Available from 8 stores - Select your deal and buy the Bogen - Manfrotto Compact
"Where can I buy a Bogen - Manfrotto Compact?" At all of these merchants listed below. Click any of the deals below to buy now on the merchant's website.
Latest 6 Reviews Here is what people are saying about the Bogen - Manfrotto Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect - Supports 13.2 lbs
"A Perfect Match for a Nikon D50"
2009-11-15
- Reviewed By User: A2KHUISKVUGVR0
I debated about getting a heavier head, but then settled on this head since I really never use a large lens and only mount a Nikon D50 with a Tamron Macro Zoom lens. I mount it on a Manfrotto Pro Tripod. It is such an easy head to adjust and quickly switches to the portrait view from the landscape view. Keep it loose and you can also pan with a little practice. I have owned it now for about a year and it has worked flawlessly. This is my first ball head and there was a slight learning curve. It would be a good idea to work with it for a while before you wanted to use it where you needed to change orientations quickly. I love the RC2 Rapid connect system, but I am still a little wary about leaving the camera attached when I sling the tripod over my shoulder. It does have a locked position, but I still take it easy when relocating for another angle.
"Worth the money"
2009-10-19
- Reviewed By User: ARGHH53VNKTNU
I upgraded my tripod to a Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 and needed a head. I knew that I wanted a ball head with the RC2 connector plate. I chose this one and am glad that I did. It holds the camera like a rock on the top of the tripod.
First, you attach the mounting plate to your camera. I would suggest getting extra plates if you have multiple cameras, or have zooms with their own mounts. The RC2 locking plate attached quickly. There is a release lever, and then a second small safety lever. When the safety is engaged, the quick release lever will not move. This will prevent the lever from snagging and your camera releasing at an unplanned moment.
There is only a single lever on the ballhead. Release it a little, and the entire head will rotate on the base. This will allow you to take a panoramic shot. Release it more, and the ball will have less resistance and the camera can be positioned. Lock it down, and the camera is rock steady. I did not detect any movement with the camera when locking down the head.
Overall I'm pleased with this purchase. I would have liked to seen a separate release for panoramic shots (available on the next model up). A couple of accessories that you may need/want would be extra quick release plates. Useful if you have multiple cameras or zooms with their own mounts. Also would be a hotshoe mount level. I level the head, but I have no way of knowing if the camera is level.
"Really good"
2009-09-12
- Reviewed By User: A1J5EP2PE7LH47
This was my 1st Manfrotto item, and got me to buy 2 more. Quality, functionality, and price are hard to beat.
"Good, sturdy, basic ball head."
2009-08-31
- Reviewed By User: A1BLY7AE8VH7Q2
I bought this as the mounting ball for my Manfrotto 190XDB3 tripod. It is very solid/sturdy. The rapid release feature is great/convenient. The head is able to rotate 360 degrees and will also tilt over 90 degrees for vertical shots. I guess my only complaints could be (1) there is no built in level if you are set up on an uneven surface, and (2) it would have been nice if there was some way to know when you have the top of the head back in the straight upright center position again, like a groove or click that lets you know so you don't have to guess.
"Awesome head."
2009-08-14
- Reviewed By User: A32IG4MF6UFC2I
Very sturdy, quick release works beautifully. it holds my D40 with my 55-200 VR Lens + Sb-600 speedlight at any angle with no issues.
This ballhead is an excellent compromise when you need a wide range of adjustment but don't want the hassle of the extra size and heft of other models. One lever, when loosened, allows you to turn the entire head 360 degrees in either direction as well as adjust the ball to tilt and swivel to however you want it.
It could use a bubble level, as others have mentioned, but getting a cheap bubble level to fix on your camera's hotshoe is just as good a solution. Also the lever itself is repositionable, so if you have adjusted the head so the camera is at an angle that interferes with the lever movement, you can adjust the lever's position so that is not a problem. Note that this head uses the RC2 Rapid Connect System. Most of the tripod heads I've used from Manfrotto use this system, and it's very secure - you must release two levers before the camera can be removed, eliminating the possibility of an accidental bump of one lever causing a catastrophic release.
The build is solid and sturdy, but I don't find it to be too heavy, and the price is very reasonable for what you get. A dependable product you won't regret purchasing.
Last updated: Nov 22, 2009 at 02:22 EST. Pricing information is provided by the listed merchants. GoSale.com is not responsible for the accuracy of pricing information, product information or the images provided. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.com or other merchants at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As always, be sure to visit the merchant's site to review and verify product information, price, and shipping costs. GoSale.com is not responsible for the content and opinions contained in customer submitted reviews.
Expedited Available
"A Perfect Match for a Nikon D50"
"Worth the money"