Mini Ball Tripod Head with RC2 Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 484RC2

I bought this ball head to replace a Benro BH00 single action ball head (which already came with a Benro A0690TBH00 tripod).The Benro BH00 Single Action Ball head is rated for 5.5 lbs (per manufacturer) but didnt seem very strong when holding a Canon 70-200mm F2.8 lens [3.25lbs] with a Canon T4i [~1.25lbs]. Let me first backtrack and say that the camera screw on the Benro BH00 head will work fine for lightweight, consumer grade lenses (e.g. standard 18-55mm IS Canon lens with a Canon T4i). But when mounting the 70-200mm F2.8 IS lens with a Canon T4i on the ball head, I rotated the single action ball head somewhat to see how sturdy the ball head would be. After rotating the ball head considerably, the camera screw wiggled a little loose (thereby giving the camera some considerable wiggle play on the X,Y, and Z axis). So, I decided to remove the plate and put considerable effort to tighten down the camera screw from the under the BH00 plate and affix it onto the F2.8 lens/camera body. I then mounted the plate/lens/camera onto the ball head and rotated the ball head again. Again, the screw wiggled loose considerably. The screw is not a very sturdy screw for a heavy lens. The BH00 will work for a lighter-weight lenses, but not with heavier lenses.Additionally, the single action ball head does not have a friction adjuster like dual action ball heads. It is not a big deal when using a lighter lens. On dual action ball heads, you have to tighten the friction adjuster to account for the heavier weight lens, which works great on my heavier 70-200mm F2.8 lens (3.25lbs). Without a friction adjuster, a camera body/heavier lens may be a bit cumbersome to maneuver-where the ball head moves too quickly. If this is the case, just tighten the adjuster (With my F2.8 lens, it is almost all the way tightened, but with my 18-55mm lens, it is 2/3 tightened). The main knob then locks the plate/camera/lens in place.Next, I found myself deciding to purchase either a Benro dual action head or a Manfrotto 494RC2 (holds 8.8lbs). Since the comprable Benro dual action head was much heavier, I ended up buying the 494RC2. The camera screw is sturdy, the friction adjuster is great for different weight lenses, both knobs are easy to use, and the head itself is durable.One minor issue is that the two knobs (friction adjuster and main knob) will not let me completely fold the 3 legs of my Benro tripod together (the knobs are in the way), but close enough [that is what happens when you have a tripod/head setup from 2 different manufacturers]. Although I can tell a weight difference of the 494RC2 head (0.7lbs) compared to the BH00 head (0.3lbs), I'm happy with the 494RC2 and it works fine for my setup (I didnt feel the need to buy the 496RC2 head, which holds 13.2 lbs given the setup that I have).__________________________________________________________________________________Edit: 5/31/13After ONLY 1 MONTH OF USE, the quick release knob broke. Specifically, it has wiggled loose. It is so lose that it no longer holds the mounting plate firmly in place. The mounting plate wiggles loosely as a result of a loose knob (specifically the plate locking mechanism which is a direct result of a loose quick release knob). Not only is my camera shaking (possibly as I take pictures), but the loose plate is a safety hazard for your camera itself. Secondly, the quick release knob is so loose, it moves over (and bypasses) the safety locking knob. The fail-safe locking knob is now useless.I have operated this product within Manufacturer's specifications. According to those specifications, the head can hold a maximum of 8.8 lbs. I have loaded a Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L lens (3.5lbs) and a Canon T4i body (1 lb) on this head. A total of 4.5lbs, this setup is less than the 8.8 lb maximum. I have not dropped this head and I have not been negligent with it. Over a period of one month, the weight and movement of my setup HAS WORN OUT the quick release knob. My only other lens is a 17-55mm (less than 1 lb) and the only other item I have mounted with the same camera body. As demonstrated in this case, I am not comfortable and do not have much faith in the Manfrotto product in securing a canon 70-200mm f2.8 lens and t4i camera body.Another downfall of this head is that it doesn't have leveler (performance issue), but that is minor in comparison to a loose quick release knob (safety issue).While under warranty by the manufacturer, I was referred by the user manual to contact the VITECGroup help desk, who then emailed me (2 day response time) to send it in for repair to a Camera Repair company in Arizona. While on the phone with this repair company, I asked for a refund rather than a repair as I am not confident that a repair will solve the structural build issue of this product. So, their [Arizona company] response was to send it in to them anyway and that getting a refund from the manufacturer is not something they normally do and can not guarantee. I am very disappointed with this product and with the customer service from Manfrotto, VITECGROUP, and the Arizona Camera repair company.MY RECOMMENDATION IS TO STAY AWAY FROM THIS BALL HEAD AND BUY ANOTHER PRODUCT!!!!!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!!!!!!!!!!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is my first "Expensive" tripod/monopod setup. I own the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and the Manfrotto 680B Monopod. I use this ball head on both and it is very flexible in terms of the wide array of angles/movements you can have when using this ball head. At first it is a little weird and takes some getting used to. In the first few minutes I felt like tossing it in the box and returning it, but I gave it a few hours and went out experimenting with it. Its a beauty!The addition of the friction knob, even though I have not owned the previous version, is a great feature and just adds to the joy of using this ball head. It creates friction on the ball head so that your camera doesn't just fall sideways or forward if you release your grip on it, it might slowly move, but not like a free fall. My setup weighs in at 3 lbs and is the reason I didn't get the 496. I don't see myself owning a 70-200 VR II anytime soon so I don't mind the 8 lbs limit this ball head has.One feature that stood out and is great is the ability to reset the way the locking knob sits. If the position where the knob sits where it holds your equipment completely steady is uncomfortable you can pull the knob out a little and place it in a more comfortable position. It is a cover over a locking nut, you simply lift the cover and place it in a more comfortable position and it does not come off, It seems to be spring loaded to it pulls back onto the locking nut when you release it.The double quick release lock is great. It keeps the locking arm open when your camera is not on it so that when you do put your camera snaps right in. Its also gives you the "safety" feeling that your camera wont just fly off if you accidentally pull the locking arm with your finger or sleeve.The quick release plate has a rubber pad on top to make sure you camera and quick release plate are nice and tight, preventing any accidental loosening from movement.I hope I've helped answer some questions, feel free to comment and I can take more pictures or answer any questions you might have.

My Manfrotto 190XB came with a 3-way pan/tilt head (804RC2). It worked fine, except for the bulk and weight on occasions I could use something lighter and smaller. My search for a rather inexpensive solution stopped with Manfrotto 494RC2. Given the compactness and weight, I'm expecting it to be a mainstay on my Giottos monopod.I received this unit last week and have not had an extensive field testing yet. However, here are my initial observations.The build quality is acceptable. Compared to 804RC2, which has a nice satin finish and a superior QR plate release mechanism, the 494RC2 has a somewhat rough, but industrial, appearance to it. The QR plate release mechanism doesn't appear to be very sturdy however. These differences may be a part of Manfrotto's attempts to reduce costs. And unlike 804RC2, which is made in Italy, the 494RC2 I received is made in China.The unit is a lot more compact than I expected. This is good since that was the primary point of the purchase, along with lighter weight. It also helps that this unit is rated to carry up to 4 kg (8.8 lb), which is more than sufficient for my Sony A55 (about 1 lb) and one of the heaviest of my lenses, a 200mm/2.8 G HS APO (about 2 lb, including a TC).There are two knobs. The larger knob is used to lock or unlock the ball movement. The smaller knob is to adjust the friction of the movement. They seem to work well together, however the ball movement itself could be a little more refined.The compactness of the unit has another plus for me. The release knob for the QR plate does not get in the way of my Sony A55's articulating screen as it does on the 804RC2.Recommended.

I bought this Manfrotto 494RC2 to use with a Sony a6000 series camera (a6300). I also considered other Manfrotto ball heads (e.g. the Micro Ball Head without the plate) but in the end chose this one because I'm less likely to drop or scratch the camera with the quick release plate. Previously I had a compact camera and a Cullmann Micro Ball Head CB2 series (model CB2.7).Build Quality-----------------Build quality is very good, I can't see that anything will pop off or crack or break. Both knobs seem to be a hard thermoset or composite plastic with perhaps fibre-reinforced. They seem very tough. One knob adjusts/locks the ball (and rotation; it will need to be tightened to unscrew the ball head from the tripod), and the other adjusts the friction to help support heavy camera/lenses when the ball is loosened with the first knob. The friction setting can be set to very loose so that it feels there is virtually no friction, to so tight that the head won't move (obviously don't misuse the friction knob, use the first knob to fully lock the ball).All important bits of the 494RC2 are metal, possibly aluminium or some alloy, I can't say. Torx screws hold bits together, not cheap pop rivets. There is a brass-coloured safety lever to prevent accidental opening of the release plate. In use, it can be opened by one hand, by putting your thumb on the safety lever and the release lever, and pushing against the safety lever by angling the thumb. Basically it is straightforward. And no risk of accidentally opening it. The safety lever has a rubber cap on it, but (this is just speculation) it does look like that may come off with wear-and-tear. It wouldn't be a big deal if it did come off, it would still be comfortably usable or place a heatshrink cap on it.Using the Mini Ball Head---------------------------------This mini ball head has a 3/8" fitting for tripods. However, I don't use a tripod (apart from a small desk one), and I use a Cullmann clamp (see photos). My clamp and desktop tripod has a smaller 1/4" fitting. So, some adapter is needed. The one that is intended to directly fit is Manfrotto MN-088LBP. It isn't cheap, but less risk of it breaking compared to no-name ones I feel. The MN-088LBP fits perfectly (see one of the photos).The release plate fits the camera with no scratches since there is a soft yet firm and textured rubberized underside. The camera then fits the ball head by putting it into place at an angle and then straightening the camera. The release lever snaps into place itself but I still gently push against the lever afterwards to get extra confirmation. It of course is rock-solid otherwise it wouldn't be doing its job.Size Comparisons-------------------------I loved the little Cullmann CB2 series ball head (CB2.7). I used it all the time with my compact camera. It was so small I could put it in a pocket or bag, and it was lightweight too (85g). The Manfrotto 494RC2 weighs 290g (without the quick release plate because that would be screwed to the camera). So it is more than three times the weight, and takes up at least three to four times as much volume at an estimate. So I'm unhappy about the size, but this is the drawback to having a heavier camera. My Sony plus lenses is far heavier than a point-and-shoot, and the Cullmann one is not designed to handle that much weight. Furthermore it is easy to have the Cullmann one not tightened enough by accident. So, I intend to stick with the 494RC2.Summary--------------If you want a release plate and the ability to support mid-sized cameras upwards, then this mini ball head is a good choice. It is well-built and to get most use of it don't forget to purchase the 1/4" to 3/8" adapter if you have 1/4" clamps or mini tripods.

I wanted a way of using my SLR on a monopod in portrait orientation as well as landscape, and came to the conclusion that one answer was a ball head. The reviews of the Manfrotto 494RC2 were very favourable and so I purchased one. As usual delivery from Amazon was prompt and I was keen to see what the product was like. It did not disappoint. A beautifully made piece of kit, very sturdy and durable.The friction control and locking mechanisms work smoothly and hold the ball head very firmly in position. There is no movement or slack whatsoever. The ball head fitted easily onto my monopod (Davis & Sanford) with the 3/8ths threaded connector and locked into place once fully threaded.I screwed the plate onto my Pentax K5 II, the locating of the plate onto the ball head takes a little practice, and it is possible to get it improperly mounted, and this is evident by movement of the plate once located, I have not yet determined how this is achieved, However properly mounted the camera plate is locked firmly in place without a hint of play.My first real test was while on holiday in Devon during a veritable gale blowing in off the sea at Man O' War next to Durdle Door. I was videoing some brave young people kitted out in wet suits, hard hats and lines, out on a rocky outcrop, jumping into the heavy sea and getting drenched by the crashing waves. The 494RC2 performed admirably, despite my own inability to stop the camera moving in the incessant gale, it literally was impossible to counter the force of the wind, but the ball head did better than me, and resolutely held firm.Conclusion, a well made, well designed, substantial device, not cheap but well up to the job, and worth the outlay if you want a ball head that really is "The Business".

My first move up to more advanced tripod and head I chose this after looking at various models in retail outlets based on two factors could it hold my camera safely and strongly and price having passed the first test it then became down to what I could afford rather than what I would like, choice made this head is steady feels weighty and solid locking when camera is in position as with all things camera related a bit over priced . I have used a Nikon DSLR with Mid range telephoto and the head holds this steady as a rock , friction control set up for ball head takes a bit tweeking but nothing you cant work out once in use.The quick release is great and has the added advantage of having to move two levers to release the camera safety point in the case when hitting one accidentaly and the camera falls off,re-attching the camera is great the quick lock snaps nice and positive mind you ,you have to try it a few times before you believe how good it is ,In all I choose this head As I could afford it against others I looked at it does the job it is meant to my satisfation good quality and should last me a long time

Camera equipment is a complex and jargon-filled world for the beginner (like me) to understand. To be really satisfied, it pays to research well. I bought this piece of kit, the Manfrotto 494RC2 Ball Head with Friction Control[...]and was very relieved that it was what i wanted, because I had to search online to understand what RC2 meant. (it refers to the camera release plate). However, i was initially disappointed, because i bought it to swap between my monopod & my tripod. This it can do, but it is too small (hence the name mini, I now know), in diameter to fix on the Tripod with it's built-in screws. In the end, I felt it was ok, but i was annoyed that i couldn't find that out anywhere in all my research. It is an excellent ball-head, and I have discontinued my 3-way head, preferring this item for almost all my needs.

I use the 494 RC2 with a Joby Gorillapod SLR Zoom and Canon EOS 450D and whilst the 494 appears a little over-engineered for the job, it works flawlessly. The Friction Control is a real boon, allowing simple and accurate positioning without impeding smooth movement, and the lock-lever is so easy to use with the ability to rotate the lever independently of the locking mechanism so that you can align the lever to your preference. The quality of the Quick Release has also blown me away, it's cast metal and very strong, and whilst the locking safety pin takes some getting used to, in no time securely mounting and dismounting the camera becomes second nature. The 494 is a quality piece of engineering and is in my opinion definitely worth the premium over the entry-level basic ball-heads available from the likes of HAMA.