The Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release is a sturdy, professional ball head with separate controls for tilt, pan, and friction that enable precise positioning. With a 26.5 lb load capacity and a large-area camera plate with 3/8"-16 & 1/4"-20 screws, the durable head is suitable for just about any camera.
The 055 head's lateral tilt ranges from -100° to +40°, and pan is a full 360°. With the head's independent pan lock, its state-of-the-art materials & technology that enable smooth movements, plus the degree markers around the base, the 055 is well-suited for precise panoramic photography.
The head's quick-release mechanism is the redesigned RC4 system, which offers a large contact area for attaching cameras with long lenses and other heavy equipment.
| Load Capacity | 26.5 lb (12 kg) |
| Ball Sphere Diameter | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Quick Release | Yes, RC4 system |
| Camera Mount Plate | 410PL quick-release plate with 1/4"-20 & 3/8"-16 screws |
| Spirit Level | Yes, 2 |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 |
| Tilt Range | -100° to +40° lateral tilt |
| Pan Range | 360° |
| Material | Magnesium |
| Color | Smoke |
| Height | 5.24" (13.3 cm) |
| Maximum Diameter | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Weight | 2.3 lb (1.05 kg) |
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Reviewed by 18 customers
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
It is well made and perhaps more than needed for a DSLR. It is extremely well finished and locks tightly. I did not give it 5 stars because the rubber padding on the quick-release plate buckles up when I tighten down on long lens collars. It holds long lenses better than my old pentagonal plates, but will still move with a little pressure. It requires a tool (or coin) to attach, but needs a screwdriver to tighten enough to prevent slipping.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
I use this head with a heavy rig, Sony A850/vert. grip with a 70-400 lens and it seems to handle it fine. The locks are sturdy and I have not experianced any slipage. Haven't had it long enough to offer any in depth openions yet but I do like it so far. (2 weeks of ownership). Plate release is just a bit clunky, mostly my not being used to it yet.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
I love this head. So easy to use and stable. I use a 1DX with a 70-200 MM 2.8 without any issues.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
I bought this ball head to attach to an older aluminum manfroote tripod. Apparently it was designed with medium format cameras in mind, however I am shooting with a d7000. The action of the ballhead itself is great, especially because you can adjust the tension when using longer glass.
The quick release plate comes on and off with your thumb and finger pushing in a button and pulling the lever out. Sometimes the lever gets jammed against this release button when it is opened too far. I feel it is something I am willing to cope with. Most importantly, it holds my 70-300 no problem in the portrait position at any angle (as long as you tighten the screw on the bottom of the camera very tight). Overall, I'm using it and happy.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
Just got this and it's great. Works slick. Lots of control with it and the ball holds tight.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
Used for viedo and still shoots. Very easy to use and moves very smooth in all direction. The RC4 quick release is prefect for my use.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
This ball head is a beast. The plate locks in nicely, the pivot is smooth and offers excellent control. I am using with my D600 and Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and I'm very happy with results. I feel like it could hold way more than 26.5 lbs but that's what it's officially rated at.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
This ball head is extremely versitle and well designed. So far I have not found any cons.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
A simple operating head which is smooth and ideal for stationary or mobile subjects. Can set the amount of friction as the situation demands and can be locked easily with one control in any position. My options were the Cullman equivalent which may be as good if not better in that the locking mechanism seems to be less of a turn and the friction control more precise. It is also very smooth. The Cullman controls are a knob type with the friction control a smaller knob in the centre which is convenient compared to double lever types for the Manfrotto and a separate friction control
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
I wanted a ball head that was precise and very well made for my panoramas, i got it . I would absolutely recommend this.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
Solid construction with smooth ball rotation. I love the 90 degree slide adjustment. This is my first head purchase and so far it's awesome.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
I mainly bought this for time-lapse work. This thing is rock solid. The knobs do not take too much pressure to secure it's position. Im currently mounting a Merlin Telescopic Head along with my 5D Mark II with no problems. Holding it in your hand, it feels like a grenade. If you are looking for a rock solid support system with superior build quality.. then click buy now.
Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
good product
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
This ball head offers great functionality with a buttery smooth operation. The RC4 is rugged tuff and is a pleasure to work with. You'll be amazed by the top notch construction of this magnificent product.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
I've been a Manfrotto user for many years, so when I needed a ball head for a Monopod I chose this one, after reviewing the rest of the market. I already own a 808RC4 three way head. The ball head is great for mobile use instead of a fixed location; the three adjusting knobs are different sizes and shapes so you don't have to take your eye off the viewfinder when adjusting them, this is a huge plus. the RC4 QR is great for it's large mounting surface which registers well on the camera base or Long Lens mount. I'm very happy with my choice.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
I'm 6'4" and this head with the 055CXPRO3 3-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod extends taller than my eye level. Very sturdy. I have a gripped Nikon D7000 and often use a 70-300 lens. No slip at all and strudy.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
i use it only for 3 weeks but untill now it look very good and stability are great for the size of the ball head.
i use it for medium format photography.
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Comments about Manfrotto 055 Magnesium Ball Head with RC4 Quick Release:
Heck-for-stout head for a Mamiya RB67 even with 360 tele lens. Will hold even when pointing down at a 45 degree angle, let alone at 90 degrees. Smooth operation and really holds! Not to heavy and makes a sweet combo with a carbon fiber tripod - I use a Giottos MT 8170 carbon fiber tripod. The combo weighs 8.2 pounds and easily handles my 4x5 and medium format rigs. The RC4 quick release is easy to operate, quick to mount and also is heck-for-stout. I couldn't ask for a better tripod rig at any price! Great value and really does the job!
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