Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System by Manfrotto
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Our Price: $74.99 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: Simple, effective ballhead with no frills for a low price
Summary: 4 Stars
I will start by saying this is my first serious tripod purchase (this ballhead combined with B-M 3021PRO legs) so I only have consumer-grade tripods to compare it to. That being said, the jump in quality and stability is absolutely stunning. I have several tripods, none of which were more than $30, and I cannot believe that I made it this long without a decent tripod, or even knowing what a decent tripod is.
Given the price, this ballhead is definitely entry-level, and that's apparent with usage. However, don't mistake that statement to mean that the 486RC2 is inadequate or of poor quality. As a compact ballhead, it performs perfectly, and it locks mostly firmly and moves smoothly. I like the slots for vertical alignment. I have had no trouble attaching or removing my camera (a Konica-Minolta Maxxum 7D), and the build quality is excellent overall. It is very compact.
Now, to the limitations. It is entry-level, as I mentioned, so it is very no frills. I wish it had bubble levels to ensure it's exactly even, though they can be added to your camera for low cost from a hardware store. Also, the locking/release lever is not easy to manipulate for precision, though with practice it becomes easier. When I release the camera with a larger lens mounted (the 7D is quite heavy to begin with), I find that the lever needs to be forced very tightly to not move slightly. Beyond that, there's not much to address because that's all there is.
Bottomline, you'll get more features with other models, but you'll pay more. Until you know what you need in a ballhead and know the brands and models, the 486RC2 is a great place to start to pair with some quality legs.
Digital camera Review: Some Dreams Do Come True!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had been using an old inherited camcorder tripod that was cumbersome and not worth the hassle to use with it's multitude of controls. But I was missing out on getting good shots in low lighting conditions. Now that I've received the Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head and done a series of interior room photos in both portrait and landscape orientation, I only regret not having it for my previous travel adventures. The ball control has enough variation in the tension to let me make subtle adjustments without losing the basic setup, or I can go all the way to vertical in a snap. I bought this head for my Nikon D40X including 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens. Another reviewer mentioned being careful to hold your camera while making adjustments--good advise when making big changes. Even so, the tension can be maintained snug enough for slight changes without fear of your camera crashing over. I planned on buying a tripod head only once, and couldn't be more satisfied with this product's ease of performance.Digital camera Review: The Perfect Mate For Your Monopod!
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading all of the reviews for compact ball heads, I decided to give the Bogen-Manfrotto 486C2 with rapid connect system a shot. I have mated this head with my Bogen-Manfrotto Three Section Monopod, Black Anodized.. In my opinion these two items are the perfect match. This compact ball head is very high quality, and the rapid connect system is simply awesome! I have attached my Canon 40D digital SLR camera, with a Canon 580EX flash and a Canon 70-300mm IS/USM zoom lens, and the 486RC2 holds it all in place firmly. It takes a little adjustment, to set the friction adjustment for the ball head, to allow just the right amount of adjustability, but once you have it set it performs flawlessly. There are grooves in the head mechanism, which allow for easy transition from horizontal to verticle camera placement. I especially like the added safety feature, for releasing the quick connect camera platform, which prevents you from accidentally bumping the release lever and sending your expensive SLR camera on a death dive to the ground.
Although not cheap, this Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head is a solid 5-star product. It is made of heavy duty, high quality materials, and I am confident that it will last for many years to come. It may be a little overkill for a point and shoot camera, or even for a lightweight video camera, but if you use heavy SLR equipment with fairly large lenses, then a solid performer like the 486RC2 is a must. Go ahead and buy it today. Your camera is worth it!
Digital camera Review: This is a LOT of ball head
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a very solid thing. Its larger and heavier than it looks in the picture and it fits best on on a full sized tripod.
Its "entry level" only because it lacks a separate knob for tension control. For the price, this is a super value.
I wanted to point out that for any of the modern, compact dSLR's, with almost any lens, probably even a 300mm 2.8 prime one, this will still hold it.
If you want a head for light traveling, and you only have consumer lenses, look at the mini ball version. Also solid though it wont lock down as strong. Don't listen to the arca groupies...
Digital camera Review: Very good entry-level Ball head
Summary: 5 Stars
I put this on my old Bogen 3021 tripod replacing and old 3030 Bogen Pan-head. If you have never use Ballhead, get this. You would not regret this. It holds my setup - Nikkor 80-800mm D F2.8 with D50 and speedlight with no problems. Very good quality and good value. This is lighter and smaller than I expected (lighter than the 3030 Bogen 3-way Panhead). Highly recommended.