Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System (3271)

After researching ball heads, I landed on this over the 486RC2 (no separate panorama) and the 488RC2 (no spirit level). It feels very sturdy while supporting my Canon Rebel XSi with the kit lens. It's not a monster setup as compared to some of the other reviews, but it had no problem with sagging even with the knob only half-tightened. As a corollary, it was a lot heavier than I expected and I'd agree with previous reviewers that it may not be the best item for backpacking. Day hikes may be do-able (I'm going to try next month). The plate is deeper than my XSi, but it doesn't look obtrusive when off the head and it's not in the way when I'm focusing or zooming. The XSi battery compartment is not obstructed by the plate. The quick release lever was a little stiff in the beginning, but feels solid. I did not have any problems manipulating the safety button as other reviewers have griped. The head is taller than I expected, so be aware that you need to add about 4.5 inches to the tripod height for the true camera height. Luckily I'm 6 foot, so this head on top of the Manfrotto 055XPROB legs fully extended and center column down is just the right height for me.

The reasons I like this unit are the same reasons I don't. It's larger than expected, but it's robust. I like the ball head for use on my Manfrotto MagFiber monopod. In fact, I like it so much that I plan to by a video tripod that can use this head.

I mount a Canon 5D with an L series IS 100-400mm lens on it and it locks securely without ever giving me the feeling that it might slip or break. It's easy to learn how to use it even when you're "in the heat of battle" as I was an air show last weekend.

I would buy it again, even if it does double the weight of the monopod it's mounted atop.

Quality product. I have been a fan of the "Walmart" variety tripods until now. This head is bigger than I expected and not in a bad way. You get what you pay for. Tight and solid where it needs to be yet easy to adjust. I could not be happier.

Bogen/Manfrotto equipment is the poor man's solution in photographic equipment. That's fine. I got one because I was poor. But if I could afford better, I would get better. If we don't scrimp on the camera, why would we scrimp on the hardware that will keep the camera safe and steady?

Moreover, the sad fact is that the parent company of Bogen/Manfrotto now owns most of the tripod business (Vinten and one of either Sachtler or Miller -- not sure which).

I have had TWO Bogen/Manfrotto heads fail on me -- a geared head (which failed after minimal use and a jarring by customs/baggage handling -- a jarring in which ALL of my 7 lenses remained perfectly intact). And this head (488RC4). There is really not much to the the 488RC4 head. HOWEVER, it's quick release plate is anything but. It is a real pain to release -- a two stage procedure involving a button and lever combination.

Mine is now locked on so tight that I am unable to remove it with _any_ combination of tools. Worse, the cost of repair on these heads is comparable to the original purchase cost.

There is better equipment out there. And a tripod is almost as important as the camera itself (especially if you are doing video or timelapse or long exposures).

Save yourself the headache and pay for something with a lifetime.

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!!