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Product Dimensions

5 x 5 x 5 inches

Item Weight

1.75 pounds

ASIN

B002PWDUC6

Item model number

498RC4

Customer Reviews

4.0 98 ratings

4.0 out of 5 stars

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer

No

Date First Available

June 17, 2003

Manufacturer

Manfrotto

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Product Description

This ball head has been total redesigned for better ease of use. A new design friction control knob allows the photographer to achieve superior control when handling the camera and making micro movements without having to totally lock and unlock the ball head. The knobs have been redesigned to be more ergonomic, easier to handle and more user-friendly. The ergonomic shape allows the user to better lock the ball securely. A repositionable Locking lever allows the user to place it in a comfortable position in order to use it in the most convenient way. Just pull it outwards, put it in the best working position and then release it. This model features a RC4 quick release plate including an additional safety system that prevents the accidental detaching of the camera from the head. The locking lever securely locks the head both in the +90° -90° ball positioning and in the 360° pan movements. With solid aluminum construction, this head is the ideal support for all traditional or digital small or medium format cameras weighing up to 17 pounds. This replaces the Manfrotto 488RC4

Customer reviews

4 out of 5

98 global ratings

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CWestin

Absolutely Perfect. If you need the features it provides.

Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2012

Verified Purchase

I recently purchased one of these from Amazon here to be mounted a top the Manfrotto 055XPROB that I ordered at the same time. I use them for my Canon T3i/600D DSLR. This ball head is great because it offers you the option to unlock the pan adjustment separately from the actual ball adjustment. This allows you to get good panoramic shots so there wont be much wasted area at the top and the bottom of your images and they will all line up nicely. Also there are hash marks on the base with a notch so adjusting to specific angles is very easy. A few things set this head apart from others. The first and the most noticeable is the HUGE quick release plate. The RC4 plate is pretty dang big. Honestly I really didn't need a plate that large for my little Canon T3i, but I always usually go for the overkill, but this time I possibly shouldn't have. The problems you may come across when using a very large QR-Plate on a camera that doesn't necessarily need it, is that first off, you could block your battery access door, so any time you want to change out the battery you have to remove the plate. I was able to get past this though because my T3i's threads were positions on the bottom of the camera in a location to where it would allow me to position the plate a tiny bit over and still be able to pop open the battery compartment. Also, if you sometimes leave you QR-Plates on the camera while shooting some things, so you will then be able to just pop the camera back onto the tripod, this bigger plate will sometimes get in the way. Also, a lot of companies, Manfrotto I believe are starting to phase out the RC4 plate. i believe, don't hold me to it. And they are starting to stick with the RC2 plate designs. I think this is a horrible idea because some cameras are actually TOO large for an RC2 plate, and the RC4 plate would suit them perfectly. But I know for sure that far more tripod/tripod head companies have items that are more cross-compatible with the RC2 design. Which can be a good thing if you have multiple tripods or heads by different manufacturers and want to switch between them in a shoot. Also another bad point I wanted to touch on is the fact that you can not tighten this plate to your camera strictly by thumb like you would an RC2 head, because it features a slot to use a screwdriver to tighten down. NOW, I am going to get into the goods about this plate. First off it's extremely strong and sturdy. The QR mechanism is amazing and is very very secure. Also the fact that you have a larger surface area for your camera to come in contact with will give you more stability, especially if you have you camera set up in the vertical position for portraits or other shots (as I've heard reports of some cameras drooping on the RC2 plates when mounted in the vertical position). Also, it comes with a 1/4" stud and a 3/8" stud, so you can mount a variety of cameras/camcorders to it (though I wouldn't use a ball head for video), and the studs are mounted in a slot that will allow you to position the camera more forward or more to the read of the plate and achieve different results. Also, there is a spirit level featured on the actual plate itself, and makes leveling up a shot really nice. Now I will say, that the 498RC4 isn't needed for a lot of people. Me personally I found myself not using the separate pan lock most of the time, and it actually became annoying having to undo two knobs to make adjustments. I thought at times it would have been nicer to have the smaller 496RC2 so I would just have one to undo and then get it done. But if you have a larger camera, or if you strive for absolute stability, this might be the head for you.

9 people found this helpful

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+or-

Sturdy, smooth and intuitive for me

Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2011

Verified Purchase

Until I wrote this, there was only one review for The Manfrotto 498RC4 Ball Head with Quick Release posted on Amazon. Since it didn't evaluate the head but rather the author's experience with Ace Photo's poor customer service, I read Amazon reviews for the Manfrotto 488RC4, the previous model of this ball head.

This is an excellent ball head which I'm using attached to my Vanguard tripod legs for both still and video photography. Its weight capacity is listed as 17 pounds and I've witnessed nothing to contradict this capability. Although this adds about a pound and three quarters to my system which is heavier than many, for me it's not a problem since I'm not hauling the tripod system for great distances. I debated between this and the 498RC2 Ball Head, but I chose this for it's two notable differences. I wanted the broader 410PL plate because I prefer the locking switch on this mounting system, and I like the two onboard bubble spirit levels. The Amazon description says, " The locking lever securely locks the head both in the +90° -90° ball positioning and in the 360° pan movements." It doesn't tell you that there is a separate lock on the panoramic axis which allows for rotation adjustment or panning so that framing isn't messed up. The movements on this tripod are smooth and can be adjusted with a friction knob to get it just right for the individual user. The 360º markings on the base are also an asset. I also find the ratcheting locking levers to give me more freedom because I can quickly turn them to a suitable position if they are in the way. I'm really pleased with this purchase and was thrilled to see that with an online product registration with Manfrotto, the warranty is automatically extended.

27 people found this helpful

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Simone Severo

a reliable ball head for heavy cameras with battery grip

Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2013

Verified Purchase

I love this ball head. In the past I had the one that looked like a joystick of a videogame, but I struggled t o adjust the pressure needed to work it as a joystick. I finalky had ut when I crushed my finger with the weight of camera + battery grip and heavy zoom lens because It was not tight enough.

What I love about this ball head:
1) it allows me to keep my horizon straight because there is a real KNOB to adjust where I want my camera to be instead of a wheel;
2) it has another knob to control my horizon so I can do horizontal panoramic images without changing the "height" of the camera, so panoramic stitches together easier;
3) it was easy to attach to tripod, requiring no tool;
4) the plate is big and with canon 6d with battery grip attached it allows the full bottom part of grip to be on the plate safely
5) the plate is also big enough to mount a 200 mm on the plate with no problem with camera and grip;
6) it is very sturdy, and it never makes me feel like it will fail to carry the weight

What I did not like about this ball head:
1) the plate has nothing of a quick release. I spend about 2 to 3 minutes to take the camera out of the tripod every time. It i s a tough kind of release, with dual safe thing, but so hard to put on camera or takeit out...

2 people found this helpful

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Heiko Schultz

Gerade noch taufrisch, der erste Eindruck ist absolut positiv!

Reviewed in Germany on November 17, 2009

Verified Purchase

Habe den Kopf primär für mein Einbeinstativ gekauft und mit dem selben Wechselsystem wie mein 3-Wege-Neiger gewählt.
Das Update der Produktserie bei Manfrotto hat nahezu allen Kugelköpfen eine Friktionseinstellung beschert. So auch dem MA498RC4.
Bislang gab es auf dieses Wechselsystem nur einen Kopf, der wiegt fast das doppelte und kostet auch fast das doppelte. Soll dafür aber auch 12kg halten - wer braucht das aber schon fürs Hobby?

Die 8kg Belastbarkeit des 498RC4 genügen voll und ganz.
Die EOS 5D mit dem Canon EF 70-200 2.8 L USM auf der mitgelieferten Stativschelle hält es bombenfest. Die Kamera führt man meist mit rechts, löst also die Veriegelung mit links - und das wirklich mit links - ohne viel Kraft aufwenden zu müssen sitzt der neue Kugelkopf bombenfest, die feine Friktionseinstellung, die die Aluminiumhülse von unten an die Kugel presst, erlaubt eine perfekte Einstellung auf das verwendete Objektiv oder den gewünschten Halt auch bei gelöster Klemmung, wenn man mal mit der Kamera schwenken will.

Für die Ausrichtung befinden sich 2 kleine runde Libellen, die die horizontale Ausrichtung erleichtern sollen, sowohl wenn die Kameraplatte horizontal steht, als auch um 90° abgekippt wird. An meinem Neiger habe ich die deutlich besseren Wasserwaagen, und nur bei absoluten Schwenks nach 90° zur Seite die Libelle. Am Kugelkopf ist hierfür natürlich kein Platz mehr, so muss man damit zufrieden sein. Die Kameraplatte rastet gewohnt sicher und hält, wie ich es auch vom Neiger gewohnt bin.

Die Verarbeitung und Haptik gefällt. Auch wenn der Kugelkopf als Aluminium-Kopf beworben ist, die Kugel selbst ist Kunststoff - ich nehme an bruchfester ABS-Kunststoff, vielleicht auch GFK-Material. Ich hoffe er hält sich so gut, wie er jetzt ist. Ein paar mal hin und her schieben hinterlässt zumindest mal keine Kratzer im Kugelgelenk.

Vorteil gegenüber dem Neiger: Ich kann nicht nur 90° nach vorn, sondern auch 90° nach hinten schwenken, da bin ich mit dem Neiger schonmal an Grenzen gestoßen, als ich den Mond fotografieren wollte. Da blieb nur Hochformat und damit der verbundene Schwenk nach rechts. In dem Fall egal, doch wenn es wirklich mal ernst wird, müsste man sonst erst das komplette Stativ neu aufstellen und entsprechend neigen, was wieder die Kippgefahr erhöht, wenn man die Beine nicht abspreizt.

24 people found this helpful

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Langer

Manfrotto 498RC4 Kugelkopf Midi inkl. 410PL Schnellwechselplatte

Reviewed in Germany on January 17, 2013

Verified Purchase

Ich habe lange Zeit nach dem, für meine Zwecke (Landschafts-, Natur- und Macrofotografie), idealen Medium gesucht und mit den verschiedensten Kugelköpfen und 3-Wege-Neiger von unterschiedlichen Herstellern auf meinem Gitzo-Stativ experimentiert. Klar ist auch, dass das Preis- Leistungsverhältnis eine große Rolle spielt.
Die Summe aller Überlegungen führte mich schließlich zu dem Manfrotto Kugelkopf 498RC4 Midi inkl. 410PL Schnellwechselplatte, den ich bei digital-versand.de über Amazon bestellte. Der Kugelkopf wurde schnell und gut verpackt geliefert. Nach meinen Erprobungen kann ich folgende Erfahrungen weitergeben:
Verarbeitung und Haptik sind gut und ansprechend.
Die Klemmelemente sind klar gegliedert und sind für Rechts- und Linkshänder bedienbar.
Sie erfüllen ihre Aufgabe sehr gut, die Klemmwirkung ist hervorragend und sie sind mit einem Raster durch axiales herausziehen, radial auf die persönlichen Bedürfnisse einstellbar.
Die Größe des Absackpunktes" hängt von dem Gewicht des verwendeten Objektives ab, ist dann konstant und nach der 2. Einstellung hat man den Wert intus.
Die Friktion ist ausreichend feinfühlig und lässt sich sehr gut auf das jeweilige Equipment einstellen.
Der Kugelkopf ist für die Vollformat-DSLR CANON 5D, 5D MK II und 6D mit angesetztem BG und EF 24-70 L, 70-210L, 100 Macro und Tamron Aspherical LD XR DI 28-300 geeignet und hält die Kombinationen bombenfest.
Die größere Schnellwechselplatte 410 PL ist für den BG ideal. Sie hat 2 Libellen für Quer- und Hochformataufnahmen und der Sicherheitshebel schützt die Cam vor versehentlichem lösen.
(Man kann die Kombination "zusammengeklapptes Stativ mit aufgesetzter Kamera" bedenkenlos über der Schulter bis zum nächsten Einsatzort tragen und ist dort schnell einsatzfähig).
Die von einigen Rezidenten bemängelte Tatsache, dass die Hochformatverstellung bis zum Anschlag > 90° ist, ist gewollt und nötig. Wenn ich in unebenem Gelände Hochformat fotografieren will, brauche ich eben manchmal mehr als 90° Verstellung, um einen rechtwinkeligen Ausschnitt zu erreichen.
Das Preis- Leistungsverhältnis ist sehr gut.
Aus diesen Punkten resultiert eine eindeutige Kaufempfehlung.

One person found this helpful

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Stefano

Eccellente

Reviewed in Italy on May 22, 2014

Verified Purchase

Venditore: comprare su Amazon è una sicurezza, spedizioni veloci, imballaggi sicuri e mediamente i prezzi più bassi.

Oggetto: ho deciso di comprare questa testa da applicare al treppiede Manfrotto 055XPROB. Le cose molto convincenti a mio modo di vedere sono: la piastra davvero larga sulla quale agganciare la reflex, il sistema di blocco della sfera dotato di frizione per aggiustamenti più precisi e lo sgancio rapido con sicura. Ovviamente, il fatto di avere la modalità panoramica, dà un valore aggiunto. Il peso non è contenuto (siamo attorno al chilogrammo) però ho scelto una linea coerente con la scelta del treppiede: inutile risparmiare 2 etti se poi sotto ho 2,5kg di treppiede. O si fa tutto carbonio - lega di magnesio (con costi attorno ai 500€ nel migliore dei casi - per Manfrotto) altrimenti a mio avviso, questa testa (o analoghe in alluminio) con treppiedi solidi di alluminio sono delle accoppiate per lavorare in condizioni ottimali destinate a durare una vita con una spesa tutto sommato accettabile (testa + treppiede su Amazon a 250€, Manfrotto).
Provandola con la mia Canon EOS 60D + Canon 100mm f/2.8 L Macro, sono rimasto soddisfatto. Non vibrazioni, facilità nel posizionamento e nel serraggio della testa. Davvero contento di questa testa.

2 people found this helpful

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TheWalkerTouch.co.uk

Would have given it five stars but.....

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 30, 2013

Verified Purchase

As you would expect from Manfrotto this head is beautifully engineered and works a treat. I would have given it 5 stars but for the fact the friction screw had gone missing and I hardly ever used it. They need to work out some way of stopping it from falling out.

Stuart Coomber

Fantastic sturdy workhorse, with great control and micro adjustment.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 2, 2013

Verified Purchase

Great ball head, used for day to day shoots - mostly garden/landscape & nature. Rugged construction as all Manfrotto tripod stuff i have used. Really nice micro adjustment too. RC4 quick release head is a bit larger than the RC2 but swaps straight into my Manfrotto 410 Junior geared head! which i pretty much use for all my macro in the field.

Hunt about as you can buy this head at very good prices - I purchsed on amazon.

It holds the canon 5DMK 3 / 7D and 70-200 USM F2.8 IS II or 100-400 F5.6 no problem.

Sum Up: great price, great control, great build - get one!

2 people found this helpful

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Color	Black
Brand	Manfrotto
Compatible Devices	Camera
Item Dimensions LxWxH	5 x 5 x 5 inches
Item Weight	1.8 Pounds
Maximum Weight Recommendation	17 Pounds

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Manfrotto 498RC4 Ball Head with Quick Release Replaces Manfrotto 488RC4,Black

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