If your DSLR or mirrorless and lenses weigh under 17 pounds, the Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head may be just what you're looking for.

This is redesigned version of the Manfrotto 488RC2 and it has been designed to be easier to use.

The 498RC2 is an aluminum tripod head that uses the RC2 quick-release plate to connect or disconnect your DSLR.

The bottom lever adjust pan and the top lever adjusts tilt.

Manfrotto added a newly designed friction control knob to make it easier to make small movements - this is great because it means you don't have to completely unlock and then re-lock the ball head when you want to make minor adjustments.

A locking lever is used to lock the head in the +90° -90° ball positions and for 360° pan movements.

The 498RC2 is slightly taller than the Manfrotto 496RC2 model, but the 498RC2 is going to work better if you want to do panoramic shots because you can lock the camera position and then just pan the camera.

If you are looking for a set of tripod legs to use with this head, check out the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 review.

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That's it for our  Manfrotto 498RC2 review.