Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System by Manfrotto
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Our Price: $68.95 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System
Digital camera Review: A Perfect Match for a Nikon D50
Summary: 5 Stars
I debated about getting a heavier head, but then settled on this head since I really never use a large lens and only mount a Nikon D50 with a Tamron Macro Zoom lens. I mount it on a Manfrotto Pro Tripod. It is such an easy head to adjust and quickly switches to the portrait view from the landscape view. Keep it loose and you can also pan with a little practice. I have owned it now for about a year and it has worked flawlessly. This is my first ball head and there was a slight learning curve. It would be a good idea to work with it for a while before you wanted to use it where you needed to change orientations quickly. I love the RC2 Rapid connect system, but I am still a little wary about leaving the camera attached when I sling the tripod over my shoulder. It does have a locked position, but I still take it easy when relocating for another angle.Digital camera Review: A bargain - perfect first ball head
Summary: 5 Stars
This ball head is highly-reviewed by so many people because it truly delivers a LOT of value for the money. I looked into it after reading suggestions in Scott Kelby's excellent "The Digital Photography Book".
My tripod came with a pan head - a very good one - but I wanted to find out if I would prefer ball heads. Didn't want to spend a fortune (expensive ones run upwards of $200-300), but wanted one that was solid enough that I could really decide if ball heads were for me.
As it turns out, the 486RC2 was perfect for this task. It is solid and easily holds my 40D with even a 70-200mm lens without sagging. And for my style, a ball head seemed easier than a pan head atop my tripod.
The RC2 quick release plate is solid and reassuring, and I do like the mechanism. You won't accidentally release the plate and drop your camera onto the floor - the little latching lock is excellent in this regard. I will look for a similar plate on my next ball head.
The only improvement I would ask for is the step up to the 488RC2, which has a separate release for panning/rotating. I want to do some basic panoramas, and it's just a bit easier to have a separate release for horizontal motion. Had I known I would be a ball head guy rather than a pan head guy, I'd have bought the 488RC2 right away. But since I didn't know and wanted to make sure, I got this one first. Even when I eventually get the 488RC2, I'll keep this one to put atop my second tripod; that way it's easy to swap cameras around, as both cameras and both ball heads will have the RC2 system.
For the excellent price, you get a SOLID ball head and a great quick release system - you'll appreciate it.
Digital camera Review: An excellent Ball Head for the money..
Summary: 5 Stars
A little on the heavy side which makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget, Choosing between this and the 488RC2, is the 488RC2 $40 better? probably, but the single ratchet locking knob's just fine for my needs right now. One thing i think Bogen forgot is the level, not a deal breaker but would be nice to include. All in all a must buy for those looking for an excellent priced ball head.Digital camera Review: An excellent all-rounder
Summary: 5 Stars
This ballhead is an excellent compromise when you need a wide range of adjustment but don't want the hassle of the extra size and heft of other models. One lever, when loosened, allows you to turn the entire head 360 degrees in either direction as well as adjust the ball to tilt and swivel to however you want it.
It could use a bubble level, as others have mentioned, but getting a cheap bubble level to fix on your camera's hotshoe is just as good a solution. Also the lever itself is repositionable, so if you have adjusted the head so the camera is at an angle that interferes with the lever movement, you can adjust the lever's position so that is not a problem. Note that this head uses the RC2 Rapid Connect System. Most of the tripod heads I've used from Manfrotto use this system, and it's very secure - you must release two levers before the camera can be removed, eliminating the possibility of an accidental bump of one lever causing a catastrophic release.
The build is solid and sturdy, but I don't find it to be too heavy, and the price is very reasonable for what you get. A dependable product you won't regret purchasing.
Digital camera Review: Awesome head.
Summary: 5 Stars
Very sturdy, quick release works beautifully. it holds my D40 with my 55-200 VR Lens + Sb-600 speedlight at any angle with no issues.
i highly reccommend this.