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Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with Universal Round Disc Mount

BH #MAMH494URD • MFR #MH494
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Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with Universal Round Disc Mount
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 19.8 lb
  • Height: 3.9"
  • Weight: 10.88 oz
  • Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
This 494 Center Ball Head with Universal Round Disc Mount from Manfrotto features an integrated universal round disc with 1/4"-20 threaded camera mount. 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°.
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Manfrotto MH494 Overview

This 494 Center Ball Head with Universal Round Disc Mount from Manfrotto features an integrated universal round disc with 1/4"-20 threaded camera mount. 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 universal round disc with 1/4"-20 threaded camera mount
  • 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
Integrated Universal Round Disc Mounting Plate
The integrated round disc mounting plate features a rubberized pad for traction and to prevent marring the camera body finish
UPC: 719821441038

Manfrotto MH494 Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (No Quick Release)
Head Type
Ball Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
17.6 lb / 8 kg
Weight
10.9 oz / 310 g
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Screw (No Quick Release)
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
No
Dimensions
Height: 3.9" / 99.1 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
17.6 lb / 8 kg
Accessory Mounting
No
Bubble Level
No
Weight
10.9 oz / 310 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.85 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.25 x 4.9 x 3.6"

Manfrotto MH494 Reviews

Great Ball Head

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-12-01

I Wore Out My Previous Manfrotto Ball Head And Replaced It With The Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head. It Is Very Well Built And Does The Job Perfectly. I Use It To Support My Canon EOS R1 With The RF 70-200 Mm F/2.8 Lens.

Strong, Light and Compact shape

By Mike
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-29

For me, perfectly matched to my new carbon fiber MT055CXPRO4 tripod. It balances the weight both in carry and extended-leg setting. The ball head is certainly strong enough for my D810 with a big zoom out front, yet when adjusted for video I can smoothly follow my subject with no hysteresis stick-slip at all. Those adjustments are so well designed, there is no problem or pain in my 78 year old arthritic hands even in long nature capture sessions.

See any errors on this page?

Can the round disc be removed/replaced with an ...

Can the round disc be removed/replaced with an Arca-Swiss clamp?
Asked by: David
Turns out the 55mm top round platform CAN BE EASILY REMOVED and replaced with a QR clamp like the Manfrotto MSQ6T Top Lock Traveller Arca Swiss Quick Release. With the Desmond DBAD Adapter, your choice of QR clamps is vast.
Answered by: David
Date published: 2025-08-14

Is this compatible with BeFree tripods?

Is this compatible with BeFree tripods?
Asked by: Michael
The Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with Universal Round Disc Mount has a 3/8" thread and will mount to tripod legs that have the corresponding screw size. These are two recommended Benro options for this ball head: The Benro TAD18A Series 1 Adventure Aluminum Tripod (B&H # BETAD18A) and the Benro FGP18A Go Plus 4-Section Aluminum Travel Tripod (B&H # BEFGP18A).
Answered by: Marvin C
Date published: 2023-12-22

Made in Italy?

Made in Italy?
Asked by: Chad
The 494 ball head is made in Italy yes.
Answered by: Jessica G
Date published: 2022-11-06

What is the diameter of the top round disc?

What is the diameter of the top round disc?
Asked by: David
The diameter of the top disc is 2.15".
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2023-02-08
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