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Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate

BH #MAMH496Q6 • MFR #MH496-Q6
Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 26.5 lb
  • Height: 5.1"
  • Weight: 1.1 lb
  • Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
This 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate from Manfrotto features an integrated Q6 Arca-type quick release receiver and plate. It features a load capacity of 26.5 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°.
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Manfrotto MH496-Q6 Overview

This 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate from Manfrotto features an integrated Q6 Arca-type quick release receiver and plate. It features a load capacity of 26.5 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°.

496 Center Ball Head
  • 26.5 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 Q6 Arca-type quick release receiver and 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
Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate
The Q6 top lock quick system provides a sliding for perfectly balancing a camera on the ball head, and incorporates a with a double-locking system that engages the safety during the balance procedure and to lock it when the right position is achieved.
UPC: 719821463009

Manfrotto MH496-Q6 Specs

Key Specs
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
3/8"-16 Female
Camera Mounting Screw
1/4"-20 Male
Quick Release Plate Type
Arca-Type
Friction Control
Yes
Load Capacity
26.5 lb / 12 kg
Weight
1.1 lb / 500 g
Head
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
3/8"-16 Female
Camera Mounting Screw
1/4"-20 Male
Quick Release Plate Type
Arca-Type
Number of Bubble Levels
3
Friction Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Pan & Tilt Range
Lateral Tilt
-90° to +40°
Vertical Tilt
+90° to 0°
Panning Range
360°
General
Load Capacity
26.5 lb / 12 kg
Weight
1.1 lb / 500 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.38 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.3 x 5.3 x 3.6"

Manfrotto MH496-Q6 Reviews

Functional and Easy to use

By Nicola
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-24

I bought this to replace a the standard ball head. The levelers are helpful when on unsteady ground. The ball head is easy to maneuver and lock. The old ball head was giving me trouble when removing the release plate. This one is very easy to remove and locks securely.

My new main tripod head

By Rich
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-28

While it seems silly to have bubble levels when cameras have electronic levels, the value in this ball head is: 1 - full width arca head, so it works with L brackets, and 2 - very smooth action when adjusting... that helps with getting the details tight on telephoto shots.

Great, rugged ball head product from Manfrotto

By Christopher
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-10-04

Bought this ball head unit for my new MT055CXPRO4 tripod. The bubble levels are well-designed and placed. This ball head unit is an great upgrade from my 496 center ball head with a 200PL-PRO plate.

A MUST HAVE TRIPOD HEAD

By Dave
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-21

I have used a lot of different tripod heads but this is the best one for the money I have ever used. Manfrotto is a well-recognized name in camera gear so you can not go wrong with purchasing and using this ball head.

Rock Solid

By Scott
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-16

Like many of us, I'm shooting video and stills with R5 and R5C. I just transitioned ALL my quick release mounts (video and stills) from Manfrotto RC2 plates and mounts for stills and Manfrotto 357 QR and plates for video to an all Arca Swiss system. With Arca I can mount literally everything on one QR plate system. For stills the Manfrotto 496 ball head and also a beefy Graf Studio Ball in the studio. For video (with a Small Rig Black Mamba cage with built-in Arca mount on the base) we can go straight from a DJI gimbal to a Sachlter video head via a Small Rig QR Arca mount and then over to my assistant's SteadyCam with the same Small Rig QR mount for easy on/off from that sled as well! Never will we have to swop plates mid-job again (always searching for that stubby flat-head screwdriver)! Only took me 30 years to get here! lol

Solid Ball head

By Craig
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-05-06

Can be difficult to fasten camera to plate, but once on works well.

Great addition to my photo equipment

By Jorge
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-30

Just what I expected: solid grip and materials, handles my camera setup & weight fine, and pairs well with my Manfrotto tripod. I'm giving it four stars because the release plate's red button unlock mechanism has some friction on the inside, and the flange that secures the release plate in its place moves in a non-linear fashion; so, it has to be pressed carefully.

Love this ballhead!

By Rich
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-12-21

This is my first re-puchase (so I own two of these now)... this is a solid ballhead with smooth action. It has a full arca plate, and works with my L bracket. The bubble levels are okay, but really, I needed a solid head with a full arca plate, and this fits the bill!

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Is this compatible with B&H#3LQR11LC20 ...

Is this compatible with B&H#3LQR11LC20 Mfr#QR11-LC2.0?
Asked by: Joshua
Yes, the Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head can accept the 3 Legged Thing QR11-LC2.0 Universal L-Bracket.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2022-12-26

Can this work with a 3 Legged Thing Zelda L ...

Can this work with a 3 Legged Thing Zelda L bracket?
Asked by: Richard
Yes, the Manfrotto 496 can work with the 3 Legged Thing Zelda L-Bracket.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2021-12-20

Can this take PMG and RRS L-brackets?

Can this take PMG and RRS L-brackets?
Asked by: Johannes Paulus
The Q6 platform works fantastic and is very secure with little effort. One problem you could run into is some usually cheaper Arca Swiss plates are not 38mm but larger which will not work....even 39mm will not work. Just a note of experience.
Answered by: Ron
Date published: 2022-12-04

Will this work with a SmallRig L Bracket?

Will this work with a SmallRig L Bracket?
Asked by: Daniel
Being that the Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head has an Arca-Type Quick Release Clamp, a SmallRig L-Bracket would be compatible with it.
Answered by: Kirk
Date published: 2023-02-28

Will this still allow the Befree GT legs to fully ...

Will this still allow the Befree GT legs to fully close in the travel position?
Asked by: Brandon
Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate BH #MAMH496Q6 • MFR #MH496-Q6 will allow Manfrotto Befree GT Travel tripod legs to fully close in the travel position.
Answered by: samikg
Date published: 2023-01-05

Does this head work with standard Peak Design ...

Does this head work with standard Peak Design Capture Clip plates?
Asked by: Garth
Yes, a standard Peak Design Capture Clip plate should fit fine on the Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate. Both are Arca-Swiss compatible.
Answered by: Robert
Date published: 2023-01-05
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