Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head
Description Strong, durable, and compact, this tripod head has it all. Meet the Mini Ball Head, the photographic solution that will get the job done. Despite its size, this tough piece of kit can carry up to 4kg with ease. Its compact and durable features make it the ideal accessory for amateurs looking for a flexible and high-quality ball head for point and shoot activities. Perfect for on-the-go capturing, this tripod head is designed for portability and won't weigh you down. Made especially for compact system cameras, it gives you a full scope of movement to get that perfect shot. Pan 360° and tilt +90° to -90° thanks to the smooth ball head. With this piece of equipment, you will have total control over your shots, no matter the situation. It has a comfortably sized 50mm platform and friction control for steady and precise movements so you can avoid abrupt motions. The platform has a 6.35mm thread attachment making it as compatible and flexible as it is clever and compact.
Description Strong, durable, and compact, this tripod head has it all. Meet the Mini Ball Head, the photographic solution that will get the job done. Despite its size, this tough piece of kit can carry up to 4kg with ease. Its compact and durable features make it the ideal accessory for amateurs looking for a flexible and high-quality ball head for point and shoot activities. Perfect for on-the-go capturing, this tripod head is designed for portability and won't weigh you down. Made especially for compact system cameras, it gives you a full scope of movement to get that perfect shot. Pan 360° and tilt +90° to -90° thanks to the smooth ball head. With this piece of equipment, you will have total control over your shots, no matter the situation. It has a comfortably sized 50mm platform and friction control for steady and precise movements so you can avoid abrupt motions. The platform has a 6.35mm thread attachment making it as compatible and flexible as it is clever and compact.
Description Strong, durable, and compact, this tripod head has it all. Meet the Mini Ball Head, the photographic solution that will get the job done. Despite its size, this tough piece of kit can carry up to 4kg with ease. Its compact and durable features make it the ideal accessory for amateurs looking for a flexible and high-quality ball head for point and shoot activities. Perfect for on-the-go capturing, this tripod head is designed for portability and won't weigh you down. Made especially for compact system cameras, it gives you a full scope of movement to get that perfect shot. Pan 360° and tilt +90° to -90° thanks to the smooth ball head. With this piece of equipment, you will have total control over your shots, no matter the situation. It has a comfortably sized 50mm platform and friction control for steady and precise movements so you can avoid abrupt motions. The platform has a 6.35mm thread attachment making it as compatible and flexible as it is clever and compact.
Description Strong, durable, and compact, this tripod head has it all. Meet the Mini Ball Head, the photographic solution that will get the job done. Despite its size, this tough piece of kit can carry up to 4kg with ease. Its compact and durable features make it the ideal accessory for amateurs looking for a flexible and high-quality ball head for point and shoot activities. Perfect for on-the-go capturing, this tripod head is designed for portability and won't weigh you down. Made especially for compact system cameras, it gives you a full scope of movement to get that perfect shot. Pan 360° and tilt +90° to -90° thanks to the smooth ball head. With this piece of equipment, you will have total control over your shots, no matter the situation. It has a comfortably sized 50mm platform and friction control for steady and precise movements so you can avoid abrupt motions. The platform has a 6.35mm thread attachment making it as compatible and flexible as it is clever and compact.
in 22 offers
The lowest price for Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head right now is $105.83 at Amazon.com.au, compared across 20 retailers.
The all-time low was $81.89 on 11 Mar 2026 — today's price is 29% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 2 Nov 2026.
Last updated at 02/11/2026 23:59:02
Manfrotto Compact Ball Head 494, Fluid Ball Head for Camera Tripod, Camera Stabilizer, Photography Equipment, for Content Creation, Photography
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Manfrotto Ball Head 494 Quick Release Rc2 Tripod Black
Delivery $18.99
Manfrotto MH494-BH, Centre Ball head, Easy Framing, 200PL-PRO Plate, Arca-Swiss Compatible, Independent Friction Control, for DSLR, CSC, Mirrorless
Delivery between 7–11 Nov $41
Manfrotto 494 Aluminium Mini Centre Ball Head
Manfrotto MH494-BH 494 Center Ball head
Delivery between 5–13 Nov $15
Manfrotto 494 Aluminum Mini Ball Head
Delivery $4.90
Manfrotto MH494-BH Centre Ball Head with Easy Framing, 200PL-PRO Plate, Arca-Swiss Compatible, Independent Friction Control
Delivery $8.95
Manfrotto 494 Head Ball Mini w QR Pro Plate Friction Control 8kg Payload
Delivery $25
Manfrotto MH494-BH Center Ball Head
Delivery between Thu – Mon $15
Manfrotto MH494-BH 494 Center Ball head
Delivery between 6–11 Nov $21.20
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I searched in two different shops in NYC as well as online; I also read articles and reviews before purchasing this model from B&H. I use it with my beloved and substantial Swarovski ATX/STX spotting scope so I was particularly concerned about getting a reasonably priced tripod befitting such a fine optical instrument.So far I have used it in the field, snowshoeing in New Hampshire and keep it setup in a place inside where I can observe the natural world outside my home.The tripod is easy to use and set up. The quick release is designed to be just that but with the protection of a failsafe mechanism that will not allow the user to release a spotting scope by mistake. It comes with an equally well-designed carrying case. The controls are tight, adjustable and ... MoreI searched in two different shops in NYC as well as online; I also read articles and reviews before purchasing this model from B&H. I use it with my beloved and substantial Swarovski ATX/STX spotting scope so I was particularly concerned about getting a reasonably priced tripod befitting such a fine optical instrument.So far I have used it in the field, snowshoeing in New Hampshire and keep it setup in a place inside where I can observe the natural world outside my home.The tripod is easy to use and set up. The quick release is designed to be just that but with the protection of a failsafe mechanism that will not allow the user to release a spotting scope by mistake. It comes with an equally well-designed carrying case. The controls are tight, adjustable and secure.I have been able to take clear, sharp photos with my iPhone held to the eyepiece. Their quality is due in no small measure to the stability of the tripod. I look forward to many trips with the scope mounted on the Manfrotto tripod.I recommend this tripod without reservation. I also commend the staff at B&H for sharing their knowledge, making good recommendations and their honest, straightforward assistance in helping me to select this excellent and reasonably priced tripod.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
Usually I use pan/tilt head since I have a heavy camera and worry about the steadiness and loosening up of the ball head. This Manfrotto 949 center ball head changed my opinion. It can lock and hold the camera at any angle securely without tightening the knobs super hard. The quick release plate lets me moving the camera between this ball head and video head quickly and easily.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This ball head works very well with my camera setup. Didn't notice any "slippage" when everything was tightened down. Not bulky either. One thing I'm a little iffy with is, when you lock the tripod quick release plate (that's attached to the camera) it doesn't have the "lock" feeling to it. There's a little bit of play. Wasn't to comfortable with my canon 70-200 ii sitting on there, but after the first few minutes it wasn't going anywhere. I just wish there was more of a noticeable locked feeling when you place the camera on the ball head. Aside from that, great price, super fast shipping!
| Collection/Series | Befree Advanced |
| Safety Payload Weight | 8 kg |
| Head Type | Ball Head |
| Top Attachment | 1/4′′ screw |
| Base Diameter | 40 mm |
Manfrotto Compact Ball Head 494, Fluid Ball Head for Camera Tripod, Camera Stabilizer, Photography Equipment, for Content Creation, Photography
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Manfrotto Ball Head 494 Quick Release Rc2 Tripod Black
Delivery $18.99
Manfrotto MH494-BH, Centre Ball head, Easy Framing, 200PL-PRO Plate, Arca-Swiss Compatible, Independent Friction Control, for DSLR, CSC, Mirrorless
Delivery between 7–11 Nov $41
Manfrotto 494 Aluminium Mini Centre Ball Head
Manfrotto MH494-BH 494 Center Ball head
Delivery between 5–13 Nov $15
I searched in two different shops in NYC as well as online; I also read articles and reviews before purchasing this model from B&H. I use it with my beloved and substantial Swarovski ATX/STX spotting scope so I was particularly concerned about getting a reasonably priced tripod befitting such a fine optical instrument.So far I have used it in the field, snowshoeing in New Hampshire and keep it setup in a place inside where I can observe the natural world outside my home.The tripod is easy to use and set up. The quick release is designed to be just that but with the protection of a failsafe mechanism that will not allow the user to release a spotting scope by mistake. It comes with an equally well-designed carrying case. The controls are tight, adjustable and ... MoreI searched in two different shops in NYC as well as online; I also read articles and reviews before purchasing this model from B&H. I use it with my beloved and substantial Swarovski ATX/STX spotting scope so I was particularly concerned about getting a reasonably priced tripod befitting such a fine optical instrument.So far I have used it in the field, snowshoeing in New Hampshire and keep it setup in a place inside where I can observe the natural world outside my home.The tripod is easy to use and set up. The quick release is designed to be just that but with the protection of a failsafe mechanism that will not allow the user to release a spotting scope by mistake. It comes with an equally well-designed carrying case. The controls are tight, adjustable and secure.I have been able to take clear, sharp photos with my iPhone held to the eyepiece. Their quality is due in no small measure to the stability of the tripod. I look forward to many trips with the scope mounted on the Manfrotto tripod.I recommend this tripod without reservation. I also commend the staff at B&H for sharing their knowledge, making good recommendations and their honest, straightforward assistance in helping me to select this excellent and reasonably priced tripod.
Usually I use pan/tilt head since I have a heavy camera and worry about the steadiness and loosening up of the ball head. This Manfrotto 949 center ball head changed my opinion. It can lock and hold the camera at any angle securely without tightening the knobs super hard. The quick release plate lets me moving the camera between this ball head and video head quickly and easily.
This ball head works very well with my camera setup. Didn't notice any "slippage" when everything was tightened down. Not bulky either. One thing I'm a little iffy with is, when you lock the tripod quick release plate (that's attached to the camera) it doesn't have the "lock" feeling to it. There's a little bit of play. Wasn't to comfortable with my canon 70-200 ii sitting on there, but after the first few minutes it wasn't going anywhere. I just wish there was more of a noticeable locked feeling when you place the camera on the ball head. Aside from that, great price, super fast shipping!
The weight is good, theoretically the design is good, but...There's something called stiction, which is like friction, but is specifically about the sticking resistance to get started moving. The head has too much stiction, even with everything loose. It makes it very, very hard to make fine changes. Impossible even, it becomes a matter of multiple tries and luck. I even tried putting WD-40 on the ball, and it helped some, but not enough. Perhaps grease, but I hesitated to do that. I've now switched to a geared head. Unfortunately. They need a better engineered plastic that grabs the ball. Something with no stiction, but good friction... so it can be adjusted when the grip is loosened, but won't droop when the grip is tight. Not really recommended, except for ... MoreThe weight is good, theoretically the design is good, but...There's something called stiction, which is like friction, but is specifically about the sticking resistance to get started moving. The head has too much stiction, even with everything loose. It makes it very, very hard to make fine changes. Impossible even, it becomes a matter of multiple tries and luck. I even tried putting WD-40 on the ball, and it helped some, but not enough. Perhaps grease, but I hesitated to do that. I've now switched to a geared head. Unfortunately. They need a better engineered plastic that grabs the ball. Something with no stiction, but good friction... so it can be adjusted when the grip is loosened, but won't droop when the grip is tight. Not really recommended, except for perhaps backpacking, when it would be a compromise between weight and functionality.
The Manfrotto 494 ball head is typical for the brand. construction and controls very solid. the 200PL_pro plate is slightly different from the other 200 plates I own. but they all fit one & other's clamps. Using this head on Induro AT114 tripod to hold Zoom H6 audio recorder. works perfect- super solid with the light weight & cables running & out. If one owns manfrotto devices, one knows the quality level. every manfrotto device I use works as good as the day it came out of the box and it looks cooler worn in used. etc
I returned this and have ordered the same thing with the 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate instead of the Round Disc. The functionality of the ball and tensioners is fine, and nice. But, the disc doesn't have small knurls around the outer edge, so when wearing gloves it is difficult to use quickly. It also is hard to use quickly without gloves. If you are only using it with a very light point and shoot that you will leave on while you carry it around, it is fine and light to carry, but if you have a more expensive camera that you just don't want to risk flopping around on the ball while you carry it, you'll be taking the camera off and on very often. Hmmmm. Better off with a quick release plate. Unfortunately, the Disc is manufactured as part of the ball, Manfrotto does ... MoreI returned this and have ordered the same thing with the 200PL-PRO Quick Release Plate instead of the Round Disc. The functionality of the ball and tensioners is fine, and nice. But, the disc doesn't have small knurls around the outer edge, so when wearing gloves it is difficult to use quickly. It also is hard to use quickly without gloves. If you are only using it with a very light point and shoot that you will leave on while you carry it around, it is fine and light to carry, but if you have a more expensive camera that you just don't want to risk flopping around on the ball while you carry it, you'll be taking the camera off and on very often. Hmmmm. Better off with a quick release plate. Unfortunately, the Disc is manufactured as part of the ball, Manfrotto does make a ball that you can replace the mounting system, but for some reason not for this one. So for me, expecting a lot of camera mounting/unmounting, I decided to go for the other one.
I use this tripod head with my Peak Design Dual Plate v2 for Capture Camera Clip. I found that this works best together while hiking. It allows for very quick transitions from carrying on the outside of my backpack to my tripod.This head is also very lightweight so it is great for hikes. I combined the head with a small Sirui carbon fiber tripod legs. Great setup!
I bought this to replace my 3-way head because the ball heads I've used in the past were great. This Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with 200PL-PRO is NOT one of those. With a 24-70 2.8 on my camera attached to this ball head, when I have it fully loose, it does not move freely. Fully loose it will hold the 24-70 + camera where they are, and takes concealable force to move up or down, and when it does move, it jumps and jerks.It's almost like they forgot to lubricate this ball head from the factory. Not sure what to do.Very disappointed with Manfrotto.
When Sarasota High School's photography program was gifted with an older tripod a few days ago I realized it was missing the quick release plate and the gifter could not locate it. Live chat with an expert at B&H found the piece, ordered immediately and we just successfully coupled it with the tripod! The students were using it five minutes later! Thank you B&H for the expertise and thank you, Manfrotto for continuing to support antiquated products!
For me, perfectly matched to my new carbon fiber MT055CXPRO4 tripod. It balances the weight both in carry and extended-leg setting. The ball head is certainly strong enough for my D810 with a big zoom out front, yet when adjusted for video I can smoothly follow my subject with no hysteresis stick-slip at all.Those adjustments are so well designed, there is no problem or pain in my 78 year old arthritic hands even in long nature capture sessions.
| Collection/Series | Befree Advanced |
| Safety Payload Weight | 8 kg |
| Head Type | Ball Head |
| Top Attachment | 1/4′′ screw |
| Base Diameter | 40 mm |
