Description
Take the versatility of a ball head, add true ergonomic control and you get the 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ballhead!The 322RC2 is unique in that it allows you to unblock, move, position and lock your camera with one hand in one position. This is due to the revolutionary design of its grip handle which incorporates the ball lock lever. A friction control wheel lets you regulate the power of the blocking mechanism to match the weight of your camera and lens. The 322RC2 is made from magnesium for lightweight performance, and is designed to keep the weight of your equipment as close as possible to the tripod's center of gravity by way of its reduced height. It is this fact, matched with the precision construction of the 322RC2 that gives the head its load capacity of 11 lbs (5.5lb capacity when in the vertical position).The 322RC2 comes complete with a built-in bubble spirit level and quick release camera plate (standard 1/4 - 20" screw, with secondary safety pin).The 322RC2 is suitable for use with 35mm or medium format cameras. In addition, you can also mount the 322RS shutter release accessory. The 322RS is a world's first. With its remote control electronic camera shutter release, the 322RC2 becomes the only photographic head available today that can put camera control within reach without having to move your hand from the head grip to the camera body.
Summary
Product Title: Manfrotto/Bogen 322RC2 GRIP ACTION BALL HEAD
Manufacturer: Manfrotto/Bogen
Power Score: 4.4 | 11 Reviews
General
URL: Manufacturer Link
Strengths: Light weight, quick release, quick and easy positioning of the attached camera.
Weakness: difficult to do horizontal panning
Just got this ball head and have used it so far to do macro photography. Love the eazy positioning feature. Framing the obj. just right is a no brainer. Able to be switched from right to left hand grip will surely accomodate the "lefty" photog, but is not a big deal for me. It also allows conversion to vertical position with no fuss.
Strengths: Flexible, quick and accurate
Weakness: none
The 322RC2 is the most flexible grip ball head. It can be mounted in three positions: left handed, right handed or vertically. I'm using it vertically right now because it's more convenient and more accurate. It's rated to support 5 lbs when mounted vertically. It handles my digital rebel XT, Kenko 2x tele-converter, 28-135 IS lens with big zoom rubber hood, and 420ex flash without any problem....
Strengths: Light weight
Weakness: price
One of the best ball head I have ever used. I used a bogen 468rc4. It is as sturdy as a rock but it is too heavy for outdoors. 322rc2 is much lighter than it. It handles my canon 70-200mm with 1.4x well
Strengths: Versatile, quick and easy to use. This new model can be used with the grip in vertical or horizontal position, adding to versatily.
Weakness: It uses Manfrotto type of quick release plates, not the trade standard Arca Swiss followed by pro ballhead manufacturers like Markins, Arca Swiss itself -of course- Linhof, Kirk, Foba.
Very light, made of cast aluminum, it does not add much to the weight of your monopod or tripod (0.78Kg, or 1.7 lbs), an important consideration in the field. I do not hesitate to recommend this nice gadget, so far proven to be ideal for 35mm cameras with short or medium focal length lenses. I used it first with the Nikon F4s + 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 AF Zoom Nikkor and it is was a real pleasure to...
Strengths: Fast positioning, sturdy, well made, converts from left to right hand grip. Primiarily horizontal but can do veritcal.
Since its a ball mount, not sutible for multiple exposure panorama's where you'd want a conventional head to pivot horizontally. Sized well for 35, would not feel comfortable with larger med. format like Mamiya RZ67. Like quick release shoe.
Strengths: well made
Weakness: Hard to get camera level,harder to use than I thought. Hard to control when camera, flash, bracket are all on the tripod.
I am not as impressed with this as I thought I would be. I liked it ok when it was holding my camera and lens only, but add the weigh and height of the flash and bracket and it is very hard to use (my equipment totals 6 lbs this ballhead claims to support 13.2). I have a lot of trouble trying to get it level. It claims to be easy to use with one hand. Maybe for a strong man, but I do not have the...
Strengths: Built solid,fluid motion, tension knob comes in handy when usinf different weight lenses,
Weakness: Would like to see the palm plate rubberized, for cold weather use.
Found this acc. while looking for something to top my momopod, actually thinkning about buying one for my tripod. Work's real good with my 80-200 attached to my digital bodys.
Strengths: Easy to use
Weakness: can't handle weight more than 12 lbs
This Bogen / manfrotto 322RC2 GRIP ACTION BALL HEAD is good for outdoor photography. With fast action grip, you can virtually go to any direction without worry to fasten the ballhead. The leveler help a lot. Can be set for left hand, right hand and vertigal grip. The only weakness is can't handle weight more than 12 lbs
Strengths: durable. great design.
Weakness: bubble level cannot be seen when using some very large telephoto lenses. A little heavy.
This is a great ball head. It does have a few minor quirks. For example when attaching large, heavy telephotos as instructed, the bubble level cannot be seen. And, this is certainly not one of the lightest ball heads around. Still, the item is very solid with great ergonomic design. Everything I’ve come to expect from Manfrotto—great quality at a fair price.
Testseek.com has collected 6 expert reviews for Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball Head and the average expert rating is 85 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
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Strengths: Extremely easy to adjust.
This is a great product. I was impressed with the quality. Besides that, the design makes it very easy to adjust to create perfect framing. I also ordered the electronic shutter release. I have yet to use that, but think it is a great concept and will prove to help me to shoot much more efficiently when using my tripod. I paired this head with the 3001bpro legs and think it will be a great combo.