Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release
The Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release is the most compact ball head kit in the 290 series, folding up to a very portable 20.7" and weighing under 4 lb. The removable ball head includes the RC2 quick-release plate for easy exchanging of cameras or for switching to handheld shooting with your DSLR or other camera.
Outfitted with the included head, the 4-section 293 tripod supports loads up to 8.8 lb. Its three legs are independently adjustable, and their angles can be locked at 23° and 51°. The center column is three-faced, so it won't rotate, and the tripod collar has an anti-shock feature to protect your camera from accidental impact if the center column is retracted quickly.
The 494RC2 head features a friction-control knob and two grooves for 90° tilt.
- Ideal for traveling
- Adjustability of leg locks ensures their consistent performance
- Aluminum ball head is detachable
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| General | |
|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 8.8 lb (4 kg) |
| Maximum Height | 58.1" (147.6 cm) |
| Maximum Height w/o Column Extended | 50.6" (128.6 cm) |
| Minimum Height | 14.9" (37.9 cm) |
| Folded Length | 20.7" (52.6 cm) |
| Weight | 3.97 lb (1.8 kg) |
| Head | |
|---|---|
| Head Type | Removable ball head |
| Quick Release | Yes, RC2 plate |
| Legs | |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Diameter | Leg sections: 0.89" (22.5mm), 0.75" (19mm), 0.61" (15.5mm), 0.47" (12mm) |
| Head Attachment Fitting | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Leg Stages/Sections | 3/4 (D-shaped) |
| Leg Lock Type | Flip-lever (adjustable) |
| Independent Leg Spread | Yes, 23° and 51° |
| Spiked/Retractable Feet | No |
| Center Brace | No |
| Center Column | |
|---|---|
| Center Column Type | Rapid, non-rotating |
| Center Column Sections | 1 |
| Bubble Level | Not specified by manufacturer |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 13 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
91%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Locks in tight (6)
- Compact (5)
- Lightweight (5)
- Easily adjusted (4)
- Easy to use (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (10)
- Outdoors (6)
- Travel (6)
- Home (4)
- Portraits (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (7), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (12)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great, small tripod.
This is my first high quality tripod. I used to use a Slik U8000 and I can say that this is quite a step up.
Very sturdy with a solid feel....Read complete review
This is my first high quality tripod. I used to use a Slik U8000 and I can say that this is quite a step up.
Very sturdy with a solid feel. The legs come out quickly and lock tightly. The foam grips are nice too.
The only problem I have with it is on the head. The screw that holds the lever that locks the plate in place comes loose. A bit of Locktite would probably fix this though.
Otherwise, a very good tripod for the price.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
A problem
I bought this tripod to bring on a trip to a national park, as it was light and seemed sturdy and well made, and included a ball head. Unfortunately one of the leg clamps...Read complete review
I bought this tripod to bring on a trip to a national park, as it was light and seemed sturdy and well made, and included a ball head. Unfortunately one of the leg clamps broke on the first day! Not so well made after all...
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
- Compact
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
I absolutely love this tripod. It works beautifully and is very sturdy! Exactly what I would expet from Manfrotto!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
Steady as a rock. Ball head makes life a lot easier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
I bought this tripod because it was a great price and had the features I was looking for. I've used it several times and it very stable. The ball head is easy to use and the friction knob allows me to have more control when repositioning my camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
- No bubble level
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
Compact & lightweight yet sturdy enough to hold my4x5 camera. Too bad there's no bubble level so I had to get one. It's more expensive than my first tripod but it's worth it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Good Footing
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
This little jobber works slick for my Sony NEX-5n. My camera is small, my computer is small, my camera bag is small, but until now, my tripod and head were enormous! Now I can travel light and still get the stable shot that HD video demands.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Adjusted
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
Easy to use, ball head locks in tight and lightweight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Locks In Tight
- Smooth Movement
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
Good tripod. Ball head locks tight and easy to use. Tripod is light for its size.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Easily Adjusted
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
This is my first tripod, and I am very happy with it.
It is light, very easy of use (it really is intuitive), and I love the Head-Ball and Quick-release system. Also, you can feel that it is a very good quality product.
I highly recommend this product!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Locks In Tight
Cons
- Difficult To Adjust
Best Uses
- Home
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
I use it for personal use and it is a lot more rugged than my last one and it has a solid lock mechanism so the camera does not shake.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
I bought this tripod to bring on a trip to a national park, as it was light and seemed sturdy and well made, and included a ball head. Unfortunately one of the leg clamps broke on the first day! Not so well made after all...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Footing
- Locks In Tight
Cons
- Difficult To Adjust
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Outdoors
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
easy to load camera
tripod does not go low enough.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
I like this - glad I went with it over something cheaper. Seems like pretty good quality.
I wish it were lighter in some ways, but honestly, it's still pretty good and much cheaper than carbon fiber.
The head works well. All and all I'm very happy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 293 4-Section Aluminum Tripod w/ 494RC2 Ball Head & Quick-Release:
This is my first high quality tripod. I used to use a Slik U8000 and I can say that this is quite a step up.
Very sturdy with a solid feel. The legs come out quickly and lock tightly. The foam grips are nice too.
The only problem I have with it is on the head. The screw that holds the lever that locks the plate in place comes loose. A bit of Locktite would probably fix this though.
Otherwise, a very good tripod for the price.
Displaying reviews 1-13
Bags & Cases
-
- Original: $34.95
- Save: $4.63
- Price: $30.32
Dollies
-
- Original: $41.95
- Save: $4.19
- Price: $37.76
General Tripod Accessories
- Price: $89.99
What's in the Box
- 200PL-14 Rectangular Quick Release Plate with 1/4"-20 Screw
- 2 Year Limited Warranty + Additional 3 Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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