Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System
by Manfrotto
Our Price: $74.99
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: ManfrottoRelease Date: 2006-04-14
Model: 486RC2
Product 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
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System
Customer Review: Meets quality expectations of Bogen/Manfrotto!
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't believe the reviews that say it is "so-so", or not worth the $.
I got this for Bogen's MF4 tripod (18.5"), after finding it way too difficult to use with their 3 piece monopod (they have a better, lighter, 1-axis head for that!).
What a surprise. The nice thing is the RC2 disconnect. This is a fabulous mount for my dSLR (Canon 40D), as it is shallow enough to let me leave it on full time, regardless of the bag. The mount also has a small feature that allows the locking arm to be locked in the 'locked' position. This is so when a shutter cable or strap catches it by mistake, the release isn't activated and I watch $4k go into the pavement! Thanks Bogen!
Another thing not evident in the descriptions and reviews is that the single lock also allows the head to rotate in the Z axis. Why would you need this with a ball? Because the locking knob needs to move when you move the camera! This way, the locking knob can be in the right position when you reposition the camera. The dual 90 degree indentations for portrait orientation allow for the knob to be on the left or right side!
Feature-wise, even the locking knob has a trick! Even after you lock it, you can pull it out (spring loaded) and rotate it-without loosening the ball! This way you can always have the knob in the right position for your hand without looking.
Enough about features. There is one thing I completely didn't expect: the ball doesn't move when locked. Not even a _little_! When I frame the shot, I reach for the knob with my eye still in the finder, lock it in, and release my hand. No movement, settling, wiggling-nothing. Perhaps the fact that it is mated to a Bogen tripod makes this possible, but this is the first tripod/head arrangement I've used that is of this high a build quality. The parts being single molded pieces probably has a lot to do with that-no bolts, screws or welds. Sweet.
I'm using a Canon 40D and the biggest lens is my 28-135mm. I feel that the 484 would be a little too small for this camera. It might work, but I wouldn't trust my stuff on that small a ball.
Great value for under $100!
Description of Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System
Same as the 486 but equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate. The 486RC2 is a direct replacement of the 3413QR and 3055S ProBall and Heavy-Duty Double Action Ball Heads.Digital Camera Accessories
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