Best Phone Mount for Manfrotto BeFree Tripod
The Manfrotto BeFree is a legendary travel companion, but finding a phone mount that matches its Italian-engineered precision can be frustrating. You need a clamp that doesn’t just “hold” your device, but integrates seamlessly with the BeFree’s specific RC2 or Arca-Swiss plates. After years of trekking through the Alps and cityscapes with my BeFree Advanced, I’ve found that the Manfrotto Professional Smartphone Clamp is the gold standard for stability, though several third-party gems offer incredible versatility for mobile creators.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Phone Mount for Manfrotto BeFree Tripod: Detailed Reviews
Manfrotto Professional Smartphone Clamp View on Amazon View on B&H
If you own a Manfrotto BeFree Advanced or GT, you know the struggle of juggling plates. The Manfrotto Professional Smartphone Clamp (MCPRO) is a game-changer because the base itself is machined to Arca-Swiss standards. This means it slides directly into the BeFree’s ball head without needing an extra plate. I find the build quality exceptional; it’s made of solid aluminum with a locking knob that feels much more secure than spring-loaded alternatives. It features two 1/4″ attachments—one on the bottom and one on the back—allowing for vertical or horizontal mounting. The cold shoe on top is perfect for a Rode VideoMicro. While it is pricier than generic clones, the peace of mind knowing your $1,200 iPhone isn’t going anywhere is worth every cent. The only drawback is the weight, which is slightly higher than plastic mounts, but it balances perfectly on a sturdy BeFree frame.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Ulanzi ST-02S Metal Phone Mount View on Amazon View on B&H
The Ulanzi ST-02S is a masterclass in value. For less than twenty dollars, you get a CNC-machined aluminum mount that puts most name-brand plastic mounts to shame. To use this with your Manfrotto BeFree, you simply screw your 200PL-PRO plate into the 1/4″ thread at the bottom. I’ve used this mount for long-exposure night shots, and the lack of vibration is impressive. It uses a screw-down tensioner rather than a spring, which I personally prefer because you can “dial in” the pressure. It includes a cold shoe for accessories and thick rubber pads that protect your phone’s edges. The only real limitation is that it doesn’t have a native Arca-Swiss base like the Manfrotto Pro, so you’ll always need to keep your tripod plate attached. However, given the ruggedness and the price point, it’s the smartest “bang-for-your-buck” choice for any BeFree owner.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Ulanzi ST-07 View on Amazon View on B&H
When weight is your absolute priority—perhaps you’re taking your carbon fiber BeFree on a multi-day trek—the Ulanzi ST-07 is the way to go. It’s made of high-quality ABS plastic, making it incredibly light. Unlike the ST-02S, this uses a spring-loaded mechanism, which is much faster for “run-and-gun” shooting when you need to pop your phone in and out quickly. Despite its budget status, it still includes a cold shoe mount on top, which is vital for vloggers needing a microphone. You’ll notice that the grip isn’t quite as “tight” as the metal screw-down mounts, so I wouldn’t recommend this for extreme wind conditions or high-action scenarios. However, for standard landscape shots or video calls, it performs admirably. It’s an honest, no-frills mount that does exactly what it says on the tin without adding any bulk to your kit bag.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Joby GripTight PRO 2 Mount View on Amazon View on B&H
The Joby GripTight PRO 2 is the mount I reach for when I’m shooting for Instagram Reels or TikTok. Its defining feature is the smooth, locking rotation that lets you switch from landscape to portrait mode without having to tilt your BeFree’s ball head into the 90-degree notch. This keeps your center of gravity balanced over the tripod legs. The build is a mix of stainless steel and glass-filled nylon, giving it a very “pro” feel. It also includes a removable Cold Shoe PRO mount, allowing you to add lights or mics. One unique aspect is the addition of a 1/4″ thread on the side, designed for Joby’s GorillaPod arms, though you can use it for any accessory. It’s bulky, and it won’t fit into a pocket as easily as the others, but for a dedicated mobile workstation on a BeFree, it’s second to none.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
SmallRig Smartphone Mount ST20 View on Amazon View on B&H
SmallRig is a favorite in the cinema world, and their ST20 mount brings that same utility to mobile shooters. What I love about this mount is its “all-in-one” approach. It features a cold shoe on top and 1/4″ threads, but it also has a base that is Arca-Swiss compatible. This makes it a fantastic alternative to the Manfrotto Professional clamp if you want something a bit more compact. It rotates 360 degrees and tilts 180 degrees, giving you incredible framing flexibility without even touching your BeFree’s ball head. The metal construction is top-notch, though the tightening knob is a bit smaller than I’d like for use with gloves. It’s an elegant, highly functional tool that bridges the gap between a simple clamp and a full-featured video rig. If you want the Arca-Swiss convenience without the Manfrotto price tag, this is your winner.
Check Price on Amazon US, UK, CA, DE → Check Price on B&H
✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Easy Returns · ✓ Secure Checkout
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Phone Mount for Your BeFree
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manfrotto Professional | Arca-Swiss Ease | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Ulanzi ST-02S | Pure Durability | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Ulanzi ST-07 | Lightweight Travel | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Joby GripTight PRO 2 | Social Media | ★★★★★ | Check |
| SmallRig ST20 | Compact Versatility | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these mounts fit the Manfrotto 200PL-PRO plate?
Yes, all the mounts listed feature a standard 1/4″-20 tripod thread on the bottom. This allows you to screw your Manfrotto BeFree’s quick-release plate directly into the mount. Once attached, you can pop the phone mount onto the tripod head just like you would with a DSLR. The Manfrotto Professional and SmallRig ST20 mounts even have the Arca-Swiss shape built directly into their base, meaning you might not even need the plate at all if your BeFree head supports Arca-Swiss.
Can I shoot vertical (portrait) video with these?
Most of these mounts support vertical shooting, but they do it differently. The Joby GripTight PRO 2 and SmallRig ST20 have built-in rotation mechanisms, which is the easiest way to switch. For the Ulanzi ST-02S and ST-07, you would typically use the notch on your Manfrotto BeFree ball head to tilt the entire mount 90 degrees. I find the built-in rotation much more stable as it keeps the phone’s weight centered over the tripod’s main column.
Are these mounts wide enough for an iPhone Pro Max or Ultra?
Yes, all the recommendations in this guide are designed to accommodate modern “plus-sized” smartphones, including the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung S24 Ultra, even with a standard protective case. The Joby and Manfrotto clamps have particularly generous jaw openings. However, if you use a very thick “rugged” case like an OtterBox Defender, you should double-check the maximum width specs, though they usually fit with a bit of a stretch.
Do I need a separate plate for the Manfrotto BeFree?
If your BeFree uses the newer Arca-Swiss compatible head, you can use the Manfrotto Professional or SmallRig ST20 mounts directly without a separate plate. If you have an older RC2-only head, you will need to screw your Manfrotto 200PL plate into the bottom of the phone mount. I always recommend keeping a spare plate attached to your phone mount so you can switch between your camera and phone in seconds during a shoot.
Is it safe to use a phone on a full-sized tripod in the wind?
The Manfrotto BeFree is quite stable, but a phone acts like a small sail. Because phones are lightweight, they don’t provide the same “damping” effect as a heavy DSLR. To ensure safety, I always recommend hanging your camera bag from the BeFree’s center column hook to add ballast. Using a high-quality metal mount like the Ulanzi ST-02S or the Manfrotto Professional will also reduce the micro-vibrations that can ruin a long-exposure shot in breezy conditions.
Final Verdict
For most Manfrotto BeFree users, the Manfrotto Professional Smartphone Clamp is the logical choice—it matches the aesthetic and mounting system perfectly. If you are a content creator focusing on TikTok or Reels, the Joby GripTight PRO 2’s rotation is worth the extra bulk. However, if you simply want a rugged, no-nonsense metal mount that will last for years, you can’t go wrong with the Ulanzi ST-02S. Each of these will turn your BeFree into a mobile powerhouse.