Manfrotto808RC4 New Standard 3D Tripod Head with Quick Release, for Camera Tripods, Fluid Ball Head, Camera Stabilizer, Photography Accessories for Content Creation

I decided to buy this head as a replacement for a Manfrotto pistol-grip head (RC322). I use this head on a Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 tripod and the results so far have been excellent.The build quality of the head is excellent; it is very sturdy and precise; the individual 3-way angular movements are precisely marked, so very exact movements (such as for panning, etc) can be made. The three bubble-levels (plus one on the tripod) allow for very precise levelling, and the individual key arms operate smoothly and tighten up easily with little pressure. The head is heavy (1.9 kg), which improves stability, and sturdy, able to take a load of up to 12 kg, so it will easily handle a professional DSLR and a hefty zoom or prime lens. The large hexagonal release plate is, I think, an improvement on my old lighter rectangular plate; this is much heavier and clicks into place within a very sturdy mechanism.The only cons I have found are that the head makes the whole tripod top heavy when carried. I had to buy a new 80 cm bag to accommodate the extra length and girth (circumference) of the head; even so I have to remove one of the arms (as a previous reviewer has mentioned, take care not to lose the spring at the end of the arm) to close the bag and have to place the arm in a bag inside. This assemble/disassemble routine each time you use the tripod is my only gripe really.The head is a fantastic piece of engineering and provides a solid, stable platform to shoot from, and as such fulfils its role perfectly. I'm looking forward to many hours of happy usage ahead.

I use extension tubes for close up work a fair amount, I needed a tripod head that was smooth in opperation. I emailed Manfrotto UK direct and got a reply back the same day recommending the 229 pro head. (very good helpful service from Manfrotto)In my opinion this is a very good head. Operation is silky smooth but still locks up rock solid on all three axis with just a 1/4 turn of the rubber clad handles. The quick relese plate is a easy one hand operation and also locks up solid with just a simple snap down of the camera and once locked down has a safety device to prevent it becoming detatched from the tripod. For me it is almost perfect and I would rate it as very good value and fantastic quality. Fitted onto my old but still very good 055CB tripod it is a truly exellent piece of photographic kit. I will give it 10/10Edit 23rd July 2010I took my 229 Pro head to the shooting range to cronograph some full bore rifle rounds. When placed about 2 Metres from the muzzle and shooting 50 .338 Lapua Magnum , 25 .300 Winchester magnum and several 7.62MM NATO rounds over the cronograph the head or tripod had not moved at all. In the past I have had to reset my none Manfrotto tripod after just a few shots. If it will take muzzle blast from a .338 LM it will take most pretty well anything.

Super-light for the sturdiness, goes well with the 055 carbon fibre tripod I bought it for. Not the cheapest thing of this sort but way better than Manfrotto's other three-way head, which weighs a ton by comparison and is no stronger. This is a nicely made, satisfying item to own, carry and use.Update: To clarify, this review was for a Manfrotto 460MG 3-way head - this review is now apparently associated with Amazon's listing for a range of Manfrotto 3-way heads, none of them being the one reviewed, which I think may have been discontinued (though it can still be found on Manfrotto's website.) It's a shame if they discontinued it, it's made of magnesium and weighs only about 450g. I've not used any of the ones currently listed.

This is a very well designed and innovative 3-way head. Straight out the box, one is presented with exceptional build quality. This head is compact and light, due to its magnesium construction, but still feels rugged and stable. All moving parts are precise with no play once locked into place.Instead of the usual pan and tilt handles, this head comes with three adjustment knobs, which are large and coated with tough rubber grips. Once you get used to where the knobs are and what they do, agjustments are quick and effortless; a few small turns on each will lock your camera securely. Manfrotto seem to have got the balance between speed and precision bang on.The head has a small spirit level and an angular measurement disc to aid those stitched panoramic shots. It also comes with a quick release plate with safety catch.The 460MG's trump card is its versatility. Coupled with the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod, I have yet to encounter a situation beyond its reach. One can achieve every possible angle with ease and there are no long, obtrusive handles to get in the way.My first Manfrotto purchase has certainly not left me dissapointed. An outstanding piece of kit at a very affordable price.

Bought this head for my Manfrotto 190 XProB tripod about three years ago, on an offer of £24.99 This is a simple to use, very robust and well made piece of kit, that is fully adjustable in the 3 planes. Excellent for still photography, as there is no long 'panning arm' to get in the way and jab you in the face when you are using it, as there usually is on a cheaper tripod head for general use for stills and video photography. (This would not be very good for video photography, where you would require the long arm for panning technique.) This bit of kit should last for several years to come, (it will probably last longer than me!!) and as with all Manfrotto equipment, is a good investment that is a really functional and reliable tool. Well worth paying the few pounds extra to have a reliable well made bit of kit made by a reputable manufacturer like Manfrotto. I have no hesitation in recommending this as a good purchase and good value for money, especially if you can purchase one on an offer like I was fortunate to find.

A sturdy piece of equipment which copes well with a big, heavy telephoto zoom. Difficult to adjust for slow panning shots, but it can be done. Because of its sturdyness, it's no lightweight.