Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg)
The Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head is the redesigned model in the three-way range of heads. The 808RC4 now also includes the Double Axis Spring System which consists of a built-in 3.3 lb spring for both the front tilt and side tilt movements. It also incorporates dual axis bubble levels to better achieve level shots.
This innovative solution, borrowed from the video industry, helps to move the camera smoothly while framing the picture, as it helps to balance some of the camera weight. In addition, it absorbs the shock to bodies and lenses when reaching the end stop of the head movement.
- One or both springs can simply be turned off by the two separate control knobs, for when using an extremely lightweight camera system.
- Modernized overall shape and many of the hard edges have been rounded to produce a fresh and elegant product.
- A new coating on the quick-release lever that is more durable and scratch resistant.
- Newly designed handles to fit comfortably in the hand, even taking into consideration the size of fingers.
| Maximum Camera Supported | Large format |
| Load Capacity | 17.6 lb (8 kg) |
| Height | 6.1" (15.5 cm) |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Spirit Level | Yes, double |
| Tension Control | No, but does have balance spring |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8" |
| Weight | 3 lb (1.370 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 95 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (82)
- Attaches firmly (79)
- Large range of motion (75)
- Strong clamp (70)
- Improves tripod function (5)
Cons
- Heavy (34)
- Complicated controls (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (60)
- Portraits (60)
- Night shots (51)
- Home (36)
- Wildlife (31)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (32), Photo enthusiast (30), Pro photographer (13), Enthusiast (6), Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (50)
Most Liked Positive Review
Safety first.
I use this aluminum 808RC4 to be the base for my Toyo-Field 45AII - a 4x5 camera which weighs in at around six pounds, but when a newer style (bulkier) Symmar or similar lens...Read complete review
I use this aluminum 808RC4 to be the base for my Toyo-Field 45AII - a 4x5 camera which weighs in at around six pounds, but when a newer style (bulkier) Symmar or similar lens is added, plus lens shade/compendium, filter, BTZS dark cloth and film holder, the dead weight is closer to ten pounds or more.
I was using a very good 'famous name' ball head (which is great for my MF cameras), but I quickly tired of the lack of control when aligning the camera - the 'floppyness' of a large format camera sitting on a ball, always about to suddenly dip forward alarmingly. I was always wishing for three hands !
The Manfrotto 808RC4 is such a pleasure to use, especially with the super safe RC4 quick release plate. The 3-way head (with dual axis built in levels) can quickly and accurately bring your camera into perfect alignment. The three large rubberized adjustment handles are perfectly placed and excellent to use, and when the camera position is locked, it is locked. Not a millimeter of movement as you tighten the handles, or when you remove your hold of the body. All of this, plus two balance springs in the vertical tilt (forward/backward) and horizontal tilt (left/right) movements (which you can turn on or off) to make the alignment of the camera even easier.
I like products that are well designed and well engineered. I especially like products which I can 'forget' about when I use them. I want to concentrate on my creative work, not my tools. The Manfrotto 808RC4 is such a tool, and I am delighted with it. If you need to support a weighty camera, with ease and with absolute peace of mind, the 808RC4 should be your go-to tripod head.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not very users friendly
You have to tighten the handle knobs VERY firmly to achieve a secured lock at any particular position. ..... Don't know whether this is the normal feature of this head !!
You have to tighten the handle knobs VERY firmly to achieve a secured lock at any particular position. ..... Don't know whether this is the normal feature of this head !!
....... I have returned this head and purchased the ball head.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 95 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
This has so far proven to be a very versitile head, rock solid when locked down. Still evaluating whether I might go with another type head for fine macro work. I looked at the the Manfrotto 804RC2 but didn't like the fact that it wasn't all metal construction, read a number of reviews which talked about flex and movement. Very Happy with the 808RC4. Use for outdoor photography, wildlife and macro. Particullary like the spring counter balance mechanism.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
We bought this with the 055XPRO legs and love that set up. The head pans smoothly (for video). It's easy to make fine tuned adjustments and it's very easy to use!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Multiple exposures
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
There is a never-never land between short lens, light camera bodies and long lenses, pro bodies. This head fills the middle ground. Short of a 500mm lens and a 1Dx body, this head will work pretty well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
This Pan/Tilt Head is easy to use and very well made. The RC4 Quick release is a nice feature and allows you to change cameras quickly. The 3 way tilt is great with any tripod.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
I'm a Photo and Video Enthusiast for work and home. I purchased this head beacuse I do both photo and video work and liked the features this head offers. This is my first type of nice tripod & head so I didn't have anything to compare this to before making my purchase decision, I just thought I'd start with this head and see how I like it and go from there. I have used it for both photo and video and like it a lot. It takes a little getting used to the operation of it for a first timer like myself but it does Operate Very Smoothly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Ease of Use
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Quality
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
- Long adjustment arms
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
Just finished my first photo session using the 808RC4. Works great! Have Nikon D700 with 24-70mm f2.8 lens; total weight is over 5 lbs. Settings held with no need for over tighting. Had a pistol grip head before and the unit, although, rated to handle the weight still would drop frequently. No fear with this unit.
This is quality product with fully degree calculated scale on base, both tilt arms plus level bubbles. Recommended for heavy camera/lens combos.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
I got this together with my Manfrotto 055XPROB TRIPOD legs and they make an awesome pair. Very easy to even out, since there are 3 pointers.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
I absolutely love this Pan Head, the build is solid, the flow is smooth as can be. Awesome.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
Moves smoothly and locks well even with a D90 with 500mm lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Double axis bubble levels
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- None Yet
Best Uses
- Birding
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
Fits the Slik 700DX tripod perfectly. I am glad I went with the 808RC4 as this combo is rock steady. The combo is somewhat heavy but the stability is worth the extra weight to me. I will not be backpacking great distances with this unit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- 3 Bubble Levels
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Cant Point Straight Up
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
Its a great head. With that in mind here are the problems Ive found with it.
The spring balance mechanism is not the best. It works but it resists more forward than backward. Turning it off and on is awkward because sometimes it doesn't catch.
This head cant point strait up.
It would be nice if the plate could fit in more than one direction.
Other than that, its great and it seems like it will last a long time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Degree markings
Cons
- Knobs a little flimsy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Stop-motion
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
The head is great for still images, especially for stop-motion work it is ideal because of the degree marks on all three axes. Not ideal for video work, though, pan and tilt motions of the head are not naturally smooth. But you can still make it work, just be very fluid with your arm and shoulder.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
I utiize this product with my Canon XL2 with a Matte Box, and Sony UWP mic set which the 808RC4-3-way pan/tilt head hold without question. I like everything about this product, I'm very pleased with; I'm also glad I purchased it. I have not found anything wrong with it, and I suspect I will not.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
808RC4 head from Manfrotto is a heavy gear in both meaning. It's heavy in weight, but it's supposed to be like that. it's also sturdy which is something you're looking for in pro stuff like that. It's of great use in photo studios as well as doing the landscape work. all mechanisms work smoothly and I'm very satisfied so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
I had a ball head, but ball heads are for more table top / macro photography and that's not what I'm into. This makes using a tripod bearable. The only reason I'm giving it four stars, is it's hard to tighten on the camera, you need a coin to make sure it's secure.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
This head is super versatile and super sturdy. I can get my camera at just about every angle and not worry about the tripod leaning or falling over. I really like the handles used for adjustment and the level bubbles. This head is very quick to adjust and can hold the weight of my camera easily. The only complaint I have is that its sometimes difficult to attach the release plate to the head, but I'm sure that will get easier with practice. It locks in nice and tight though once you get it. I don't worry anymore about my camera not being safe and secure. Very trustworthy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
The Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head is the redesigned model in the three-way range of heads. The 808RC4 now also includes the Double Axis Spring System which consists of a built-in 3.3 lb spring...i'll be using this with my 400mm lens,and knowing there it well stay once i lock it in place,no drift!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
I never realized that quality is so important. This pan/tilt head is the best.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
as with the other hardware/attachments i got, i have not used it enough to justify a 5-star rating, but it is well on its way. no snags or snafu's with it, or its operation so far. if i run into any, i will be sure to update!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC4 Quick Release - Supports 17.6 lb (8kg):
Wow what a great Head Unit.[...] When installed on my tripod it was so smooth and worked perfectly. I did research other units but this one is def made well and solid. YOu cant go wrong with this head unit. Will last you a lifetime. Can use it for still photography and with its smooth movement can be used for video aswell. Love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- 3271 (RC4) Quick Release Plate
- 2-Year Warranty ' Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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