MPN: 486RC2 See Product Details
Description
Same as the 486 but equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate. The 486RC2 is a direct replacement of the 3413QR and 3055S ProBall and Heavy-Duty Double Action Ball Heads.A strong die-cast construction, precision machined aluminum housing, and an extremely hard phenolic resin ball provides smooth movements across all tilt positions.The 486RC2 features a single ratchet locking knob for 360? pan and a double groove for +90?-90? tilt movements. Camera plate has a 1/4-20" male thread, and head to tripod attachment is 3/8" female.
Summary
Product Title: Manfrotto/Bogen 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with Rapid Connect System 2
Manufacturer: Manfrotto/Bogen
Power Score: 4.4 | 10 Reviews
General
URL: Manufacturer Link
Strengths: Wonderful range of motion Lightweight and small Rapid Connect System (Quick Release)
Weakness: Compact means...compact
On a recommendation from a friend, I investigated a ball head mount. I'd never go back to anything else (except for a Pano-Head for 360 shots!). The 486RC2 provides a free range of motion, is quick to adjust and then lock back down. The RC system is great: it allows the camera to unmount quickly, but when mounted it is secure so you can rest assured. It is a compact ball head, meaning that going...
Strengths: well constructed...knob is smooth and works well...quick-release plate...compact
Weakness: can be a bit small when using long, heavy lenses
I use this ball head with the Manfrotto 3001Pro tripod legs. This combo is small and light enough to carry around town in a canvas bag. Ball head system works great for positioning camera. My Nikon D70 with the 18-70 kit lens seems heavy on top of the tripod, but the ball head holds it securely. The 486 comes without a quick release plate as well, but would advise to spend a few more bucks and...
Strengths: Smooth action, quality build and secure quick release plate.
Weakness: Slips a little with a heavy lens.
I'm using this with a carbon fiber tripod and roughly 4.5lb lens and camera combination. It works great as advertised, quick adjustments and firm hold with the ball. The only slippage was when I used this with a 70-200mm ef IS lens which is quite heavy, but still within the weight specification of the head. You really have to tighten the lever for it not to slip. Quick release works well with a...
Strengths: Light, easy to use, stable and strong at reasonable price
Weakness: One-knob-do-it-all design makes panoramic photography taking hard.
I searched for the light ball head to replace my current setting (Manfrotto #168). The 486RC2 is more flexibility, lighter, and easier to adjust; however, it make panoramic photo harder. The 486RC2 could support my heaviest setting, D70 + 80-200 f/2.8 (no collar) + SB-800, very well. Once the ball is locked, everything is stable. The knob tension adjustment does not make camera movement. (unlike...
Strengths: Compact and lightweight.
Weakness: NONE
I bought this ball head for my backpacking trip to the alps which required compact specifications. So far its worked wonders. Its tough. I have used it and dropped it many times. Its been out in the elements and still works like a charm. I highly recommend this product even though its on the pricey side. Its worth every penny.
Strengths: High build quality; Good grip; Quick tightening
Weakness: Hard to control the stiffness
This is a high quality ball head, suitable for light to medium telephoto lenses. It tightens quickly, holds firmly when tightened, and has a good range of motion. It is not very suitable for tracking, though, since the stiffness is very hard to control - changes quickly from very stiff to completely loose. The quick release adapter and plate are good and convenient.
Strengths: 1. Nice build quality 2. Heavy duty 3. Free to swing to any angle
Weakness: 1. Weight 2. A little bit expensive, but not too much 3. I wish manfrotto can include additional plate
This is the 486RC2 head that I used to pair with my 3021 tripod (or 190PRO). This head is as good as it gets. The ball head is very convenient to use as you can easily swing to any angle you want. It's probably one of the best head that I have ever owned so far. The head is very heavy duty as it can take on my 5D+24-70L+580EX without a shake at all. I really like the quality of manfrotto head....
Strengths: well built, sturdy and light weight.
Weakness: -
I went to my local shop and tried 486RC2 and 484RC2. I decided to go with 486RC2 because 484RC2 is too small and might not be able to hold my 30D and 28-75mm steadily. It is well built, very smooth and easy to use. I pair it with 3001BN because i need a light-weight and compact tripod for travel. The ball head works flawlessly either portrait or landscape positions.
Strengths: good build quality, secure lock
Weakness: na so far
I used this ball head with Manfrotto 3021Pro tripod. The adjustment is smooth. It is very fast to change a camera from horizontal to vertical position. I have not used my camera with a super telephoto lens on it, so I have not experienced any problems other reviewers mentioned.
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Manfrotto/Bogen 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with Rapid...
Strengths: solid construction, 'quick load' plate, ball clamp holds steady
Weakness: no bubble level
this head is feels solid, the ball locks securely and the removable plate makes taking the camera on and off the head very easy. i do wish there was a bubble level on the top plate, but its not a huge deal. if you loose the removable plate, this head becomes useless. hopefully this wont be an issue since ill be leaving the plate attached to my camera at all time. a spare plate would have been...
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