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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Exeter, Confusion, USA on 5/4/2008
I purchased the Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head in November, 2007, along with the 190XPROB Tripod Legs and the 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head.
I have found this ball head to be a good value. The mechanism is larger than many of its type, and is quite stable and tight when engaged. When disengaged, it flops around effortlessly.
I have used this ball head extensively for scenic, architectural, nature and automotive photography. It adjusts and sets very quickly, and with a camera-mounted level, it is easy to set it level time after time.
My only disappointment is that the tension lever controls the ball and the rotary base simultaneously. This makes panoramic shots difficult; however, I can replace the 486RC2 with my 804RC2 3-Way head to obtain that sort of control. If I had to do it over, I might select the 488RC2 (Manfrotto's 200PL-14) Midi Ball Head, although it is substantially more expensive.
from Middlesex, NJ on 4/17/2008
I use the head on a monopod to photograph sporting events involving my child.
from Denver, Co on 4/16/2008
First of all I use this on an older Bogen 3001. I use a Nikon D80 with the Nikon Battery grip. I have tested this ball head for sag with the D80, Battery Grip, SB-600 Speedlight and my 12-24 f/4 (one of my heavier lenses)all attached. There is no sag at all.
I am sure if you used this for studio or comparable work, you might want a larger head with more precise controls but if you are lugging this around in the field or downtown by tripod strap or attached to a backpack as I do, this head is GREAT.
My previous head was a 3 way 3028 and I found that it was awkward to attach the camera to and the levers were always in the way while transporting. This new head is low profile with nothing to dig into your side while carrying and it holds tight!
from Bozeman, MT on 4/9/2008
I'm an outdoor photographer who does a lot of hiking , climbing and driving. This head is nice and compact, supports all the weight I need it to... and then some, but it is a bit heavy. Although I have issue with it being heavy, I much more appreciate how stable and solid it is. Once this is tightened down it's not going anywhere. It's been great for long exposures and general stabilization. I use the Canon 40D and am going to be getting a longer, heavier lens soon... which is why I bought this head. I wanted to make sure it could hold the weight of a bigger dslr and a bigger lens all the while being very stable.
from Stafford, Virginia on 4/2/2008
I originally bought this ballhead as a gift for my son, who is also a serious hobbyist. I liked it so much I bought one of my own. It's relatively small size and modest weight - but serious load capacity - makes it ideal for use with my Canon 1DS Mark III and Sigma F2.8 120-300 lens.
from La Paz, Bolivia on 3/17/2008
It is ease to use and very useful
from Baltiomre, MD on 9/26/2007
This was my first ball head and I bought it for use with a Bogen Monopod. I use it with the Nikon 80-400 VR lens and have been satisfied so far. One point of note though, there is a single clamp which locks both the ball head and panning. Although this is not an issue with the monopod this could well be with a tripod.
from Marinette, WI on 7/10/2007
I like the single lever. It holds firm and adjusts to almost any angle. It's smooth and simple. It seems to be very durable.
My first decent ball head. I have no reason to think of getting anything else right now. I shoot a D70 with up to 300mm on this.
from Chicago, IL on 5/9/2007
This really helps keep my shaking hands from messing up the perfect shot.
I use it with a D70 and various lenses, and have had no issues. Definitely supports any dslr with regular size lenses, and I prefer it to the 488rc2 because it has only 1 lever controlling movement (much better for quick setup when I'm in unfriendly areas). Worst things I can say about it are that I got a bit of the lubricant from the ball on my hand once and that it makes my tripod legs (slik u212) seem chincy (they're adequate though).
from O'Fallon, Missouri on 2/12/2007
I used it extensively with the Neotec monopod. I wanted to be able to adjust to any angle instantly without having to reposition the pod. This worked out well with this product.
One feature I would like to have had with it is a finer control for friction of the ball. The knob works great, and isn't hard to find without looking. It would be nice though if it could take a whole turn or 3/4 turn to have free friction on the ball. Still it's not a deal breaker.