(From company literature) Manfrotto 484 Mini Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System. This versatile head is fitted with a 3157N quick-release camera plate with a secondary safety catch. This head is perfect for 35mm SLR cameras with medium lenses, and light medium format cameras.
A direct replacement of the 3262QR Midi Ball Head, the 484RC2 features a strong die-cast construction, precision machined aluminum housing, and an extremely hard phenolic resin ball which provides smoother movements across all tilt positions.
It has a single indexed ratchet locking knob for 360 degree pan and a double groove for +90 / -90 degree tilt movements. Camera plate has a 1/4"-20 male thread, and head to tripod attachment is 3/8" female.
Manfrotto 484 Mini Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System review by vNe
Review Date: 1/13/2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $20.00| Rating: 6
Pros:
cheap, light, safety
Cons:
droops, not smooth
This is my first real tripod head. It's much better than anything you'd get on a cheap-o tripod, but still leaves much to be desired. I'll definately be upgrading once I can afford better equipment.
If you just need something to hold a camera, you can't beat the price of this thing. It has a pretty sturdy construction and is very easy to use. The safety lever to prevent accidential release of the camera is a great feature. It can also flip 90 degrees to allow a portrait orientation of the camera.
The head droops with heavy equipment. I usually have to lock the head sightly higher than my target and the head will droop into position. Eventhough this is annoying, the droop is predictable and easily compensated. With some moderate tension, the head is not all that smooth. This isn't a problem if you are shooting objects that are stationary. But if you are panning and using the tripod as support, the motion can get a little jerky.
Overall, I think this head is a good place holder until you need and can afford a really nice once. If you only occationaly use a tripod, this is a decent deal.
