Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Mini Ball Head 494 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 8.8 lbs/ 4 kg:

Great tripod head. I use it on a Gorillapod SLR Zoom. Easily handles my D90 and a Sigma 18-50 2.8 (somewhat heavy standard zoom). This is helpful when you need balance but you can't lug a standard tripod. Good for nature shots.

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Mini Ball Head 494 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 8.8 lbs/ 4 kg:

I bought this head to use with 190CXPRO4. Tripod for me is mainly for travel purpose, so I wanted light small combination. The largest camera/lens combination for me is 40D/70-200 F4 IS and their combined weight is less than 4lbs. So even with flash and other stuff attached, it is nowhere near this head's maximum weight limit. So for travel tripod/head combo, I didn't need anything bigger than this.

Movement of ball head can be smooth depending on how much friction you set, but once the lock lever is moved, it solidly holds my camera and lens.

Only problem is that it is not really for panoramic shooting since loosening the lock lever to pan the head unlocks the ball too. But to take panorama shots, you can always loosen the center column and pan the whole head.

Overall, this head is awesome travel gear. It's affordable, small and light. Pretty much all I need. I may buy different head later for different purposes, but traveling this will be on my tripod all the time.