Manfrotto 496RC2 vs. 498RC2
 

Planning to purchase the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod. But having some issues on the decision of the head.

Anyone know the difference between the 496RC2 vs 498RC2?. They seem to be almost exactly the same, but the 496RC2 is a lot cheaper. Anyone have any experience with any of these two heads?

the 496 is a smaller version(rated 6 kg). the 498 is rated 8 kg. yes, i googled that.

the 498 head also has separate panning at the base of the head.

What kind of camera + lens will you be using?

The 6kg on the 496 should be more than enough in most cases. Or try looking into the 486RC2 if possible, might be slightly cheaper.

werd. the pan is so useful for landscapes. i luv my 498

I have the older 488rc2 and the panning feature is a definite plus to have.
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Where did you guys that have the 498RC2, buy it from? I don't want to buy it local because it's like $150 not including tax yet. I can't seem to find any store online to order from that has inventory on it.

I might just settle for the 496RC2 due to the price and the panning feature isn't a must for me. I can live without it :p

i bought it for $150 from kerrisdale camera and i sold my 486 head (that came with my 190xb/486rc2 kit) on CL. this was almost a year ago

only other cheap place i can think of it bhphoto online

B&H doesn't have any inventory on the 498RC2. Sounds about right, $150 locally.

I bought my 498RC2 off amazon.com, shipped to Pt Roberts. Just checked the site, $109.39.

Don't bother with the 486, it sags a lot even with something at 3kg. The 496 is a lot better for the price. The only problem is that people do complain the ball head not being very smooth even when the friction knob is at the lowest.

Ordered the 055XProb + 496 for $213. Picked it up today at Pt. Roberts. This tripod feels sturdy and a long lifetime investment. My buddy bought some cheap $30 tripod this week, I was too afraid to put my camera on it, afraid it might collapse LOL :p.