Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

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.

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

used mostly for landscape and flower phoyoraphy

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

Very well built and easy to use

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

easy to use & maneuver.

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

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.

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

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

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

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

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

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

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

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

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

Excellent product using it on a mono pod & tripod

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

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.

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

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.

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

I recently upgraded my Bogen 488RC2 for this new 498RC2. The tension control addition is great. Basically, it is just another thumb screw which applies more pressure to the ball. The effect is that when you untighten the lock handle, there is still some pressure applied to the ball so that you can move your camera and make orientation adjustments easier. Once you make your adjustment, you then lock the ball again. Just don't forget to LOCK the ball like I did. My camera went flopping downward but I caught it in time!One thing I noted is that the base of the head which connects to the tripod was redesigned, and I'm not sure if for the better. On the 488, the base had a slight zig-zag shape to it. The benefit of this, I thought, is that the tripod mounting screws could better grip the head. The 498, however, has a completely flat surface. Under normal conditions, this should not be a problem. However, if you have the pan lock on and you inadvertently apply to much force to pan the head, I wonder if the screws will hold the head in place.Now, my major gripe is with the tilt position of the head. I can't for the life of me understand why Bogen cannot design the head so that when tilted for vertical shots, it will REST at a TRUE 90° angle. It is off by a few degrees. I am using a Canon EOS 7D and the built-in leveller also confirms that a true 90° is not being achieved. Yes, you can adjust in post, but why do we have to? Bogen should just design the grooves in the head body (and the ball support) to rest at a true 90°.For the price[...] you can't go wrong, but if Bogen just made a couple of changes (at no expense, I'm sure), this would be a perfect head for its price class.

Comments about Manfrotto (distributed by Bogen) Manfrotto (Distributed by Bogen) Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate, Maximum Load: 17.6 lbs/ 8 kg:

I was about to add the 488rc2 to my cart when buying the 190cxpro4,but realized the 498 was already released.I like the controls,they have a nice feel to them,and have the new feature of slightly loosening the knobs and getting precise control without having to completely re adjust everything.The 498 also has an additional locking pin for the rc2 quick release.It dosnt seem too heavy,matched with the 190 cxpro4,very easy to carry around.Im sure theres lighter heads out there,but this one will fit most needs of most shooters.