. The three together make for a good overall view. Thanks again for what appears to be a reliable, trustworthy comparison/review. As a note on latches: I fell away from the twist type when the flip latches began showing up in trekking poles and I saw how reliable and easy they were there even when they were supporting a good bit of my body weight plus pack, so when I began looking at tripods I rarely even considered twist type. Like anything else though, the quality of the particular item/brand will obviously play a part.
Great review.
Being videocentric my own travel setup is:
1. Manfrotto Befree Legs, Aluminum, Black
2. Topped with a Manfrotto 438 Compact Leveling Head - looks like Chelsea might need this ;-)
3. Topped by a Manfrotto HDV701 Video head
BTW I'm surprised that you didn't show the monopod conversion. I was hoping that you would have explored the different configurations of the 3LT and given your thoughts on the modular design. That's one of the features that put the 3LT on my consideration list.
The Cullmann Magic is a pretty great travel pod, that also converts to monopod, and the twists on it are just a slight turn. I just hope they are not plastic, in case I overtighten one day. Latch lock all the way!
Tony, I'm older than you (66, but I'm 25 at heart) and I worked in a camera store for over 2 decades and, as you say, almost every QRP I've seen that had a slot on the bottom of the mounting screw would work perfectly with either a US nickel or quarter. Sometimes a nickel would be a tight fit so I usually make sure I kept a quarter in my camera bag. That's a hardly a burden is it? I actually have more of a problem with trying to dig a fingernail under a D-Ring to pull it out.
A little history, from the way I heard it back in the 70's, the size of the slot was determined by the thickness of one or more common coins used in Japan, or it might have been Germany.
I see nowadays more and more QR plates using the Arca-Swiss mount as a standard and many of those have a pin to help keep the plate from slipping out of the head. I've standardized on those myself. I just keep the plates on the camera all the time since they're small and lightweight.
I sold Bogen/Manfrotto tripods for years and the problem with them is they have too many different size QR plates that are incompatible with each other and some of the smaller sizes don't hold a camera tightly at all. IMHO, most of them didn't mount the camera tight enough, especially when using a big lens like a 70-200 f2.8.
Another problem with some QR plates is they use a rubber or some other material on the top of the plate that prevents the camera from being tightly held in place. My personal opinion is metal on metal, or metal on a very thin grippy material works best.
I remember I did a test once of the 35-40 tripod models we carried in the store where I set them up at their max height, without extending the center column, and with a 35mm SLR camera mounted. Then I'd tap various parts of the tripod, legs center column, etc with the handle of a screwdriver while I rested a finger on the camera and waited to feel any vibrations. Of all the tripods I tested all the winners (no vibration felt) were Gitzo's. Some of the smaller Gitzo's were not winners though.
It might be important to point out to people with cameras or lenses that have image stabilization that you probably should turn off that feature off when using a tripod as it will often cause the camera or lens to try to compensate for movement that isn't there and actually cause a more blurry image.
Chelsea's testimonial was the best part, haha.
I own Manfrotto 055cx3 Tripod and use with both RC2 head and 501hdv head. Never have a problem with these tripod.
3LT looks great for travel sliders and other small attachments you may bring while traveling/hiking.
The 3 legged thing is obviously for photographers who like to sit in coffee shops and place it on a table for everyone to see, it does look super cool, but from your video not very practical, I already have the befree and love it, it even fitted in my rucksack when I went to the theatre after a day shooting in London, great review.
Just picked up the Befree the other day.. so far so good.. Thanks Tony..
Enjoy this channel, been very helpful, appreciate the work you put into it.
manfrotto didn't send to you but you have to buy it yourself, and they still got compliment for good design. I believe this is honest review
As an astrophotographer my experience with clasps varies a bit. Sitting at night in a cold and and often damp environment i have had a few situations, in which the whole equipment almost tipped over, because the clasps lost their tightness over time and the whole assembly would just collapse. With screw-tightening i can verify with a simple twist, that the camera, the star adventurer and the lenses are safe. The tightening option with the clasps is not a real one at night in the dark, when you cannot use light (would disturb other photographers).
I dumped my old clasps-type tripod because of that, and really find the screw-type much more trustworthy. But setting up astro-equipment is a whole different animal than just putting a camera up - you check and double-check and triple-check to really make sure, the setup is right.
Spot on regarding the twist vs flip locks. Besides not knowing whether it's locked or not simply by a visual scan (a huge plus for flip lever locks), you kinda have to reverse your thinking regarding lefty loosy/righty tighty in terms of hand motion when your making the adjustment from above the way Chelsea was demonstrating at 15:56.
It's so true about twist lock legs and why I would never buy a tripod with them. One other thing is if you try and use them in a cold climate your hands are too cold to get sufficient purchase on them. Give me lever locks any day
Very valuable words . If the companies use ur ideas , they will make the best practice tripod!
Hi Tony
Thanks for the review. I have the Three Legged tripod and I couldn't agree more:
- Legs twist locks same problems that you... annoying.
- Quick release plate. I dropped my camera with my very expensive lens :(
Plus I neither have anything to tight it up when I am outdoors. Annooooooying!!
- Head: very well built but a nightmare.
Summary I've been using for more than a year and I feel stupid when I have issues setting the tripod...
Very good review, although a little late for me :)
Keep up the good work!!
Just one question:
What about rotating the camera with the Manfrotto head to shot vertical?? I am talking about Mark 3 plus 24-105mm.
Thanks!
The BeFree CF is fab. It evens packs inside my mid-sized Think Thank backpacks. The thing is the colour scheme attracts passerbys. As for the D-Ring, I remove and replace it with the Black Rapid Fastenr Tripod, so I can use their straps too. The BeFree's head can be removed, hard to though, took me a few tries, I had to have a body mounted, and that lifted, twisting and turning the legs below it.
Three legged thing must have watched your review because they came out with a Punks Patti model that now has click lock legs and a D ring on the plate! Good review as usual.