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For Manfrotto 490 Ballhead Classic, 60 customer reviews collected from 1 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.4.

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25.8.2012

I have, like most photographers no doubt, tried many tripod heads over the years. I have been using a Manfrotto 322RC2 which is very good, but sometimes it is a bit cumbersome and gets in the way. I tried a Giottos MH1302-652, but didn't get on with it that well as having the extra panning lock got a bit confusing when in a hurry and with a heavy lens I found that it 'sagged' when I let go of the camera. I then bought a Manfrotto 494RC2, by mistake. It looks the same but I hadn't checked the numbers properly - the plate is too small for my tripod and not 'man' enough for my 5D/100/400mm combination. Having read the tripod head reviews in PhotoPlus,it seemed that the 496RC2 was the one to have.It arrived yesterday and I tried it with the 5D and 100/400mm lens this morning, the heaviest combination in my camera bag. Perfect, no sign of the dreaded 'sag' when I let go of the camera. It doesn't have a pan-only locking knob or a bubble level, but what it lacks in frills it more than makes up for with the ease and speed of use and rock-solid performance.So I can highly recommend this lovely little Ball Head to anybody who has a large/heavy camera/lens combination - it won't disappoint.
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19.12.2013

I've had this ball head for probably 2 1/2 - 3 years. It's been overseas a few times, and used in a range of conditions, without fail.The only issue I've ever had with it has been when using it in conjunction with a macro lens, and the tripod at an odd angle. In a few instances The oval shaped locking knob would come up against the side of the quick release plate, making some manouvers difficult.It also took about 1 week before the rubber cap covering the brass "safety" lever fell off. It doesn't effect performance and is only cosmetic though.Other than this the operation has been fine.TIP=======It might be obvious to some, but when around coastal environments it's worth washing the tripod head in freshwater and applying some lubricant after your trip.I made the mistake of not doing this, and some salt crystals appear to have formed jamming the large brass locking pin in the down position. I've tried vinegar and oil to release the catch, with no luck. This could easily have been prevented by some simple after-care or maintenance after the trip. The tripod head didn't even get wet to my knowledge, so must have simply taken a single drop or two of spray.
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3.6.2015

Manfrotto is well-known for it's quality photographic accessory products. I have a few myself and did not hesitate to order this ball head. However, while I am satisfied with it and it is exactly what I wanted, I have to say it nearly cost me several thousands of pounds the first time I used it. I unpacked and attached the head to my tripod, checked it over and all seemed fine. On a shoot later that day, I fitted my Nikon D300 and Nikkor 18-200mm zoom to the head and took some landscape shots. Then I moved it to the portrait orientation. My camera tilted over and seemed about to tip onto the tarmac from about 3 or 4 feet but luckily, I caught it. I saw then what had happened.The bolt that connects the quick release platform to the ball stem was loose; evidently, it hadn't been properly tightened before leaving the manufacturer. Perhaps I should have spotted it but it was totally unexpected.So, if you are buying this excellent head, I wouldn't discourage you. Just check it thoroughly in case Manfrotto's quality control has let another through like mine. I would give five stars but for the potentially expensive quality glitch.
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12.2.2012

I've had a Nikon D90 and a 70-300VR lens for quite some time, but I've never had a tripod that I'd felt cofortable resting them on. So I bought the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with the matching Manfrotto 496RC2 ball head. The tripod is very robust, versatile, and easily portable in the Manfrotto MBAG80PN carrier. I bought the tripod and ball head just before Christmas and found that I took many more photographs of our festivities from all sorts of previously inaccessible vantage points. The head allows the camera and the relatively heavy lens to be positioned at all sorts of angles to encourage a wider selection of unconventional shots to be taken. Because the central column can be bent over to a vertical position,it makes photographing objects on tables a simple procedure (once you get the lighting right). I leave the ballhead constantly on the tripod, both in the bag - that way it takes only a few seconds to set up the equipment for what would otherwise be a laborious shoot. I bought the tripo, the head, and the bag all from Amazon. The service was excellent.
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16.1.2011

This medium sized Manfrotto ball head follows the newer quick release design that has a chunkier lever & slightly modified safety catch compared to the previous model. The release plate remains the same.This head is probably no different from others of this type in that it takes a little getting used to - one control releases the load that can tip forward if the friction is set too low. If you are new to ball heads, bear this in mind. Once you are used to ball heads, you will appreciate the flexibility this gives you compared to the 3 way magnesium head that I also own. Like the 3 way head, this one is well made, is classy & feels very smooth to use. The 2nd control sets the amount of friction for when the main lever is slackened.The only mild criticism is that the folding ring in the bottom of the plate is a little stiff but should loosen enough with use.A fine ball head that's well made & at reasonable cost. Recommended.
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5.5.2014

TWO Years running and still as strong and sturdy as ever! Remarkably deceptive as you wouldn't think this little baby can support such weight,.But for years now, it has held my Canon 5DMKII (800grams) and Canon EF 70-200 II L Lens (the big gray professional one - 3.2kg)No problem. No Slippage. Even after 2 years, it is still rock solid. I use this as the top to my rig which also contains a Kessler Crane Pocket Dolly v2.0 (which this 406RC2 Ball Head sits upon holding the camera), and the Slider then sits on top of a Manfrotto 504HD which sits on top of the Manfrotto 05550xPROB tripod.This little baby definitely holds its own - For mid-range light-to mid-heavy rigs - Get THIS baby !

7.5.2019

I bought this, as i already have a manfrotto ball head, but wanted one for a second tripod. This one is a bit clumsy to use with the tension , rotation and position adjusters. Plus it only lets you tip the camera in one direction ! so if you have the camera angled up and you suddenly want to shot some thing low, you have to rotate the hole head so the slot is at the front to angle the camera down. The head this was going to replace has a slot front and back. That said as usual it manfrotto so its well made and worth the money if you want that type of haed.

30.6.2013

Great, strong tripod head. Holds my 7D with flash and extras, with no sag or movement.Really flexible in terms of functional use - very well designed, being quick and easy to position, and very tough.My one comment would be that if you do any video work, it would be worth upgrading to one of the manfrotto heads which have independent pan and tilt. I have needed to use this on a couple of occasions for video (not what it's designed for), and have found it virtually impossible to get a nice clean pan without some tilt (or visa-versa).

1.1.2019

I bought this to replace an earlier model (484) that I lost. It's compatible with the RC2 plates I have but, curiously, these fit at right angles to the way the newer 200PL plate fits. No problem, just so as you know. For completeness the newer 200PL plate fits onto the older (RC2) adapter, also at right angles. Seems to work reasonably smoothly but it's not the top quality model, nor the price of that!A bit heavy but its going to be that way if you want sturdiness and the ability to support larger cameras.

3.1.2017

My "go-to" head of choice when looking for something small, portable and relatively lightweight. Copes surprisingly well with an OMD-EM-1, Pana Leica 100-400 & HLD-7 battery grip - needing very little friction to hold it in place.Lever is big enough to operate with clod hands and for the simplicity of the design, offers a lot of control over the level of friction applied to the head.Comes with a Manfrotto RC2 plate as well.

27.9.2010

I've used this head with a D700 plus battery pack and my 70-200mm F2.8 and TC-1.7x teleconverter, flash gun and wireless trigger so if you add the weight of all that gear up, this head can hold more weight than you would need it to. You obviously wouldn't attach a weighty 400mm f2.8 zoom to this so for the majority of users looking for a lightweight, versatile, quick release head I can't think of any better than this.

28.10.2010

The Manfrotto head has friction control so you can set the tension on the head for the weight of the setup you are using. I do a lot of air show photos, and this head takes my 150-500mm Sigma lens & Pentax K20d with ease, I can release the lock, set the Friction control and move the lens Verticaly with no problem and no slackness. A very good Ball Head for the price. Would as an excellant product.

15.8.2013

I'd heard about RC-2 not being stable enough .. but my experience tell otherwise.Currently im using a 650d with a standard 18-135 lens ... and nothing wobbles a bit.Also, the position adjustment possibility of the tightening lever, as well as the body's ability to rotate while keeping the ball, and the base's position unchanged is extremely helpful when using the ballhead on a gorillapod !!

29.1.2014

This head is very well made and easy to use, certainly for the type of photography I do it is absolutely perfect. I use Micro 4/3 cameras and not a full size DSLR so cannot comment on how it will cope with the heavier weight however I cannot see it being a problem. This is quite a tall head but when combined with my Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 it still fits in the Manfrotto bag.

11.5.2019

It's a Manfrotto.It's a great cheap price.It comes with a P200 Pro plate which is worth 20 quid on its own.It can support my dslr & a medium range zoom with ease.I honestly can't think of any negatives for this ball head TBH.You also get your Manfrotto extended warranty...Excellent Ball Head unit for an unbeatable low price considering.

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