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Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate

BH #MAMH494 • MFR #MH494-BHUS
57 reviews
Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 19.8 lb
  • Height: 3.9"
  • Weight: 10.58 oz
  • Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
This 494 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate from Manfrotto features an integrated RC2 quick release cam lock and a 200PL-PRO quick release plate. It features a load capacity of 19.8 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. By loosening the head's primary locking knob, the ball-and-socket joint can be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position. A recessed dial set within that locking knob can be rotated to apply tension control to the ball-and-socket joint's movements. Along the opposite side of the ball head, a secondary locking knob controls the ability to rotate the head 360°.
In Stock
$94.88
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $9.99
Load Capacity
19.8 lb
26.5 lb
Quick Release System
200PL-PRO
Q6 Arca Swiss
Universal Round Disc
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Manfrotto 494 Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Plate Overview

This 494 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate from Manfrotto features an integrated RC2 quick release cam lock and a 200PL-PRO quick release plate. It features a load capacity of 19.8 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. By loosening the head's primary locking knob, the ball-and-socket joint can be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position. A recessed dial set within that locking knob can be rotated to apply tension control to the ball-and-socket joint's movements. Along the opposite side of the ball head, a secondary locking knob controls the ability to rotate the head 360°.

494 Center Ball Head
  • 19.8 lb load capacity
  • Compatible with tripods or support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount
  • Uses ball-and-socket joint to help maximize pan-and-tilt flexibility
  • Ball-and-socket joint provides 360° of swivel control, is tiltable down to a 90° angle, and can be locked into place
  • Integrated RC2 quick release cam lock and a 200PL-PRO quick release plate
  • Primary locking knob allows ball-and-socket joint to be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position
  • Secondary locking knob allows head to rotate 360°
  • Dedicated tension control dial for the ball-and-socket joint's movements
  • Durable, aluminum-alloy construction
200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate
Compatible with Manfrotto RC2 quick release cam lock and select Arca-type quick release clamps
UPC: 719821423904

Manfrotto 494 Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Plate Specs

Head
Head TypeBall Head
Base Mount3/8"-16 Female
Camera Mounting Screw1/4"-20 Male & 3/8"-16 with Bushing
Quick Release Plate TypeArca-Type, RC2
Number of Bubble LevelsNone
Friction ControlYes
Independent Pan LockYes
Ball Sphere Diameter1.26" / 32.0 mm
Pan & Tilt Range
Lateral Tilt-90° to +40°
Vertical Tilt+40° to -40°
Panning Range360°
General
Load Capacity19.8 lb / 9 kg
Weight10.58 oz / 300 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight1 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)5.25 x 4.9 x 3.7"

Manfrotto 494 Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Plate Reviews

Manfrotto 494 Ball Head

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-09

The Manfrotto 494 ball head is typical for the brand. construction and controls very solid. the 200PL_pro plate is slightly different from the other 200 plates I own. but they all fit one & other's clamps. Using this head on Induro AT114 tripod to hold Zoom H6 audio recorder. works perfect- super solid with the light weight & cables running & out. If one owns manfrotto devices, one knows the quality level. every manfrotto device I use works as good as the day it came out of the box and it looks cooler worn in used. etc

Just what I needed

By Dan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-24

I had originally purchased the Manfrotto Befree tripod with the video head but I wanted a smaller head for when I am shooting stills. This head fits it perfectly and makes an already compact tripod even lighter and fold down smaller. I like Manfrotto quality and really prefer their quick release plate over the Arca Swiss style.

Really hard to move even when fully loose

By Robby
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-17

I bought this to replace my 3-way head because the ball heads I've used in the past were great. This Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO is NOT one of those. With a 24-70 2.8 on my camera attached to this ball head, when I have it fully loose, it does not move freely. Fully loose it will hold the 24-70 + camera where they are, and takes concealable force to move up or down, and when it does move, it jumps and jerks. It's almost like they forgot to lubricate this ball head from the factory. Not sure what to do. Very disappointed with Manfrotto.

Phenomenal with Peak Design Dual Plate v2 for Capture Camera

By James
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-05

I use this tripod head with my Peak Design Dual Plate v2 for Capture Camera Clip. I found that this works best together while hiking. It allows for very quick transitions from carrying on the outside of my backpack to my tripod. This head is also very lightweight so it is great for hikes. I combined the head with a small Sirui carbon fiber tripod legs. Great setup!

Great Ball Head

By Rafael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-29

This ball head works very well with my camera setup. Didn't notice any "slippage" when everything was tightened down. Not bulky either. One thing I'm a little iffy with is, when you lock the tripod quick release plate (that's attached to the camera) it doesn't have the "lock" feeling to it. There's a little bit of play. Wasn't to comfortable with my canon 70-200 ii sitting on there, but after the first few minutes it wasn't going anywhere. I just wish there was more of a noticeable locked feeling when you place the camera on the ball head. Aside from that, great price, super fast shipping!

Great for the price

By Natchez
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-04-04

Easy to use and sturdy. Daily use for real estate photography.

Good Quality Acceptable Price

By Lu
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-17

Usually I use pan/tilt head since I have a heavy camera and worry about the steadiness and loosening up of the ball head. This Manfrotto 949 center ball head changed my opinion. It can lock and hold the camera at any angle securely without tightening the knobs super hard. The quick release plate lets me moving the camera between this ball head and video head quickly and easily.

The best option for flat lay photography

By Rosa Elena
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-06

I found this is the best option to attach my camera and have the flexibility to take different angle photos as well as flat lay images. I had already a Manfrotto tripod so I was able to use the quick release plate and have the new one as a backup.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Will this work with the plate that comes with ...

Will this work with the plate that comes with MeFoto Road Trip tripod? Thanks!
Asked by: Edward
Yes it does , it takes PL200 ore Arca plate
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2021-01-20

Where is this made at?

Where is this made at?
Asked by: Haim
The country of origin is Italy.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2021-02-10

Can this head be used with the tethertools tether ...

Can this head be used with the tethertools tether block with the arca plate?
Asked by: Terry
I agree with the previous answer. The quick release clamp on the 494 head is designed for Manfrotto's RC2 quick release plate. This incompatible with Arca-style plates. RC2 plates differ in width and angle from Arca-style plates. Looks like Tethertools plates require an Arca-style clamp.
Answered by: Martin
Date published: 2021-01-14

Can I use this head on a Manfrotto monopod?

Can I use this head on a Manfrotto monopod?
Asked by: Celestino
Yes you can.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2021-08-01

Will the 200 PL work with Canon Tripod Ring Mount ...

Will the 200 PL work with Canon Tripod Ring Mount C and Canon Tripod Ring Mount D?
Asked by: Arthur
Yes, it will work with the Canon Ring Mounts
Answered by: stuart e
Date published: 2020-01-16

is this compatible with a Vanguard Alta series ...

is this compatible with a Vanguard Alta series tripod?
Asked by: John
Yes, Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate is fully compatible with all Vanguard tripods with removable head. The female threads n the Manfrotto ball heads are 3/8-16'' and you can use a bushing adapter to convert the threads to a 1/4-20''
Answered by: llinelva
Date published: 2022-09-18

Does this head take the smaller 200PL-14 plate?

Does this head take the smaller 200PL-14 plate?
Asked by: Mark
Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head also takes the Manfrotto 200PL Quick Release Plate with 1/4"-20 Screw and 3/8" Bushing Adapter BH #MA200PL.
Answered by: samikg
Date published: 2022-05-13

The ball head is completely stuck and won’t move ...

The ball head is completely stuck and won’t move at all; how do I fix that?
Asked by: Anthony
I would suggest using a wd 40 and loosen the big knob all the way
Answered by: virgil
Date published: 2020-11-10
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