p.1 #1 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
I'd like to get some thoughts & opinions on the Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Ball Head. I'm asking specifically regarding the older model 322, not the newer (and inferior IMO) 327 & 324 models or the vertical 222 model.
So here's why I'm asking for opinions & thoughts: I have a 322RC2 and am very happy with it. I use it primarily for my remote cameras (usually a 1-series with a 16-35L) and have never felt it lacking in performance...sometimes I even hang this setup in vertical format where the 322RC2 has it's lowest load rating and it's always performed well for me. However, since I have very limited experience using 'regular' ball heads, maybe I don't know what I'm missing. Perhaps the reason I think my 322RC2 is great is because I've never tried one of those highly touted ball heads and I'm just ignorant in my knowledge. Right now, I am in the market for another ball head & rather than purchase another model 322, I'd like to consider all options.
What really got me to ask this question was this weekend when I needed to setup a 2nd remote camera, so I borrowed a Manfrotto tripod & ball head from a buddy of mine. I used it and it worked just fine...but I gotta say, I found the whole action of loosening the ball head, aiming my camera, and re-tightening the ball very awkward. Once I loosened the ball, it simply felt un-natural 'flopping around' until I retightened it. By comparison, my 322 seems more intuitively natural...I can release all or partial pressure on the ball by adjusting my own hand pressure on the grip. No knobs, no settings...I simply adjust my hand. In fact, the whole process of adjusting the ball just seems to work better (for me) using the grip. So, what am I missing here...why all the negative comments here on FM regarding the 322RC2?. Some of the negative comments I've read have been about the smoothness (or lack there of) of the ball action, having the ball slip while trying to 'set' it, and requiring too much hand force on the grip. I haven't experienced any of these complaints...I think mine is quite smooth, it's never slipped on me, & my smallish hands don't have any problems with the grip force.
I'm not about to trash my 322RC2 on the basis of other people's opinions while it's performed so well for me but as I stated above, I am in the market now for a 2nd tripod & head so I'd like to be open-minded & consider a 'regular' ball head....so, your thoughts please.
p.1 #2 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
Many years ago I switched from a very basic Manfrotto 486rc2 to the 322rc2 and loved the convenience of the grip action head. I recently sold the 322rc2 in favor of a lighter tripod with an Arca-Swiss style ballhead. I never knew what the fuss was about these style plates but now I understand- they feel more secure when clamped down and the ability to have custom fitted plates so your body/lens doesn't spin is a huge plus.
But regarding the action grip action head to a ballhead, the benefits I've noticed are:
1. Separate panning/tilting knobs- Its nice to have the ability to pan separately from tiliting
2. Lighter/more portable options- the 322rc2 is quite bulky and heavy and there are many nice lightweight ballheads that are easier to transport
3. Precision- I always found moving the 322rc2 a short distance for fine adjustment (ie leveling horizon) rather difficult
4. Having Arca-swiss L-plates negates the need to have the head at a 90 degree angle, thus a more stable setup (some Manfrotto heads can be converted to take Arca plate, not sure if the 322 is one of them)
I'm not an extensive tripod shooter and like you I loved my 322rc2...until I tried the switched and realized what I was missing.
p.1 #3 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
I had it and was quite frustrated with it. It has very limited upward range, was awkward for me to use when shooting and is not an exceptionally stable head (none of the entry Manfrotto ball heads are).
I wouldn't base your opinion on traditional ball heads on the Manfrotto 498/496 heads - they are really poorly designed and handle terribly IMHO.
I have more traditional Arca-style heads/plates and I love them. I have the RRS BH-40 and the Sunwayfoto XB-44. I've heard good things about some of the Sirui heads, too. There are some pretty good ones out there. If you have a local "real" camera shop, I'd suggest a visit.
That said, if you like what you have, keep using it. I've seen them occasionally on the B&S board here, and they aren't expensive.
p.1 #4 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
Pistol-grips offer speed and convenience. I've used the vertical grip and love it for probably 90% of shooting. It's totally out of its league with a 70-200 f2.8. It does allow you to get shots you would miss while fiddling with a ball head.
Ball heads offer precision. I have also found myself loosening the wrong screw and wondering why the ball head won't move. I've also loosened the ball head when I wanted to loosen the pano. OOOOPS!!!! For all their precision, they are far more fiddly than a pistol grip. I once loosened the A-S clamp mistakenly and almost had the camera come out of the clamp.
On a monopod, I would never use a ball head. The pistol grip works wonders atop a monopod. The instant release and lock are unbeatable in this situation.
If you are happy with what you have, continue to use it.
p.1 #5 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
dfresh wrote:
I recently sold the 322rc2 in favor of a lighter tripod with an Arca-Swiss style ballhead. I never knew what the fuss was about these style plates but now I understand...Having Arca-swiss L-plates negates the need to have the head at a 90 degree angle, thus a more stable setup (some Manfrotto heads can be converted to take Arca plate, not sure if the 322 is one of them)
I'm not an extensive tripod shooter and like you I loved my 322rc2...until I tried the switched and realized what I was missing.
Yes, I do know about and use Arca Swiss plates but only on a handful of lenses, and then only for use on a monopod. I do not use any Arca Swiss plates on my cameras. Other than the remote setups I described, I rarely use a tripod...perhaps occasionally when doing a self/family portrait. For the remote setups, the Manfrotto RC2 plates work well for me...I use the ones with the anti-twist lip to ensure that the body & plate don't slip.
Also, there is a Manfrotto to Arca Swiss adapter made by Kirk. I have it but have very rarely used it...but on the few occasions that I did, it worked well.
p.1 #6 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
M635_Guy wrote:
I wouldn't base your opinion on traditional ball heads on the Manfrotto 498/496 heads - they are really poorly designed and handle terribly IMHO.
I have more traditional Arca-style heads/plates and I love them. I have the RRS BH-40 and the Sunwayfoto XB-44. I've heard good things about some of the Sirui heads, too.
Ah, that's a very good point...the only 'regular' ball heads I've used, have been the traditional/classic Manfrottos. Perhaps that's why I've been under-whelmed by them. There are a ton of photographers in Miami but I don't really 'network' too much...I have my little 'niche' market so I haven't really gone out to meet alot of local photographers. So, if a local South Florida FM'er wants to show me their nice RRS (or whichever) ball-heads, I'd be much oblidged.
p.1 #7 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
I had one and couldn't get it to hold the camera very firmly. It would work for a P/S type camera, but nothing that you want real steady or secure over a pound or two. It is quick to move, but not strong enough for me. I stick with real ball heads now.
p.1 #8 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
runamuck wrote:
Pistol-grips offer speed and convenience. I've used the vertical grip and love it for probably 90% of shooting. It's totally out of its league with a 70-200 f2.8. It does allow you to get shots you would miss while fiddling with a ball head.
Ball heads offer precision. I have also found myself loosening the wrong screw and wondering why the ball head won't move. I've also loosened the ball head when I wanted to loosen the pano. OOOOPS!!!! For all their precision, they are far more fiddly than a pistol grip. I once loosened the A-S clamp mistakenly and almost had the camera come out of the clamp.
If you are happy with what you have, continue to use it....Show more →
I think you hit it right on the perverbial head...use the right tool for the right situation. Maybe the 322RC2 is indeed a very limited style of ball head...but used in the right situation (as in my case) it may well be perfect.
So, that still leaves me with the question of which 2nd ball head I should purchase. I could get another model 322 and have the convenience of identical set-ups (which would simplify my set-ups in the field) -OR- I can get a much better ball head which could still serve the purpose of my 2nd remote setup but also be suitable for heavier duty use (even if I'm not currently needing that). It wouldn't be a bad idea to be prepared for such an occasion (I suppose)
p.1 #9 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
JohnBrose wrote:
I had one and couldn't get it to hold the camera very firmly. It would work for a P/S type camera, but nothing that you want real steady or secure over a pound or two. It is quick to move, but not strong enough for me. I stick with real ball heads now.
Really? This is what I find so odd...your response is exactly what I alluded to in my opening post. I don't understand how there can be so widely ranging experiences. I certainly believe you and the experience you describe...but I use the model 322 with a 1-series and a 16-35L which is alot heavier than the 2lb setup you describe. I even use it in vertical mode where it's at it's weakest load rating. It's not even in a level orientation...it's always either pointing slightly down or up.
p.1 #10 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
Omar - on both my RRS and Sunwayfoto ball heads, there is a "drag" adjustment that allows you to set a level of tension that stays on the ball head to keep it upright so it doesn't flop. Most nicer ball heads have this feature. I've heard Markins guys claim they love that design. Arca and Sunwayfoto both use elliptical balls (vs. perfectly spherical) to aid further - they are less prone to flop.
I'm not saying the 322RC2 isn't right for you BTW. For me, I think the flexibility of the Arca platform and L-plates, and the flexibility of composition makes me not miss the 322RC2 one bit. I think dialing in the tension on that head isn't easy or consistent, which is why you see so many people talking about creep. But even dialed in, it isn't terrific from a sheer stability perspective.
p.1 #11 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
I have had and used a 222 for some 8 years. It's great for wedding work when I need fast focus recompose shoot. It is however a monopod sitting on a tripod and a rather weak rating on the monopod at that. From experience it's nowhere near good enough for medium format film even with wide focal lengths, movement all over the place seen with a 5X loupe. I also wouldn't use it for anything over about 70mm for the same reason.
The 322 lies flat not vertical so it's no longer a monopod but the handle is on the wrong side! you can hold either the camera grip or the handle but not both at the same time. Forget focus recompose, forget fast shooting. Stupid idea to cripple what is really the only reason that you would ever use one of these heads.
As others have mentioned you lose a panorama setting for turning the camera in only one axis. You lose the ability to add an arca style quick release (I have one on my 222 but only by using the grip turned 90 degrees!), it's heavy, doesn't support much weight at all but if you use it for what it's made for, it's a nice solution.
p.1 #12 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
Beni wrote:
...The 322 lies flat not vertical so it's no longer a monopod but the handle is on the wrong side! you can hold either the camera grip or the handle but not both at the same time. Forget focus recompose, forget fast shooting. Stupid idea to cripple what is really the only reason that you would ever use one of these heads...
Actually, the handle is completely reversable so that you can place your left hand on the ball head grip & your right hand on the camera grip. Basically, you remove the bolts that attach the QR base and reattach it on the opposite side, then twist & flip the handle around. The Manfrotto logo will be on the bottom of the handle now but other than that it's a mirror image. In fact, that's how I have mine set-up.
p.1 #14 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
Beni wrote:
Is the pressing in bit, the trigger, now no longer facing forward if you do that?
No, not at all...you can flip it so it's still oriented correctly (It's designed that way) It's a 100% reversed mirror image. The ONLY that looks odd is the Manfrotto logo is now on the bottom of the grip, that's all. If I can find a copy of my instruction manual, I'll scan it & send it to you.
p.1 #16 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
omarlyn wrote:
No, not at all...you can flip it so it's still oriented correctly (It's designed that way) It's a 100% reversed mirror image. The ONLY that looks odd is the Manfrotto logo is now on the bottom of the grip, that's all. If I can find a copy of my instruction manual, I'll scan it & send it to you.
Omar
I borrowed one from a camera club member and I thought it was bass ackward. I didn't know you could reverse it. My grips are Dynatran knock offs of the 3265, which is a vertical grip. SThe 322 is far more stable than mine.
p.1 #17 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
Not only can you switch grip handle sides relative to the mounting plate, you can also remove and reposition the mounting plate to the butt end of the grip, such that the entire grip becomes stalk like, parallel rather than perpindicular to the axis of the monopod. There are two rubber plugs on the end of the handle that once removed reveal the threaded holes spaced the same distance as the double pair of holes on the ball barrel.
p.1 #18 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
I received the Manfrotto 322RC2 head as part of a prize for winning a Outdoor Photographer contest. I tried it out but dismissed it, probably prematurely, as a piece of gear that seemed gimmicky.
The way it works is logical, with the ability to make fast adjustments, but I never liked the precision it offered. Too much fiddling back and forth to get the image framed correctly. I also don't like the size, weight and packability.
I currently use a Markins Q3T as my lightweight travel ballhead and a Arca-Swiss Z1 for most uses.
If set up properly, a ballhead shouldn't flop over. If you get the tension right, you don't need to loosen it, then tighten it. Just position it, then shoot. Also, the top ballheads seem to have the least amount of creep.
With ballheads, I think there is a lot of personal preference in these discussions. If the gear you have works for you, then I don't see a reason to change. If you think your gear is limiting in some way, then find something else that works for you.
p.1 #19 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
I bought my 322RC2 some 7 or 8 years ago, the month it became imported into the US. It could not handle the weight of the camera and lens package that I bought it for, despite tightening the adjustment wheel most of the way. I imagine it could handle a lighter combination with applomb, though.
p.1 #20 · Opinions on the 322RC2 Manfrotto Grip Ball Head
Focus Locus wrote:
I bought my 322RC2 some 7 or 8 years ago, the month it became imported into the US. It could not handle the weight of the camera and lens package that I bought it for, despite tightening the adjustment wheel most of the way. I imagine it could handle a lighter combination with applomb, though.
Let me ask you something (if I may)...I hear this complaint alot and usually it involves a load that I think (based on my experience) the 322RC2 grip should handle easily. So, my question is: Did you simply tighten the large friction wheel in the handle OR did you tighten the small (nearly hidden) brass set-screw? It's the brass set-screw that will adjust the 'tight-ness' of the ball when it's locked. I've always gotten the feeling that users of this ball head are only tightening the friction wheel on the handle...that will do nothing for the locking force on the ball. To increase/adjust the locking force on the ball, one needs to adjust the brass set-screw, NOT the friction wheel. BTW, the set-screw is supposed to be factory set but it's been my experience (from trying various units at stores) that these set-screws are not uniformly set with any kind of precision. To adjust the set-screw, only turn it between 1/8 & 1/4 turn at a time...it's rather sensitive.
