Manfrotto Befree 2N1

£149/$219 A two-in-one Manfrotto kit offers plenty

Manfrotto’s Befree series of travel tripods has earned a good reputation for practicality and performance. There’s a wide range of basic aluminium and carbon-fibre options to choose from, and an even greater selection in the ‘advanced’ category. Unlike some, the advanced 2N1 kit is only available in aluminium, but you can choose between clip locks and twist locks for the four-section legs. We prefer the M-Lock clamps of the twist-action edition, which have a simple and speedy action.

The 2N1 gets its name from converting into a monopod. It has good build quality and an appealing finish, along with a smart ball head that features an adjustable friction damper.

Performance

It’s a well-finished and stylish tripod, and the overall performance and rigidity are pretty good. The twist locks are quick and easy to use, with fairly minimal rotation, and lock very firmly. It’s well worth the asking price.

Digital Camera verdict

Manfrotto’s only Befree travel tripod to feature a monopod configuration, this is a neat kit, although there’s no carbon-fibre edition, which would have added strength.

1 An independent friction adjuster is built into the main clamping knob. 2 The quick-release plate is Arca-Swiss compatible; the ball head’s platform isn’t. 3 The centre-column doesn’t have a two-section telescopic design.