Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System (3271)
by Manfrotto
Our Price: $139.99
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: 488RC4
Product 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
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System (3271)
Customer Review: Perfect match for 055XProB legs
Summary: 5 Stars
I researched the heck out of ballheads before settling on this one.
I almost bought the 486RC2, but the more reviews I read, the more I heard about slippage problems with many DSLRS. Also, it lacks a separate panning control which SUCKS.
I also looked at a lot of Slik Products, but couldn't really find what I was looking for. Either they weren't heavy duty enough or they were too much overkill. I think their round rapid connect plates are pretty cool though!
I have owned the 488RC4 for a little over a month now, and have used it in all sorts of situations. I have not been disappointed. Specifically, here is why I like it so much:
-I am using a Canon 40D with battery grip pretty much always attached, and a variety of lenses. NO SLIPPAGE, not even in the vertical position, and that's hugely important (especially if you do a lot of portraits, or sports shooting)
-There is a separate control for panning. This is just critical--I just can't see anyone not needed to pan at some point, and if you went with the 486, you're going to mess up your whole camera position by loosening your tension knob and trying to pan. You'll never get a decent pano. Do yourselves a favor, and get one with a pan control. On this particular ballhead there are degree markings, and the action is silky smooth. Also, you can pull out and twist the lever to reposition it for extra leverage. Nice thought, Bogen!
-The RC4 features two bubbles levels, one for horizontal and one for vertical. Very nice.
-The Rapid Connect plate itself is super easy. You just plunk it down and it locks in place. It's very easy to take off with the lever. I leave the plate permanently attached to my camera. You may also consider purchasing additional plates if you have heavy lenses with tripod collars.
This ballhead and RC combo is rated for over 17 lbs. More than enough for most equipment. It's a little on the heavy side because of this--but it's par for the course for a 17 lb duty rating.
I highly recommend this product--ESPECIALLY for use with the 055ProB legs. They're made for each other!!
Description of Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System (3271)
Same as the 488 but equipped with a 3271 quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch and two spirit levels for precise levelling on both vertical or horizontal axis. The new 488RC4 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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