Today, Manfrotto unveiled its new 494 Center Ball Head with Round Disc. It aims to offer videographers a “quick and easy framing experience.”
This is a new design in Manfrotto’s Center Ball Head portfolio. The 494 Center Ball Head is made with amateur photographers in mind according to Manfrotto. As said before, the ultimate goal is to offer users fast and easy framing.
Faster framing
Manfrotto claims to have completely redesigned the center ball head. The redesign focuses on framing speed with “intuitive controls” and “high sphere smoothness.”
“This new model is particularly suited to amateur photographers who require gear that they can set up easily and rely on in any configuration,” said Manfrotto.
It should hold many mirrorless and DSLR cameras
When it comes to holding cameras, the 494 Center Ball Head should be able to hold a good number of them. Manfrotto said if you own a medium-size mirrorless or DSLR camera, the 494 should be able to support it. It has a round upper disc that acts as a universal attachment and “ensures extreme solidity and grip,” said Manfrotto. So, you shouldn’t worry about your camera being wobbly.
In total, the system can handle up to 17.64 pounds. The ball head itself weighs just 0.68 pounds, so it shouldn’t add a ton of extra carry weight.
Looks to make it easier to manage camera equipment
The head has three independent controls that manage your camera equipment and secure framing. The main knob and its integrated friction regulator “guarantee full gear control for a smooth, easy framing experience” said Manfrotto. Additionally, on the opposite side of the head, the independent panoramic knob moves the head horizontally to control panoramic shots while keeping all other setting locked.
Pricing and availability
The Manfrotto 494 Center Ball Head with Round Disc is out now for $69.
Image courtesy Manfrotto
