The Manfrotto 496RC2 is a basic ball head that is OK on a tripod, but works very well on a monopod. The lack of a panning feature makes this head useless for panoramic landscapes where stitching photographs together is needed.

• +

  Well built, stable quick release, light weight

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  Cannot pan

Fine, relatively cheap (I got mine in kit with 055 tripod). It is such stable in most applications, but 300 mm lenses (on digital) mlu activation is recomended.

• +

  lightweight, sufficient for generall usage

• -

  quite unprecise

The 496 model apparently incorporates a number of improvements over older models, and it will hold more weight than the 494RC2. The new friction control knob allows improved control when handling the camera and making micro movements without having to totally lock and unlock the ball head.

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  Smooth movement, firm engagement, friction control knob

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  No level on the tripod head

I had this head some time and liked it very much - easy to handel and not to heavy - but finally I replaced it by a 498 because that can carry my heavy 6x7 camera

• +

  Small and easy to handle for DSLR

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  Not solid enough for 6x7

The horizontal centre column feature is really useful and very easy to use. The ball head has adjustable friction as well as a lock. The ball head is much quicker to position than a 3 way head and locks very solidly.

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  Easily Adjusted, Good Footing, Locks In Tight, Smooth Movement, Versatile