Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate
The Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate is a direct replacement to the popular 3030 and 3029 heads. It is 20% lighter than its predecessors due to the use of Adapto material. It also features improved ergonomic design plus a counter spring system.
Adapto is a special technical polymer that is comparable to aluminum in strength but is 50% lighter. Compared to metals such as aluminum Adapto is an ideal material for photo imaging equipment as it has superb resistance to extreme temperatures and will not corrode or oxidize. Additionally, Adapto is an excellent vibration absorbing material making the 804RC2 head an ideal companion to a MagFibre tripod for the ultimate in vibration free shots.
The 804RC2 head is also the first 3-way head to use a counter spring system to help protect your equipment. Built into the forward/back tilt axis is a fixed spring that helps to absorb the shock of the full camera weight from crashing down. The spring also makes it easier to position the camera on this axis since it opposes some of the camera weight.
- Includes a built-in quick release adapter that accepts the range of different RC2 (3157N) plates.
- Handles feature improved design to fit more comfortably in your hand.
- Coating on the quick-release lever is more durable and scratch resistant than before.
| Maximum Camera Supported | Standard size medium format |
| Load Capacity | 8.8 lb (4 kg) |
| Height | 4.5" (11.4 cm) |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Spirit Level | Yes |
| Tension Control | No |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8" |
| Weight | 1.7 lb (770 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 184 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
94%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Improves tripod function (138)
- Solid/sturdy (138)
- Easy to use (135)
- Fits well (128)
- Lightweight (17)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (18)
- Heavy (8)
- Poor design (4)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (97)
- Portraits (92)
- Night shots (83)
- Wildlife (50)
- Home (45)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (78), Semi-pro photographer (40), Pro photographer (25), Casual photographer (14), Enthusiast (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (87), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Perfect "Beginner" Manfrotto head
This head is a super piece of equipment! It is built very well, and supports my Canon 20D & 28-300mm lens just dandy.
I had originally rented this same...Read complete review
This head is a super piece of equipment! It is built very well, and supports my Canon 20D & 28-300mm lens just dandy.
I had originally rented this same head a while back doing a portrait photo shoot. I really liked the design and how it worked (compared to my junky Velbon), so when I was looking for a tripod head, my decision was easy. I knew it was built well since I had used it before. Manfrotto is a great brand in my opinion.
Keep in mind - this isn't the BEST tripod head out there. There are much better, rock-solid heads. But Manfrotto really made a good one here. If you're looking to upgrade from your Velbon or other low-end brand, this head is really worth it (even if it is more than you wanted to spend).
I combine this head with the 190XB legs. This is a GREAT combo. Though they're not the best legs, they do work very, very well - and couple with this head perfectly. (Tip: get the legs with quick releases - not the screw-down type legs sections. Even though you will spend an extra 10 bucks or whatever it is, you will save a LOT of time adjusting the legs. I don't know what I would do if I got the screw-down type.)
It's nice that this head has a springy function that makes the handles spring back (almost) into position when they are loosened. It doesn't really help level the equipment on top, but it's really nice to get it back into position in a reasonable amount of time. It also is good for protecting your equipment (like the description says).
Some Cons: it's a bit bulky. When the head is positioned to fit into a bag with legs attached (tilted all the way over to the left and tilted all the way down), it really gets a little tall. (By the way, that height [with the BO190XB legs] is approx. 29 ½" tall. Without the legs: 8".) Also, the pan and tilt handles might (for some) seem a little loose when not tightened down. This is not a concern for me. Adjusting the pan and tilt can be jerky when zoomed in with an SLR.
Other than the cons (which are generally expected with a 'budget' tripod head), this really is one of the best heads you can get within a reasonable price range. It is very versatile, sturdy, easy to adjust, quality built, and overall just great. And like all Manfrotto products, it's made in Italy.
PS - remember to register online for the 5 year warranty. After registering, it only took me a few minutes.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not a fan of the new material
I wanted a lightweight head for nature work. My the lens and body I used with the head was less than the weight limitations stated, but the head still flexed--in fact it flexes...Read complete review
I wanted a lightweight head for nature work. My the lens and body I used with the head was less than the weight limitations stated, but the head still flexed--in fact it flexes very easily and a lot. I am not impressed with this new material and will be looking for only metal alloys from now on. This head is probably fine for rangefinder work, but certainly nothing with a long lens--even if it is lighter than the capacity the head is supposed to handle.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 184 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
This was received with my tripod 190XPROB Pro Aluminum
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Camera quickly and easily attaches to head.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Especially compared to the base the head was heavier than anticioated but for the control it provides over my old tripod it's worth it.
It would have been nice though especially at these prices if the head or base or both had come with some sort of protective case.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
It is durable, easy to use, very comfortable on the hands, precise and affordable
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
- Little difficult at first
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I found this to cumbersom at first, but after using it, got used to it. Very sturdy, worked well with my camera...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Loose Clamp
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Pretty good, but it looks like plastics.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
easy to use,precise
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
I'm a photo enthusiast, currently shooting food photography for a personal project. Bought this item to have precise control over the angles and positioning of each shot for still-life and food. Great item, great value. Overall it could have smoother movements but for the price and value I am very happy with it. Great build quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
It's okay for occasional tabletop and light enough for outdoor work. It's a little flimsy and not smooth at all. But, it's much, much less expensive than the top of the line.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Functional
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
The head works well for heavier slrs, D700.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Tripod Function
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Does what it should. As one of the least expensive full-range pan/tilt Manfrotto heads it lacks some of the fluid motion of a heavier more expensive head, it lacks the metal construction, and it lacks the speed of a ball head.
But it also costs 1/2 to 1/3 to 1/4 of what those others do.
Some of the other criticisms are indeed true, but for the money, I'm very happy with the performance so far. Next we'll see how it travels. . .
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Sturdy yet heavy. Perfect if you have time to set up your shot. Not ment for video. At all.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
- Pan's bad
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Does what it does pretty good.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
To photograph my jewelry pieces.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Smooth and easy to use, locks tight and holds up to the rigors of travel.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
- Shifts while tighening
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Once I get the perfect composition the head will move as I start to tighten the handles throwing my composition off. An example would be, using my 7D with 85mm 1.8 for a portrait, I'll adjust for my shot then when I tighten the handles to lock off my shot the angle will change, down and to the right. The more I tighten the handle, the more it moves. So now, When I compose a shot, I have to start higher and to the left to compensate when I lock down the shot. Very frustraing when I try to micro adjust a lens and want my shot to target a very specific spot.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Field macros
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Tripod Function
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Excellent product!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
Easy to adjust. Stable. Good price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fits Well
- Improves Tripod Function
- Solid/Sturdy
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 804RC2 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC2 Quick Release & 200PL-14 QR Plate:
good head for photography but ok for video. will upgrade to 701hdv for video. solid construction.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Reducing/Enlarging Bushings
- Price: $8.95
Quick Release Adapters
- Price: $39.00
Universal Camera Plates
- Price: $13.95
Custom Body Plates
- Price: $24.90
Vertical "L" Brackets
- Price: $64.95
Universal Lens Plates
- Price: $49.95
What's in the Box
- 200PL-14 Rectangular Quick Release Plate with 1/4"-20 Screw
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
