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Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System (3271) | 
 enlarge | Brand: Bogen
Category: Photography
List Price: $128.00
Buy New: $99.00
You Save: $29.00 (23%)
Rating:  18 reviews
Media: Electronics
Maximum Weight Recommendation (lbs): 17.4
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 7 x 4 x 4
MPN: 488RC4
Model: 488RC4
UPC: 719821197898
EAN: 0719821197898
ASIN: B00009R6N3
Release Date: April 14, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| 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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Product Description
Same as the 488 but equipped with a 410PL quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch and two spirit levels for precise leveling on either vertical or horizontal axis. The new 488RCO features a separate fast action ratchet lever for 360? pan and an easy to grip locking knob for +90?-90? tilt movements.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 Used for almost under a year - dissappointed December 14, 2008
Dylan Crutchfield
I purchased and have been utilizing this weekly for almost under a year.
Pro -
Here's what I've found - it's been sturdy enough to support my 70-200 2.8
BIG CON -
After some long-term use - the SECONDARY safety catch + the lever to release the plates gets stuck or becomes quite a chore to get out at times.
 Sturdy but HEAVY September 26, 2008
J. Huang (New Haven, CT USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
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.
Big, heavy, but tough. September 17, 2008
R. Bellamy
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.
 Simply Excellent! September 11, 2008
R. Folkerts (Tucson, Arizona)
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.
 Spend some more and get quality and longevity August 21, 2008
H. Sansom (Brooklyn, NY USA)
2 out of 14 found this review helpful
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.
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