ManfrottoCompact Ball Head 494, Fluid Ball Head for Camera Tripod, Camera Stabilizer, Photography Equipment, for Content Creation, Photography

Update: I'm revisiting this review after almost 3 years (!!) to say that this little piece is still holding strong. It's a central piece of my home studio setup (hosting a DSLR + cage + monitor ). I've never had to re-tighten or re-adjust this head due to a loosening grip. The infrequent times I have adjusted this was simply to change position. I'm still very happy with this purchase - it's something I can set up and forget (except, of course, when updating reviews).Brilliant little purchase (and worth the price). I've actually attached this to a desk mounted monitor arm (following a hack from YouTuber DSLR Video Shooter). The 1/4 screw needed to keep this in place can be easily fit through the M8 thread on the end of the arm, and this gives me a movable arm that I can attach my camera to when acting as a webcam.It easily supports my EOS 90D with 17-55 zoom (maybe 1.2kg in total). The ballhead is easily adjustable, but maintains its position when you need it to.

Another fantastic ball head from Manfrotto, Nice size, not too big, Holds my Canon 5D with battery grip and 24-105 lens, handy friction control and is Arca Swiss compatible, I'm currently using it on my Velbon travel tripod as my Vanguard ball head is to large, all in all a nice package at a good price

Mostly this is exactly what I wanted... much easier adjustment of camera position than with my old two-handled head. I wanted something that I could easily swing into position and trust to not droop, mainly for astrophotography (as a beginner). It does that fine. For pointing to high angles there is a notch in the collar, so by panning you can get to just about any position. The panning movement is quite stiff but works ok. Attaching the camera in the dark is a little risky, a couple of times I missed the alignment between the camera foot and the tripod head and thought it was in place when it was not, so always keep hold of the camera with the neck strap until your sure it is attached securely. Build quality feels good, and tension of the ball is about right: no camera droop with my Z5 and kit zoom lens.

Solid item. Thread is 3/8" so will require the adapter to fit on a monopod which typically has a 1/4" thread.The 'pan' is a little stiff, more like off and on than a gradual release like the ball head, but usable and better than too loose.The safety catch for the release plate locks open, unlike the 490, which makes attachment much easier.Good level of release for the ball head and additional controller prevents over loosening when quickly releasing for sports or action.

The fact that I have bought 3 of these ballheads says it all, really. The quality is what I have come to expect from Manfroto, ie. excellent. The construction is sturdy, and it feels like it will last. Adjustment is easy, and the quick release makes swapping out equipment a doddle. It is also compact, so won't take up too much space in your camera bag. I use mine indoors, with my mini light studio, for which they are ideal, as I can angle the attached led light panels to whatever position I want, giving me total control of my lighting.

This Manfrotto ball head is very good value for the quality. It is not good for big and long DSLR lenses, but I haven't got any big and long lenses, just a few small primes, one middle prime and one middle zoom. I do not break the limit of 5 kg in each part of my photo equipment. For that kind of use the ball is highly recommended!

I bought this expecting the head to accept my D-800e's L bracket. Alas not compatible so would be stuck with heavy gear drooping over the tripod for vertical shots which is unstable especially for long exposure shots. And I noticed circular movement on the swiss arca plate screw as my cameras center of gravity hung over the side of the tripod for a long exposure shot which caused blur in the image. A shame because overall a good design and quick attach/ release system and good sturdy smooth ball action! Dooer...Ooh er missus! But only if you're going to shoot horizontal most of the time. So gonna return. Maybe works well with a small light camera though.

I needed a ball head that would accept Manfrotto RC2 quick release plates on a Gorillapod. This ball head fits perfectly and does exactly what I needed!1 single knob to adjust all directions, which is great.A bit on the heavy side for a Gorillapod, but it oozes quality.