Product 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 a 360 degrees pan and a double groove for a 90 degrees tilt movements. Camera plate has a 1/4-20 inch male thread and head to tripod attachment is 3/8 inch female.

Product Details

• Brand: Bogen
• Model: 486RC2
• Released on: 2006-04-14
• Dimensions: 4.00" h x 4.00" w x 7.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• Compact ball head equipped with a 3157N quick-release camera plate
• Strong die-cast construction, precision-machined aluminum housing
• Extremely hard phenolic resin ball provides smooth movements across all tilt positions
• Single ratchet locking knob for 360-degree pan and a double groove for +90 to -90-degree tilt movements
• Plate has 1/4-20-inch male thread, and head to tripod attachment is 3/8-inch female

From the Manufacturer
The Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head is the 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-degree pan and a double groove for +90 to -90-degree tilt movements. Camera plate has a 1/4-20-inch male thread, and head to tripod attachment is 3/8-inch female. Optional Plates: 200PL-38, 200PLARCH-14, 200PLARCH-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 convenient single locking mechanism blocks or frees movement on all axes for greater speed of use

Customer Reviews

An excellent Ball Head for the money..
A little on the heavy side which makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget, Choosing between this and the 488RC2, is the 488RC2 $40 better? probably, but the single ratchet locking knob's just fine for my needs right now. One thing i think Bogen forgot is the level, not a deal breaker but would be nice to include. All in all a must buy for those looking for an excellent priced ball head.

Great for outdoors
The primary advantage of this head is its light weight which makes it a great fit with the light carbon fiber tripods. Despite the light weight it is strongly built and has all the basic functions. The single lever means you have to keep one hand on your camera or it will flop in ways you will not like. The trick is to loosen the ball just enough to rotate the camera (while holidng it with your other hand) to the position you want and then tighten. A level here would have been nice. All in all this is a great, sturdy ball head that won't weigh you down on the trail.

Well made but has Downside
This product is sturdy and well made. However, as both the vertical and horizontal setting are controlled by one lever, it is difficult to really make sure your shots are level horizontally - independent of the tripod which oftentimes has a bubble setting to assure horizontal alignment.
Also, I have a EOS 1D Mark III plus a zoom lens, if you want to take vertical shots (as in turning the camera to its side), it seems that no matter how hard you secure the lever, the camera will droop down.