Manfrotto 494 Mini Ball Head 494 with Standard Platform, Maximum Load: 8.8 lbs/ 4 kg

2025-07-11T05:09:06

Well built, definitely feel the weight of construction but depend on it for holding camera. Different bodies with 300mm f2.8 no problem.

SEAN V.

2024-09-18T04:39:05

Exactly as I expected, based on description. Well constructed. Can use my other Manfrotto base plate with it.

ROBERT P.

2022-03-22T08:12:57

Nice little tripod head with a new style plate design to use in my old RC2 heads one way and Arca Swiss the other way.

Wesley A.

2022-02-03T14:07:00

Works great, built very solid and functions amazingly. Used it on a catwalk at hockey games with the Manfrotto super clamp. Not worried at all, and it got the job done.

MANSOOR A.

2021-04-19T09:30:03

Just what I was looking for! Now I don't have to change mounting plates to use my travel tripod. Fast shipping, secure packaging.

TERI J.

2021-04-01T08:42:35

Solid and well built. The quick release is a bit awkward in it's operation. Could have been a better design.

Rudy M.

2019-11-05T09:05:45

The Manfrotto 494 came exactly as pictured and looks to be working as described. It is a relatively inexpensive solution to photographers looking for a ball head that does its job at a very reasonable price. I would definitely recommend that ball head shoppers take a look at it. I am happy with my purchase after using the head and seeing it in action for the last month-and-a-half. I have a Manfrotto tripod, a monopod and now this new bald head. I have learned over the years that Manfrotto makes quality equipment.

DENNIS D.

2019-03-26T11:14:59

...especially on a bit of a sale. I got it to lose some weight off my mid-level tripod...a ball head definitely trims a bit of bulk. I'll see about longevity, but there's not a lot to go wrong with it - everything's smooth and tightens down nicely. The plate release is a little fiddly until you get used to it (unlike my previous head it's designed to be pinched between two fingers, I think, which was an "aha!" moment).

IAN W.

2018-10-15T09:18:07

Exactly what I need to use the GoPro Omni on a monopod.

Oceanna C.

2018-09-20T11:02:35

Very disappointed with the ball head. Once you attach the camera to the head, it is very hard to release it. I thought I had a defective head so they sent me another one. The replacement had the same issue so I sent them both back.

CARLOS R.

2018-07-31T22:05:59

I just recently bought the above ball head and so far it has exceeded my expectations. I have purchased others that where a total fail. This is a win win for me! :)

Gail M.

2018-05-22T12:55:47

This ball head is easy to use, light as all get-out, and the movements I can now manage are far more fluid than what I worked with using the traditional three-way head that came with my Manfrotto tripod 055B -- which I bought in Italy in 1989, and have used at least monthly since returning stateside.On shoots where I will rely on my trips, I routinely set up two or three bodies with quick-release plates, so that I can easily swap body for body when shooting -- even when I am hurried, such as when I am trying to beat the dying natural light coming through the studio windows, or working to fit in enough shots between weather events when shooting outdoors. And the easy one-handed operation makes composing an image a breeze and very accurate. Even simple, minor variations are easy to manage, with a minimum of effort on my part. I'm about to add a Manfrotto articulating arm with a camera platform, and fully intend to outfit that platform with this exact same ball head - the Manfrotto 494. In my bag, it's a keeper.

john w.

2018-03-09T11:51:15

Works great.

JAMES M.

2018-01-09T12:00:09

Excellent product!

jose o.

2017-11-02T20:05:32

Use for hiking with Cullman 2036 tripod. Replaces a manfroto bogan mini ball head 494 that wassn't up to even a smaller lens. Does what it's supposed to with minimal effort.

MICHAEL B.

2017-06-19T17:26:16

…… not nearly as good as my 3POD H3 ball head, which, unfortunately, is no longer available. I'm using this on a monopod, with a still camera and it is as good as I need. It offers the advantage of being small & light.

STAN G.

2017-05-27T08:32:43

Got this for my monopod/D610 after trying a couple cheaper ones. What they say is true. - when it comes to support, buy the good stuff the first time!

RANDY Z.

2013-06-27T21:00:00

The camera twists if on horizontal position and if you try to tighten it it ruins the bottom rubber part of your camera! After the moment of despair during a photo shot the head is all wiggly and it doesn't hold the camera firmly not even on horizontal position. I've tried to contact the support and the have another company taking care of the support. They didn't help me at all.

ROMULO M.

2011-09-25T21:00:00

This ball head works really well for my sports photography. I mounted it on top of my monopod and it easily holds my D700+200mm lens. My only slight con would be that the clamp doesn't tighten quite as well as my older model Manfrotto ball head (which they no longer make).

Holly S.

2011-09-03T21:00:00

I have this ball head mounted on my Manfrotto Monopod. It really makes a monopod easier to use when it is not practical to use a tripod.

DAVID H.

2011-08-12T21:00:00

Excellent Product. However there is some information that should have been in the item listing: Height: 3-1/8", 79MM Base Diameter: 1-9/16", 39mm Top Platform: 1-3/4", 45mm diameter with 1-1/2", 39mm diameter rubber pad insert. Mounts on: 3/8-16 Stud (Does NOT come with ¼-20 adapter) Manfrotto 088LBP Mounting Adapter. (Adorama #BG3367) is perfect to mount this on ¼-20 Stud base.

D O.

2011-08-12T21:00:00

Excellent Product. However there are two pieces of information that should have been in the item listing: Height: 2-1/8", 79MM Base Diameter: 1-3/4". 45mm (with 1-1/2", 39mm Rubber pad insert)

D.Offutt

2010-06-05T21:00:00

It works great and it is light. I have attached a quick release so I can use it with all of my cameras with the quick release plates. Not sure how well this performs in the elements of 20 -40 below yet, but will find out next winter.

Fleur P.