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This is a great piece. It has great balance, feel, and features. I am using it with a Cannon T1i and the 18-55/55-250 kit lenses. This thing is quite formidable - I can set it on the table (sans tripod) with camera attached and it does not move. Some say that the RC4 system is a little large for a smaller body like the T1i, but I think the double bubbles are superb. I have yet to figure out how to store the auxillary 3/8 screw in the plate as the euro-english translated owners manual states, but not a big deal.
Even if you have a flimsy tripod, crowning it with this head would be all you would need. I am so proud of me that I will remember this decision for many years to come.
I did not want to spend an arm and a leg on a head that was going to crown an extra or a spare tripod; $100.00 was more than what I wanted to spend on this enterprise. I am glad I did.
I equipped my photographic equipment collection well and ended up with a spare tripod without a head. That was what I had to keep saying to myself.
I spent close to $150 including tax and shipping at Amazon. Well Done Me.
This is value without equals. At this price, you will have bought all the steadiness and stability anyone would need out of any tripod; low or pro.
The 488RC4 solid aluminum construction feels VERY stable and secure, even with my heavy L-lenses mounted on it. Pro: Sturdy, Perfect for heavy setups, Solid-design, Stable, Versatile, Easy to PanCon: (None)I enjoy using the Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System very much; a great compliment to my SLR, especially with my Canon L-lenses.If you own L-lenses you know that they are "built like tanks". However, with an L-lens on my SLR, the AX620B100 would become very top-heavy and unstable. This Manfrotto combo setup compliments my SLR with heavy lenses perfectly. The two spirit levels (for precise leveling on both vertical and horizontal axis) is also a plus. The thin aluminum (which made it light and portable) legs would bend with a heavy top-load on the tripod.
+/-90 Deg tilt movements is simple and easy with the large rubber grip locking knob. I used to own the Dolica AX620B100 Tripod with a built-in ball head, a very light and portable tripod. The quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch contributes to the stability and security of (heavy) camera setups mounted the 488RC4. The AX620B100 is just not designed to handle an SLR with a heavy lens. I purchased the Manfrotto 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System along with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Pro tripod. Panning on the 488RC4 is also quick and easy with a separate fast-action ratchet lever design.
The 488RC4 Midi Ball Head with RC4 Rapid Connect System is one of the best accessories (for my SLR) I have ever invested in.
This ball head is GREAT very smooth and strong,I shot some great night shots at Cherry Grove pier in Myrtle Beach south Carolina.This head and a Manfrotto 055xpro tri pod legs everything was very sharp with a Canon 40d and a Canon 70-200 4L lens wonderful set up a little on the heavy side if you want to pack it very far but handles the weight really well.I have no compaints at all with this Ball Head.
Set up on the Manfrotto 055xPROB tripod,it's solid as a rock.I think came up with the right combination.I love the rapid connect and disconnect system which I also added to my camera body,and the 488rc4 is soooooo smooth.The only reason I gave it a 4 is that when panning,there is just a very slight slack feeling when changing directions. I did a lot of reviews before deciding on the 488rc4. Being new to the world of quality,I wanted something solid enough to handle my new 70-200 2.8 IS with a Canon 40d. But it's not a problem,just annoying. Buy this one,you won't regret it.
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