Tripod heads...

[jaworsk3]

Which tripod should I get...the Bogen 486RC2 or the Bogen 804RC2? Or is there a different one in the price range that I should go for?

[bryank930]

488RC2

[sugarzebra]

I use the 486RC2 on the monopod & 488RC2 on the tripod. Based on the lenses in your signature either one will work for you now, but on a tripod I would get the 488 and you wont have to worry about another head until you get into the 500mm + lenses :)

[jaworsk3]

What's the difference between the 486 and the 488? Is the 406 better than the 486?

[SkipD]

What's the difference between the 486 and the 488? Is the 406 better than the 486?The 488RC2 is larger and sturdier than the 486RC2. The 488RC2 has an additional feature as well - a separate release to allow the head to rotate horizontally (panning) without releasing the main ball. This is a very useful feature on a tripod but useless on a monopod.

I also use a 488RC2 ball head on my primary tripod (a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro) most of the time and a 486RC2 ball head on my monopod (a Manfrotto 680B) always.

[Michael]

I just got the 488RC2 and I love it. Its so sturdy you wouldn't believe. Great piece of kit!

[scot079]

Just ordered the 488, looking forward to it's arrival

[John_TX]

My 488RC2 showed up yesterday. Very solid head. Has some heft to it as well. This will be a good all-purpose head, but I'm not sure I'd want to hike or travel with it a lot due to its weight. It will be great for my spotting scope, as well as landscapes.
I'll probably pick up one of the tiny single axis ballheads w/out panning ability if I do any serious hiking/backpacking with a tripod.

[jaworsk3]

Thanks for the help guys. I got the 190 legs with the 488RC2 head. I figured I might as well spend the money...I hear the quality of these things will allow me to use it for the rest of my life. My last tripod was a $60 Best Buy purchase that wouldnt allow me to take vertical shots after two months of light use.

[scot079]

Good call, the difference between a "best buy tripod" and a B/M is profoundical.

[John_TX]

I posted a short write-up with a ton of pictures of the 488RC2 & Feisol CT-3442 carbon fiber tripod. I think you'll be pleased with the 488RC2. Seems like a lot of bang for the buck.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=406696