Manfrotto 498RC2 Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg

2016-01-13T15:07:21

Having purchased a set of carbon fiber Manfrotto legs I thought this would be a good head. It works as designed, babying it taking good care and all of a sudden the head lock failed. Inexplicably I could not get it to lock. The screw adjusters were never over extended, and no trauma to the tripod head. I could never get it to lock down again. The only way to lock it was to use the Tension adjustment fully. It was exchanged, The new head was also cared for. Now all of a sudden the same flaw presents itself. There is no way to repair this yourself as there is a humongous c-clip that can't be removed. Do yourself a favor, look elsewhere. It is sad that a product manufacturer I trusted as all other manfrotto products I have are still in service. There is something flawed with this design.

Mark C.

2014-02-28T19:00:00

I have paired this ballhead with the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber. As tight as I put the camera on ballhead, it still creeps each time. It is not as accurate as it should be. It creeps each time no matter what I do. Once it creeps, it stays in place. From that point on, everything is very good about the ball head. It is pretty easy to maneuver. For the price, it seems reasonable. I did expect more from it and expected there not to be any movement but there is.

Claudia L.

2013-12-16T19:00:00

This head is a workhorse in a mid-sized ball head. ,Great capacity for the price, smooth operation, positive locking, and separate panning lock. And a choice of QR plate options too. The extra height over the 486 series comes in very handy for taller photographers when used on slightly short tripods.

Carter B.

2013-12-16T19:00:00

This Midi ball Head fit my purpose. I really like the locking features with the handle like knob instead of the regular turn knob. I would recommend this Manfrotto 498RC2 Midi Ball Head. And also, I loved Adorama's competitive price.

PatMac

2013-04-29T21:00:00

It is easy all around use and safe with the double lock that holds your camera in place.

Mhel

2013-04-01T21:00:00

Would highly recommend it

ANAND M.

2013-02-14T19:00:00

well built, easily attaches to manfrotto tripod, love all the adjustments and holds my heavy camera in place very well. no complaints, it's a great purchase.

CALISTIA G.

2013-02-04T19:00:00

as a casual photographer this head will work for me

LEW S.

2013-01-24T19:00:00

It worked great until the tripod I had it on fell over while stowed. The tripod fell over onto a hardwood floor and was not extended. The locking mechanism in the ball head no longer functions, though the friction knob still works so I am able to use that to lock the head. When I shake the ball head I can hear bits rattling around inside it. I did not expect the ball head to break from falling such a short distance. Be careful with it!

rob w.

2013-01-21T19:00:00

As the tripod purchased along with this head has a missing bolt and you can't find a replacement for it (neither am I) was only able to use this a couple of times,I am reserving judgment.

chuck

2012-12-12T19:00:00

A little heavy, but it's not intended to be a lightweight ball head. I wouldn't recommend carrying it into the woods, but otherwise it's great, and at a reasonable price.

Steve

2012-08-05T21:00:00

I bought this ball head for use on my Manfrotto 055 tripod and possible use with a Manfrotto 680 monopod. It is great for use on the tripod. It is sturdy, easy to operate and holds my Canon 7d very well. It is a bit heavy for use on the monopod. I decided to buy another, lighter ball head for the monopod.

Bob

2012-05-10T21:00:00

This head is useless. The fine adjustment does not work and small movements can't be made.

ROBERT F.

2012-02-05T19:00:00

Difficult to remove camera quickly.

DAVID H.

2012-01-01T19:00:00

I have been using this ball head coupled with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod and what a duo (I will be reviewing the tripod legs soon). The 498 Ball Head with the RC2 quick release plate is so versatile its amazing. You can set the drag knob so you can fine tune the position of the head exactly where you want it. The ball head moves into portrait orientation very quickly although an L bracket would be much more suited going from landscape to portrait orientation whit out have to recompose the shot. The ball head is very easy to use with only 3 knobs to worry with it has a single repositionable locking lever for 360° panoramic rotation, ±90° tilt movements, plus a friction control for precise positioning. I am very impressed with the operation of the ball head especially given its price.

ADAM H.

2011-12-04T19:00:00

I have this on my monopod because I shoot my teen-age grandchildren playing sports. It is perfect for my need to change camera directions and angles quickly. I don't know what a ball-head would need to do that this one doesn't do. Another great benefit is that I feel my equipment is secure when fastened to this head. It's a great piece of equipment that you will be pleased to own.

MICHAEL G.

2011-09-08T21:00:00

This is my first ball head and I like the way you can freely adjust the camera. This head is a little heavier than I expected but I guess the weight is needed for the load. My complaint is that I have trouble locking down my Nikon D300s with a Sigma 50-150mm 2.8 w/ 1.4 extender. It tends to creep no matter how much I tighten the ball. The rig is not that heavy.

Mymax 7.

2011-09-07T21:00:00

Excellent product, exactly what I wanted.

ROGER H.

2011-03-08T19:00:00

I am still getting used to this ball head, after using the cheap versions for so long. But I can already see how much nicer this is than they were. So much better control. Just need to make the controls second nature and remember which knob controls which.

ERIC T.

2011-01-15T19:00:00

used mostly for landscape and flower phoyoraphy

Rich o.

2011-01-12T19:00:00

Very well built and easy to use

DIANE P.

2010-12-26T19:00:00

easy to use & maneuver.

Joyce C.

2010-12-02T19:00:00

This is the ball head I use for portraiture. Unlike the model pictured, the model I received has only one tension knob for the ball, and the smaller round knob to pivot the head. It's a simple, easy to use head that is perfect for applications that do not have to be perfectly level. If your usual application demands that horizonals and verticals be exact, then another head such as the Manfrotto 460MG might be a better choice. The head is solidly constructed. It is strong enough to hold a Nikon D200 with a MB-D200 grip and lens in place, yet is lossens quickly for recomposing. The RC2 disconnect has a safety latch to prevent unintentional disengagement. The plate is supplied with the head.

JIM S.

2010-11-06T21:00:00

Use my Canon EOS 7D and EF200mm L with EF 2XII extender. Locks tight and carries the load very well. Very smooth pan action.

KEN B.

2010-08-21T21:00:00

I needed a light weight ball head for landscape and portraits. The Manfrotto 498 fits the bill perfectly.

RALPH G.

2010-07-27T21:00:00

Holds a gripped SLR with a 70-200 L firmly. Very happy with purchase, would buy again.

RICHARD S.

2010-05-08T21:00:00

The product is heavy and that is one of the reasons I purchased it. The weight adds to the overall stability of the product.

ROBERT C.

2010-03-20T21:00:00

Excellent product using it on a mono pod & tripod

Josephm

2010-03-08T19:00:00

This is a well built ballhead that is an excellent match for my 055XPROB Manfrotto legs. It is very stable with a Nikon D300 with 300mm lens attached. I would recommend this again and again.

ROGER H.

2010-01-25T19:00:00

I bought this midi ball head 498 RC2 for my new Manfrotto 055 CXPRO3 tripid. Together they weigh less than 5 lbs. This is a good head for what I need it for. My longest lens is the Nikon 70-300 mm. lens. I like the quick release plate— makes taking the camera off the tripod easy and quick. The controls work flawlessly and it does the job. No creeping or slipping seen. I belong to an active camera club and use this for night photography, landscape photos, sunset and sunrise photos and wildlife photos.

Rita K.