Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N)

I have this on top of a Manfrotto 055cxpro3 tripod, and it's a terrific combination. The head is very steady, easy to adjust, and has a separate pan adjustment (v. useful when doing panoramas). I love the RC2 quick release head (and I have the same one on my monopod, so it's very convenient).

I tried a Manfrotto 322rc2 as well, which people on Amazon really seem to love. I wasn't crazy about it. The effort to adjust it was considerable, and it was freaking huge. Much lighter than it looks, though.

I use the 488rc2 with a Nikon D300 + 18-200mm Nikkor. Word to the wise: get a cable release. You can do wonderful long exposure shots with a tripod and this head, but your finger on the button will add just a little camera shake.

I've been using this ballhead for more than a year now, and really like it for most uses. It is easy to control, no slipping when tightened, and the RC2 is really easy to connect and disconnect.

Apart from obvious use in panning, the separate panning control also allows you to reposition the head so that the knob is at a convenient position after you've placed the tripod down - the ground may dictate where the legs need to go.

It's not ideal for frame filling macros, or when you need to compose exactly what is in the frame and the camera is not very close to upright. There is a slight sag when releasing the camera after tightening the knob. This is not the same as slipping - it sags, then remain stable. You have to learn to compensate for it. I find that wriggling the camera after it has attached to the QR before positioning helps somewhat, indicating some of the fault lies with the QR.

RC2 is inexpensive and quite sturdy, but it is obviously not an Arca Swiss. It's stable enough - just make sure that it is attached properly before letting go - but it is not as confidence inspiring as an Arca Swiss QR. On the other hand, plates are a lot cheaper and it is very easy to attach and remove. I do miss the camera specific normal and L plates that are available for Arca Swiss QR though.

Excellent value for the dollar on this head. Having a separate pan adjustment solves the "creeping panorama" problem. The head is lightweight and small enough to not overpower your tripod legs. Total keeper.

This is a really solid ball head. The quick change is quick and has a safety lock that prevents accidental release. Where you lock it is where is stays-- no slack-- as it should be.

As a novice photographer I found this ball head to be very sturdy and strong. The panning lock was simple, the QC plate is awesome and has an extra safety release on it, the turn dial keeps this ball from moving! I gave it 4 stars cause I would have liked an optical bubble/spirit level ect on the actual ball head base. Now I need a shoe mount level for those tricky landscape shots and horizons @ the beach. All in all an awesome ball head that is not to big nor to small.