Product Summary:

The Manfrotto MH494-BH is a compact and durable ball head made of lightweight aluminum, perfect for photographers traveling in Japan who demand strength and portability. This head is designed to handle a substantial maximum load capacity of 8 kg, making it suitable for professional DSLR and mirrorless setups, including long lenses.

Are you Visiting Japan soon?

Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.

Contact Jasumo Now →

It features three independent control knobs for locking the ball, controlling pan movement, and setting the friction/drag. It comes standard with the Manfrotto 200PL-PRO quick release plate, which is Arca-Swiss compatible.

Quick Highlights:

High Load Capacity: Supports up to 8 kg, ideal for heavy professional camera gear.
Lightweight & Durable: Constructed from aluminum for portability (0.33 kg).
Triple Independent Knobs: Separate controls for ball lock, friction/drag, and 360° pan movement.
Included Quick Release: Comes with the 200PL-PRO plate, which offers compatibility with both Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss systems.
Compact Base: Base diameter of 40 mm ensures a small footprint.

Product Details / Description:

Achieve fast, precise framing and rock-solid stability for your heavier camera equipment during your Japanese trip by renting the Manfrotto MH494-BH head. Its robust 8 kg capacity and lightweight design make it a powerful yet travel-friendly choice for professional photographers.

About the Product

The MH494-BH head is engineered for control. It features a main locking knob for securing the ball, a separate friction control knob to fine-tune the tension of the ball movement (preventing camera flop when unlocked), and a third knob for locking the 360° horizontal pan axis.

This level of independent control ensures faster, more precise adjustments. The included 200PL-PRO plate is a significant advantage, providing versatile compatibility with Manfrotto’s own RC2 quick release receivers, as well as most Arca-Swiss style quick release clamps. Note that the head itself does not feature a built-in spirit level.

Key Features

Friction Control: Allows you to adjust the drag to prevent the camera from dropping when the main lock is loosened.
Dual Quick Release System: The 200PL-PRO plate is compatible with two major quick release standards.
Aluminum Construction: Ensures durability and portability while handling heavy equipment.
Precise Panning: Independent pan lock enables accurate movement for panoramic stitching.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Weight	0.33 kg
Maximum Load Capacity	8 kg
Base Diameter	40 mm
Number of Knobs	3 (Ball Lock, Friction, Pan)
Quick Release Plate	200PL-PRO (Manfrotto RC2 & Arca-Swiss Compatible)

What’s in the box (Included Items):

Manfrotto MH494-BH Ball Head
200PL-PRO Plate

Where This Product Can Be Used:

Landscape and low-light photography with heavy zoom lenses.
Professional portrait and architectural photography requiring precise positioning.
Video shooting requiring smooth, level panning.
Supporting heavy camera bodies (DSLR, Medium Format) with large lenses.

Why Tourists Rent From Us

English-speaking customer support
Accept foreign credit cards
No Japanese phone number required
Offer hotel & Airbnb delivery
Easy return for travelers

Book with Jasumo:

If you are ready to rent this product, you can contact us with the Product Name, the Rental start date and end date, your delivery Location, and other important details you want to share. After we get a request from you, our team will start communicating with you as soon as possible.

Faqs:

What is the maximum weight the MH494-BH can support?

The maximum load capacity of the Manfrotto MH494-BH is 8 kg. This is a very high rating, making it suitable for professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras, even with substantial telephoto lenses.

Does the included 200PL-PRO plate work with Arca-Swiss systems?

Yes, the 200PL-PRO quick release plate is designed to be compatible with both Manfrotto’s standard RC2 receivers and most Arca-Swiss compatible clamps.

What are the three independent knobs for?

The three knobs control: 1) The main lock for the ball movement, 2) The friction or drag control for the ball, and 3) The lock for the separate horizontal panning movement.

Does this ball head have a spirit level?

No, the product notes indicate that the Manfrotto MH494-BH head does not include a built-in spirit level for leveling the horizon.

Is this head heavy to carry while traveling?

No, despite its high load capacity, the head is made of lightweight aluminum and weighs only 0.33 kg, making it easily portable.

Planning a Group Trip to Japan?

From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.

Contact Jasumo Now →