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

BH #MAMH496Q6 • MFR #MH496-Q6
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Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 22 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 22 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 22 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
  • 22 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
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type)
Head Type
Ball Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Weight
1.1 lb / 500 g
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type)
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
No
Dimensions
Height: 5.1" / 129.5 mm
Base Diameter: 1.6" / 40.00 mm
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
Yes
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Independent Tilt Lock
No
Vertical Tilt
+90° to 0°
Lateral Tilt
-90° to +40°
General
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Accessory Mounting
No
Bubble Level
Yes
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

Perfecto

By Craig
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-03

Works just as I hoped it would. Excellant product.

Sturdy

By Giridhar
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-11-06

Very sturdy and good quality construction. Slightly heavier than I expected since my previous one from Oben was much lighter and had less load capacity also. Overall good buy

See any errors on this page?

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 R
Date published: 2022-12-26

Is there actually a "standard" size for Arca ...

Is there actually a "standard" size for Arca Swiss plates that all manufacturers adhere to?
Asked by: Robert
Yes, the Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate accepts standard Arca Swiss style plates from other brands besides Manfrotto.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2025-07-07

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 R
Date published: 2023-11-20

Can this take PMG and RRS L-brackets?

Can this take PMG and RRS L-brackets?
Asked by: Johannes Paulus II
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 it work on manfotto monopod?

Will it work on manfotto monopod?
Asked by: Allan
The Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate will attach to most Manfrotto tripods and work well. The bottom of the head has a 3/8" female thread.
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2025-12-09

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 R
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: Samik G
Date published: 2023-01-05

Will this work with a Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach3 ...

Will this work with a Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach3 Aluminum Tripod?
Asked by: Jay
Yes, the Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with Q6 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate will work with the Benro TMA28A Series 2 Mach3 Aluminum Tripod.
Answered by: David B
Date published: 2024-11-10
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