Bogen Quick Release Systems

I'm thinking about upgrading to a real tripod set up. I'm have it narrowed down to 2 sets of legs. The Bogen 3021B Pro, and the Bogen 3221WN. My main dilema is what head to put on it. I want something in the $100 range. I'm stuck between the 322RC2, 488RC0, 488RC2, and 488RC4. I checked out the 322RC2 last night so I know what that's like. I didn't check out the 488, but I have a pretty good idea what it's all about. My biggest question is, what's the differance between the RC0, RC2, and RC4 systems? I have gone to the Bogen website, and looked them all up, but the info isn't all that great. The shape of the plate is differant, and the RC0, and RC4 both have 2 built in levels where the RC2 doesn't have any. Is one plate more secure than the other? Is one model easier to use than the other? Any one have any info on any of these quick release systems?

The syetem this will be used with is the DRebel, with battery pack, and the largest lens is a Sigma 170-500mm APO if that helps.

Thanks in advance!

On the 322rc2 and 488rc2 you get the plate I would never trust my gear to.

On the 488rc0 you get the plate I have seem 8x10 LF camera on , and the plate I would own. BUT, I am not familiar with the plate on the 488rc4.

being as I would never own a head with the (RC2) 3157 QR plate, I do not have to worry about the hand fatigue that will came from sqeezing that handle to follow my subject for extended periods.

EVERY bogen ballhead with the cute little flip lever I ever played with seemed to get move and more play(read not clamp tight) after extended use. I for one would want tension control in a ballhead too.

Hi Michael,

First, I need your address to send your slide and cd since I lost the address.

Secondly, I just switched to a Kirk Ballhead, and have a Bogen 3262QR head that you can have.

If you want it, it's yours. I've used this head with a Nikon F5 and a RZ 67 with no problems. I would suggest a shutter release cable over a more expensive head Bogen head.

As Paul mentioned, in the long run for a more secure connection you really have to press down on the lever to make sure it's tight and then lock it. I've never had a problem with the head when I do this, but the plate sometimes gets loose.


Let me know, it's just laying on the table without a home or legs. I have extra plates so I can throw a couple in the box for you.

Loren

Thanks for taking the time to post some feedback guys! I went to a camera shop yesterday afternoon, but they weren't much help. They had the RC2 there, but none of the other ones to compair it to. :(

Thanks for mentioning the tension setting as well. That is something I didn't give a lot of priority to, but would be worth a little extra $. Thanks again.