Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate
- Price: $72.00
- GBP 45.86
-
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offer ends JUN 30 '12 - Price after Rebate: $62.00
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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 for 360° panoramic rotation, ±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 281 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (252)
- Attaches firmly (247)
- Large range of motion (216)
- Strong clamp (210)
- Quick release (3)
Cons
- Heavy (22)
- Complicated controls (8)
- Small range (5)
- Weak clamp (5)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (221)
- Night shots (178)
- Portraits (167)
- Travel (146)
- Wildlife (124)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (152), Semi-pro photographer (63), Casual photographer (33), Pro photographer (29)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (182), Yes (7)
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
Effective and fair, but not graceful
One thing to note about the 496RC2 is that the bottom plate, which is what affixes to the tripod, DOES NOT have space for the additional screws used to help hold the base of ...Read complete review
One thing to note about the 496RC2 is that the bottom plate, which is what affixes to the tripod, DOES NOT have space for the additional screws used to help hold the base of the ball head still. The only thing connecting the ball head to the tripod is the standard screw socket. Having said that, this ball head is not necessarily loose in regards to the tripod. You will just need to make sure you have attached it quite firmly. If this concerns you, disregard this ball head.
I use this ball head for landscape photography while traveling. This ball head is sufficiently sturdy to allow for one to utilize its range of motion (which is more than enough) without worry. The lock holds the camera still, but will sag very slightly if not locked firmly enough with proper friction. Not really a problem but something you will want to keep in mind while using the head. The sagging is not continuous. It ceases shortly after it starts.
The QR plate is simple and easy to figure out. One thing I will note here is that the plate can be jiggled slightly while locked to the mount. This does not really affect usage, but can cause alarm at first. This problem may be limited to my particular ball head.
Bottom line:
Good ball head, but clamp can be questionable and thus generate low confidence in performance when initially setting up for a shot. I recommend this only to those on a limited budget.
Reviewed by 281 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
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 love this ball head! The quick release plate is awesome and very helpful. I would definitely recommend it for the price. Great product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I use this on my Manfrotto tripod with a Canon 5d MkII (50mm and 16-35mm L) and it works great. So easy to get my camera on and off during shoots. I also use this for video. It does what you expect it to do at a professional level.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I got this ball head to go on a tabletop tripod in order to keep the min height of the assembly as low as possible. I also chose this ballhead beacause I use this Manfrotto QR plate. So far everything is working as expected.
- 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
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
After purchasing in December I've finally had the time to use this and I love it. Compared to other heads I've used the ease of setting this is amazing. Its sturdy, lightweight and easy to install/use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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:
Bought to replace my orginal head on a manfrotto 190NAT, which came with the three locking levers.
Wish I had purchased this sooner, its adjustable with one hand and quick to set in poistion, I will be taking this on a 3 week field trip to Northern Sweden this summer. Haven't found any bad points yet.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I bought this to mount onto my Dynamic Perception Stage Zero timelapse dolly. It's just really easy to use. Unlock, move, lock. Just that simple. And it moves in any direction I want. Something my 3-way head could not do.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- No adapter included
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I'm using mine with a Nikon D7000 and a nikon 70-300 zoom and it handles it fine. I'm not sure at this point the real difference between lock and friction control as they feel about the same. What bothered me is that I had to also order a 3/8 to 1/4 adapter. Should have been part of the unit. Many tripods are 1/4" Silly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I bought this product to use it on Cinevate Atlas and is fantastic, I recommend this product to all is practice, sure, and easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Nice solid, well made material. I really like the sturdyness of the head and the swivel. Now I need to get a Manfrotto trip-pod.
I am sure from the quality of the build I will be using this for years to come. I use this on my monopod and do not regret it.
- 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:
If you have a tripod you must get a quick release ball head too.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I needed a 'basic' ball head to attach to the Manfrotto 681B monopod. I realize I lean towards wanting 'sturdiness', and I have it with this configuration but at the cost of weight. A bit more and I could have just carried the tripod. But that's okay. I got what I wanted.
The 496RC2 allows for freedom of movement while I'm tracking a flying bird and gives that steady flow I need to stay in focus. The quick release is so important when I need to drop the monopod and shoot handheld. Having the 200PL-14 QR plate is perfect as it matches my other Manfrotto equipment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
It is light, well-built and compact - for me as hiker who likes to take camera and capture another landscape all mentioned things are quite important.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I use this both in my monopod and tripod, when i go outdoor. It's easy to use, and quality is as expected in manfrotto products.
My first impression is that it was a little bit more heavier than it says in the specs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Great manfrotto ball head at a decent price. Very happy with my purchase
- 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
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Very smooth operation and well-built.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
It's on my tripod and with me all the time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Manfrotto tripod legs
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I have been looking for a lightweight but sturdy ball head to be more flexible with my tripod and I think this might be the best answer for the price point. The only complaint I have is that it is not fast to get on and off for more spontenaeity but then again consider the price. If you want something that will support an SLR with a medium sized telephoto and give you some room for movement then consider this ball head.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with 200PL-14 QR Plate:
This is the first tripod head I ever bought and I do not regret my purchase.
- 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:
Good company for my 055XPROB tripod. The set works perfectly with my Nikon D5000. Quickly change the orientation of the camera or remove the camera from the tripod, when necessary. Not ArcaSwiss, but also costs the same.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Reducing/Enlarging Bushings
-
- Original: $2.49
- Save: $0.25
- Price: $2.24
- GBP 1.43
Quick Release Adapters
- Price: $39.00
- GBP 24.84
Miscellaneous
-
- Original: $32.95
- Save: $2.63
- Price: $30.32
- GBP 19.31
What's in the Box
- 200PL-14 Rectangular Quick Release Plate with 1/4"-20 Screw
- 1-Year Limited Warranty + 3-Year Extension (Free After Registration)
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