Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System | 
| Brand: Bogen
List Price: $79.00
Buy New: $68.00
You Save: $11.00 (14%)
New (11) Used (1) from $61.22
Rating:  25 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Maximum Weight Recommendation (lbs): 13.2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 7 x 4 x 4
Warranty: 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
MPN: 486RC2
Model: 486RC2
UPC: 719821197935
EAN: 0719821197935
ASIN: B00009R6MQ
Release Date: April 14, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| 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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| Accessories:
| • | Manfrotto BOGEN 3157N Quick Release Connect Plate RC2 | | • | Bogen-Manfrotto 200PLARCH-14 RC2 Rapid Connect Architectural Mounting Plate with 1/4-Inch 20 Screw (Gray) | | • | Bogen-Manfrotto 200PLARCH-38 RC2 Rapid Connect Architectural Mounting Plate with 3/8-Inch Screw (Gray) | | • | Bogen - Manfrotto Rapid Connect Mounting Plate 3/8" replaces 3157A and 3266A QR Plates. For 3030, 3130, 3130G, 3160, 3229, 3265, 3265G, 3262QR, 3299, 2916QR, 3435QR, 3407, 3413QR, 3437 and 3405 Tripod (Spare) |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
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. A strong die-cast construction, precision machined aluminum housing, and an extremely hard phenolic resin ball provides smooth movements across all tilt positions. The 486RC2 features a single ratchet locking knob for a 360 degrees pan and a double groove for a 90 degrees tilt movements. Camera plate has a 1/4-20 inch male thread and head to tripod attachment is 3/8 inch female.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 20 more reviews...
 Good head for the price June 11, 2006
thunderunderkilt (AZ)
56 out of 59 found this review helpful
I bought this head because it was a good price, and it had the weight carrying capacity to hold my panoramic head, a 70-200mm zoom lens and my DSLR. Also, I was looking for a head with a quick release system which allows me to quickly remove and attach my camera to the ball head. The 486RC2 meets these requirements admirably.
I only have one complaint. There is only one nob to do three tasks
1. Release the ball so that the camera can be repositioned.
2. Set the tension for how much pressure is required to move the ball head.
3. Set the tension for rotating the base of the ball head.
This means that when I loosen the tension nob to do any one of the above tasks, the other two can happen without me wanting them to. As a result, I have to be careful when loosening the ball-head to make sure that the camera goes where I want it to. This isn't too big of an issue for regular shots, but once I have my panoramic head mounted, it takes longer than I'd like to get my system level.
So would I buy this head again? You betcha! For the price I was willing to pay, it's been a great head so far.
Simple, effective ballhead with no frills for a low price January 9, 2007
A. Rush (Dayton, OH USA)
26 out of 26 found this review helpful
I will start by saying this is my first serious tripod purchase (this ballhead combined with B-M 3021PRO legs) so I only have consumer-grade tripods to compare it to. That being said, the jump in quality and stability is absolutely stunning. I have several tripods, none of which were more than $30, and I cannot believe that I made it this long without a decent tripod, or even knowing what a decent tripod is.
Given the price, this ballhead is definitely entry-level, and that's apparent with usage. However, don't mistake that statement to mean that the 486RC2 is inadequate or of poor quality. As a compact ballhead, it performs perfectly, and it locks mostly firmly and moves smoothly. I like the slots for vertical alignment. I have had no trouble attaching or removing my camera (a Konica-Minolta Maxxum 7D), and the build quality is excellent overall. It is very compact.
Now, to the limitations. It is entry-level, as I mentioned, so it is very no frills. I wish it had bubble levels to ensure it's exactly even, though they can be added to your camera for low cost from a hardware store. Also, the locking/release lever is not easy to manipulate for precision, though with practice it becomes easier. When I release the camera with a larger lens mounted (the 7D is quite heavy to begin with), I find that the lever needs to be forced very tightly to not move slightly. Beyond that, there's not much to address because that's all there is.
Bottomline, you'll get more features with other models, but you'll pay more. Until you know what you need in a ballhead and know the brands and models, the 486RC2 is a great place to start to pair with some quality legs.
 QUALITY AND AFFORDABILITY... April 26, 2007
Justin Paxton
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
I picked up this ball head with the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021B Pro tripod. I have been shooting on a department store cheapo for years and decided to get a real tripod and ball head.
After days of researching different brand names in the ball head field I decided to go with this model because of it's simplicity and price. After using it I'm convinced that even the Bogen/Manfrotto entry-level ball heads are quality made and not lacking in durability.
This unit is very simple to use and maneuver, it also fits perfectly on my Bogen/Manfrotto 3021B tripod. For under $70.00 this is one of the better ball heads in the entry-level field.
The Perfect Mate For Your Monopod! January 19, 2008
M. Pickering (Hudsonville, MI USA)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
After reading all of the reviews for compact ball heads, I decided to give the Bogen-Manfrotto 486C2 with rapid connect system a shot. I have mated this head with my Bogen-Manfrotto Three Section Monopod, Black Anodized.. In my opinion these two items are the perfect match. This compact ball head is very high quality, and the rapid connect system is simply awesome! I have attached my Canon 40D digital SLR camera, with a Canon 580EX flash and a Canon 70-300mm IS/USM zoom lens, and the 486RC2 holds it all in place firmly. It takes a little adjustment, to set the friction adjustment for the ball head, to allow just the right amount of adjustability, but once you have it set it performs flawlessly. There are grooves in the head mechanism, which allow for easy transition from horizontal to verticle camera placement. I especially like the added safety feature, for releasing the quick connect camera platform, which prevents you from accidentally bumping the release lever and sending your expensive SLR camera on a death dive to the ground.
Although not cheap, this Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head is a solid 5-star product. It is made of heavy duty, high quality materials, and I am confident that it will last for many years to come. It may be a little overkill for a point and shoot camera, or even for a lightweight video camera, but if you use heavy SLR equipment with fairly large lenses, then a solid performer like the 486RC2 is a must. Go ahead and buy it today. Your camera is worth it!
This is a LOT of ball head July 23, 2007
Elyone (Ohio)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
This is a very solid thing. Its larger and heavier than it looks in the picture and it fits best on on a full sized tripod.
Its "entry level" only because it lacks a separate knob for tension control. For the price, this is a super value.
I wanted to point out that for any of the modern, compact dSLR's, with almost any lens, probably even a 300mm 2.8 prime one, this will still hold it.
If you want a head for light traveling, and you only have consumer lenses, look at the mini ball version. Also solid though it wont lock down as strong. Don't listen to the arca groupies...
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