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Bob Koss
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p.1 #1 · new to tripods

I just purchased a tripod with the Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head. Here's a link with a picture:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000184N22/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

It works great - have a Canon Digital Rebel mounted on it and it's very easy to use, so far with the kit lens. That brings up my question.

I have the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L - big and heavy, but oh so sweet. The lens has a "tripod mount" attached to it. Am I supposed to attach the lens to the tripod and let the camera hang off the back of the lens, or keep the camera attached to the tripod and just change lenses? Is there any harm in letting the lens hang off the camera while the camera is attached to the tripod?

Does anybody have this particular ball head and can offer advice on how to use it with a big lens?

Edited on Dec 08, 2007 at 01:32 AM

Dec 07, 2007 at 10:17 PM

Ariel Bravy
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p.1 #2 · new to tripods

Generally if a lens has a tripod ring, you'll want to use it instead of the camera's tripod mount. If you don't, you'll have a lot of flex against the lens mount. Imagine trying to hang a 600 f4 off a lens mount with the body attached to the tripod.

It's an exaggeration, obviously, but gets the point across.

Edited on Dec 08, 2007 at 01:32 AM

Dec 07, 2007 at 10:33 PM

Bob Koss
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p.1 #3 · new to tripods

To mount the lens to the tripod, would I have to have the grip either underneath the lens or behind it - either way the grip would be in an unnatural position along the axis of the lens instead of the more natural position along the axis of the camera.

I must be missing something fundamental as the ball head has gotten rave reviews.

Edited on Dec 08, 2007 at 01:32 AM

Dec 07, 2007 at 10:44 PM

runamuck
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p.1 #4 · new to tripods

The way the head is set up, the handle/trigger would be at right angles to the lens length. Asssuming (not always good) that you are right handed and operating the trigger with your right hand, this is the most ergonomic method.

I use the equivalent of the 3265 ballhead, which is a vertical version of the 322. I have become quite adept to working the lever with my left hand and steadying/aiming the camera with my right. The 322 is set up bass-ackward from the way I work. If they made a left-hand model, I would get it.

With the vertical grip, I work movements with both hands, while my right hand remains on the camera handgrip and shutter. The 322 forces you to do everything with one hand.

I do use the 3265 witha Sigma 70-200 f2.8. It is about all the head can handle. The weight plus the length of the pistol grip makes it like a big lever trying to force the ball. Using the tripod mount on the lens reduces this somewhat, but it still gets heavy even a little off true vertical. Think foot-pounds of torque here.

Always use the tripod foot on the lens. At some point, the length and weight of the lens act like a big lever, and try to pull the lens mount out of the camera body. I've seen cases where the lens has succeeded. To get an idea of the forces involved, try holding the lens just by the camera mount. At some point, hanging the camera off the back of the lens is far less stressful than trying to anchor the camera and let the lens hang free. Again, think foot-pounds of torque. If the lens comes with a tripod mount, use it. Replacing a ripped-out lens mount is a very expensive repair.

Dec 08, 2007 at 01:32 AM


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