Gordon,
I have the 486RC2 head, I use it on my monopod where a ball head is ideal. For macro work, I'd steer clear of a ball head, they are just to uncontrollable as they move in all orientations at the same time. I have only used the ball head with a big lens on my monopod at airshows where you are panning with the ball head fixed (pivoting around the single foot). For use with a big lens and a tripod, I'd imagine it's a bit tricky keeping the direction you're pointing under control.
I have different heads on my monopod and tripod (and scope for that matter, sometimes used for digiscoping, but not often these days), each has a different purpose, each head is better suited for the job it has to do. They all have the RC2 QR plate though.
Duncan
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