Latest 6 Reviews Here is what people are saying about the Bogen - Manfrotto Mini Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect - Supports 8.8 lbs
"Quick and easy"
2009-08-12
- Reviewed By User: A2Z40Q8QYH0SC5
I bought this ball head to go with my manfrotto monopod. It makes a perfect combo- very quick and easy to use. Tightens up well. I like its flexibility and how quickly I can change camera positions.
If you've purchased an inexpensive or entry level tripod it is likely that the head that came with it is not the best. Assuming that the head is removable this problem is easily remedied with an upgrade.
I chose the Manfrotto 484RC2 to upgrade my Velbon travel tripod which came with a decent head that lacked a quick release. For me a quick release makes the tripod/head much more convenient with the ability to quickly mount and remove your camera.
The 484RC2 comes with a great quick release that includes a locking mechanism which prevents accidental removal of your camera. This is an excellent safeguard.
I also like the plate that comes with the 484RC2. The mechanism used to screw the plate to your camera includes a flip out arm for easy tightening. Other plates just have a slot that requires a coin or screwdriver to tighten. If you don't have one of those it's difficult to get the plate tight on the camera which means it's going to slip around.
I was recommended the 484RC2 head since it was relatively light, came at a reasonable price and would work well with my camera. I'm using this with my Canon XTi and a borrowed Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens (my heaviest lens) and although the recommendation was to go with a bigger head, the 484RC2 holds steady with no slipping.
I'll be putting this head through its paces shortly but initially I'm very happy with my purchase.
"it's ok for the price... but"
2009-04-30
- Reviewed By User: AWVCHFCM79U9K
one thing i did notice and never even thought of is that it only has 1 control for the whole movement.
unlike the other model 486rc2 "A separate lock on the panoramic axis allows for rotation adjustment or panning to be carried out without losing framing."
if that doesnt bother you then it's ok.
"Just what I needed"
2009-04-01
- Reviewed By User: A1HGOTMS9H27PB
This ball head is exactly what I hoped it would be. Compact, durable and easy to use. I think there is a slight learning curve with these, but once you get the hang of it its so much easier just having the one knob to worry about.
I was looking at the Manfrotto 486RC2, but from what I read the 484RC2 is just as good if not better.
Im using this with the Manfrotto 190XPROB and the Canon 5d.
I had a very tight budget when I bought my ball head and tripod but I still wanted something that was well made and built to last yet not real expensive. This ball head fits that bill nicely. It does it job and is solid and secure. I feel very comfortable with it attached to my Manfrotto 055XB tripod.
I had never used a ball head before now, I had always had those cheepo all in one tripods. What a dramatic difference. The lever to tighten is very easy to use and makes it easy to adjust even when not having it completely tight. The ball head moves easily. Its a pleasure to use.
This head does what it's supposed to do, with good looks and solid construction. It is a good alternative to a 3-way pan head or a larger ball. It handles a full-size DSLR with tele-zoom without wobbling, and has fine friction adjustment (allowing small movements without suddenly falling over). It also allows a vertical position on either side of the groove, with an adjustable knob that never gets in the way. The only deduction (4 versus 5 stars) is for the lack of a pan adjustment. Quite often this is the only parameter that needs to be adjusted, once vertical and horizontal lines are established, but with this head it's all or nothing. In other words, I would not recommend this head if you specialize in architectural subjects. It is still a great head, though, because it's tiny yet powerful, and really lightweight, so it is a useful travel tripod and has the simplicity of a ball head for shooting sports, theater, etc. The head also does not have any locking bolts to fix it to the tripod, and this could be a problem if you inadvertently allow it to loosen over time (voila, there's your "pan" adjustment!), but if you're attentive to this, it's not a problem, especially if you expect to switch it out regularly with an alternate head and don't want to carry a screwdriver.
Last updated: Nov 23, 2009 at 21:39 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.
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"Quick and easy"
"it's ok for the price... but"
"Manfrotto excellent as usual"