Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head
The Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head features a strong die-cast aluminum housing plus a hard, tough ball that moves smoothly into position. It has a single control for complete 360° pans and ±90° tilts, fast even movements, and can be instantly locked off in any position. It is suitable for point & shoot cameras.
| Load Capacity | 4.41 lb (2.0 kg) |
| Ball Sphere Diameter | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Quick Release | No |
| Spirit Level | No |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Rotating Head | 360° |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8" female thread |
| Plate | Fixed with 1/4"-20 screw |
| Height | 2.36" (59.94mm) |
| Tilt | Lateral: ±90° |
| Weight | 0.31 lb (0.14 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 23 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (21)
- Attaches firmly (17)
- Large range of motion (14)
- Strong clamp (10)
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel (11)
- Home (9)
- Night shots (8)
- Portraits (8)
- Wildlife (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (9), Photo enthusiast (6), Pro photographer (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (20)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great stuff
This does a great job, i've been using three of these for run 'n' gun style shooting, very easy to set, they've taken some knocking around and they've been pretty tough. I ...Read complete review
This does a great job, i've been using three of these for run 'n' gun style shooting, very easy to set, they've taken some knocking around and they've been pretty tough. I love the fact that there is no quick release, it means i can use this in places where there are crowds and not worry that if i turn my head for two seconds someone might quick-release my $1,800 camera and run off.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Made in China!
I bought two of these, and when I received them, I was disappointed to find out this was made in China!
While the head functioned very well, and the quality of constr...Read complete review
I bought two of these, and when I received them, I was disappointed to find out this was made in China!
While the head functioned very well, and the quality of construction was fine, buying Manfrotto meant buying tradition, and a Italian-made brand.
Beware of Manfrotto... outsourcing production to China!
Reviewed by 23 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
Does it's job perfectly!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
perfect fit for my sons mini camcorder
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
I use this ball head for my window mount. Ball head is great for angled windows. Manfrotto quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
I bought this to use with Manfrotto Magic Arms and Joby flexible tripod,
Good built and construction. Recommended a quick snap on snap off Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter
- 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 492 Micro Ball Head:
So far I only have positives to say about this head that I purchased for use with Manfrotto 209 table top legs. The head fastens tight enough to support my leica M with a 135mm lens, and always moves and rotates easily.
I've used my Canon 7d on it which didn't turn out as well, but could still support it with some finagling.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Unstable
- Weak Clamp
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
Was looking for a lightweight head to fit a Vanguard Alta 255CT tripod. This stuff is not even able to hold verticaly a Nikon D90 + 18-105mm! It's not half the weight this head is supposed to support.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Small
Cons
- Made in China
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
I bought two of these, and when I received them, I was disappointed to find out this was made in China!
While the head functioned very well, and the quality of construction was fine, buying Manfrotto meant buying tradition, and a Italian-made brand.
Beware of Manfrotto... outsourcing production to China!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
This ball head is tiny compared with the ones I normally use on a tripod. However it holds my Leica M9 firmly and securely. I use this with the 685B monopod. The combination is light but strong.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
Great, buy it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Value
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
I was making a "Slider" as a DIY project for my recently purchased T2i. I didn't want to have something too flimsy and I didn't want to spend too much. Trust me when I say I scoured the net for online reviews and suggestions. Then I did a search on BH listing Ball Heads according to price, low to high.
Without question, this particular model is by far the highest quality, at the price point Ball Head you can purchase. Save yourself the time and effort and choose this one.
As for it's function etc. It's a Ball Head! It does exactly what it is supposed to do and has the feel of a high precision piece of equipment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
We have many bird and squirrel feeds just outside the dinning room window. I use the tabletop tripod, extention & Micro Ball Head by Manfrotto on the table and with a clean window I have gotten some great closeup shots. The combo is small, but VERY SOLID and the Ball Head is STRONG and STURDY. This is a GREAT combination and works exceptionally well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
Flexible, easy to adjust. Together with the 209 legs and 259 extension it makes a complete tripod solution. I use this for shooting dioramas, model RR layouts. The head is easy and fast to adjust.
It is also useful generally when I'm traveling light. With the included expansion collar, it can serve as flash stand in a pinch. I have found this tripod so useful, I bought one for my daughter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
Its small and it fits in my pockit and its heavy enough that I won't lose it. H W Green
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
Nicely constructed with thoughtful details, such as the adjustment lever which can be pulled out and rotated to a more convenient position. Head is solid and stable. It does seem a little beefy for Manfrotto's tabletop tripod, but it's the smallest one they make and the one they recommend.
- 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
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
I bought this Micro Ball Head so I could mount my Nikon SB-900 flash to it. Instead of having the head attached to tripod legs, I have it attached to the Manfrotto heavy duty flex arm. The flex arm is then attached to a Manfrotto Super Clamp.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
I use it with a Leica table top tripod with a Pentax 80mm spotting scope at the range. This head is much more secure and easier to adjust than the Leitz ball head it replaced. Well-designed, sturdy piece of gear. Good price for what you get.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
Simple and easy to use, well made.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
I use this with my umbrella bracket and mount a speedlite on here - that way I can fit my speedlite right into the center opening of the softlighter. Very reliable and solid. It's the perfect size and doesnt take up too much space at all.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Small Range
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
Well made and durable.However the ratchet is a little course, but otherwise fine. Not for heavy DSLR's cameras with lense over 200mm
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 492 Micro Ball Head:
This does a great job, i've been using three of these for run 'n' gun style shooting, very easy to set, they've taken some knocking around and they've been pretty tough. I love the fact that there is no quick release, it means i can use this in places where there are crowds and not worry that if i turn my head for two seconds someone might quick-release my $1,800 camera and run off.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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General Tripod Accessories
-
- Original: $32.95
- Save: $2.63
- Price: $30.32
- GBP 19.31
What's in the Box
- 1-Year Limited Warranty + 3-Year Extension (Free After Registration)
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