Manfrotto BeFree Steal

Costco has the aluminum Manfrotto BeFree for $140 (Internet average is $199)

• Load Capacity: 8.8 lb
  
• Maximum Height: 56.7"
  
• Min Height: 13.4"
  
• Folded Length: 15.75"

any link from costco?

Thanks

Looks like its at store locations only. Mine had dozens in stock. I picked one up. Seems pretty nice for air travel.

Even better still, the rebate form says you can buy from any authorized dealer, as long as it's not Best Buy or Bestbuy.com. Find your authorized dealer here: http://www.manfrotto.u​s/dealers

Quoted from the rebtate: "This offer is valid only on items purchased through Authorized Dealers and not on imports or grey market items."

For more fine print, read the rebate here: http://mediacdn.shopat​ron.com …eQ4Prepaid.pdf?​1412888703

I looked at it but found it a bit flimsy and wasn't sure how well it would hold a gripped 5D3 with say a 70-200 mounted. Otherwise nice and small and not very heavy. Anybody here use it and can report on how well it handles loads?

I just picked one up, figured if I don't like it I can easily return it at Costco, gonna give it a test run this coming week. Thanks for posting the link to the rebate! There were maybe 10 or so left at Costco here today, though they might get more I guess. It folds down really small, which is neat.

well, after playing with it a bit I decided to return it to costco. I'm not a fan of the flip switch thing to adjust leg angle, seems flimsy. The ballhead is also not that great, especially since it does not allow for panning, an oversight IMO. I decided to get a MeFoto Roadtrip instead. About the same in size, better ballhead with panning and level and it converts into a monopod. Also can carry higher loads. Should get it this week, I'll compare them side by side but I'm pretty sure it's a keeper and I'll be at costco for the return.

I do prefer the latches for leg extension over the twist rings, but that's a minor thing.

I picked up a CF tripod from Costco (perhaps the brand was Dolica) and ended up returning it as well. Like they all say, don't go cheap on a tripod as you will just end up wasting your money in the long-run. Stick with Manfrotto/Giottos/etc.

I am contemplating purchasing this, however, I cannot for the life of me find Costco on the Manfrotto list of approved distributors. Does anybody know for certain that purchasing this at Costco qualifies for the $30 rebate?

As a result of this thread, I went and checked out the Manfrotto BeFree tripod at a local camera store. I thought it was rinky dink. Very cleverly designed folding hinge joint at the apex, but still rinky dink.

I have a confirmation my rebate is on the way.