Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N)
by Manfrotto
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Customers in the UK,
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for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: ManfrottoRelease Date: 2006-04-14
Model: 488RC2
Product features:
- Ideal for all medium format, 35mm and digital cameras
- Solid aluminum construction and phenolic resin ball, equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate
- Double-groove for rapid side-to-side movement
- Separate fast-action ratchet lever for 360-degree pan
- Easy to grip locking knob for +90 to -90-degree tilt movements
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N)
Customer Review: Very good ballhead in this price range
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using this ballhead for more than a year now, and really like it for most uses. It is easy to control, no slipping when tightened, and the RC2 is really easy to connect and disconnect.
Apart from obvious use in panning, the separate panning control also allows you to reposition the head so that the knob is at a convenient position after you've placed the tripod down - the ground may dictate where the legs need to go.
It's not ideal for frame filling macros, or when you need to compose exactly what is in the frame and the camera is not very close to upright. There is a slight sag when releasing the camera after tightening the knob. This is not the same as slipping - it sags, then remain stable. You have to learn to compensate for it. I find that wriggling the camera after it has attached to the QR before positioning helps somewhat, indicating some of the fault lies with the QR.
RC2 is inexpensive and quite sturdy, but it is obviously not an Arca Swiss. It's stable enough - just make sure that it is attached properly before letting go - but it is not as confidence inspiring as an Arca Swiss QR. On the other hand, plates are a lot cheaper and it is very easy to attach and remove. I do miss the camera specific normal and L plates that are available for Arca Swiss QR though.
More Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N) reviews:
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Description of Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N)
Same as the 488 but equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch. The 488RC2 features a separate fast action ratchet lever for 360deg. pan and an easy to grip locking knob for +90deg.-90deg. tilt movements.Digital Camera Accessories
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