An ideal companion on the go

I looked for a matching ball head for the Joby Gorillapod SLR-Zoom, main purpose in use
on the go, spontaneous self-portraits by self-timer as a prime example.
The Gorillapod alone was not enough for me, the fiddly Schrauberei a single photo
seemed most hardly worth the effort.

My main requirements for the ball head were:
- A light and compact design
- A clutch release plate for quick and easy assembly and dismantling

--- --- INITIAL CONTACT

The ball head makes a positive impression straightaway. Processing acts
quality, nothing wobbles, at first glance to my high expectations were fulfilled.
For mounting on the Gorillapod one needs an adapter screw of 1/4 "to 3/8", the for
Luck was included with the Gorillapods.

The release plate is quickly screwed on the camera, keeps excellent and hardly disturbs.
The installation of the camera on the ball head is very simple and fast, the removable disk
must be placed only on one side, and then depressed on the other side.
The closure snaps shut automatically and the camera will not budge on the tripod - Perfect!

To disconnect the locking lever has to be pressed, a second small
Safety lever must be pressed to unlock the same time to prevent inadvertent release.
Despite the second lever of the mechanism can be easily operated with one thumb,
the locking lever stops in the open position.

The locking lever for the ball head fixes the ball perfectly, can with a small screw nor the
Resistance for the open state can be set. The position of the locking lever can additionally
be changed by pulling out.

--- --- CONCLUSION

I am very pleased with the 494RC2 Manfrotto, it is compact, stable and easy to use.
The ideal traveling companion, if you want to drag too much ballast around with you.
Full score and full recommendation from me.