Manfrotto 234RC Monopod Head Quick Release - Replaces 3229

by Manfrotto

Product Details

• Item Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000JLM50I
• Item model number: 234RC
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #3 in Electronics > Camera & Photo > Tripods & Monopods > Tripod Heads
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 21, 2008

Product Description

An excellent addition to your monopod, this simple tilt head to allow a camera on a Monopod to be turned 90° to provide either vertical or horizontal format. With quick release camera plate system and secondary safety lock you can quickly and easily mount your camera on the monopod. This replaces the Bogen Manfrotto 3229.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 234RC in an improvement over the 3229, October 6, 2008

By 

Daniel J. ODonnell "DJOD" (Bartlesville, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Before buying the Manfrotto 234RC monopod head, I had a chance to try the older 3229. The older model had a four-winged nob to adjust the tilt axis of the head that made it difficult to tighten the screw enough to lock the head in place. Once locked in place, the 3229 was prone to sticking so that loosening it again was also difficult. The new 234RC has overcome these difficulties by replacing the nob with a two-winged nob which is much easier to grasp. It also seems that they have used a different material to secure the tilt mechanism which doesn't stick in place. The net result is a basic tilt head that performs flawlessly and is capable of handing a large lens (I have a Sigma 150-500mm) safely and securely.

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Monopod Head, September 4, 2008

By 

Red Peters (Sterling, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

I purchased this to mount a D300 with 70-200 f2.8 VR zoom on a Bogen 679 monopod. The camera and lens are of substantial weight and I was worried that the head might not be able to handle the weight of the camera. It's rated for a 5.5lb capacity. My camera with the lens and MB-D10 weighs a beefy 6lbs 10oz, so I'm overtaxing it. If I was a working pro, I'd want something more substantial. But most people will never exceed 5.5lbs with a DSLR and kit lens.

I'm impressed with the quality of construction - this is a relatively heavy head (good in my case) and functions smoothly and securely. It has no problem handling the weight of my camera, although I'm careful with it just in case. For most folks taking photos of kids at various outdoor sports, this is the perfect solution. I can't imagine using a monopod without it. The head swivels 90 degrees for vertically composed shots. The locking quick release allows for fast removal of the camera for hand held shots. Another nice features is that the RC2 quick release plate used here is the same that's available on several Manfrotto tripod heads, so the plate is cross compatible.

My only complaint is the lack of a notched stop to let you "feel" where 0 degrees is (straight, vertical alignment). But since it's used on a monopod it doesn't really matter much.

Bottom line: I can't imagine using a monopod without this head.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for monopods, August 4, 2008

By 

Peter R. Gibbons "FFFan" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This item is perfect for Bogen Manfrotto monopods. I bought the 680B and this head, and couldn't be much happier. I was skeptical about the quick release, but it is amazingly solid. It is tight and reliable. I have this attached to a Nikon D200, usually with a Nikkor 17-55 (a heavy setup), and it is totally solid.