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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Longview Texas on 9/24/2008
My first experience with a ball head, I like it.
from Saranac Lake, NY on 7/24/2008
This ball head was purchased as a kit with the Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod. I have no problem with either of these products as they demonstrate high quality workmanship and are very functional. However, this ball head is on the small side for the tripod. One important safety feature that you would use when mounting the head on the tripod are the tension or lock screws on the the tripod. In this case, the diameter of the head is so small that it completely misses these screws. That said, so far I haven't had any problem with the security of the head. But whenever I use it I wonder if, or when, it is going to slip. Which is exactly the problem I wanted to avoid by purchasing a quality setup.
from Southern NH on 4/11/2008
I purchased this head as part of a set (484RC2, 055XPROB tripod and case). The tripod incorporates several screws that, once the head is spun onto the tripod, extend upward into the base of the head to lock it into position. Unfortunately, the diameter of the 484RC2 base is so small that the screws do not engage the head. I emailed Adorama for advice, and was directed to the manufacturer. The Bogen rep confirmed that the 484RC2 is a mismatch for the 055XPROB, and that the answer is to purchase the 486RC2 ($10 or so more). I have ordered the 486, and will return the 484. From my brief examination of the 484RC2, it appears to be a well made head (but suited to a lighter duty tripod/application). If my friend had a light duty tripod and needed a head for a point-and-shoot camera, I would recommend the head. Here's the Q, though: For $10 or so more, why not simply buy the 486RC2, instead? Once I receive and test the new head, I will post a review. Oh, and the tripod? I have not yet used the 055XPROB, but in playing with it a bit, I get a really good feeling...
from Floral Pk NY on 3/20/2008
Found this baal head easy to attach and detach, good range of motion and holds steadely
from Missoula, MT on 7/11/2007
Great ball head. Light weight yet sturdy.
from Chicago,IL on 5/26/2007
This is a quality product. I wish I would have known that the base is small and does not lock on the tripod locking screws. The 3021 pro tripod has three locking screws that this ball head is to small to use. In other words the head can spin on the tripod screw mount. I would have gone with the 486 had I realized this fact.
I use the 434RC2 with both a Manfrotto Tripod and a Manfrotto monopod, along with a Nikon Digital Camera and lense up to 300mm. To me the quick connect/disconnect feature, which is extremely secure, is it's reason for being and best feature. It allows me to:
* carry a monopod when doing travel photography or sports photography, and quickly switch from hand-held to monopod use and vice-versa.
* use two different camera/lense combos and quickly switch cameras on a tripod. I've also tested two different versions of same lense on same camera...mounting is so secure that target doesn't shift at all even when using 300mm (450mm effective) with no mounting collar.
The only drawbacks that I can see are its weight (fairly heavy addition), especially with the monopod and the fact that the tensioning lever, while secure, is not very long and requires a LOT of force to secure tightly.
Highly recommended if the above advantages square with your needs, and I believe a bargain at its price.
from South Carolina on 5/8/2007
As with all Bogen products fit and finish are very good. This product works best with a lite weight camera. A real time saver for getting your tripod leveled on any surface. I use for pano shots with a rotational head attached to the Bogen.
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