Manfrotto Rapid Connect 4 vs. Rapid Connect 2

01/04/2007 10:42:02 AM · #1

I got the 3021PRO with the 486RC2 Compact Ball Head with Rapid Connect System 2 link
But am going to send the head back and get the 488 488RC4.
I see that the RC4 has 2 bubble levels and like that but didn't know what people though of the RC4 vs. the RC2 system.
I also saw they have an "RC0" system with a goofy looking hexagonal plate.
Recommendations?

thanks

01/04/2007 10:47:58 AM · #2

RC4 is awesome. Having the level on the camera plate is a plus, and the larger RC4 plate I've found to be much sturdier, more secure and easier to actuate than the RC2 style, which I've also used. Downside is the plate on the camera or lens is larger.

Edit: I currently use the 488RC4 on the 3121BPro legs.

Message edited by author 2007-01-04 10:48:44.

01/04/2007 11:08:09 AM · #3

Originally posted by kirbic:

Downside is the plate on the camera or lens is larger.

am i right in that it looks like the plate slides onto the head, rather than the way it gets clamped down on the rc2? i have been re-tightening my latch so much that i've been thinking of replacing the head...

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

01/04/2007 11:43:16 AM · #4

Originally posted by kirbic:

Cool, I think that answers my question then! It's only $5 more for the RC4.

Now another question, Kirbic, since I think your legs have the same lateral capability on the center column.
I find it a pain in the ass to switch it to lateral because of that damn metal clip at the bottom of the column.
I was thinking of snipping it off and filing the plastic down so I can just slide it straight out of the top of the collar.
What do you think of that?

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm f/4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

01/04/2007 11:52:34 AM · #5

Originally posted by rswank:

Now another question, Kirbic, since I think your legs have the same lateral capability on the center column.
I find it a pain in the ass to switch it to lateral because of that damn metal clip at the bottom of the column.
I was thinking of snipping it off and filing the plastic down so I can just slide it straight out of the top of the collar.
What do you think of that?

Well, I'm not Kirbic but I use a 3021Pro tripod and I Have a few years of experience under my belt, and I think that's a Really Bad Idea. Seriously. There's no safety factor in that arrangement at all.

R.

01/04/2007 12:00:14 PM · #6

Originally posted by rswank:

If you take the center column out and pull down on the bottom where the clip is you will see that it's screwed on. I think if you hold the threaded rod from the top where the head mounts, the bottom will un-screw and you can take the clip off without damaging it.
The clip is there for counter balancing weight. You might find that you will need it sometime so I wouldn't go hacking it up.

01/04/2007 12:02:19 PM · #7

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

DITTO! that clip serves two purposes: if you have the rod inverted, it keeps it from falling out ;-) also, it can be used to hang weights for additional support when being used in windy conditions...

01/04/2007 12:07:39 PM · #8

Originally posted by skiprow:

DITTO! that clip serves two purposes: if you have the rod inverted, it keeps it from falling out ;-) also, it can be used to hang weights for additional support when being used in windy conditions...

Also if you ever use the tripod horizontally, you'd need the weight hanging from the clip to keep the tripod from falling over unless you have the legs spread way out.

Message edited by author 2007-01-04 12:10:35.

01/04/2007 12:08:27 PM · #9

Ditto again on the clip. It can be a pain, but I'd recommend leaving it there.
Skip, the insertion into the RC4 works similar to the RC2, you bring the camera in a slight angle, engaging the dovetail on the solid side, then pressing down on the latch side to engage the catch. You then push on the lever to fully secure it.
The lever is larger and easier to actuate than the RC2, and In a couple years of admittedly light use by pro standards, I've never had to tighten anything.

01/04/2007 12:16:05 PM · #10

Originally posted by kirbic:

thanks! would you mind sometime posting up a photo of the latch mechanism and/or the backside of the head. i'm just curious as to what it looks like, and google images has nothing but the product shot found at b&h...

01/04/2007 12:31:35 PM · #11

Skip, I think you can change the plates without buying a new head
Plus it shows the backside latch mechanism.

RC4 head plate

Message edited by author 2007-01-04 12:39:07.

01/04/2007 12:41:05 PM · #12

excellent, dave! i was trying too hard ;-)

01/04/2007 12:45:57 PM · #13

Skip,
Here ya go:

The left one is from the operator side (back) and the right one is from the operator's right. You can see the actuation pin (brass) and both spirit levels (for horz. and vert. orientations) as well as the release lever (aluminum) on the end of the arm. It won't release completely without depressing the release at the same time as rotating the arm.

01/04/2007 12:50:39 PM · #14

I was once told that the RC2 and RC4 plates could not be swapped directly, that there is a difference in the mount. This may or may not be correct information; I would confirm before ordering parts.

01/04/2007 12:51:46 PM · #15

thanks, fritz!! i have enough visuals now to be able to dream in 3-D ;-)

01/04/2007 12:54:56 PM · #16

Originally posted by skiprow:

thanks, fritz!! i have enough visuals now to be able to dream in 3-D ;-)

Or reverse engineer it, LOL.

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

01/04/2007 01:00:36 PM · #17

Originally posted by skiprow:

Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Well, I'm not Kirbic but I use a 3021Pro tripod and I Have a few years of experience under my belt, and I think that's a Really Bad Idea. Seriously. There's no safety factor in that arrangement at all.
R.

DITTO! that clip serves two purposes: if you have the rod inverted, it keeps it from falling out ;-) also, it can be used to hang weights for additional support when being used in windy conditions...

Thanks guys.
Makes sense on needing weight if horizontal, but thought I could rig a small eyehook to the bottom, maybe even thread it onto the existing rod.
I just find it a pain in the ass to have to unscrew it. Seems like overkill on the number of threads they used.
I didn't think about the added protection of preventing a fall if inverted but how likely is that? Has anyone had there rig fall and be saved by the clip?

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

01/04/2007 01:03:44 PM · #18

Originally posted by kirbic:

I was once told that the RC2 and RC4 plates could not be swapped directly, that there is a difference in the mount. This may or may not be correct information; I would confirm before ordering parts.

Give'em a call, find out and let us know
Phone: 201-818-9500 and 212-695-8166

hankk

Canon EOS-5D

01/04/2007 01:44:51 PM · #19

How does the RC4 compare to the hexagonal mounting plate? And why is Manfrotto switching?

Message edited by author 2007-01-04 13:45:07.

dassilem

Nikon D90

01/04/2007 01:51:26 PM · #20

I was asking in another thread for low budget suggestions, but this sounds like the most recommended/and used tripod...

dumb question.. but are these all purchased separately? I obviously can see on B&H that you can order the 3021BPro then order the 488RC4, but what I don't understand, does the RC4 have this quick release plate or is that another item. If it is another item, is it needed or a luxury how 'un-quick' is the release without the quick release. Question is based on the fact thathere it says it has the quick release but then lists it as an accessory.

Am I just being dumb?

01/04/2007 02:06:14 PM · #21

Originally posted by dassilem:

dumb question.. but are these all purchased separately?

You can get this in a combo set 3021 Pro legs with a 488 ballhead that comes with the RC4 quick-connect system. I'll be back with a link.

Well I was wrong. All of the combo sets at B&H come with the RC2 quick connects unless you want a 3-way head. Most of those have RC4. I guess if you want the RC4 you have to buy the legs and the head separate.

Message edited by author 2007-01-04 14:14:01.

dassilem

Nikon D90

01/04/2007 02:16:42 PM · #22

ok...thanks for your help....so if I understand...the 488=the ballhead, the RC4 = the quick release plate..
the RC2 = a plate (non quick release)

so a 488RC4 is a ballhead with a quick release plate. nothing additional needs to be bought.

Message edited by author 2007-01-04 14:17:24.

01/04/2007 02:17:04 PM · #23

Originally posted by dassilem:

here it says it has the quick release but then lists it as an accessory.

Am I just being dumb?

The quick release comes with 1 plate. The accessory you see there are extra plates so you don't have to keep taking it on and off different lenses or camera bodies.

01/04/2007 02:18:17 PM · #24

Originally posted by dassilem:

The RC2 is a quick release system also. It's just smaller than the RC4.