Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

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Archive 2009 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

ishootsports3
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p.1 #1 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

Im looking to buy a ball head and have settled on the midi ball head with the square qr plate, i was looking and noticed the 498 so i ask anyone have the new one and or is it any different/ which should i get

im leaning to the older one as it looks shorter

Dec 20, 2009 at 01:03 AM

ishootsports3
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p.1 #2 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

Any one?

Dec 20, 2009 at 09:52 PM

MSC
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p.1 #3 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

sorry, don't have either of those and have not used them.

Dec 20, 2009 at 09:57 PM

Steve Spencer
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p.1 #4 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

I had the 488 once upon a time. It is not a bad ballhead for the price, but it did slip a little some of the time after I locked it down. I haven't used the 498.

Dec 21, 2009 at 02:42 PM

ishootsports3
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p.1 #5 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

yeh, im not expecting the world just a solid head for a solid price
im not really a tripod user but still need to have one

Dec 21, 2009 at 03:05 PM

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p.1 #6 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

I used to have a 486, 488, and 468MG. If you are not concerned with lens droop, then I would recommend the 488 or 468MG. If I were you, I would likely buy the newer versions because they would command a greater resale value when you decide on a better ballhead in the future.

Jim

Dec 21, 2009 at 09:41 PM

nikonem
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p.1 #7 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

I have a 488 Midi (the midi has a round universal base that the camera screws onto as opposed to the 488RC2, 488RC4 and 488RC0 that have quick release clamps built in). It's a good solid head but it lacks a separate friction control knob and really has no sweet spot to speak of. There is also some annoying lens droop.

Apparently the 498 is a new head from Manfrotto and replaces the 488. Right now it looks like both heads are available but I would imagine the 488 will disappear as stock is sold. The 498 adds friction control and is a tiny bit taller and lighter than the 488. I haven't found any reviews yet so performance vs. the 488 is a bit of an unknown. I'm interested to see if the new head has addressed any of the issues with the older 488.

Dec 22, 2009 at 05:08 PM

ishootsports3
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p.1 #8 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

I picked up a 488 rc2 for a decent price
i understand that there is better but i use a tripod so little i don't feel the need to sink more into it than decent, It will be used for sequences and the occasional attempt at art/landscape

Dec 22, 2009 at 09:51 PM

baument
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p.1 #9 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

I'm a 488rc0 fan. On a pro body the hex plate isn't that much wider than the body, it makes a very satisfying 'snap' when the plate engages the head, and the large hand screw is easy to screw on/off, even with gloves on.
Solid enough with a D3s and 70-200mmVR2.

Dec 23, 2009 at 03:27 AM

ishootsports3
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p.1 #10 · Manfrotto midi ballhead question(488 vd 498)

good to know, thanks

Dec 23, 2009 at 03:37 AM


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