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Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System | List Price: $79.00
Discount Price: $59.89
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Brand: Bogen
Binding: Electronics
Release Date: 2006-04-14
Warranty: 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
Features: - Compact ball head equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate
- Strong die-cast construction, precision-machined aluminum housing
- Extremely hard phenolic resin ball provides smooth movements across all tilt positions
- Single ratchet locking knob for 360-degree pan and a double groove for +90 to -90-degree tilt movements
- Plate has 1/4-20-inch male thread, and head to tripod attachment is 3/8-inch female
| Accessories: | | |
Manfrotto BOGEN 3157N Quick Release Connect Plate RC2 |
Manfrotto 200PLARCH-14 RC2 Rapid Connect Architectural Mounting Plate with 1/4-Inch 20 Screw (Gray) |
Manfrotto 200PLARCH-38 RC2 Rapid Connect Architectural Mounting Plate with 3/8-Inch Screw (Gray) |
Bogen - Manfrotto Rapid Connect Mounting Plate 3/8" replaces 3157A and 3266A QR Plates. For 3030, 3130, 3130G, 3160, 3229, 3265, 3265G, 3262QR, 3299, 2916QR, 3435QR, 3407, 3413QR, 3437 and 3405 Tripod (Spare) |
A bargain - perfect first ball head [Posted on 2008-10-18]
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.
Great for motorcycles. [Posted on 2008-11-05]
I bought this to mount a video camera to my motorcycle. Works well, and I can take camera easily when I stop. Very rugged and heavy.
486RC2 for the Serious Amatuer. [Posted on 2008-11-05]
I puchased the 486RC2 for my D60 coupled with the Nikkor 55-200mm VR. I coupled the head with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod Legs.
Pros:
- Super smooth movement of the ball head
- One lever release allows for quick and easy adjustment
- The head will securely hold my D60 and 55-200mm VR in the upright/normal position when 055XPROB tripod neck is placed in horizontal arrangement
- Sturdy design, well built
- RC2 quick release system allows easy/quick dismounting of camera for hand-held shots
- Grooves in the swivel base allow for quick and secure vertical positioning of the camera
Cons:
- Does not allow for accurate fine tuned adjustments, would need to go with a geared head instead
- A little heavy, at 3lbs, which adds to the already heavy 055XPROB Tripod Legs
Summary:
I love this head, almost as much as I love the Tripod/Head combination. I am more than satisfied with my purchase.
Great little ballhead [Posted on 2008-12-04]
Highly recommended. I use this with a Manfrotto carbon-fiber tripod and Cannon 40D, it works very well. Great ballhead for the money.
Reliable quality [Posted on 2008-12-30]
Just confirming what all the others have said: this is an excellent ball head. It's maybe a bit on the heavy side, but that's the price you pay for stability. Excellent precision engineering.
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