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Question: It is not stated, but I'm just making sure, this does NOT include the plates for the camera?
Document: Just be sure it will handle your gear. I may end up putting a Vanguard SBH-250 on the monopod and dealing with the added weight so the mounting plates are all the same. This one I will give to a family member for his tripod and smaller Rebel camera.This well made ball head will be put to good use.
You're not going to lose your camera off this head. It's rock solid, small and lightweight. My only complaint is that when you lock it down, it creeps a little before settling into position. Only way I know of to avoid that is to buy a much more expensive head and lug around a lot more weight. I'm old, and the creep is very small, so it's not a big deal.
Nice, inexpensive ball head that compliments my Gitzo Carbon Fiber Traveler Monopod perfectly. Uses the same quick release plates as my Manfrotto/Bogen pistol grip ball head that I use on my tripod, so the camera mount is compatible with both.
Other than the problem with the torx screw the ball head works fine even though it is a little stiff. Care must be taken to make sure the lock levers are tight or the camera will move creep downward. You really need to reef down on it and make it very tight if you have a telephoto lens. I have a 70-200 mm lens.
(Of course, most digital cameras can increase your ISO sensitivity to allow faster shutter speeds.) The Ball head is of medium size and matches a monopod perfectly. It is built like a tank, all metal and should last a lifetime. I use a long 400mm lens an a Nikon D600 and the camera doesn't drift at all the lock down lever on the ball head really locks it in place. I bought extra Quick Release (RC2) mounting plates for my other lenses and bodies.
What a PERFECT ball head to use on a monopod for a digital camera. I use it with the Manfrotto 2 clamp (679B) monopod. I'm 6ft. tall and this combination extends higher than I need. For the price the ball head is everything I want for still (35mm) photography. I guess if I were into movies I might buy one of the super expensive Arca ball heads for the smooth pan action. With a digital camera and a monopod you really don't need a bunch of expensive VR lenses.
The Manfrotto 494RC2 well built and looks pretty strong. I like the safety feature on the release. It's small and lightweight. I'm using it on Voyager tripod with D90 and small macro lens for travel. Smooth movement and does what it should. 496 would be probably better for a set up with a larger lens. Works for me for what was intended.
Three plates is all I really need. Note: there is a safety lever under the plate release lever on this head. It is a PITA to mess around with. But you can defeat it by just pulling it out and turning it clockwise. I would highly recommend this setup for people that want to shoot action but do not want to carry a tripod (or purchase expensive VR lenses).
This is a light weight ball head, small and compact. I use it on a light tripod with a Leupold spotting scope for hunting. The entire setup is very packable and the RC2 plates work well. I have several other Manfrotto RC2 heads of various shapes and sizes so to be able to have a variety of cameras and scopes all rigged up with the same plate and switch them out quickly is nice. Not a good panning head.
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.
Answer: It includes one quick release shoe or plate.