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Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate
- Price: $89.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # MA496RC2
- Mfr# 496RC2
Product Highlights
- 13.23 lb (6.0 kg) Load Capacity
- Die Cast Aluminum
- 3.94" (100.07mm) Tall
- Lightweight 0,93 lb (0.42 kg)
The Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head RC2 Quick Release with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate is constructed of die-cast aluminum, strong enough to support SLR or DSLR cameras with a medium lens, and light medium format cameras. It has a single repositionable locking lever, ±90° tilt movement, plus a friction control for precise positioning. Cameras are attached to the ball head with the 200PL-14 Plate with 1/4'' male threads. The head to tripod attachment has 3/8'' female threads. Additionally, the Quick Release has a safety system to prevent an accidental detaching from the head.
| Load Capacity | 13.23 lb (6.0 kg) |
| Ball Sphere Diameter | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Quick Release | RC2 |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Rotating Head | 360° |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8" female thread |
| Plate | 200PL-14 |
| Height | 3.94" (100.07mm) |
| Tilt | Lateral: ±90° |
| Weight | 0,93 lb (0.42 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 357 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (320)
- Attaches firmly (315)
- Large range of motion (272)
- Strong clamp (266)
- Compact (3)
Cons
- Heavy (29)
- Complicated controls (12)
- Small range (7)
- Weak clamp (6)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (279)
- Night shots (228)
- Portraits (209)
- Travel (179)
- Wildlife (152)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (185), Semi-pro photographer (82), Casual photographer (39), Pro photographer (36), Photography student (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (250), Yes (10)
Most Liked Positive Review
First Pro-Rated Tripod Head
This is the first time I had to purchase a tripod head. It's been great and easy to work with since I got it. It is a solid construction, easy to manipulate positions, ...Read complete review
This is the first time I had to purchase a tripod head. It's been great and easy to work with since I got it. It is a solid construction, easy to manipulate positions, and stable. It attaches to my Manfrotto tripod snuggly and makes it appear they are just one piece. It's a great addition if you're working with a camera setup thats under 8lbs. I have mounted a Nikon D300s with battery pack (MB-D10), SB-800, and 70-200mm VR II and it didn't strain to hold it up at all.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not Great for Macro
I bought this ballhead to use with a smaller tripod for macro shooting. The main selling feature for me was the fact that this ballhead was 'shorter' than my main ballhead & would there...Read complete review
I bought this ballhead to use with a smaller tripod for macro shooting. The main selling feature for me was the fact that this ballhead was 'shorter' than my main ballhead & would therefore help me get as low to the ground as possible. Overall it works fine, but it is not ideal for macro shooting. I shoot with a Nikon D90 and my macro lens is a Nikon 105mm 2.8 - which together weigh no where close to the weight of the advertised load capacity. I quickly became frustrated with this ballhead because it would continually track downward. It was extremely difficult to get it adjusted for a macro shot because of this & once you got it 'locked down' it would continue to slowly track downward. This might not be as much of a problem with wider angled shots, but with extreme close ups it was a real pain. The quick release plate would also sometimes shift when locking it in place which caused it (and thus, the entire camera) to wobble. I found myself taking it off and putting it back on several times before it would seat securely with no wobbles. For a multipurpose ballhead it would probably work fine, but for tight shots it just doesn't perform well.Also keep in mind that it does not have a separate panning feature which would definitely be of concern when shooting landscapes.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 357 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I bought this Manfrotto head for use with a 190XB Manfrotto tripod. It is built very solid, and works as advertised. Holds my Canon 6d camera with a 70-200 mm lens with absolutely no slippage after tightening everything down. The quick release plate works really smoothly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I am working on making a dolly and rail kit for my camera and this tripod worked great to hold the camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
This product is great and very user friendly and holds my Canon Camera very firm. It is easy to adjust and moves very smoothly. I love the quick release system which is a big asset when you want to remove your camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Complicated Controls
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Works as advertised. Very solid.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I use this head on a mono tripod, which is normally used for a 70-200 lens.
It is very stable and with its ball mount the lens can be adjusted in diverse angles.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Bought this to use with my Manfrotto tri-pod after seeing a YouTube demonstration by a user. The video showed me everything I wanted to see and how easy it was to adjust, options, etc.
I compared the Manfrotto to other tri-pods and heads for price, reviews, and viewed other YouTube videos...choose this and I'm very satisfied.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Great Reputation
- Great Value
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I spent weeks researching different heads for my current tripod legs and considered ease of use, reputation, weight, functionality and value. Then made a trip to my local camera store to compare the winners side by side. The Manfrotto won hands down in all categories. It's rock solid even with my 70-300 lens and the ball is smooth as silk. I put this on top of my 30+ years old Vivitar tripod legs and it works great. I considered the 498RC for the separate panning lock but for the small amount of panning I do the head can be rotated on the shaft with no problem. If you're thinking about a great ball head at a great price this is it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by jazzpno88
Manfrotto 496RC2 on my old Vivitar tripod legs.
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Excellent ball head with good versatility.I always wanted a Ball Head support system but just could not justify the cost.I decided to get this one to support my D7000 coupled with a wide array of lenses.The heaviest lens I have is the 70-200mm F2.8 and it handles the rig just fine.
Being this is my first BallHead unit I can't compare it to any other Ball Head systems out there.I do know that I enjoy the many different and extreme viewing angles this system provides.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Small
- SOLID
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I wanted a medium priced ball head for my manfrotto tripod legs. Made a great choice not too expensive and absolutely solid
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Bought this mainly to support my combination of a Canon 60D, 17-55mm f2.8 lens, and Vixen Polarie star tracker. This fairly heavy combination was too much for my old mounts, which were a 492 Micro and a 222 Joystick head.
This head is very solid, it holds the above mentioned gear easily, and doesn't budge when bumped. The build is solid, and the controls are straightforward, exactly what I love with Manfrotto gear. I was also happy that my QR plates from the 222 mount work with this and vice versa, makes it easy to switch heads & plates around.
Everything connects smoothly and solidly, no wiggling or rattling around. The tightening dial gets in the way slightly when you have the camera at extreme angles, but it hasn't been much of a problem for me.
Not the lightest head in the world, but for the quality you get, I think it's worth carrying the extra bit of weight.
Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a bit more grip & sturdiness than the micro heads, this has replaced the 222 as my default, and I'm considering buying a second one to use for the Polarie-DLSR connection.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Fast Adjustment
- Good Stability
- Great Load Capacity
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Backpacking
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I use this as an everyday camera mount as well as a backpacking head because it adds very little weight to my gear. I have tested it by attaching a camera, 70-200 lens, two flashes, a macro twin flash bracket and a wireless remote flash trigger and it passed the weight test with no problems. The ball head did not move even when the camera was pointed down at a slight angle. The 13+ load capacity was more than sufficient enough to hold the weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
As an aspiring semi-pro photographer I spend most of my time with hand-held shooting. However, a recent interest in night photography has required the use of a tripod. While exploring night photography I pulled out my cheapy tripod which made me nearly lose interest in night photography because it was so cumbersome. Knowing I was going to be taking a vacation last weekend, I ordered the manfrotto tripod several days ahead - it arrived just in time and I took it with me. The shots I came home with were unbelievable. The ball head made it easy to adjust the camera into some creative positions that I had never thought of. I highly recommend it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Exactly what I wanted. Fit on my old tripod with no adapting required. Functions well, with controlled movement and positive locking in position. I am a fan of the Manfrotto RC2 quick release, since I have them on several pieces of equipment.
This is a good value for a small, light travel tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Release Is A Bit Awkward
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Gives me more flexible angles and quick release of the camera when combined with my Manfrotto monopod. It is relatively lightweight and very sturdy. The plate release mechanism is a bit awkward to activate with one hand at times - the only negative.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Manfrotto 054 ballhead
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Dependable Controls
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Stays Put
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I use this ball head with the Manfrotto 190XPROB Aluminum Tripod for shots where I need to use a tripod. It's a good solid little unit that seems much more secure than others I have used. It lacks all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but still does the basic job just fine, at the right price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
This head is substantial and stable enough to take macro still life photos with. Great product at a reasonable price.
There is a little bit of play in the QR plate but it is not a problem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- easy to use
- Portable
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Not For Large Tele Lenses
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I bought this on the same day that I picked up a moderate size lightweight tripod for convenience when travelling on my motorcycle, and for hiking. This ball head was the perfect companion for it: medium size, strong enough for the average camera/lens, quick to use, not as obtrusive as the pan/tilt head on my full-size tripod. To be clear, this is NOT for use with large tele lenses and heavy pro cameras, but it will hold its own with the consumer stuff. Very well made, mostly metal construction, but not heavy. Very portable. I am happy with this purchase for its intended use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Loved mine so much I bought one for my husband! Easy to use, lightweight. The quick release is very helpful if you decide to hand hold between shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Terry
Mexican Dasiy
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
The unit was a little stiff at first but after making an adjustment , it worked great. Definitely lighter than my old unit and the quick release matches the one I use on my Manfrotto mono pod. With only one lever, operating the ball head is very easy.
A great value ...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Anything Shot From The Ca
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
This ball head is great for the window mount I have for it. It works perfectly when shooting from the car and gives support to the lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Reducing/Enlarging Bushings
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- Price: $2.49
Quick Release Plates
- Price: $16.99
Quick Release Adapters
- Price: $39.00
Miscellaneous
- Price: $37.45
General Tripod Accessories
- Price: $17.50
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