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Bogen-Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System (3271) | List Price: $128.00
Discount Price: Too low to display
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Brand: Bogen
Binding: Electronics
Release Date: 2006-04-14
Features: - Ideal for all medium format, 35mm and digital cameras
- Solid aluminum construction and phenolic resin ball
- 3271 quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch; two spirit levels for precise leveling on both vertical or horizontal axis
- Separate fast-action ratchet lever for 360-degree pan
- Easy to grip locking knob for +90 to -90-degree tilt movements
Stable with a large plate [Posted on 2008-07-06]
I purchased this ball bead to go with a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod. This ball head seems very solid for the few times I've used it in the past month. It's my 1st experience with a decent tripod system so I don't have anything similar to compare it to. This head holds my Nikon D300 with 24-70/2.8 lens (about 4-5 lbs. total) rock solid with the tripod's center column vertical or horizontal, and the ball head vertical or horizontal. The 2 bubble levels are a handy addition, although the one on the edge of the plate may not be visible depending on how you flip your camera into the vertical position. The rapid connect system is very sure, and the double locking feature to prevent accidental release is nice. Beware that this plate is large, 2 1/2"W x 3 1/4"L, so be sure your camera and you can accomodate this being left on your camera all the time, if that is what you choose to do. It fits the bottom proportions of the D300 nicely, but 2 1/2" is a bit wide for my Nikon N80 film camera. You will need a coin or screwdriver to mount and unmount this plate from the bottom of your camera, as the 1/4" screw head in it is large and slotted. I carry a very short,stubby screwdriver in my bag for this purpose. I don't have one yet, but I am guessing that the wide plate will be an advantage for mounting a telephoto lens that has a tripod foot. Very satisfied so far.
Excellent ballhead for 35mm DSLR cameras [Posted on 2008-07-12]
I am extremely happy with the 488RC4 ballhead. I use it with the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod, a Nikon D80 DSLR camera, and primarily a Tamron 18-250mm zoom lens. This ballhead has the muscle to handle it all with excellent stability, ease of use, and great adjustability. I thought about going a step down because of cost, but I urge you to get this ballhead. It is definitely worth the extra money. Although I really don't use the two bubble levels, they are there for those that do use them.
Great Tripod Head [Posted on 2008-07-23]
This is great value for money. I have a 300mm lens that it supported without any noticeable shake or instability.
Great product.
Perfect match for 055XProB legs [Posted on 2008-08-05]
I researched the heck out of ballheads before settling on this one.
I almost bought the 486RC2, but the more reviews I read, the more I heard about slippage problems with many DSLRS. Also, it lacks a separate panning control which SUCKS.
I also looked at a lot of Slik Products, but couldn't really find what I was looking for. Either they weren't heavy duty enough or they were too much overkill. I think their round rapid connect plates are pretty cool though!
I have owned the 488RC4 for a little over a month now, and have used it in all sorts of situations. I have not been disappointed. Specifically, here is why I like it so much:
-I am using a Canon 40D with battery grip pretty much always attached, and a variety of lenses. NO SLIPPAGE, not even in the vertical position, and that's hugely important (especially if you do a lot of portraits, or sports shooting)
-There is a separate control for panning. This is just critical--I just can't see anyone not needed to pan at some point, and if you went with the 486, you're going to mess up your whole camera position by loosening your tension knob and trying to pan. You'll never get a decent pano. Do yourselves a favor, and get one with a pan control. On this particular ballhead there are degree markings, and the action is silky smooth. Also, you can pull out and twist the lever to reposition it for extra leverage. Nice thought, Bogen!
-The RC4 features two bubbles levels, one for horizontal and one for vertical. Very nice.
-The Rapid Connect plate itself is super easy. You just plunk it down and it locks in place. It's very easy to take off with the lever. I leave the plate permanently attached to my camera. You may also consider purchasing additional plates if you have heavy lenses with tripod collars.
This ballhead and RC combo is rated for over 17 lbs. More than enough for most equipment. It's a little on the heavy side because of this--but it's par for the course for a 17 lb duty rating.
I highly recommend this product--ESPECIALLY for use with the 055ProB legs. They're made for each other!!
Spend some more and get quality and longevity [Posted on 2008-08-21]
Bogen/Manfrotto equipment is the poor man's solution in photographic equipment. That's fine. I got one because I was poor. But if I could afford better, I would get better. If we don't scrimp on the camera, why would we scrimp on the hardware that will keep the camera safe and steady?
Moreover, the sad fact is that the parent company of Bogen/Manfrotto now owns most of the tripod business (Vinten and one of either Sachtler or Miller -- not sure which).
I have had TWO Bogen/Manfrotto heads fail on me -- a geared head (which failed after minimal use and a jarring by customs/baggage handling -- a jarring in which ALL of my 7 lenses remained perfectly intact). And this head (488RC4). There is really not much to the the 488RC4 head. HOWEVER, it's quick release plate is anything but. It is a real pain to release -- a two stage procedure involving a button and lever combination.
Mine is now locked on so tight that I am unable to remove it with _any_ combination of tools. Worse, the cost of repair on these heads is comparable to the original purchase cost.
There is better equipment out there. And a tripod is almost as important as the camera itself (especially if you are doing video or timelapse or long exposures).
Save yourself the headache and pay for something with a lifetime.
Click here for more details and discount information...
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