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Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate

BH #MAMH496BHUS • MFR #MH496-BHUS
595 reviews
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Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate
Key Features
  • Load Capacity: 22 lb
  • Height: 4.5"
  • Weight: 14.1 oz
  • Up to 90° Portrait Angle Tilt
This 496 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 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 496 Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Plate Overview

This 496 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 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 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: 719821423911

Manfrotto 496 Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Plate Specs

Key Specs
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Male Screw with Retractable 3/8"-16 Sheath (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type / RC2)
Head Type
Ball Head
Drag Control
Yes
Load Capacity
22 lb / 10 kg
Weight
14.11 oz / 400 g
Head
Camera Mounting
1/4"-20 Male Screw with Retractable 3/8"-16 Sheath (Quick Release Plate: Arca-Type / RC2)
Head Type
Ball Head
Base Mount
Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Female
Counter Balance
No
Dimensions
Height: 4.5" / 114.3 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
No
Weight
14.11 oz / 400 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.205 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.2 x 5.2 x 3.6"

Manfrotto 496 Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Plate Reviews

Solid, Smooth, and Reliable — Great for Pro Use

By Ewerton
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-05-24

As a full-time professional photographer, I rely on gear that performs under pressure—and the Manfrotto 496 Ball Head delivers. Build quality is excellent. Feels solid in hand with smooth pan and tilt movement. Quick release plate locks securely and saves time during fast-paced shoots. Compact but strong — easily handles my DSLR with a 70-200mm lens without slipping. Friction control is responsive and intuitive. Ideal for travel and location work. I pair it with a carbon fiber tripod for a lightweight but reliable setup. Highly recommend for pros and serious enthusiasts.

Ball Tensioner

By Shawn
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-18

I bought the ball head to mount on a monopod to give the stand tilt capability, and it succeeds in that light. However, I was not prepared for the ball knob to be sort of a tensioner. Without a confirmed locked-down feel, I am given to wonder whether the ball is fixed, or if the attached camera might still slew around. At the same time, I don't want to over-tighten. I want to feel secure in knowing where the divide lives. But that's on me. The brand new ball head works flawlessly. Ask me again in a year or two. To first attach the ball head, one tightens the (smaller) swivel screw and threads the ball head on to the monopod or tripod's vertical attachment screw. When securely attached, just loosen the swivel screw when panning is called for. I made a quiver that worked great when carrying the monopod on my motorcycle, but that was before adding the pan head. Extra length and mass turned the monopod from stable in the quiver to top-heavy, where it now wants to tip itself out and fall to the ground. Be aware of this change in physical characteristics. Recommended.

See any errors on this page?

What is the base diameter?

What is the base diameter?
Asked by: David
As per Manfrotto, the base diameter of the Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head is 1.57 inches.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2023-09-19

Does the Peak Design Dual Plate and/or Standard ...

Does the Peak Design Dual Plate and/or Standard Plate work with this 496 tripod head? I have read on the support website that some (but not all) RC2 heads are compatible. Thank you!
Asked by: Robert
According to the "Using Peak Design Plates In 3rd Party Tripods" webpage on Peak Design's website, under the "Incompatible Tripod List" section, they state that they have received reports that their Capture plates do not quite work with the Manfrotto ARCA Style tripod heads. While they do have a webpage called "Manfrotto Tripod Compatibility with Peak Design Plates," they do not list the Manfrotto MH496-BHUS ball head as a compatible option on their webpage. If you wish, you may purchase the Dual Plate to test if it will work on your ball head. If it is not compatible, do note you may return the quick release plate for an exchange or a refund.
Answered by: Manzell L
Date published: 2021-01-14

Is it compatible with Manfrotto Element ...

Is it compatible with Manfrotto Element MKELEB5BL-BH?
Asked by: Alfredo
Yes this will work on the Manfrotto Element MKELEB5BL-BH tripod.
Answered by: Jessica G
Date published: 2022-05-05

Will this just screw onto a Manfrotto monopod or ...

Will this just screw onto a Manfrotto monopod or does it need additional parts?
Asked by: Anonymous
This will attach directly to a monopod.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-01-28

The Manfrotto website says the load capacity is ...

The Manfrotto website says the load capacity is 12 kg, but this listing says 10 kg (only 1 kg more than the 494). Why?
Asked by: David
The load capacity of the Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate is 12kg.
Answered by: Andrea B
Date published: 2025-06-24

Does the Peak Design Dual Plate and/or Standard ...

Does the Peak Design Dual Plate and/or Standard Plate work with this Manfrotto 496 tripod head? I have read on the support website that some (but not all) RC2 heads are compatible with the Dual Plate. Thank you!
Asked by: Robert
Actually, I apologize. I'm using the standard capture plate. From the look of it, the dual plate will work.
Answered by: Kevin
Date published: 2021-01-13

I have a befree with a 490 head. The safety catch ...

I have a befree with a 490 head. The safety catch is broken. If I buy a 490 or 494, how do I replace the old head?
Asked by: Gerald
If you are replacing the entire unit, the old unit should just unscrew from the mount it is on and screw the new unit onto your old platform using the mounting screw that is on your current platform. I hope this helps.
Answered by: Anonymous
Date published: 2019-08-14

Are there any incidences where the the camera has ...

Are there any incidences where the the camera has fallen off like my Open 117 with QR-20 ??
Asked by: Joseph A
It it is used correctly, there is no chance a camera will fall off this head.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2021-05-24
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