Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System

I puchased the 486RC2 for my D60 coupled with the Nikkor 55-200mm VR. I coupled the head with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod Legs.

Pros:
- Super smooth movement of the ball head
- One lever release allows for quick and easy adjustment
- The head will securely hold my D60 and 55-200mm VR in the upright/normal position when 055XPROB tripod neck is placed in horizontal arrangement
- Sturdy design, well built
- RC2 quick release system allows easy/quick dismounting of camera for hand-held shots
- Grooves in the swivel base allow for quick and secure vertical positioning of the camera

Cons:
- Does not allow for accurate fine tuned adjustments, would need to go with a geared head instead
- A little heavy, at 3lbs, which adds to the already heavy 055XPROB Tripod Legs

Summary:
I love this head, almost as much as I love the Tripod/Head combination. I am more than satisfied with my purchase.

I bought this to mount a video camera to my motorcycle. Works well, and I can take camera easily when I stop. Very rugged and heavy.

This ball head is highly-reviewed by so many people because it truly delivers a LOT of value for the money. I looked into it after reading suggestions in Scott Kelby's excellent "The Digital Photography Book".

My tripod came with a pan head - a very good one - but I wanted to find out if I would prefer ball heads. Didn't want to spend a fortune (expensive ones run upwards of $200-300), but wanted one that was solid enough that I could really decide if ball heads were for me.

As it turns out, the 486RC2 was perfect for this task. It is solid and easily holds my 40D with even a 70-200mm lens without sagging. And for my style, a ball head seemed easier than a pan head atop my tripod.

The RC2 quick release plate is solid and reassuring, and I do like the mechanism. You won't accidentally release the plate and drop your camera onto the floor - the little latching lock is excellent in this regard. I will look for a similar plate on my next ball head.

The only improvement I would ask for is the step up to the 488RC2, which has a separate release for panning/rotating. I want to do some basic panoramas, and it's just a bit easier to have a separate release for horizontal motion. Had I known I would be a ball head guy rather than a pan head guy, I'd have bought the 488RC2 right away. But since I didn't know and wanted to make sure, I got this one first. Even when I eventually get the 488RC2, I'll keep this one to put atop my second tripod; that way it's easy to swap cameras around, as both cameras and both ball heads will have the RC2 system.

For the excellent price, you get a SOLID ball head and a great quick release system - you'll appreciate it.

A little on the heavy side which makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget, Choosing between this and the 488RC2, is the 488RC2 $40 better? probably, but the single ratchet locking knob's just fine for my needs right now. One thing i think Bogen forgot is the level, not a deal breaker but would be nice to include. All in all a must buy for those looking for an excellent priced ball head.

The primary advantage of this head is its light weight which makes it a great fit with the light carbon fiber tripods. Despite the light weight it is strongly built and has all the basic functions. The single lever means you have to keep one hand on your camera or it will flop in ways you will not like. The trick is to loosen the ball just enough to rotate the camera (while holidng it with your other hand) to the position you want and then tighten. A level here would have been nice. All in all this is a great, sturdy ball head that won't weigh you down on the trail.