Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Tripod Head, a compact folding tripod head for both stills and video use.

When it comes to photographic kit, there are plenty of either/or questions. DSLR or mirrorless, zooms or primes, full-frame or crop sensors; all can inspire heated debate. When it comes to tripod heads, the question is between 3-way and ball designs. Ball heads have generally found most favour due to their small size, light weight and strength, but 3-way heads, which allow the camera angle to be adjusted in three directions independently, are arguably easier to use, while also being superior for video work.

With its BeFree Live head, Manfrotto has aimed to address the traditional drawbacks of 3-way heads. First and foremost is bulk. Conventional designs have handles sticking out at various angles, which isn’t exactly great for transport, but this one folds down to pack neatly between the legs of travel tripods. Second is versatility: it’s designed to work equally well for both video and stills shooting. To this end, it boasts fluid drag on the pan and tilt actions to enable smooth camera movements, while the camera platform can be rotated for shooting portrait-format images or vertical videos for social media.

While as usual I’d take the 6kg rated load with a pinch of salt, I found that thanks to its sturdy aluminium construction, the head was capable of holding a high-end mirrorless set-up weighing over 2kg with no trouble at all. The fluid movements work well not just for video work but also for accurately positioning telephoto lenses, while the large, rubberized controls are easy to use and lock down without any shift in composition. The camera clamp accepted all of the Arca Swiss-type quick release plates I tried, with two sprung pins acting as secondary locks to stop the camera from sliding off.

There are a few compromises, though. The bubble level for setting the horizon in portrait format is on the front, making it invisible from behind the camera. Also, the Arca Swiss camera clamp is oriented in the wrong direction for use with L-brackets, which may well be a deal-breaker for some users. At 720g, the head is also noticeably heavier than a ball head that would support the same load.

Verdict
This head presents an ingenious and generally successful bid to cater to the needs of content creators who shoot both video and stills on location. It’s neatly designed and works well, while
being relatively compact and lightweight. Even if you don’t shoot video, it’s worth considering.

Folding Handle
The long pan handle folds down for packing via a large, easy-to-use release lever.

Camera Plate
The included 200PL-PRO plate is Arca Swiss compatible, but also clips into heads that use the older RC2 quick release clamp.

Levels
Three bubble levels help with setting up the camera straight in both portrait and landscape formats.

Travel Friendly
Unlike most 3-way heads, this one is designed to pack neatly between the legs of a reverse-folding travel tripod.

At a glance
3-way tripod head
Fluid pan and tilt movements
720g weight
6kg rated load