Manfrotto 700 RC2 Head

[william j clive]

The new Manfrotto lightweight head, 700 RC2, has been around long enough now for any snags or problems to have come to light.

Are they any good or should they be given a wide berth?

I would be grateful for any advice and, of course, where the best deal can be obtained.

Clive

[dogfish]

It's a well-made head that I've used successfully for a while now. I find it better with lighter scopes though; the 128RC has a smoother tilt mechanism. Also the screws tend to drop off the 700 if you carry it without a scope attached and (in my case) hadto be imported from Italy....

Sean

[Grousemore]

I use it with a lightweight (Leica 62) scope and it works ok'ish,but agree with Sean in that I don't think it would function well with a large scope.
I find it a bit fiddly to use,trying to get the tension just right for following a moving bird isn't that easy.
I can also confirm that the screws drop off.

[IanF]

What scope are you planning to use it with ?

I use a Swaro scope and with the 128RC you don't need a plate. I believe the 700 RC2 has a transverse mount so for me I'd need a plate. Not using a plate works better for me as regards stability.

[william j clive]

What scope are you planning to use it with ?

I have the big Nikon, so it does not look as if I will be rushing to get one, based on what has been said so far.

I believe Scampo has one of these, that he uses with a big scope, and he seemed quite happy with it.

I currently have, and am happy with, the 128 head. The choice is whether to shed many pounds from my pocket to save one pound in the weight of the gear I lug around.


Clive

[ed78user]

Hello.

I'm using one with a Nikon ED78 and Coolpix attached. I have no problems.

Obtained it from Canada via eBay.

[Swissboy]

Also the screws tend to drop off the 700 if you carry it without a scope attached and (in my case) hadto be imported from Italy....
Sean

That dropping off of screws seems to be a problem with ALL the models discussed. I once had to run after a screw on the 128RC and several times I just bare realized the problem before it fell off. Likewise, the Novoflex DinO which I often use now, is prone to lose screws. The Novoflex people gave me the hint to use loctite or another screw fastener. This has eliminated the problem quite well. You can still move the screw but with enough resistance to prevent it from moving by itself.

[Kevin Wade]

I have one with a Diascope 85 and digiscope with a Coolpix 4500 - so far so good!