Manfrotto 488RC2 Ballhead

[Antz_Marchin]

I know this is kind of the standard ballhead to get for a first solid tripod. I think I'm going to go for one but something I just need to ask first. Does the base of the head rotate without having to loosen and rotate the ball mechanism once it is set in position?? I'm just thinking that for pano shots, if you have to pan the camera to get a number of shots, using the ball mechanism to do so would result in some vertical movement as opposed to just the desired horizontal. Thanks

[King of Canada]

I have the 488RC4. This head and the RC2 have a pan lever that allows you to pan the head without loosening the ball. It works perfectly.

[jhom]

Yes, the 488 has a separate pan lock base.

[Antz_Marchin]

Thanks guys.

On that note, I just saw a couple of RC486RC2s on ebay. What is the difference between the 488 and 486??

[05slvrscape]

I have both. The 488 has a separate pan lock and ball tension adjustment. The 486 has a single pan lock and ball tension adjustment.

[SkipD]

And the 486 is less capable of holding a heavier camera/lens without creeping than the 488 is.

By the way, the Manfrotto RC4 quick release system is, in my opinion, much too large for the Canon EOS family of cameras and lenses. The RC2 system is much more suitable for the EOS family.

[King of Canada]

And the 486 is less capable of holding a heavier camera/lens without creeping than the 488 is.

By the way, the Manfrotto RC4 quick release system is, in my opinion, much too large for the Canon EOS family of cameras and lenses. The RC2 system is much more suitable for the EOS family.

I have the RC4, and it's the same depth as my battery grip, so I don't find it too big at all.

[SkipD]

I have the RC4, and it's the same depth as my battery grip, so I don't find it too big at all.Try using one on a lens' tripod ring such as that on a Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS, though, and you'll change your mind about the appropriate size.

I have a 20D with a grip on it, and the RC2 plate is just right. It doesn't get in the way. The RC4 plate would be very much in my way when using the camera in the "portrait" position (handheld, that is).

[René Damkot]

Agree with Skip.
Then again, I went Arca style a while back, and won't be using RC-whatever again ;)

[ben_r_]

I have the RC4, and it's the same depth as my battery grip, so I don't find it too big at all.

Same. I have heard a lot of people complain about the RC4 system being too big, but when I had the RC2 system it seemed too small and not secure. I have RC4 plates and bases on all my gear. I like it a lot.