MANFROTTO BEFREE 2N1 COMBINATION TRIPOD and MONOPOD

I use Manfrotto tripods exclusively so I tend to watch them closely for new products announcements. Somehow I missed the news of the Befree 2N1 until I read the November issue of Outdoor Photographer Magazine. I have long been a proponent of the Befree lineup since it was announced a few years ago, In fact the Befree tripod is what I have been known to give as a gift to aspiring photographers.

Since the release of the Befree lineup Manfrotto has continued to evolve and expand the lineup to include unique finishes, carbon fiber models, video models and two different leg locking mechanisms, lever and twist. Today’s post is a variation I didn’t expect. The Befree 2N1.

The Befree 2N1 is a Befree tripod that has a removable leg that converts to a monopod and that is pretty awesome. For $220 you get a Manfrotto Befree Tripod and Monopod! Simply remove the leg and attach the tripods Manfrotto 494 ball head and you’re in business. When I go out photographing living nature like birds and butterflies I usually bring a tripod and a monopod. Btw my Manfrotto monopod weighs more and costs more than the Befree 2N1 but it’s professional level and predates the Befree tripods and other lightweight monopods. I’m very interested in this inexpensive combo.

Bottom line I see it this way, If your in the market for a new tripod and an aluminum Befree model is appealing why not just get the 2N1 and get a tripod and bipod all in one.

I will be purchasing the Befree 2N1 to do a review and compare it to my other tripods and monopod. Lastly Manfrotto if your listening make a carbon fiber model!

Currently Amazon is showing stock of two of each model.

Visit Manfrotto.

This post first appeared on one of our sister sites Pixel Hiker.

If you like this post might also be interested in reading our picks for the BEST CARBON FIBER TRAVEL TRIPODS

PICTURE OF MANFROTTO BEFREE 2N1 COMBINATION TRIPOD and MONOPOD, LEVER LOCK and TWIST LOCK MODELS — MANFROTTO BEFREE 2N1 COMBINATION TRIPOD and MONOPOD, LEVER LOCK and TWIST LOCK MODELS

MANFROTTO BEFREE 2N1 ALUMINIUM TRAVEL TRIPOD WITH LEVER LOCK SPECIFICATIONS MKBFRLA4B-BHMUS

The Manfrotto Befree 2n1 aluminium travel tripod with lever lock and ball head kit is the ideal solution for advanced hobbyist photographers who want versatility and maximum performance combined in one simple solution, ideal for travelling.
Its ergonomic design makes operating the Manfrotto Befree 2n1 intuitive and fast, enabling even the most demanding photographers to set their equipment up quickly and easily, so they can completely focus on catching the desired shot.
The Befree 2n1 features an integrated full size aluminium monopod that can be easily mounted in a few steps. By simply unlocking the dedicated mechanism on the leg with the leg warmer on, and pulling out the tripod column, the two solid aluminium blocks can be joined together with the dedicated cap screwed under the column. The monopod can easily hold up to 5kg (11 lbs) payload.
This model also provides a new locking mechanism called the QPL Travel lever, a brand-new system developed by Manfrotto, that brings the full locking power of the professional QPL lever on professional Manfrotto tripods like the 190 & 055 collections, to a more lightweight version that is ideal for travel. The new on-off mechanism makes set-up and adjustment easy and secure, providing full stability in all its configurations when the tripod is open.
The ergonomic leg-angle selector is designed to be used by both right and left-handed photographers, enabling everyone to change shooting perspectives intuitively, and to find the right tripod height without losing focus on the shot they want.
The Befree 2n1 can easily be set to three independent leg angle positions, guaranteeing full shooting versatility for all the creative ideas that can emerge outdoors.

The spider is developed to ensure perfect stability on all types of terrain, including the most uneven, always keeping the camera completely steady and ready to capture sharp images. It features the Easy Link, just like Manfrotto professional 190 & 055 tripods, allowing photographers to enhance their creativity by adding accessories that make their shot unique and unforgettable. Photographers who love adding lights or reflectors can now take amazing outdoor shots that were previously only achievable with heavy accessorized tripods.
The tripod is kitted out with Manfrotto’s Advanced 494 aluminium Center ball head, a small but powerful and intuitive head that allows quick and precise camera movement. The 494 Center ball head features three independent controls: a main knob for managing the sphere lock, an integrated friction control knob that adjusts the ball tension so that equipment weight is always perfectly balanced and shots framed effortlessly; an independent panoramic knob that keeps the horizon flat and moves the camera horizontally, enabling astonishing landscape shots.

The head mounts a unique plate that makes it fully compatible with the world’s most widespread standard head attachments: Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-swiss style. With this aluminium plate fixed to the camera, all Manfrotto heads and almost all tripod heads on the market featuring Arca-style attachments can be set up rapidly and effortlessly, with no need for disassembling components.

Befree 2n1 is the best travel tripod for passionate photographers who need an all-in-one solution that is perfect for travelling. This lightweight travel tripod is the optimal combination of portability, solidity, easy set-up and operation, and thanks to the detachable legs it allows any photographers to choose the proper support to bring with them, minimizing weight and size. It is built with the unique goal of enabling individuals to express their nature using their camera with the confidence of being supported by a professional solution.

Weight 58.55 oz
Collection/Series Befree Advanced
Material Aluminum
Safety Payload Weight 17.64 lbs
Min Height 15.75 in
Maximum Height 59.45 in
Maximum Height (with Center Column Down) 50.39 in
Closed Length 15.75 in
Head Type Ball Head
Legs Tube Diameter 0.47- 0.61- 0.75- 0.89 in
Leg Sections 4
Base Diameter 1.57 in
Leg Angles 22°, 54°, 89°
Top Attachment 1/4″ screw
Base Type 1.57 in
Ball Locking Yes
Carrying Bag Included Yes
Center Column Rapid
Color black/silver
Easy Link Yes
Friction Control Yes
Independent Pan Lock Yes
Leg Type Single
Leg Lock Type Flip Lock
Maximum Working Temperature 158 F
Minimum Working Temperature -22 F
Monopod Max Height 61.42 in
Monopod Payload 11 Pounds
Monopod Weight 1.653 Pounds
Pan Drag NONE
Panoramic Rotation 360
Plate Type 200PL PRO
Quick Release Yes
Tilt Drag NONE
Upper Disc Diameter 1.57 in

MANFROTTO BEFREE 2N1 ALUMINIUM TRAVEL TRIPOD WITH TWIST LOCK SPECIFICATIONS MKBFRTA4B-BHMUS

The Manfrotto Befree 2n1 aluminium travel tripod with twist lock and ball head kit is the ideal solution for advanced hobbyist photographers who want versatility and maximum performance combined in one simple solution, ideal for travelling.
Its ergonomic design makes operating the Manfrotto Befree 2n1 intuitive and fast, enabling even the most demanding photographers to set their equipment up quickly and easily so they can focus completely on catching the desired shot.
The Befree 2n1 features an integrated full size aluminium monopod that can be easily mounted in a few steps. By simply unlocking the dedicated mechanism on the leg with the leg warmer on and pulling out the tripod column, the two solid aluminium blocks can be joined together with the dedicated cap screwed under the column. The monopod can easily hold up to 5kg (11 lbs) payload.
This model introduces a new locking system called the M-lock, the new twist lock developed by Manfrotto to fully satisfy everyone looking for a fast, easy to use, compact solution. Moreover, the M-Lock has no protruding parts and its mechanism closes perfectly around the head, enabling the Befree advanced to slip in and out of its storage pocket effortlessly. The ergonomic leg-angle selector is designed to be used by both right and left-handed photographers, enabling everyone to change shooting perspectives intuitively, and to find the right tripod height without losing focus on the shot they want.
The Befree 2n1 can easily be set to three independent leg angle positions, guaranteeing full shooting versatility for all the creative ideas that can emerge outdoors.

The tripod is kitted out with Manfrotto’s Advanced 494 aluminium Center ball head, a small but powerful and intuitive head that allows quick and precise camera movement. The 494 Center ball head features three independent controls: a main knob for managing the sphere lock, an integrated friction control knob that adjusts the ball tension so that equipment weight is always perfectly balanced and shots framed effortlessly; an independent panoramic knob that keeps the horizon flat and moves the camera horizontally, enabling astonishing landscape shots.

MANFROTTO BEFREE 2N1 ALUMINIUM TRAVEL TRIPOD WITH LEVER LOCK SPECIFICATIONS MKBFRLA4B-BHMUS

Weight 55.02 oz
Collection/Series Befree Advanced
Material Aluminum
Safety Payload Weight 17.64 lbs
Min Height 15.75 in
Maximum Height 59.06 in
Maximum Height (with Center Column Down) 50 in
Closed Length 15.75 in
Head Type Ball Head
Legs Tube Diameter 0.47- 0.61- 0.75- 0.89 in
Leg Sections 4
Base Diameter 1.57 in
Leg Angles 22°, 54°, 89°
Top Attachment 1/4″ screw
Base Type 1.57 in
Ball Locking Yes
Carrying Bag Included Yes
Center Column Rapid
Color black/silver
Easy Link Yes
Friction Control Yes
Independent Pan Lock Yes
Leg Type Single
Leg Lock Type Twist Lock
Maximum Working Temperature 158 F
Minimum Working Temperature -22 F
Monopod Max Height 61.42 in
Monopod Payload 11 Pounds
Monopod Weight 1.653 Pounds
Pan Drag NONE
Panoramic Rotation 360
Plate Type 200PL PRO
Quick Release Yes
Tilt Drag NONE
Upper Disc Diameter 1.57 in