Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N)

by Bogen

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 4 inches ; 1.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00009R6N0
• Item model number: 488RC2
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Bogen-Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head answers the needs of the medium format user. It is the same as the 488 but equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch. With its solid aluminum construction and phenolic resin ball, this head is also ideal for all 35mm and digital cameras. The 488RC2 features a double-groove for rapid side-to-side movement, and a separate fast-action ratchet lever for 360-degree pan and easy to grip locking knob for +90 to -90-degree tilt movements. Camera attachment is via a 2-inch platform with a 1/4-20-inch male thread, and head to tripod attachment is 3/8-inch female. Optional Plates: 200PL-38, 200 PLARCH-14, 200 PLARCH-38.

Features include:

• Sturdy all-metal construction.
• The double 90-degree groove (one on each side of the head) means switching from landscape to portrait is convenient however you're set up.
• The compact, rectangular 200PL quick release plate system fits neatly under small-bodied still cameras up to SLR (even with tele lenses) or small medium format, or under small video cameras or spotting scopes. Its rubber pad gives a good grip without damaging the camera, and its angled sides ensure that it also fits perfectly and tightly into a wide range of Manfrotto heads.
• This head features a secondary security lock so you can't accidentally release the plate (and camera) without meaning to. The lock stops the quick release lever from opening fully.
• A repositionable ratchet means that the locking lever's action will never be blocked either open or closed by interference with the camera body, tripod shoulder, etc... simply pull the lever outwards and it's free to be positioned more comfortably without affecting the locking mechanism. Then you can continue tightening or loosening the knob.
• A separate lock on the panoramic axis allows for rotation adjustment or panning to be carried out without losing framing.

Product Description

Same as the 488 but equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch. The 488RC2 features a separate fast action ratchet lever for 360deg. pan and an easy to grip locking knob for +90deg.-90deg. tilt movements.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and affordable Ball Head, December 30, 2005

By 

S. J. Simmons (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N) (Electronics)

I bought this ball head because my previous one had too much play in it--I'd set it and the lens would sag a little as I let go. For macro photography, that's a pain. This head does a very good job for the price. I did some tests with a Canon EOS 10D with a 300mm lens on a focusing rail extended all the way out. While there was a little movement when I set it, it was not problematic. It's a good solid choice for a serious photographer.

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars simplified control, December 13, 2007

By 

E. J. Suarez (Fresno, Ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N) (Electronics)

I switched from a 486rc2 to the 488rc2 due to the ease of rotating without loosening the ball. Well worth the expense and it holds my canon 30d with battery pack and a 100-400mm tele without any slippage.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very good consumer-grade tripod head, April 8, 2008

By 

l2 (California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N) (Electronics)

This tripod head is a good value for photographers with consumer-grade cameras. My Nikon D40 SLR with 18-200 f/5.6 lens and flash attached weighs about 4.5 pounds. The Bogen 488 head locks down smoothly and securely with no drooping. I really hate it when cheaper heads droop a little after you've composed your scene, then you have to start all over again. The separate panning lock lever is a great feature.

The Bogen quick-release system works great, too. I have a Bogen quick-release plate permanently mounted on my camera and a quick-release head on my monopod, too.

This head is fairly large (4.5 inches tall and 2.5 inch diameter base) so make sure you have room on your tripod for it.

If you have a pro camera with a pro lens that weighs 3 times as much as my setup, you should probably be looking at pro tripod heads like Kirk or Markins that cost 3 times as much as Bogen. Most amateurs will be happy with the Bogen.