ManfrottoBefree GT XPRO 4-Section Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with MH496 Ball Head

Manfrotto quality/performance in a relatively compact/lightweight package. Just fits into my LowePro ProTactic 450 AW ii (another 5-star product), even in the supplied carrying bag. Easily handles my "travel rig" in its bulkiest configuration (Lumix G9 with Leica 100-400). No surprise there as that totals about 2.1 kg/4.7 lb, well below the 'pod's 10-kg limit. Well-built, stable, and easy to use. Of course, the trick feature is the 90° articulating center column, which enables you to position/orient the camera virtually anywhere in its range, including practically touching the ground for low-angle or macro shots (see photo). Make sure to register with Manfrotto to get the 10-year warranty, but I doubt that will come into play. Not cheap (unless you get it on sale--they knocked off $90 from the US$430 MSRP recently) , but a bargain compared to pricier competition and it should never require replacement. No significant complaints so far (one rarely needs a 'pod for MFT other than high-res and ultra-long exposures), although there appears to be no provision for spikes. That hasn't been an issue for me so far but we'll see. The rubber feet seem grippy enough.

Very nice and sturdy tripod and my first ever name brand one. Feels a little heavier in hand than just reading the specs. For my new Sony a7r4, I chose this over the Befree Advanced GT Carbon and ordered the Sony Alpha orange PL200 plate separately because of the 90 degrees column of this model over the GT version. I chose this over 190go Carbon M-Series with XPRO head because it folds shorter than 190go and can carry more load despite the fact that 190go has the better and bigger head. Although Sony Alpha has internal levelers, I still liked to see the head or the tripod had one built-in. Overall, I am happy with the purchase. Yes, the price can be a lot cheaper, but that’s another discussion. Good luck with your choice and thanks for reading.

I have had a series of inexpensive tripods over the years that seemed perfectly functional, but I finally splurged for a better one and the difference is clearly worth it if you can find the $. This thing is just far more stable than any inexpensive one I've had. I have some pretty speedy (and relatively heavy) lenses by now and I have no hesitation using them with this tripod. Also, while I know remote release is better, there's a big difference in just the stability of using the finger-shutter with this tripod, compared to my previous purchases. I know this may not be the most useful review for someone trying to compare different $400-500 tripods, but its point is to say that I am very glad that I made the step up to this one. If this is a price range you can get to, I can see little reason to regret this purchase.One nitpick: the so-called ARCA-compatible plate is only compatible with tiny ARCA mounts. I replaced the plate with a third party ARCA compatible plate. This is no complaint if you are already invested in Manfrotto quick release plates or are just getting started...but I decided a while back to move to ARCA for the relatively wider compatibility.

Second time using this tripod, I released one of the legs to raise the height, the entire second tube came out and there was a plastic piece within that fell out. I tried to reconnect it within the tube and the piece slid completely to the back of the tube now unable to be reached. Horrible leg design! I am a loyal Manfrotto client, however this being my 4th tripod with them, I am beyond disappointed with this design as it pertains to the components within. I’m now having to return the tripod for a full refund.

Great product, amazing versitility, light weight, compact, excellent value. It wasn't cheap but i'll never need to buy another tripod......

Excellent tripod! The horizontal shaft is very well done and easy to use. Size and weight are perfect for hiking with. Only two negatives, no built in level and the rubber feet do not retract to spikes. I looked at about 20 different models before choosing this one.

Llegó antes del plazo informado, todo correcto y bien envuelto y protegido. La calidad es excelente y la cabeza es de calidad con dos tipos de ajustes. La placa de montaje es más fina y su fijación es buena. El sistema para las patas telescópicas de le vende muy buena calidad. En general todos los materiales utilizados dan la sensación de muy buena calidad. Es muy estable y le puedes colgar peso para mayor estabilidad.

Tripod is great with good construction and sturdy enough for long exposure night photography. Only thing I don't like is the head with the proprietary plate mounting system. I like to use my L- bracket which you can't with the ball head that comes with this tripod.