Bogen/Manfrotto 488 Midi Ball Head

I purchased the 488rc2, the one with the 3157n QR rectangular plates. I've had other older Bogen ball heads (the ones with the chrome ball), this one is very smooth and fast for news shooting, much better than any of the older Bogen Ball Heads. Even though it doesn't have a tension control, the main lock-down knob can be tightened in little increments to provide suttle amounts of tension control until the frame is lined up (I think this is all the fine tension adjustment knobs do on the bigger Bogen models of these new ball heads)-- then just lock it down all the way. I've had up to a 300/2.8 with a 1.4x TC and a heavy F3HP loaded on this mid size head with no problems - this wasn't a one time affair, I've shot this set up and the 300/2.8 without TC many times. I like it so much that I'll probably buy another for my other at home tripod. The affordable 3157n plates attached to different bodies and large lenses make changing equipment in the field a 'snap!'. I've tried alot of Bogen heads, this one is my favorite. There is some popular wildlife photographer that did a longer post on his site about this head, his review helped prompt my purchase. I don't shoot wildlife/birds much, but it works great when a quick reliable set-up is needed.

* Price * Build Quality * Flexibility with 3157n QR Plates

Rubber around main knob started getting a little soft after prolonged use in the sun, but I was at a Florida zoo and temps were around 100degF. Mileage may vary here.

* Bogen 3038 * Bogen 3055 * Bogen 3047 * Bogen 3030 * Bogen 3029 * Bogen 3126

* None Used