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Rent NowThe Manfrotto MT290XTA3US 290 Xtra Aluminum Tripod with 496RC2 Compact Ball Head is a versatile tripod and head combination designed for photographers who need a stable, adjustable support system for a range of camera types and shooting situations. As part of Manfrotto’s 290 series, it pairs an aluminum tripod leg set with a compact ball head, offering a practical all-around setup for travel, studio, and general outdoor photography.
The 290 Xtra tripod legs are built from aluminum, balancing durability with manageable weight for photographers who need a sturdy support system without the higher cost of carbon fiber alternatives. The legs feature multiple sections with flip-lock or twist-lock leg closures (depending on specific execution) allowing for quick height adjustments and compact folding for storage and transport, along with independently adjustable leg angles to accommodate uneven terrain or low-angle shooting positions.
Mounted atop the tripod is Manfrotto’s 496RC2 Compact Ball Head, a ball-style head that allows for quick, fluid repositioning of the camera across multiple axes with a single locking control, rather than requiring separate adjustments for pan, tilt, and roll as with a traditional three-way pan-tilt head. The 496RC2 uses Manfrotto’s RC2 quick-release system, featuring a rectangular quick-release plate that allows for fast attachment and removal of the camera from the head, useful for photographers who need to quickly mount or dismount their camera between shots or setups.
This tripod and head combination is designed to support a range of camera types, from compact mirrorless bodies to moderately sized DSLR setups with standard lenses attached, making it a practical general-purpose choice for photographers who don’t require the higher load capacities of professional video or super-telephoto-oriented tripod systems. The center column allows for additional height adjustment and, on many Manfrotto 290-series tripods, can be repositioned horizontally for overhead or macro-style shooting angles.
Because exact leg lock type, maximum height, folded length, and weight capacity can vary slightly by specific version and region, photographers should confirm these precise specifications against Manfrotto’s current documentation for this exact model.
Key Features
– Manfrotto 290 Xtra aluminum tripod legs
– 496RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 quick-release system
– Independently adjustable leg angles
– Adjustable center column (horizontal repositioning capability on many 290-series tripods)
– Compact folding design for transport
– Suited to compact mirrorless and moderately sized DSLR setups
