Manfrotto Tripods: Best ones to Buy

In every guide related to camera tripods, we will surely mention the best Manfrotto tripods, essential accessories for photography that should never be missing in your equipment. Whether you are amateur or professionals photographers, you should ensure that you have a tripod always available during your photo expeditions.

Manfrotto Tripods

The camera tripod task is not just to stabilize the camera when shooting in low light conditions resulting in a slower shutter speed. A camera tripods can also help you to remove micro-blur from the shots with wide aperture opening. This is a technique used in combination with Neutral density photo filters to obtain very special effects.

The Manfrotto tripods that we will show you in this purchase guide are suitable for any eventuality, starting from studio photography to end in landscape photography: the important thing is to understand which is the best tripod for your needs.

How to choose a Manfrotto Tripods

The choice of a camera tripods are always very difficult, because their use varies depending on the context in which it will be used. For night shots it is essential that the tripod gives great stability to the camera body, while during the most demanding expeditions it will be appropriate to rely on a compact tripod.

For obvious reasons in this purchase guide, we will not show you other categories of photographic stands such as the monopod, because they have a different conformation from tripod definition.

To guide you better in choosing the best Manfrotto tripods for your needs, it is worth considering some main features.

Materials

A good tripod can be recognized by the materials it is made of. An aluminum frame, or better in carbon fiber, is essential to give greater stability. Often the choice of materials is ignored and placed second, but that is what makes the difference between a good tripod and a poor one. Usually the most resistant tripods are also the most expensive, but it is a very sensible investment. Most cheap tripods tend to break, or wobble excessively in the presence of wind.

Dimensions and weight

We have already said that the size and weight of a tripod will vary according to your transport needs. A very compact and lightweight tripod certainly proves to be much more versatile and easy to transport, but has its limitations as the least resistance to damage. On the other hand, the more cumbersome and heavier tripods are much more difficult to transport but guarantee incomparable stability and solidity.

Our selection

We arrive to those that are the Manfrotto tripods that have impressed us the most and that we feel more than advised. We remind you that Manfrotto offers the Compact line and the Befree line for a series of tripods oriented towards a more amateur use; and specific nomenclatures for more expensive devices suitable for professional use.

Manfrotto Pixi

Preview Product Rating Price
Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, Black (MTPIXI-B) Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, Black (MTPIXI-B) No ratings yet $44.95

Pixi was born as a mini-tripod suitable for compact cameras due to its extreme lightness and portability. It is often used during vlogs and to shoot moving scenes thanks to the good stability that they manage to confer their adjustable legs. The Manfrotto Pixi mini tripod is made of stainless steel that gives it a good structure and the rubber feet guarantee excellent grip.

Although the dimensions are small, Manfrotto Pixi has a ¼ threaded universal connection and can support devices weighing up to 1 kg. In addition to being used with digital cameras, Manfrotto Pixi also makes it possible to stabilize the smartphone through the special adapter plate.

  • Weight: 190g
  • Minimum height: 13.5 cm
  • Maximum height: 18.5 cm
  • Maximum capacity: 1 kg

Manfrotto Compact Light

The Manfrotto Compact Light tripod is an excellent tool for beginners. It is designed as a middle ground between a standard-sized tripod and a monopod, sharing many features with them. In fact, it manages to combine a high lightness with a good stability.

The Manfrotto Compact Light is equipped with a ball head with a locking knob and a quick connection for connecting cameras, up to a maximum of 1.5 kg. This Manfrotto tripod integrates an adapter to increase the surface of the head (giving a better grip) and a carrying case.

  • Weight: 840g
  • Minimum height: 40 cm
  • Maximum height: 131 cm
  • Maximum capacity: 1.5 kg

Manfrotto Compact Action

The Manfrotto Compact Action is equipped with a joystick head with a very special grip that will make it much easier to perform shooting and precise panning. Also in this case part of the body is made of aluminum and the remaining part in magnesium, so as to be a good investment for the time.

The quick release circular plate allows you to connect the head of this tripod to other types of equipment without having to make too much effort. This is a fundamental feature while shooting with multiple shots and you want to switch from one angle to another.

  • Weight: 1.2 kg
  • Minimum height: 45 cm
  • Maximum height: 155 cm
  • Maximum capacity: 1.5 kg

Manfrotto Befree One

Preview Product Rating Price
Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree Compact Aluminum Travel Tripod Black Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH BeFree Compact Aluminum Travel Tripod Black No ratings yet $199.88

The Befree range of Manfrotto stands out from the competition for being an excellent travel tripod segment and for a good quality/price ratio. The Manfrotto Befree One tripod is the basic model of the family, boasts of an all-aluminum construction and a small footprint, just 32 cm when closed. It increases the robustness and stability of the system, in fact, it is possible to support DSLR up to a maximum of 2.5 kg.

The Manfrotto Befree One has a facilitated closure, which positions the legs around the head. The latter is equipped with a quick release plate that guarantees strength and versatility. In short, it is a tripod for more experienced users who want to improve their photographic performance.

  • Weight: 1.35 kg
  • Minimum height: 32 cm
  • Maximum height: 130 cm
  • Maximum capacity: 2.5 kg

Manfrotto 055XPRO3

Preview Product Rating Price
Manfrotto 055 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Head Manfrotto 055 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with 3-Way Head No ratings yet $459.95

Contrary to what has been previously seen, the Manfrotto tripod in question is characterized by three aluminum sections, which make it similar both to photographic and cinematic applications. The 3-way X-PRO head allows you to adjust the camera angle in different directions, without having to worry about accidental damage thanks to the new friction control system that guarantees safety on all tilting axes.

The body of this Manfrotto tripod is made entirely of magnesium in order to be very resistant and give the whole system maximum safety and maximum stability. Thanks to the Quick Lock locking system the legs of the tripod can be mounted, arranged and closed quickly.

  • Weight: 3.5 kg
  • Minimum height: 74 cm
  • Maximum height: 183 cm
  • Maximum capacity: 8 kg

Manfrotto 475B Pro

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The Manfrotto 475B tripod is very different from the other Manfrotto equipment as it is exclusively for studio use. Anti-rotation tubing and leg collars make for a tripod that’s easier and faster to open, position and close.

The two central telescopic arms can have two intermediate positions that allow to identify the same angle between all the legs. Contrary to what is seen with the Compact and Befree series, the lever locking system has been improved. If you work in the studio and in contact with artificial lighting, the Manfrotto 475B could be for you thanks to its extreme professionalism.

  • Weight: 5.3 kg
  • Minimum height: 80 cm
  • Maximum height: 188 cm
  • Maximum capacity: 12 kg

Manfrotto 502XPRO3

We could say that this Manfrotto tripod is the top of its category. Not only for photography, but also for shooting thanks to the fluid aluminum head with opium tube telescopic leg. The dimensions are very generous, as is the weight, but assembly and disassembly is very simple. The counterbalancing system greatly improves the system, guaranteeing the support of devices up to 7 kg.

The tripod in question is characterized by a two-stage aluminum tube. It can close on itself and down, while from the open it can be locked in different positions without compromising the general stability.

  • Weight: 3.8 kg
  • Minimum height: 70.5 cm
  • Maximum height: 156 cm
  • Maximum capacity: 7 kg

Best selling Manfrotto tripods on Amazon

The Top 10 best selling Manfrotto tripods on Amazon. The list is constantly updated by the store itself, so you will always have a current reference available.

SaleBestseller No. 1
Manfrotto Befree Advanced Lever 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod with Ball Head, Black
  • Advanced Travel Tripod kit
  • QPL Travel lever secures maximum stability and easy setup
  • Center Ball Head with three independent ergonomic controls
  • Side pull selector ensures quick setup with both hands
  • Unique premium design, 100% Made in Italy
SaleBestseller No. 2
Manfrotto Befree 3-Way Live Advanced 4-Section Tripod with Befree 3-Way Live Head
  • Befree 3-Way Live Advanced Tripod - Befree 3-Way Live Head - 200PL-PRO Plate - Befree Carry Bag - Manfrotto 10 Year Limited Warranty (2 Year + 8 Years Extension with Online Registration)
  • High-performance photo/video kit in an ultracompact size
  • Sturdy fully foldable 3-Way Fluid Head with 6kg payload
  • Fluid Drag System both on panoramic and tilt movements
  • Compatible with Arca-swiss and Manfrotto 501PL video plate
Bestseller No. 3
Manfrotto MTPIXIMII-B, PIXI Mini Tripod with Handgrip for Compact System Cameras, for DSLR, Mirrorless, Video, Made in Italy, Technopolymer and Aluminum, Black
  • VERSATILE: Close the legs to use it as a comfortable grip to capture videos that stand out from the crowd
  • DSLR COMPATIBLE: Thanks to the universal 1/4 Inch screw thread and stability, Pixi can be used with a variety of devices, including iPhones (with KLYP), compact cameras, CSC and entry level DSLRs
  • SAFE: When the button is released, the ball is locked automatically in the selected position
  • COMPACT: The ideal solution for photographers searching for a lightweight, portable and easy-to-use support system
  • FUN: Find new perspectives and new ways to capture your shots flawlessly, while being provided with a secure base for any shooting situation
Bestseller No. 4
Manfrotto Element MII 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head, Black
  • Designed for DSLRs, mirrorless, compact cameras
  • Twist Locks for Easy Adjustment of the 5 Sections
  • Solid hook to attach carry-on bag and increase stability
  • Rubber feet with excellent ground grip
  • Two independent leg angles
Bestseller No. 5
Manfrotto 290 Xtra 3-Section Aluminum Tripod with 128RC Micro Fluid Head and Quick Release
  • Manfrotto 290 Xtra Aluminum Tripod - Shoulder Bag - 128RC Micro Fluid Head - PL200 Quick Release Plate - Manfrotto 10 Year Limited Warranty (6 Month + 9 Year & 6 Month Extension with Online Registration)
  • Adjustable Aluminum locks: The adjustable leg locks allow the user to securely set the tripod up
  • Aluminum spidercast: The rock spider cast with its screw column lock allows a perfect tightening
  • Rubber Leg Warmer: Comfortable to use with a new distinct style that follows the 055 & 190 design guidelines
  • Premium Italian Design: A new distinct style with bold, clean shapes and lines dictated by function
SaleBestseller No. 6
Manfrotto Element Traveller Small 5-Section Aluminum Tripod with Ball Head, Black
  • When compactness is a must, easily fits in backpacks, suitcases
  • Three independent leg angles adapt to the worst terrain
  • Telescopic column increases maximum height
  • Aluminum ball head features an independent 360° pan
  • Comes in customized bag for easy storage and transport
SaleBestseller No. 7
NEEWER 74 Inch Pro Video Tripod with Fluid Head, QR Plate Compatible with DJI RS Gimbals Manfrotto, Durable Camera Tripod with Telescopic Handle Scaled Base for DSLR, Max. Load 17.6 lb/8 kg, TP74
  • 【All Purpose Heavy Duty Video Tripod】 Stabilize your camera/Camcorder and take sharp photos and videos of sports, weddings, landscapes, and products with this heavy duty TP74 tripod. Double tandem legs made of rigid aluminum alloy provide remarkable stability and a maximum load capacity of 17.6lb/8kg. The mid level spreader and the nonslip rubber feet also further stabilize the tripod in various environments
  • 【Premium Fluid Drag Pan Head】 NEEWER TP74 Tripod features a robust fluid drag pan head with built in smooth friction damping and balancing system. It supports 360° rotation and -75°/+90° tilt movement. The ø3" (75mm) Bowl base with 360° scale allows you to capture spectacular panoramic images with fluidity and precision. A handy bubble level helps you keep the level straight all the time, and the telescopic handle is easy to use and store
  • 【Quick and Easy Modes Switching】 The fluid head has two QR modes, compatible with DJI RS2 RS3 RS3 PRO gimbal and Manfrotto 501PL 504PL quick release plates respectively. Compared to the traditional slide in structure, you can press the quick release plate directly from the top of the fluid head and lock it in 1s, as well as quickly release the plate via the side release button, more efficient and convenient to switch between tripod and gimbal shooting
  • 【35"-74" Easy Height Adjustment】 Telescopic legs with 3 sections and convenient flip locks enable this tripod to extend from 34" to 74" (86 - 187cm). The tripod can collapse to 36" / 91cm when folded and fit inside the carrying bag for easy storage and transportation. Tension of the flip locks can be adjusted by the L shaped hex keys
  • 【Universal Mounting Threads】 The 1/4” & 1/4” screws on the top of fluid head can mount camcorders, DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras and telescopes. The 1/4" threaded hole on the side of the head allows you to extend a variety of external devices such as magic arms, monitors, cell phones, microphones, video lights, etc
Bestseller No. 8
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminium Tripod with Hybrid Head forEntry-Level DSLRs, Mirrorless up to 1.5kg Black
  • VERSATILE: It can switch from photo to movie mode almost instantly, following all of your creative needs
  • STRONG DESIGN: Designed in high-quality aluminium and furnished in a stylish black finish
  • EASY TO USE: The Compact Action tripod has an ergonomic joystick head with an intuitive scroll-wheel locking mechanism for maximum sturdiness and a quick-release plate that supports a wide range of devices
  • EASY TO CARRY: Extremely lightweight, with a padded carrying bag included for portability
  • FAST: Instant camera attachment without screwdriver, it also includes a special adapter for higher-specification cameras
SaleBestseller No. 9
Manfrotto 190XPRO 3-Section Aluminum Camera Tripod with Horizontal Column
  • Shoot from all angles with a 90 Degree rotating camera tripod
  • Set up quickly and securely thanks to Quick Power Lock
  • Pair easily with your accessories
  • Individual leg control provides smooth, sure movement
  • Made to meet Italy's world-class quality standard
Bestseller No. 10
Manfrotto MVK502055XPRO3 Photo Video Hybrid Kit with 502 Series Head, Black
  • Professional flat base head with Fluid Drag System on PAN and TILT movements
  • Counterbalance system on TILT movement
  • 91 Degree column system lets to shoot from new perspectives
  • Quick Power Lock system allows a fast, solid effortless set up
  • The Easy Link allows to add accessories to the tripod as LED

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