Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System (3271) | List Price: $128.00
Discount Price: $99.00
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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
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.
Simply Excellent! [Posted on 2008-09-11]
Quality product. I have been a fan of the "Walmart" variety tripods until now. This head is bigger than I expected and not in a bad way. You get what you pay for. Tight and solid where it needs to be yet easy to adjust. I could not be happier.
Big, heavy, but tough. [Posted on 2008-09-17]
The reasons I like this unit are the same reasons I don't. It's larger than expected, but it's robust. I like the ball head for use on my Manfrotto MagFiber monopod. In fact, I like it so much that I plan to by a video tripod that can use this head.
I mount a Canon 5D with an L series IS 100-400mm lens on it and it locks securely without ever giving me the feeling that it might slip or break. It's easy to learn how to use it even when you're "in the heat of battle" as I was an air show last weekend.
I would buy it again, even if it does double the weight of the monopod it's mounted atop.
Sturdy but HEAVY [Posted on 2008-09-26]
After researching ball heads, I landed on this over the 486RC2 (no separate panorama) and the 488RC2 (no spirit level). It feels very sturdy while supporting my Canon Rebel XSi with the kit lens. It's not a monster setup as compared to some of the other reviews, but it had no problem with sagging even with the knob only half-tightened. As a corollary, it was a lot heavier than I expected and I'd agree with previous reviewers that it may not be the best item for backpacking. Day hikes may be do-able (I'm going to try next month). The plate is deeper than my XSi, but it doesn't look obtrusive when off the head and it's not in the way when I'm focusing or zooming. The XSi battery compartment is not obstructed by the plate. The quick release lever was a little stiff in the beginning, but feels solid. I did not have any problems manipulating the safety button as other reviewers have griped. The head is taller than I expected, so be aware that you need to add about 4.5 inches to the tripod height for the true camera height. Luckily I'm 6 foot, so this head on top of the Manfrotto 055XPROB legs fully extended and center column down is just the right height for me.
Used for almost under a year - dissappointed [Posted on 2008-12-14]
I purchased and have been utilizing this weekly for almost under a year.
Pro -
Here's what I've found - it's been sturdy enough to support my 70-200 2.8
BIG CON -
After some long-term use - the SECONDARY safety catch + the lever to release the plates gets stuck or becomes quite a chore to get out at times.
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