I also have a Manfrotto 234RC. There isn't much of a difference in build quality between them. They're both pretty solid and I'm not afraid to entrust them with my camera with a 400mm f/5.6 lens - I use it to attach my camera to my telescope mount. I prefer the safety pin on the top to the chunky safety pin on the Manfrotto. Also, the Manfrotto's quick-release mechanism seems to be wearing out (it needs to be squeezed a bit over time to get a firm grip). Because of this, the cheaper price and the fact that the top is also compatible with Giotto's MH 642 quick release plate, I vote for it.
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