Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head
- Price: $61.64
- GBP 39.26
-
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-$10.00
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offer ends JUN 30 '12 - Price after Rebate: $51.64
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The Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head features a precision-machined aluminum housing and ball which provides smooth movements across all tilt positions. It has a ratchet locking knob for 360° panoramic movement and a double groove for ±90° tilts. This ball head fits any tripod with 3/8"-16 threads.
This head is great for 35mm SLR and DSLR cameras with medium lenses.
| Load Capacity | 13.23 lb (6.0 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 | 3.54" (89.91mm) |
| Tilt | Lateral: ±90° |
| Weight | 0.71 lb (0.32 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
93%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attaches firmly (16)
- Stable (16)
- Strong clamp (13)
- Large range of motion (11)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (12)
- Night shots (9)
- Portraits (6)
- Wildlife (5)
- Home (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (7), Pro photographer (5), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
496 Compact Ball Head by Manfrotto
Reduces the total length of the tripod by a couple of inches for an easier fit into carry-on luggage. Although a bit difficult to initially screw equipement onto the head, the quick-locking feature and ...Read complete review
Reduces the total length of the tripod by a couple of inches for an easier fit into carry-on luggage. Although a bit difficult to initially screw equipement onto the head, the quick-locking feature and friction knob Manfrotto added make it much easier to adjust heavy equipement. I found it easier to screw the tripod into the base of the equipement, than attempt to screw the equipement onto the head.Easily holds Nikon D300 + Nikkor 300mm lens.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great head but no QR kills
The ball head was extremely sturdy, but a lack of quick release causes the item to be very awkward when attaching a camera. Even a thicker platform to hold when mounting a cam would ...Read complete review
The ball head was extremely sturdy, but a lack of quick release causes the item to be very awkward when attaching a camera. Even a thicker platform to hold when mounting a cam would have been more helpful.
No quick release kills the product for me, and I'll likely return for one that has that. If you just need sturdy and plan to keep your camera on the head for a while then this might work for you.
Reviewed by 17 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-17
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
Just the right size for my Manfrotto 680B. Great for long hikes with my dog.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
I am leaving the rank beginners level in photography and moving up a notch or so. I needed a tripod for my nature photography. After having attained an excellent hand-me-down tripod from a relative who upgraded even more, he recommended this 496 Compact Ball head by Manfrotto as a good way to start.
I'm happy with it and I have found it to be just what I needed.
- 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 496 Compact Ball Head:
Works as advertised.
Would like to have bubble level
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
Very good value for the money.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Hard to pan
Best Uses
- All around ball head
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
I bought this ball head to replace my Manfrotto 804RC2. I like the convience of one adjustment to move the camera into different positions. So far it seems sturdy enough and I have put it to use in State Parks and under low light conditions.
I really wish the head had a knob to allow it to pan without loosening the ball head.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
I attach to my slider. With quick release plate it's easy to switch to tripod
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Awkward screw function
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
The ball head was extremely sturdy, but a lack of quick release causes the item to be very awkward when attaching a camera. Even a thicker platform to hold when mounting a cam would have been more helpful.
No quick release kills the product for me, and I'll likely return for one that has that. If you just need sturdy and plan to keep your camera on the head for a while then this might work for you.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
This is the perfect balance of range of motion, large supportive base, and sturdiness. This model hits the sweet spot for DSLR's
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
great did not know why it took me so long to get of my seat and buy some
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
Holds the lens where I point it with no problems, easily adjusted.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
I need this head to add to my slider. Great head for the money
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
Cons
- No quick release
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
Good Item but I wish that it came with a quick release.
- 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
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
Very stable and easily adjusted.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
nice compact size, easy controls
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
I decided to choose a ball head over a pan head for easier maneuvering into vertical portrait style shots with one hand. The Manfrotto 496 compact ball head is perfect. I also use the aluminum Manfrotto tripod stand. Installing the head was easy and took seconds.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Hard to mount
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
Reduces the total length of the tripod by a couple of inches for an easier fit into carry-on luggage. Although a bit difficult to initially screw equipement onto the head, the quick-locking feature and friction knob Manfrotto added make it much easier to adjust heavy equipement. I found it easier to screw the tripod into the base of the equipement, than attempt to screw the equipement onto the head.Easily holds Nikon D300 + Nikkor 300mm lens.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head:
It can hold a Nikon D3000 with Nikon 70-300mm lens fully extended and not want to drift and you don't have to gorilla grip the tension down and yet the head is small and compact as well.
Displaying reviews 1-17
General Tripod Accessories
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- 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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