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Questions & Answers

NORMAN R : Does this head have degree graduations on it to show how much the head is moved in an axis?JOHN A : Yes, it does. If you look at the expanded view of the 3-way head you will see the degree markings just above the bottom knob. It is clearly marked for a 360 degree rotation. The other two knobs will allow a rotation of up to 120 degrees, going from a -30 to a + 90 degree range of movement on the Frontal and Lateral tilt, and they are clearly marked with degrees, as well. I am using this head to mount a MAKAYAM iPad mount to hold my iPad 3 and I could not ask for a nicer and more sturdy head. Once you orient yourself to the three knobs and which way they move, you can make some very fast adjustments without ever moving the tripod. I would recommend this for everyone.SHIRLEY S : Yes it does, on all three axis. Markings are small but readable.KEVIN W : Yes it has degree graduation from 0-90 on each axis.DOUGLAS S : Yes, there are marking for all directions; up/down, sideways, and 360 degrees around the horizontal axis (I hope that all makes sense). In short, yes.
Dan D : Will this mount onto a Manfrotto 2909 clamp to be used on a handlebar application?JOHN A : As far as I know. If the mount is 3/8" thread size, it should work. that is the size of the Manfrotto tripod mount thread size.JAMES K : unknown. you should ask Manfrotto tech support.DENNIS M : It has a 3/8" mounting hole but if you use that stud which is an option I think this would make for an unwieldy contraption. I don't know what you're trying to do but if you're trying to get a quick release on your mount there are probably better solutions.MATTHEW T : My understanding is yes, it will mount fine on the 2909 clamp. The 2909 clamp should come with a reversible stud that has both 3/8" thread for the pan head, and 1/4-20 thread for direct camera mont.
Shopper : Can you remove the knobs?ZACH S : Yes. You can remove the 3 threaded knobs. In fact I need to remove the larger one in order to fit it into my tripod bag.MATTHEW T : The knobs are fully removable, which makes this much easier to travel with.XINGHUI Y : Yes, you can. So it can fit into the tripod bagALLAN G : Yes. I find the three extensions awkward and wish I had bought a ball head instead. This unit works well but I don't find it intuitive to move each one independently.CATHERIN H : The knobs are attached to posts that screw into the tripod. The knob/post combo can be unscrewed from the tripod.BOB K : I don't know. Never have tried and it is currently at school with daughter. For travel I fold it down all the way and it fits nicely into its own carrying back.JOHN A : I have never attempted to remove the knobs and the unit is in storage right now and I can't get to it. I wish I could answer your question.SHIRLEY S : Yes. The stalks unscrew and can be moved around if you don't like the way they're set. If you want to remove them permanently, you'll have to put a screw in the hole instead.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2013-12-16T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

IT THE BEST TRIPOD FOR SEMI-PRO AND PRO

VERY STURDY EASY TO OPERATE DOESN COME LOUSE WITH CAMERA AND 70-200MM LENS

ANTHONY S.

2013-02-04T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

well worth the price

The tripod I origionally purchased came with a ball type mount , this worked OK with non telephoto lenses, but as soon as I bought a heavier-quality zoom, getting it to stay fixed became a problem. This mount cured that right away. Additionally it mounted as if it came with the tripod. I can't recall what I paid, it wasn't a great deal and that adds to my satifaction.

EzSnap

2013-02-04T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great professional piece of equipment!

This is a great tripod head... it is everything i need/want. the only thing i would say "negative" about it is that is it a little heavy. Overall it gets the job done and i enjoy using it on location and can easily travel with it.

NESoP P.

2012-12-30T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Just what I was looking for.

I enjoy product and architectural interior photography. I replaced my ball head with this head on on my 055xprob. This head provides a firm base, orients easily to the settings I look for, and locks down firmly with my T2i. This is a great addition to my photography equipment.

JAMES M.

2012-07-03T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Nice Head

This head is absolutely incompatible with the Canon 5 D MARK III with Power Grip and the 70-200MM F/2.8L IS "II" USM or similar lens and Power Grip Combo as the tripod Mount on the lens does not allow the plate to lock down because the plates lock is jammed against the Grips surface and neither will move, so unless you want to take a Dremel tool to your new gear buy the 808rc4 wich i believe will remedy the problem.

ANDRE S.

2012-03-04T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Works well, good replcement for old head

the customer service in ordering this product was fabulous what do it all over again just based on that

D B.

2012-02-26T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Tripod Head

Very happy with this purchase.

Happy L.

2012-02-12T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great product

Loved this tripod head

JEFF U.

2012-01-22T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great, but needs better interface

It moves smoothly and securely in all three axes and I'm glad I bought it. One problem I encountered was that I wanted to mount it on my Flashpoint 4-section carbon fiber tripod (very light and super solid), but the head tended to loosen on the panning axis, a problem I solved by purchasing a 56¢ neoprene washer at ACE hardware, which, when scrunched tightly, served as pretty good friction lock between the tripod and head. I feel that Adorama and/or Manfrotto should get together on a fix for that issue, as I feel they otherwise make a good combination.

PAUL D.

2011-11-28T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Great Tri-Pod Head

Does everything a tripod head shoud do...not as fast as a ball head but I prefer a three way

CC

2011-10-23T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

As ordered

Have not yet had the chance to use this yet but it looks like it will be a great head.

cwnlsl

2011-09-03T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Easy to use

Great item easy to use very sturdy

Rob

2011-01-11T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Manfrotto 804RC2 3-way Pan/Tilt Head

Perfect for my needs. Sturdy head - Does all the basics that I needs (great construction)

CharlesS

2010-06-06T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

JUST THE RIGHT SIZE

I've had a pistol grip for years.....needed something a little bigger for a 1000mm..... Strong enough but not real big.......

Bob

2010-04-25T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

good product

[...]bought two , one to replace the head from my old Bogen 3001 I have had for a great many years. The other for the Flashpoint 1228 I just bought. One of the tilt lever stick and is jumpy, I added WD 40 and that helped but when I get time will dismantle it and work it over to smooth it out. The quick release works fine but you need to make sure it is mounted before letting go of your camera.

CHARLES S.

2010-04-24T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good bargain

Good quality product for the price.

Patrick R.

2010-02-20T19:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

average

i think the design of the locking head could be easier to use.

Leslie

2009-06-01T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Terrific value, quality for modest cost

I needed a high-quality head for my DSLR and heavy lens, but I wanted a cost-effective solution. This is an outstanding head! The controls are positive, smooth, precise, and they do their job solidly. Not only that, they just feel good to operate. The quality of this head far exceeded my expectations, especially at its very modest cost.

Dave

2009-04-08T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

excellent head

Great product, It attaches securely to a Manfrotto 55Xpro with the Manfrotto system. For a tall person it is great with the 55XPRO (I don't have to stoop anymore) The gears work great and easily and is easy to adjust.. Love it

ALLAN E.

2009-03-29T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good and Steady, great for long expouser

The handles get in way when hicking.

Bruce

2009-03-29T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Good product

This is a good 3-way head for tripods. It's easy to use, seems to clamp well enough, and is built solidly. It may have been nice to get a ball head for the sake of compactness, but the 3-way is nice to have if you don't mind transporting your tripod with this thing on the end of it. I'd be careful in disengaging the quick release, as it does release quick. If you don't have a hold of your camera, it will flop right off. No fault in the design, but something to be aware of and pay attention to.

CHRISTOPHER H.

2009-03-17T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Excellent head

This is a fantastic robust head. I would not change it for a ball head because it allows me to set the three axis separately, which is great for panning and panoramic work. It holds my camera very secure and is safe for the lens. I also like that it has a scale grid. It does not have a spirit level however, but I anyway attach one to the hot shoe.

Tom

2009-03-05T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A Worthy Upgrade

I've used the 804 for about a month now and really like it. It has some significant improvements over the 3030 head, which I still use on a different tripod. This head is much lighter, the handles are more ergonomic, and the release plate cradle is a better design. The tilt scale faces the photographer and there's a bubble level. The clamp lock now has an automatic safety that releases easily with the thumb while moving the main lever with the forefinger. However, the user guide instructs you to apply additional pressure to move the lever to a position nearly touching the cradle. If you do this, the plate will be very secure but you'll need a mallet to release it. I've found that it's only necessary to apply a slight pressure to move the lever just beyond the snap lock position. This is completely adequate.

HUGH S.

2009-02-20T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Fine and Dependable

I use this and a Manfrotto ball head. This I tend to use more with heavier long lenses or where I want more stability.

Ron R.

2009-02-05T19:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Nice Little Head

Good for D200 with upto a 300mm f4 but I wouldn't try anything larger.

nonamenm

2009-01-20T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

great product

Just what I needed for our prom business. Great tripod for the money.

Joey Z.

2008-12-28T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

great product

i got this one to replace one that was years old and unsteady. It is an excellent product and serves me well.

amataiclaudius

2008-09-23T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

I am a happy camper

Great for macro photography, night fotos...

Halfpressed

2008-07-24T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Head!

Great head! It's a little bulky for traveling but has great control.

Sabo10

2008-07-24T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Quality Head

Quality hardware; stable; supports D80, 70-200 2.8 and TC very well. A slight bit heavy.

Wolfman

About Manfrotto 804RC2

FEATURED REVIEWS

very good product! worth the money!

By KJAXX06

I use it for my portrait work. It has great range and holds its position very well. Bogen users can rely on the quality to be par (in a good way).

As ordered

By cwnlsl

Have not yet had the chance to use this yet but it looks like it will be a great head.

Lightweight and Counter-Balance
Pick up the new 804RC2 and you will be amazed at how light this full-featured, light-weight head can be.

Compared to the old 3030, the 804RC2 is 20% lighter! This weight savings is due to a new material called Adapto* specifically developed by Manfrotto for the use with high-end, professional imaging equipment


Ergonics + World Calss Design
In photography, where image is everything, Manfrotto took this maxim to heart with the 804RC2. A modernized ll shape plus rounding of many of the traditional hard edges produced a fresh and elegant head. The new handles are designed to fit comfortably in your hand even taking into consideration your fingers. There's even a new coating on the quick-release lever that is more durable and scratch resistant than ever

Safety Spring
The 804RC2 head is also the first head in the world to use a counter spring system to help protect your equipment. Built into the forward/back tilt axis a fixed spring helps to absorb the shock of the full camera weight from crashing down. The spring also makes it easier to position the camera on this axis since it oppses some of the camera weight. For example, without the spring, if you are using a telephoto lens and tilt forward using a standard head, your arm needs to work hard to counteract the weight of the camera + lens. But, with the 804RC2's built-in spring, the head is actually doing most of the counter work for you thereby helping you to easily set the camera in shotting position.

This head is a replacement for the 3029 & 3030.

*Adapto is a special technical polymer that is comparable to aluminum in strength but is 50% lighter. Compared to metals such as aluminum Adapto is an ideal material for photo imaging equipment as it has superb resistance to extreme temperatures and will not corrode or oxidize. Additionally, Adapto is an excellent vibration absorbing material making the 804RC2 head an ideal companion to aMagFibre tripod for the ultimate in vibration free shots.

What's in the box:

  • Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
  • 200PL Quick Release Plate
  • 1/4"-20 Screw and 3/8" Screw
  • Manfrotto 2 Year Warranty (Additional 8 Years with Online Registration)