Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball Head 496 with Standard Platform, Maximum Load: 13.2 lbs/ 6 kg

2024-08-20T08:08:21

I've replaced all of my tripods and mono pods (even the cheap non manfrotto ones my kids use for learning) with these ball heads. I absolutely love them.

PHILLIP R.

2023-01-12T11:05:24

Bought to replace a decent, but inferior ball head for my Manfrotto tripod. Primary incentive was for pan capability. Would have been nice to have a panning degree scale but not deal-breaker.

DANIEL K.

2022-03-11T09:36:48

Works quite well. It is easy to tension the ball head so that the camera can be renamed with a bit of force but will not slip when you let go of it. Already purchased the Manfrotto BeFree carbon fiber travel tripodd in late 21 but it came with a Sony plate, which I was not able to use with a telephoto lens. From the very non-specific information on Manfrotto?s website, I deduced that I had to order this head to replace that one since this one was RC2 compatible. It turned out that the two heads are identical and the only thing I needed was the RC2 compatible plate, but I ordered the entire tripod head with the RC2 plate because Manfrotto said that?s what I needed. I wish they would update their information to help us find the equipment we actually need so we don?t buy redundant pieces like I did.

NEIL W.

2022-02-11T16:19:20

Better than advertised, heavy duty and very sturdy.

MANUEL I.

2020-12-27T13:34:59

It holds my 77D with Sigma 150-600. Very smooth operation.

Ernest J.

2019-12-20T17:53:27

Works great, it’s simple and gets the job done.

TONI T.

2019-09-13T16:49:00

Nicely made and very good pricing but I returned it for it is not universal Acra-Swiss type. All my cameras and lenses with Acra-swiss plates do not fit.

DUCKHANH T.

2018-11-07T07:58:32

I purchased this ball head together with an extra mounting plate and can't be more satisfied! They are durable and fairly lightweight which I appreciated. Very easy to use and absolutely necessary with my Manfrotto tripod. Thank you Adorama.

MICHAEL W.

2018-06-26T09:05:46

Holds a D7000 with a very heavy sigma 20mm lens with zero problems. Love this thing!

Kevin P.

2018-04-10T08:32:48

Always, always satisfied with Manfrotto equipment. Not the cheapest but never have any problems.

Robert R.

2016-10-10T16:58:56

One of the most solid mounts I've used while at the same time being very smooth for pans or tilts

Elisa C.

2016-03-22T11:34:05

When I got a Manfrotto monopod/tilt mount system for my Tamron 150-600 long lens, I was so impressed with iManfrotto's approach to quick release that I bought this Manfrotto ballhead to replace the Acratech ballhead that has been on my tripod for 2-3 years. Wow. I should have got this ballhead in the first place. By comparison, the Manfrotto is lighter weight , less bulky, far easier to use and holds tighter. The camera with Tamron long lens on a mounting ring is the heaviest equipment that goes on this ballhead atop a Giotto MT9260 tripod. While I have to be careful not to bump the mounted system and cannot tilt the view to extremes, the camera/lens/mounting ring unit stays balanced and does not drift. With the previous ballhead, the camera would drift with my lighter weight Nikon 150-300 zoom. The extra locking mechanism with the 496 ballhead quick release is a big plus. On several occasions before, I came close to losing the camera/lens when the quick release connection of the previous unit was apparently not as secure as I thought. Finally, having the same quick mount system for both monopod and tripod provides welcomed interchangeability as the scene and/or subject changes. Great design, Manfrotto engineers.

DENNIS B.

2014-07-16T21:00:00

I wanted a small ball head to use when hiking and this fits the bill. It works well the movement is smooth and adjustable, and once locked down is quite sturdy. There is a bit of creep if you camear is heavy to one side or the other of the ball, but I have used a tilt pan Gitzo head that was far worse.

ROBERT S.

2013-10-31T21:00:00

I contemplated the quick-release version and decided to go with this one instead. I used it to shoot youth soccer and it worked great. I did not experience the 'grinding' that others have mentioned. It was a little stiff at first but loosened up after a couple of minutes.

JOE D.

2012-12-16T19:00:00

Solid and easy to adjust. Manfrotto quality. I went with the non-quick release version to keep the weight and complexity down. I like not having to leave a QR plate attached to my OM-D all the time, and it only takes a few seconds to attach/detach the camera in any event. If you anticipate needing to quickly attach/detach your camera from the tripod, then look to the 496RC2. Be aware that this head attaches to the tripod with 3/8" threads. I have a Slik Tripod and it uses 1/4" threads. So you may need a 1/4" to 3/8" bushing depending on your tripod brand. This isn't a fault of the Manfrotto head of course, just something to be aware of.

Michael H.

2011-08-12T21:00:00

Excellent Product. However there is some information that should have been in the item listing: Height: 3-13/16", 92MM Base Diameter: 2-5/16". 59mm Mounts on: 3/8-16 Stud (Does NOT come with ¼-20 adapter)

D O.