Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head with 410PL Quick Release Plate

UPC's:
Durable and versatile
I love its stability and ability to adapt to different environments and shooting situations.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sturdy but not heavy
I had been using a different brand that I used for traveling and hiking. After being at Yosemite photographing for several days the tripod I had was not cutting it. A photographer suggested I try this tripod so when I got home I ordered it. I took it out at night in the snow and light sleet and liked how secure and stable it handled. It was easy to use. I havent tried the horizontal feature yet. I am not sure about using it when I hike long distances as it is longer than what I had been using. I might try using a bungee cord to secure it to my backpack. All in all I like this tripod.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great for a beginner
This was my first tripod purchase and first time ever using a tripod! The functions are intuitive and there are a lot of helpful videos online that show you all the functions too. I will say that the 3-way head was initially bit difficult to figure out. But again, thats because Im a total beginner. However, after about an hour of practice (attaching my phone using a clamp and telling myself to point the camera in different directions and certain angles), maneuvering the head in the intended way became a lot easier. Do be aware that this kit doesnt come with a bag!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Well made product
The tripod and the 3 way pan tilt/head works well together.The head and tripod are well made.The tripod telescopic legs are extended with minimum effort The 3 way head is very userfull for top or side view photos, videos.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid, sturdy & hefty!
This is a quality upgrade for me from a lightweight tripod. The build quality is quite good, But the expletives will fly if you have to carry it any distance. I find the leg locks are not finger eaters as some have mentioned but you have to switch hands to click the last lock which is slightly annoying. Once you have it on location it is a luxurious platform to work from, w/ the 3 way head. Im using it for night photography with the center column... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Versatile and easy to dial in tripod
The tripod could afford to go another foot higher and maintain just a little more stability on it's upper end. That being said I find this to be a great tripod for most all still shooting scenarios. The 90-degree collum is great for top-down and product shots.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid
While I have only had the tripod for a couple of weeks, I can tell it is of a much higher quality than ones I have owned and used in the past. Solidly built and easy to adjust... I whole-heartedly trust my gear to be secure on this tripod.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great tripod
Affordable and nearly indestructible. Over $100 cheaper than carbon fiber version and only 1/2 pound heavier. Able to handle my 200-500 mm Nikkor mounted on an acratech gp ballhead.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Solid tripod for the price
Haven't given this a thorough shake down, but so far has held up well to in-studio use. The ability to angle the neck for over-head shots has been super useful. The only down side is the 3-way head, the camera release locking mech seems a bit lacking. The plastic piece is the one weak point on an otherwise great tripod.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Head!
I am very impressed with this ball head! It is very secure and holds very well. The tension control does not slip and is great! I also like the new camera plate design. For the price, you can't ask for more. It is a little taller than I expected, but that is not an issue. This one is a BUY!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Very pleased ....
I have recently purchased a Manfrotto MT055 XPRO3 aluminum tripod + Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium BH with 200PL-14 QR plate. Main use is with my Pentax K-1, heaviest lens being a vintage SMC Pentax 300mm f/4 of the film era. Although not feather weight, this setup is a joy to work with, being rock solid and very accurate. I am very pleased with my purchase and I highly recommend it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Good small ball head
If you need a smallish ball head, this is a good one. Well made and has the new plate from Manfrotto with it. It is a little on the tall side for its diameter, but that may not be bad. I would not get the smaller ball heads from Manfrotto. Get this one instead.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great invention
I already have one of these and wanted a spare. This is terrific because it is two plates in one. I can use it on my Manfrotto tripod and my Vanguard. it has a turning ring to tighten. This is important because others need something (coin) to tighten them.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Working great!
This is the first ball head I've owned (my other head is a pistol grip) and so far it's working great. I have it on my Manfrotto monopod and have used it with a Canon body and 70-200 f2.8 zoom lens. The head holds the camera-lens combo just fine. I like setting the friction where I can switch from portrait to landscape view without having to touch the knobs.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Absolute perfection.
I love this tripod head. It's perfect for real estate and architectural photography, studio work, portraits.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
A MUST for slow shooting
I'm very pleased w/ this trip pod. Very easy to set the legs and adjust for shooting. I'm still new to this ball head but w/ practice I'm figuring out the adjustment knobs. Certainly a lot lighter than my old tripod and is just as sturdy. I think it was worth the extra coast for the carbon fiber. Every ounce counts when backpacking. Purchasing the tripod strap really completes the purchase.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Well-built, but pay attention to the mounting system
This is a well-built sturdy tripod that is a bit on the heavy side, but a great overall platform. The only suggestion that I have is for the manufacturer to include a 3/8 -16 to -20 reducer. This is a $2 item that gives the consumer both industry mounting standards options without having to research or order additional items. Even though the description stated the mounting specs of -20, it wasnt until I received the tripod that I discovered the above reducer would be required to mount my scope, hence additional shipping costs and delays in tripod use.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Leg fell off while using.
I've had this tripod and have used it regularly for a couple years. On my last job I lifted the tripod up and knew that it felt strange when I tried to set it down for my next shot. Luckily I looked down and saw one of the legs angled out where there is not supposed to be a bend just before the whole leg just fell on the floor and pieces scattered about. Luckily I was still holding onto it and my camera didn't smash to the ground with it. I've ha... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Complete Garbage
Bought this on the Manfrotto name and the you get what you pay for philosophy. Just outside of the pathetic warranty period, my tilt gear ground to a halt. You can't stand on it to move it. And this is a head that isn't used very often - I mostly use ball heads. Contacted Manfrotto. After almost two weeks of silence, their automated email system bounced me around until it finally sent me a link (which didn't work) to a page that describes their w... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Tripod for Day Hiking
This tripod is what the doctor ordered for me for my day hiking trips. It is light weight and easily straps to my day pack making for easy access. It sets up quickly and is simple to use. My only regret is that I hadn't purchased it sooner!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Hold this
Ok, not bad. A bit of getting used to. Ran a Nikon body with 70-200 and it was good. Not as stable as I would of liked. My tripod was built to handle the weight but ended up using a RRS ball head. Had better control with the ball head. I believe this would be just perfect for very static shots with wide angle lenses and up to 180mm. Beyond that its all about weight and a sturdy tripod. This devise does have some additional weight as well. This i... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Amazing
Its lightweight, takes some getting use to but once you do its easy to use. I use it for Mamiya RB67 film camera and that camera its a beast with all its parts attached but I was able to just carry it around with this tripod. Very satisfied with purchase.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
It was better than the carbon fiber version
I give this five stars even though I sold it, because in hindsight, that was a mistake. I wanted to lighten my load, so I sold this and bought the carbon fiber version. The weight is an improvement on the carbon fiber, but in real estate shoots, I'm frequently opening and closing the last sections of legs. With the aluminum one, the legs fell out by themselves when I popped the latch. On this one, they aren't heavy enough, so I have to pull them ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Love this new 496 Ball Head! ...
Several features are much better than previous models! First, the 200PL-PRO plate that accompany's this ball head will fit both 200PL mounts as well as Arca Swiss mounts, making the need to replace my 200PL plates I have on all cameras & lens collar rings not necessary! If I ever switch to Arca Swiss mountings on any ball heads, these plates will mount to them! ... Second, the friction adjustment for the ball head is now within the ball head lo... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video