Manfrotto 496RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 486RC2,Black

I was looking for a ball head that would support a moderately heavy camera rig without sagging. I had purchased a Dolica tripod and ball head from Amazon when I first got into photography. It constantly sagged and eventually broke. This head replaces that one, though I'm currently using it on that tripod. Though the tripod is not particularly solid itself, this head has made a huge difference in usability for tripod shots. I have a Nikon D7000 with battery grip attached to it, and have tested this head with a Sigma 17-50 2.8 as well as a Sigma 70-200 2.8 and the Sigma 70-200 2.8 combined with a 2.0 teleconverter (which makes it a big, long lens). With the big lens, I attach the quick release plate to the lens collar, with the smaller lens, the plate is attached to the tripod socket of the battery grip. In my usage, I haven't seen the head sag at all once I have it tightened down.As for features, the adjustable friction control is wonderful. It allows you to control the amount of friction that is on the head when it isn't locked down. This make it so that you can put just enough friction on the ball so that it will hold still while you lock it the rest of the way down. When using the big lens combos, I can add a little more friction to make it move without flopping around, and with the smaller lens combo, I can make it move a little easier. In both cases, properly adjusting the friction knob allows for more precise alignment of the head.I like the locking knob too. It's big enough that I can grab it and tighten it down easily. The knob can also pull out and be readjusted so that it is always in the right position for your hand.The quick release plate is suprisingly nifty. I wasn't sure what I would think of it, but it actually works really well. First and foremost, it holds very tightly. No movement whatsoever. But, it also latches onto the head very easily. With the latching mechanism locked open, just dropping the camera and plate onto the head causes the lock to engage. It makes it easy to put the camera on the head with just one hand.I have to say that given my limited experience with ball heads, this is far and away the best I've ever used. I've never used a Really Right Stuff ball head, so I can't compare, but I can say that this one works really well for my uses at about a fourth of the price. The next step for me is a tripod that is sturdier, but this ball head made a far bigger difference than I would have imagined. If you're looking for a good, solid head that won't break the bank, I definitely think this one fits the bill!

I recently purchased a Manfrotto monopod and, with it, the Manfrotto 234RC head. I found the head to be so well-made and the quick-release plate to hold so well that I decided to buy the 496RC2 for my tripod.Right out of the box I could feel how well-made the head is. It rotates very smoothly and the ball head moves so easily when the Friction and Lock knobs are open that it is a delight to use. In addition it holds my camera and lens (Canon T1i and 18-200 mm lens) very snugly. The Friction knob allows me to position the camera and then lock it with the Lock knob. When the camera is horizontal I can take extended time exposures (10 seconds or more) with no fear of camera movement. I have seen some camera movement when the ball head is turned so that the camera is vertical, but very little and it is not noticable unless I view the picture 1:1. Considering that my camera and lens together probably weigh 4 pounds and that the tripod I am using is not particularly good, I consider that to be acceptable. I expect to upgrade my tripod anyway and believe even the vertical movement will disappear when I do so.One word of caution. The 496RC2 does not come with a thread adapter so it will not fit a 1/4 inch screw. I had to take the adapter from my 234RC (which did come with one) and use it on the 496RC2. I also bought an extra one from Amazon so I would have both. If your tripod uses a 1/4 screw you will have to buy an adapter (Gitzo GS5000 - $4.00 from Amazon).

I searched for a modest ball head for my Manfrotto 190 tripod and landed on the 496RC: petite size, decent build, good fit and finish and, at $65, inexpensive price. It's made from an odd mix of materials: aluminum body shell and quick release platform, plastic adjustment knobs, stainless hardware and phenolic resin ball. Phenolic resin is the plastic used for pool balls, so it is tough. Nevertheless, I prefer a metal ball like used in the older Manfrotto Mini Ball 352RC. The cast aluminum body is attractively finished in matte black. Cast aluminum--old timers call it "pot metal"--isn't as strong as machined aluminum but shouldn't be a concern as long as you don't toss your tripod on the rocks.The 496RC2 sports two controls: a large knob to lock the ball/pan and a smaller one to tweak tension or drag. My initial impression was the ball movement and controls felt rough: jerky ball and spongy controls. However, the ball mechanism became smoother under load, delivering reasonable control with light to moderate gear. As a point of comparison, it isn't nearly as smooth as my slightly smaller Gitzo G1177M ball head. I swabbed a wee bit of silicone on the ball with a Q-tip and it helped slightly.The ball is tiny compared to the housing and I suspect a design of less housing and more ball would yield a smoother ride. Nevertheless, it works okay with my 7D and 15-85 zoom. It settles a bit upon tightening but doesn't creep thereafter when vertical or steeply angled. Big glass users should buy a larger model (054, 055 or 468MG series) as this head is designed for a light prosumer DSLR kit.Unlike some older Manfrotto ball heads, the 496RC features a double drop slot so you can save a rotation when you flip the rig to vertical.The QR platform is not as easy to use or as tight closing as my Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate - Replaces 3299-Black or the prior 486RC2 model. I'm guessing they dumbed the QR down to make their more expensive ball heads look more inviting. They expect you to open both the release and lock levers with a single finger but I found such operation fiddly and uncomfortable. The spring loaded safety lock can be locked open but is not easy to do: pull firmly downwards and twist a half turn. The tiny little lever actually hurts my finger! The spring that snaps the main lever shut works okay but is a little weak compared to the 323 RC2 accessory quick release.The 496RC2 ain't perfect but is a good product for the money, ideal for weekend warriors with a light DSLR or M4/3 kit. However, the plastic ball does not inspire confidence and I'd prefer a larger and smoother moving metal ball. But for $65 I can't complain much. However, I decided the 496RC2 was not for me and returned it, exchanging it for the Manfrotto MH054M0 Magnesium Ball Head. Yes, it costs two times more but is actually three times better in terms of stability and smoothness. I bought the version without quick release and installed a Hejnar Photo FM496RC2 Arca quick release clamp on it.