Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System by Manfrotto
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Digital camera reviews of Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System
Digital camera Review: Meets quality expectations of Bogen/Manfrotto!
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't believe the reviews that say it is "so-so", or not worth the $.
I got this for Bogen's MF4 tripod (18.5"), after finding it way too difficult to use with their 3 piece monopod (they have a better, lighter, 1-axis head for that!).
What a surprise. The nice thing is the RC2 disconnect. This is a fabulous mount for my dSLR (Canon 40D), as it is shallow enough to let me leave it on full time, regardless of the bag. The mount also has a small feature that allows the locking arm to be locked in the 'locked' position. This is so when a shutter cable or strap catches it by mistake, the release isn't activated and I watch $4k go into the pavement! Thanks Bogen!
Another thing not evident in the descriptions and reviews is that the single lock also allows the head to rotate in the Z axis. Why would you need this with a ball? Because the locking knob needs to move when you move the camera! This way, the locking knob can be in the right position when you reposition the camera. The dual 90 degree indentations for portrait orientation allow for the knob to be on the left or right side!
Feature-wise, even the locking knob has a trick! Even after you lock it, you can pull it out (spring loaded) and rotate it-without loosening the ball! This way you can always have the knob in the right position for your hand without looking.
Enough about features. There is one thing I completely didn't expect: the ball doesn't move when locked. Not even a _little_! When I frame the shot, I reach for the knob with my eye still in the finder, lock it in, and release my hand. No movement, settling, wiggling-nothing. Perhaps the fact that it is mated to a Bogen tripod makes this possible, but this is the first tripod/head arrangement I've used that is of this high a build quality. The parts being single molded pieces probably has a lot to do with that-no bolts, screws or welds. Sweet.
I'm using a Canon 40D and the biggest lens is my 28-135mm. I feel that the 484 would be a little too small for this camera. It might work, but I wouldn't trust my stuff on that small a ball.
Great value for under $100!
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: I'll Never Go Back
Summary: 4 Stars
After years and years of shooting with a regular head this was my first experience with a ball. It's great! This particular one works very well. My only complaint is that it's a little heavy. I cart it up and down mountains with my tripod (also a Bogen-Manfrotto) and I wish it were as light as the super expensive ones.Digital camera Review: What I wanted!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is exactly what I wanted. Easy to set up and easier to use!!!! It was for my wife and she loved it!!! Thanks for the Merry Christmas!!!!Digital camera Review: flexible stability
Summary: 5 Stars
Heavy enough for my big lens, easy to use, and makes my mono pod much more flexible.