Manfrotto 484RC2 Mini Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N) by Manfrotto
|
Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
(Click here)
Digital camera reviews of Manfrotto 484RC2 Mini Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)
Digital camera Review: Good, lightweight ball head
Summary: 4 Stars
I got this ball head to mount on a Gitzo G1298 Basalt tripod. I do a lot of backpacking and wanted a tripod system that was very lightweight but rugged enough for a digital SLR and occasional 4x5 field camera work. I also wanted a ball head with the quick-release capability. The combination works very well, weighing in at a total of 4 lbs 1 oz (of which the ball head contributes 11 oz). The ball head moves fluidly and allows me to easily position the camera however I want. It is definitely sturdy enough to hold either my digital SLR or my Tachihara wooden view camera and lens.
There are a couple of things to be aware of. First, a single lever controls both pan and tilt, which means it is pretty difficult to do only a pan without also ending up with tilt. This makes it a little more difficult to stitch together a series of horizontal shots into a single panorama. More expensive (and heavier) ball heads give you a separate lever to control pan without affecting tilt. In my case, I didn't want the extra weight and I'm willing to live with the compromise.
The second issue was a bit of a surprise. I have used Manfrotto tripods for awhile now, and have a collection of camera mounting plates the same size as the one that comes with the ball head, so I had expected them to work with it. The problem is that, even though they are physically the same outline, the plate for the ball head has had some machining done to it to allow it to fit into a slightly different receptacle. So while the new plate fits on my old tripod, the old plates don't fit on the new ball head. Half an hour on a milling machine fixed the problem (you have to mill off a little from each side of the old plate), but I was quite surprised that Manfrotto did this. I guess they want to sell plenty of new mounting plates.
These two minor inconveniences aside, if you're looking for a solidly-built ball head that's a good tradeoff between weight and features, you can't go wrong with this one. Note it comes with a 3/8-in thread, so if your tripod only has 1/4-20 threads, you'll need an adapter. And by the way, although Amazon doesn't yet sell the G1298 Basalt tripod (they sell smaller versions), it is a real keeper, 5 stars for sure. (Update 4/17/06: Amazon now sells the G1298 Basalt tripod. I've entered a detailed review there.)
Digital camera Review: Great Mini Ball Head for Bogen Manfrotto Tripod
Summary: 5 Stars
this is a great addition to the bogen manfrotto tripod that i have.
you can manuever it to tilt, turn, etc, and the quick release is great when out in nature and a bird flies nearby, where you need to handhold. with the touch of a button, the quick releases lets you have your camera at hand.
just be careful when you are using the lever to move the camera or tilt it..make certain to hold your camera while making the adjustment.
great product!!
Digital camera Review: Great for a travel tripod
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using this on my Slik Sprint Pro (excellent tripod) and I love it. It's very sturdy for its size and weight. I also have the next model up, the 486rc2 which is much much bigger and heavier. I use it on a larger bogen tripod and keep the 484rc2 for my travel tripod.
There is a comment that it's not compatible with all tripods, it's not a problem, you just need a bogen adapter that is called a "bushing". Don't worry, it's cheap. With it, the head will fit any standard tripod.
Digital camera Review: Inexpensive and well built
Summary: 5 Stars
I had a very tight budget when I bought my ball head and tripod but I still wanted something that was well made and built to last yet not real expensive. This ball head fits that bill nicely. It does it job and is solid and secure. I feel very comfortable with it attached to my Manfrotto 055XB tripod.
I had never used a ball head before now, I had always had those cheepo all in one tripods. What a dramatic difference. The lever to tighten is very easy to use and makes it easy to adjust even when not having it completely tight. The ball head moves easily. Its a pleasure to use.
Digital camera Review: Installing is not easy
Summary: 3 Stars
I have two manfrotto tripods with 501 heads. I've yet to figure out how to remove the 501s and install the mini-ball head. Am considering getting a third tripod, specifically for photography.