Specification: Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ball Head with Top Lock Plate (MHXPRO-BHQ6)
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer
No
Product Dimensions
9 x 10 x 11.5 cm, 520 Grams
Date First Available
July 28 2015
Manufacturer
MAP94
Place of Business
UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ, 07458 US
Item model number
MHXPRO-BHQ6
12 reviews for Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ball Head with Top Lock Plate (MHXPRO-BHQ6)
4.3out of 5
★★★★★
★★★★★
8
★★★★★
1
★★★★★
2
★★★★★
0
★★★★★
1
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★★★★★
dave lorenz –
You get what you pay for, spend some $$$
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★★★★★
Adam Clarke –
There is a little red button connected to a release clip that is the worst piece of design I’ve seen in a tripod head. Brand new and it already sticks plus it doesn’t work on a L-Bracket so it’s completely useless for landscape photography. Returning. Super disappointed with manfrotto. Broke the BeFree tripod head in less than a year with fairly light use. Definitely switching to a different company for a new tripod.
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★★★★★
Peter Beeson –
This is probably the best ‘amateur’ level geared head on the market. True, I would think twice before subjecting it to rough handling, but then again I don’t throw my cameras about much either. That said, this is the only intuitive head I have been able to find, effectively combining a lever with a geared adjuster, which works well. Other more expensive models, Manfrotto, Benro etc have a release and a geared adjustment which operate independently and, to my mind, awkwardly, often requiring the camera to be moved manually. The EXPRO however has a simple lever for each plane, with the geared function incorporated, allowing single handed use. It may be a little wider than some others, due to the integral levers but that is a small price to pay for the added convenience in use.
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★★★★★
K. Davis –
I bought a Manfrotto Xpro heard head in 2018 primarily for macro work. However it’s also very useful for landscape. As it moulded from plastic/ABS it probably isn’t the heaviest head on the market but it does an excellent job in its price range. If your equipment falls in the tens of thousands pound (£) range then I would suggest you would spend significantly more on a geard head than £130.00. But all round value for money. I Just wish Manfrotto would consider Arca Swiss .
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★★★★★
Marco Fonseca –
After testing the clamp that ships with this otherwise excellent and expensive ball head, the retractable metal clip or lip that actually secures the camera bracket gets stuck and makes it almost impossible to remove the camera from the clamp. Sometimes, after pressing the red release button (which is itself too rigid and suboptimal), the retractable metal clip does not return to original position making it possible for the camera to slide off the clamp (as reviews by many on YouTube). Manfrotto should be shipping a different clamp. Even a cheap clamp like the Neewer Metal 60mm Quick Release Plate QR Clamp works much better.
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★★★★★
Bob Peters –
Very well-made, solid, and the controls are precise enough for normal use. Each knob has a clutch-type mechanism that allows for big adjustments very quickly, and then you rotate the knob for fine adjustments. I use mine for a big, heavy camera fitted with a big heavy lens, the two of which weigh about 4.4kg. The head is only rated to max 4kg, but it copes with my camera easily.
I also like the bubble levels. You can level your camera with precision very easily.
The only negative comments I would have are that, once you’ve used the clutch, the knobs don’t engage again straight away. They take a bit of twisting before the mechanism clicks into place, which can come as a surprise the first time you try it. And the other comment is that the graduations showing how many degrees you’re moving are indicated on a flimsy piece of stuck-on card. This lets down the otherwise solid construction in my opinion; I think these will eventually rip or fall off.
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★★★★★
Polka –
Excellent!
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★★★★★
Scooter’s Dad –
Very sturdy ballhead, the controls are easy to use and it locks up rock solid. It has an adjustment for the released drag so when you release the ball with the main knob, it doesn’t just go limp, I have mine set so it is moveable when released but keeps enough drag to make repositioning accurate. The quick release feature has a secondary safety release that must be pushed in before the camera can be removed, very nice feature.
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★★★★★
James C Lusk –
Well worth the $. Very well made and the controls are well placed and secure. Use it on a Manfrotto tripod with a D610and battery pack and a medium weight lens and the head grips well and stays where you put it. No creep at all (for now). Seeing how I have previously invested in various Arca Swiss plates (Kirk Enterprises) necessitated the quick release head. I believe the regular ball head is at least $50 cheaper.
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★★★★★
Derek Coull –
I invested in a new tripod system recently and purchased a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 Carbon tripod then I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what head to buy for it. After loads of research I eventually settled for this head with the adapto body and levers. I have to say that I am delighted with it. I am using a mirrorless camera system which is very lightweight so my new support system is extremely capable. I used the system recently to photograph a sunrise and couldnt have been happier with the way this head works, the adapto body levers allow for fast movement and then you can fine tune your composition using the micrometric knobs. I noticed quickly that having the option to fine tune your frame really makes you think more about the composition but having this level of “micro” control really makes a big difference. One thing that I read about when researching was that the tilt movement could only work 20 degrees when orientated from the normal operating position but this is easily overcome by turning the mounting plate on the camera and connecting it onto the head backwards. Which allows a 90 degree tilt…this alone will make a massive difference for lining up the stars and with the micrometric adjustment positioning those stars exactly where I want them should be enjoyable and easy. There are also levelling bubbles on every axis making squaring up your frame relatively easy.
Another thing I read about this head prior to purchase … that I can now comment on is the small issue of once you use the adjustment levers to make a large adjustment and then go on operate the micrometric knob you can feel the gears re engaging with a small sudden movement. What I have found with this is that you actually get a feel for when it is properly engaged after a large movement and when it is not. It is actually possible to engage it using the large lever once you are familiar with it. I dont really see this as a negative thing at all as it makes sense when you think about how the geared system works.
The head is well made and feels good quality it is designed very nicely, easy and comfortable to use. As with all things Manfrotto looks quite smart too. Overall very happy with this piece of kit.
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★★★★★
russell Hammond –
This may be ok for an amatuer to carry around in a boot of a car, but in a studio situation where it will eventually be knocked, or thrown in a van, or dropped, it just felt too delicate. It’s made out of plastic, and although the build quality will be excellent as with all manfrotto equipment, as soon as I picked it out of the box I knew that this wouldn’t last long when out and heavily used on a daily basis. There’s nothing wrong really with it. It’s just not heavy duty enough for professional full time use. Trying to get the plate into the socket takes about 5 attempts every time though. It just doesn’t seem to want to lock. When you’ve got £20,000 of Camera and lens at stake then you just can’t risk a tripod plate not slotting in and locking first time every time. I think it’s got to do with manfrotto trying to make it so that a standard generic plate can’t be used and you have to use theirs as there’s grooves cut into the underside of the plate bezel which need to line up. If I’m busy and might have the camera off the tripod every few minutes, I don’t want to be faffing around trying to line the thing up. I just want to be able to drop it on and get on with things. Probably alright for a landscape or portrait photographer to use, but not in any product/fashion professional capacity.
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★★★★★
Amazon Customer –
I’m reviewing the Ball Head with Top Lock Plate (MHXPRO-BHQ6) unit, not the 3-way tilt unit.
This unit is super solid metal construction. It’s a little larger than expected, which has its pros and cons.
PROS for this unit: The ball unit will take more torque (if you put your camera at an odd angle) than smaller ball heads. The arca compatibility is key. Very future-proof. I LOVE that the spring-loaded knob heads can be pulled out and re-adjusted by small angles before retracting. Especially handy in cases where you find yourself hitting other components on your tripod. One knob adjusts base rotation, the other locks the ball head in place. The THIRD knob acts as a tensioner for the stiffness of you ball head during rotation. Nice touch so that your camera (with heavy lenses) doesn’t just DROP when you loosen the head. Bonus points Manfrotto. Well done.
CONS. If you’re going ultra light (carbon fiber tripod) this unit will make your tripod top heavy. Any regular aluminum tripod… and you’ll be fine. Due to the large head on this unit, other third party (also wide) panoramic bases may have knobs which make contact with the tripod head. The workaround here is to remove their third-party arca bases, and swap them out for Manfrotto’s provided base. It’ll ensure that they’re lifted to a correct height without causing any interference (see attached pictures (before / after)) from a different review of mine for a third party pano base.
Apart from that… i’m REALLY impressed with the build quality. Well worth the investment (and cheaper here than on other sites). Go for it. you won’t regret it. Also keep in mind that some (poor) reviews are for the 3-way tilt unit. Don’t let those sway you from this solid performer. Cheers, and until next time!
dave lorenz –
You get what you pay for, spend some $$$
Adam Clarke –
There is a little red button connected to a release clip that is the worst piece of design I’ve seen in a tripod head. Brand new and it already sticks plus it doesn’t work on a L-Bracket so it’s completely useless for landscape photography. Returning. Super disappointed with manfrotto. Broke the BeFree tripod head in less than a year with fairly light use. Definitely switching to a different company for a new tripod.
Peter Beeson –
This is probably the best ‘amateur’ level geared head on the market. True, I would think twice before subjecting it to rough handling, but then again I don’t throw my cameras about much either. That said, this is the only intuitive head I have been able to find, effectively combining a lever with a geared adjuster, which works well. Other more expensive models, Manfrotto, Benro etc have a release and a geared adjustment which operate independently and, to my mind, awkwardly, often requiring the camera to be moved manually. The EXPRO however has a simple lever for each plane, with the geared function incorporated, allowing single handed use.
It may be a little wider than some others, due to the integral levers but that is a small price to pay for the added convenience in use.
K. Davis –
I bought a Manfrotto Xpro heard head in 2018 primarily for macro work. However it’s also very useful for landscape.
As it moulded from plastic/ABS it probably isn’t the heaviest head on the market but it does an excellent job in its price range.
If your equipment falls in the tens of thousands pound (£) range then I would suggest you would spend significantly more on a geard head than £130.00. But all round value for money. I Just wish Manfrotto would consider Arca Swiss .
Marco Fonseca –
After testing the clamp that ships with this otherwise excellent and expensive ball head, the retractable metal clip or lip that actually secures the camera bracket gets stuck and makes it almost impossible to remove the camera from the clamp. Sometimes, after pressing the red release button (which is itself too rigid and suboptimal), the retractable metal clip does not return to original position making it possible for the camera to slide off the clamp (as reviews by many on YouTube). Manfrotto should be shipping a different clamp. Even a cheap clamp like the Neewer Metal 60mm Quick Release Plate QR Clamp works much better.
Bob Peters –
Very well-made, solid, and the controls are precise enough for normal use. Each knob has a clutch-type mechanism that allows for big adjustments very quickly, and then you rotate the knob for fine adjustments. I use mine for a big, heavy camera fitted with a big heavy lens, the two of which weigh about 4.4kg. The head is only rated to max 4kg, but it copes with my camera easily.
I also like the bubble levels. You can level your camera with precision very easily.
The only negative comments I would have are that, once you’ve used the clutch, the knobs don’t engage again straight away. They take a bit of twisting before the mechanism clicks into place, which can come as a surprise the first time you try it. And the other comment is that the graduations showing how many degrees you’re moving are indicated on a flimsy piece of stuck-on card. This lets down the otherwise solid construction in my opinion; I think these will eventually rip or fall off.
Polka –
Excellent!
Scooter’s Dad –
Very sturdy ballhead, the controls are easy to use and it locks up rock solid. It has an adjustment for the released drag so when you release the ball with the main knob, it doesn’t just go limp, I have mine set so it is moveable when released but keeps enough drag to make repositioning accurate. The quick release feature has a secondary safety release that must be pushed in before the camera can be removed, very nice feature.
James C Lusk –
Well worth the $. Very well made and the controls are well placed and secure. Use it on a Manfrotto tripod with a D610and battery pack and a medium weight lens and the head grips well and stays where you put it. No creep at all (for now). Seeing how I have previously invested in various Arca Swiss plates (Kirk Enterprises) necessitated the quick release head. I believe the regular ball head is at least $50 cheaper.
Derek Coull –
I invested in a new tripod system recently and purchased a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 Carbon tripod then I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what head to buy for it. After loads of research I eventually settled for this head with the adapto body and levers. I have to say that I am delighted with it. I am using a mirrorless camera system which is very lightweight so my new support system is extremely capable. I used the system recently to photograph a sunrise and couldnt have been happier with the way this head works, the adapto body levers allow for fast movement and then you can fine tune your composition using the micrometric knobs. I noticed quickly that having the option to fine tune your frame really makes you think more about the composition but having this level of “micro” control really makes a big difference. One thing that I read about when researching was that the tilt movement could only work 20 degrees when orientated from the normal operating position but this is easily overcome by turning the mounting plate on the camera and connecting it onto the head backwards. Which allows a 90 degree tilt…this alone will make a massive difference for lining up the stars and with the micrometric adjustment positioning those stars exactly where I want them should be enjoyable and easy. There are also levelling bubbles on every axis making squaring up your frame relatively easy.
Another thing I read about this head prior to purchase … that I can now comment on is the small issue of once you use the adjustment levers to make a large adjustment and then go on operate the micrometric knob you can feel the gears re engaging with a small sudden movement. What I have found with this is that you actually get a feel for when it is properly engaged after a large movement and when it is not. It is actually possible to engage it using the large lever once you are familiar with it. I dont really see this as a negative thing at all as it makes sense when you think about how the geared system works.
The head is well made and feels good quality it is designed very nicely, easy and comfortable to use. As with all things Manfrotto looks quite smart too. Overall very happy with this piece of kit.
russell Hammond –
This may be ok for an amatuer to carry around in a boot of a car, but in a studio situation where it will eventually be knocked, or thrown in a van, or dropped, it just felt too delicate. It’s made out of plastic, and although the build quality will be excellent as with all manfrotto equipment, as soon as I picked it out of the box I knew that this wouldn’t last long when out and heavily used on a daily basis.
There’s nothing wrong really with it. It’s just not heavy duty enough for professional full time use.
Trying to get the plate into the socket takes about 5 attempts every time though. It just doesn’t seem to want to lock. When you’ve got £20,000 of Camera and lens at stake then you just can’t risk a tripod plate not slotting in and locking first time every time. I think it’s got to do with manfrotto trying to make it so that a standard generic plate can’t be used and you have to use theirs as there’s grooves cut into the underside of the plate bezel which need to line up. If I’m busy and might have the camera off the tripod every few minutes, I don’t want to be faffing around trying to line the thing up. I just want to be able to drop it on and get on with things.
Probably alright for a landscape or portrait photographer to use, but not in any product/fashion professional capacity.
Amazon Customer –
I’m reviewing the Ball Head with Top Lock Plate (MHXPRO-BHQ6) unit, not the 3-way tilt unit.
This unit is super solid metal construction. It’s a little larger than expected, which has its pros and cons.
PROS for this unit: The ball unit will take more torque (if you put your camera at an odd angle) than smaller ball heads. The arca compatibility is key. Very future-proof. I LOVE that the spring-loaded knob heads can be pulled out and re-adjusted by small angles before retracting. Especially handy in cases where you find yourself hitting other components on your tripod. One knob adjusts base rotation, the other locks the ball head in place. The THIRD knob acts as a tensioner for the stiffness of you ball head during rotation. Nice touch so that your camera (with heavy lenses) doesn’t just DROP when you loosen the head. Bonus points Manfrotto. Well done.
CONS. If you’re going ultra light (carbon fiber tripod) this unit will make your tripod top heavy. Any regular aluminum tripod… and you’ll be fine. Due to the large head on this unit, other third party (also wide) panoramic bases may have knobs which make contact with the tripod head. The workaround here is to remove their third-party arca bases, and swap them out for Manfrotto’s provided base. It’ll ensure that they’re lifted to a correct height without causing any interference (see attached pictures (before / after)) from a different review of mine for a third party pano base.
Apart from that… i’m REALLY impressed with the build quality. Well worth the investment (and cheaper here than on other sites). Go for it. you won’t regret it. Also keep in mind that some (poor) reviews are for the 3-way tilt unit. Don’t let those sway you from this solid performer. Cheers, and until next time!
Andrew