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Review Summary
2014-05-19T21:00:00
I bought this ball head to replace a Manfrotto pan tilt head as I needed something easier to deal with out in the field whether shooting landscapes or product. I bought this used and it came in like new condition. It seems capable of handling any of my Nikon dslr's with even a 70-300mm lens attached. I haven't used it just yet hence the 4 stars but I am confident it will treat me right. Also, it uses the RC2 plates which I have plenty of.
JOHN D.
2010-03-02T19:00:00
This ball head is very easy to operate. The movement is fluid and smooth, and it locks in place solidly. Perfect for my needs.
AnonPhotos
2010-01-09T19:00:00
I wanted to purchase a Gorillapod SLR to take on a month long trip to Australia. However, I had read that the Gorillapod is somewhat a pain if you need to adjust your shot. I bought this ball head to use with the Gorillapod so that it would be simple to make slight adjustments to the camera. It proved to be fantastic! You can wrap your Gorillapod around anything and then adjust the ball head. It moves very smoothly and is really easy to detach from any tripod. This is a great investment.
Kat
2009-10-27T21:00:00
This ball head is excellent for the money. It is small, and with some lenses it will drift in certain directions. Best for a monopod. If you use heavy stuff, I recommend Ball head wcr2. The quick release plates work well. I also use this ball head with my Nikon SB 600 flash.
WILLIAM P.
2009-08-18T21:00:00
I bought it for use with a monopod, it works well with my 40D & 70-200 2.8, and even adding a 2x on it as well. I believe it would be too light for tripod use though. But it would be fine for point & shoot, or consumer slr's with small lenses
NEAL D.
2009-05-03T21:00:00
I wish it will be a bit bigger. I think it is too small for my hands. Quick release is something! I like it a lot.
Alex Z.
2009-02-19T19:00:00
It should be perfect but it is not. The clamp doesn't hold tight and slips if moved vert. If manufactured properly to fit their own products this wouldn't happen. I had to hire a welder at $75 an hour to make our work better.I do use other products of theirs but am looking for a better fit for our company.
Photoman
2009-01-30T19:00:00
VERY STABLE FOR ITS SIZE
Charlie
2009-01-01T19:00:00
It supports my Canon D-20 with 70-200 zoom without slipping. That's pretty darn good for a small head. I like the locking pin on the quick releaseto prevent an accidentla bump from dropping my camera on the ground.
mmperry
2008-09-23T21:00:00
My first experience with a ball head, I like it.
KENNETH M.
2008-07-23T21:00:00
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.
ADK m.
2008-04-10T21:00:00
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...
Dave N.
2008-03-19T21:00:00
Found this baal head easy to attach and detach, good range of motion and holds steadely
Maxie
2007-07-10T21:00:00
Great ball head. Light weight yet sturdy.
Wanderer
2007-05-25T21:00:00
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.
BA
2007-05-22T21:00:00
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.
Harry
2007-05-07T21:00:00
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.
JEFF K.
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Browse our FAQ
8.8 lbs
3.75 inches
Yes
No
3/8"
0.70 lbs
Pan 360°
Tilt -90° +90°
UNBELIEVABLE FOR ITS SIZE
By Charlie
VERY STABLE FOR ITS SIZE
Silky smooth and sturdy
By AnonPhotos
This ball head is very easy to operate. The movement is fluid and smooth, and it locks in place solidly. Perfect for my needs.
Designed for use with compact, 35mm and small digital cameras. The strong die-cast construction, precision-machined aluminum housing and extremely hard phenolic resin ball provide excellent smooth movements across all tilt positions. A single ratchet control lever securely locks both the +90° -90° ball and the 360° pan movements. Head to tripod attachment is 3/8" female.
This version of the 484 head is fitted with a quick release 3157N camera plate system with a secondary safety catch.