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Manfrotto 229 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head with 030-14 Quick Release Plate

BH #MA229 • MFR #229
57 reviews
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Manfrotto 229 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head with 030-14 Quick Release Plate
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 26.5 lb
  • 3 Independent Movements with Locks
  • 90° Forwards and 25° Backwards Tilt
  • Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
The 229 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head from Manfrotto has a load capacity of 26.5 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. It includes an integrated RC0 quick release cam lock and a 030-14 Quick Release Plate. RC0 compatible quick release plates such as the 030-14 can removed from the head by pulling the cam lock's spring-loaded lever, which also allows the plate to be instantly reattached.
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Manfrotto 229 Overview

The 229 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head from Manfrotto has a load capacity of 26.5 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. It includes an integrated RC0 quick release cam lock and a 030-14 Quick Release Plate. RC0 compatible quick release plates such as the 030-14 can removed from the head by pulling the cam lock's spring-loaded lever, which also allows the plate to be instantly reattached.

Cameras or accessories that are compatible with a 1/4"-20 mount can be connected to the 030-14 Quick Release Plate, which measures 2.6 x 2.6 x 0.4" and has a rubberized, nonslip surface. The head can be rotated 360°, tilted 90° forwards or 25° backwards, as well as 30° sideways for portrait orientation. Each of these three movements function independently of each other, have dedicated control handles, and can be locked into place by twisting each corresponding handle's rubberized grip.

To promote fast, repeatable, and accurate device positioning, the 229 3-Way, Pan and Tilt Head also includes dedicated angle scales for its rotational and sideways tilt movements that are designed for easy visibility.

229 3-Way, Pan and Tilt Head
  • 26.5 lb load capacity
  • Compatible with tripods or support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount
  • Can be rotated 360°, tilted 90° forwards or 25° backwards, as well as 90° sideways for portrait orientation
  • Rotation, backwards and forwards tilt, as well as portrait orientation tilt each function independently of each other, have dedicated control handles, and can be locked into place
  • Dedicated angle scales for rotational and sideways tilt movements that are designed for easy visibility promote fast, repeatable, as well as accurate device positioning
  • Integrated, RC0 quick release cam lock
  • Two bubble levels for landscape orientations and one bubble level for portrait orientations
  • Durable, aluminum-alloy construction
030-14 Quick Release Plate
  • Compatible with Manfrotto RC0 quick release cam lock
  • Measures 2.6 x 2.6 x 0.4" and has a rubberized, nonslip surface
  • 1/4"-20 mount
  • Durable, aluminum-alloy construction
UPC: 719821287636

Manfrotto 229 Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate)
Head Type
Pan & Tilt Head
Drag Control
No
Load Capacity
26.46 lb / 12 kg
Weight
4.4 lb / 2 kg
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate)
Head Type
Pan & Tilt Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
No
Pan & Tilt
Drag Control
No
Independent Pan Lock
Yes
Vertical Tilt
+90° to -25°
Lateral Tilt
-90° to +30°
General
Load Capacity
26.46 lb / 12 kg
Accessory Mounting
No
Bubble Level
Yes
Weight
4.4 lb / 2 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
4.45 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8 x 4.9 x 4.6"

Manfrotto 229 Reviews

Fantastic But With One Issue

By Curt
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2025-10-01

I used this head on a Bogen tripod for about 25-30 years and I loved it. However the only real problem is when going vertical the camera would almost always begin to tilt downward due to the weight of the older heavier DSLR's and lenses. I wish Mafrotto would get with the program and re-engineer this to be Arca Swiss compatible. That would fix the only problem that has plagued this head.

Robust and Simply Great Tripod Head

By Chad
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-11-20

I absolutely love this tripod head. I've bought three of them over the course of my 20 years (so far) in business. I always have two of them in use -- one in the studio on a camera stand, one on a tripod for on-location photography. I shoot a wide variety of shoots, and over the years, this head has stood the test of time. I would highly recommend this tripod head. The only drawback, if you can even consider it a drawback, is it is fairly heavy for its size. Besides that, it is perfect for our studio both inside and outside.

See any errors on this page?

How accurate are the spirit levels? Professional ...

How accurate are the spirit levels? Professional grade? Good enough for amateur work? Dreadful? Thanks.
Asked by: Peter
The spirit levels on the Manfrotto 229 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head with 030-14 Quick Release Plate are accurate.
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2025-09-26

Can this be converted to use the pl 200 quick ...

Can this be converted to use the pl 200 quick release plate?
Asked by: donald
Yes. But you need both parts of that mount - the base and the plate. The base can just screw into the plate that comes with the head. So essentially what you end up with is 2 QR systems - one on top of the other. Sounds a little weird but it has worked OK for me. The only con is I have occasionally released the other plate by mistake. No big deal. I really like the head.
Answered by: michael
Date published: 2020-05-28

question

One of the reviewers on this site, Bruto gave some good advice about how to adjust the tension of the 229 head. In particular he states that for the horizontal tilt one will need a very thin-walled 13 mm socket. My question is, does anyone have any recommendations as to where to obtain this very thin-walled 13 mm socket?Thank you.Wes
Asked by: Anonymous
Wes,If you still need this, contact me, and i will save one down for you.
Answered by: Guy H.
Date published: 2025-09-26

question

Does this fit an Induro Carbon tripod let set? Thank you.
Asked by: Collin
Hi Collin,I purchased this head to go on a Manfrotto 058 tripod ,A good heavy solid head for a good solid heavy tripod.This is great for studio or location where not to much moving around.For location I recently bought a Gitzo GT2542T with a Arca swiss monoball Z1 head , amazing especiallyfor interiors where head is very fast and precise to use.
Answered by: Patricia H.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

I have a Bogen 3205 will this fit?
Asked by: David E.
I'm not sure if the Bogen top plate has a 1/4-20 or 3/8 screw. The based of the Super Pro Head is 3/8 . If your tripod is 1/4-20, you can add a bushing to convert it to 3/8 . However, if what you're mounting on the Super Pro Head is truly heavy, like a 600/4, you are going to put a lot of strain on that 1/4-20 screw. So it depends on what you're going to use the Super Pro Head for.
Answered by: Peter G.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Does this come with the hexagon plate?
Asked by: John
The plate was included with the one I received. This head is awesome to work with. . . rock solid.
Answered by: Richard N.
Date published: 2018-08-27

question

Can I use it to tilt 90 degrees UP ?(I use telescopes not cameras)
Asked by: Anonymous
In the normal position, you cannot. However if you mount it backwards and have the tilt control pointing directly away from you, you will be able to point straight up. The gear handle will now just be on the far side of your head, pointing away from you. Although maybe slightly awkward at first, it would be something you would quickly get used to and it would be fully functional.
Answered by: Rachel P.
Date published: 2023-02-23
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