Best buy Digital Camera Online

My goal was to find a good quality head to be used in conjunction with a Bogen 681B Monopod Manfrotto 681B Professional Aluminum Monopod (Black) and my Nikon D300 Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only).

My camera weighs in at just under 5 pounds with the vertical grip and either the 17-55 2.8 or 70-200 VR lens. So the 234RC fit the bill.

I have always been impressed with the quality and reasonable prices offered by the Bogen/Manfrotto brand. I was not disappointed in the 234RC. It is solidly built without being overbuilt. It is not what I would consider to be heavy and I do like the small footprint of the rapid connect plate. I don't mind just leaving it on my camera even when I have no intention of using the monopod.

I particularly like the small security lock which when used correctly prevents the disaster of your camera falling off the head if you accidentally hit the locking lever. When it's locked, the plate (and camera) cannot detach from the head.

This is a well-made, reasonably priced head. 5 stars.

I recently bought this Monopod head that goes with the Manfrotto 694 Monopod. Amazon listed this item as an accessory to the Monopod. Both of them are made for each other as they fit well as one piece. The 234RC provides a quick release just by turning the thumb handle that lets the top plate popped out. Once the plate is in place, a side pin provides additional safety to prevent the thumb handle from turning. That's definitely a nice feature in this head. Great buy so far!

I purchased this to mount a D300 with 70-200 f2.8 VR zoom on a Bogen 679 monopod. The camera and lens are of substantial weight and I was worried that the head might not be able to handle the weight of the camera. It's rated for a 5.5lb capacity. My camera with the lens and MB-D10 weighs a beefy 6lbs 10oz, so I'm overtaxing it. If I was a working pro, I'd want something more substantial. But most people will never exceed 5.5lbs with a DSLR and kit lens.

I'm impressed with the quality of construction - this is a relatively heavy head (good in my case) and functions smoothly and securely. It has no problem handling the weight of my camera, although I'm careful with it just in case. For most folks taking photos of kids at various outdoor sports, this is the perfect solution. I can't imagine using a monopod without it. The head swivels 90 degrees for vertically composed shots. The locking quick release allows for fast removal of the camera for hand held shots. Another nice features is that the RC2 quick release plate used here is the same that's available on several Manfrotto tripod heads, so the plate is cross compatible.

My only complaint is the lack of a notched stop to let you "feel" where 0 degrees is (straight, vertical alignment). But since it's used on a monopod it doesn't really matter much.

Bottom line: I can't imagine using a monopod without this head.