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The Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head offers the versatility of a ball head , with true ergonomic control.
The 322RC2 is unique in that it allows the camera mounting assembly to be positioned for left or right hand operation, in horizontal or vertical position, and in addition, will allow 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. The very act of taking your hand away from the grip locks the head into position, which eliminates the extra step of having to tighten a knob or lever before being ready to shoot. The tension of the ball can be adjusted to accommodate the load weight.
This head is not suitable for continuous tracking of moving subjects, it is not practical since one must always grip the lever to release the ball and thus your hand would tire after prolonged use.
An ideal head for action or wedding and portrait photographers.
| Maximum Camera Supported | SLR or medium format camera |
| Load Capacity | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Height | 4" (10.3 cm) [in horizontal position] |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Spirit Level | Yes |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 |
| Weight | 1.4 lb (635 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Far Better than a Vertical Ball Head
I bought this new 322RC2 to replace an old vertical type grip action ball head that I had used for years. I didn't like the way the camera body was so far away from the...Read complete review
I bought this new 322RC2 to replace an old vertical type grip action ball head that I had used for years. I didn't like the way the camera body was so far away from the pivot ball with the vertical grip system. This was not really a problem during landscape shots, but became a real nuisance during portrait shots. Why? Because you had all that weight just hanging out there about 8" to the side of the tripod, away from the ball pivot point. I have a Canon 40D, and with the battery pack installed and a F2.8 17-55 zoom attached, things would really get shaky. Talk about stress test your tripod to the max! Then if I threw on the Canon 580 flash and a diffuser to the mix, it would get down right scary! My tripod weighs about 8 lbs and I consider it to be very stable normally. But with all that weight hanging off to the side like that, one wrong move and the whole works could end up tipping right over! Plus, I had to wait for the camera to stop moving before I could even take the shot.
Add the Manfrotto 322RC2 to the picture. This new horizontal grip system solves all of that because it keeps the camera body as close to the ball pivot point as any other standard non quick release ball head does. And with an 11 lb rating you can put a good amount of equipment on it. When I tilt my camera setup to the side now for portrait style shots, it is rock steady. The difference is like night and day. This ball head design is simply brilliant. This is a perfect ball head for the person that makes a lot of adjustments on the go like I do. Movement from shot to shot is quite fluid in use and yet very solid once released. This is a perfect head for the nature photographer that likes to move around a lot to get all different types of shots. You can set the camera into any position you would like with a little maneuvering and twisting of the ball head. The person who said in their review that the camera can not be pointed up with this ball head is incorrect. I have pointed my camera straight up in both landscape and portrait modes. You just need to spend a few minutes with it at first and play around with the mechanics of how the ball head can be manipulated. Once you see how it's done, it's a piece of cake to place your camera in any position you like.
This is one of the nicest accessories you can add to any Digital or 35mm-SLR tripod system.
PS: I don't recommend this for shooting video. It is not nearly fluid enough for that and your hand would get tired trying to keep the grip squeezed.
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Most Liked Negative Review
No good for portrait orientation
I'd been looking forward to getting this for a while. I shoot severe weather and speed of adjustment/set-up is essential. I thought this would be the solution but on my first shoot found ...Read complete review
I'd been looking forward to getting this for a while. I shoot severe weather and speed of adjustment/set-up is essential. I thought this would be the solution but on my first shoot found that the head has very limited motion when you put the camera in portrait orientation. Exchanged with the 488RC2 midi ball head.
If you only shoot in landscape orientation this is ideal. It is stable and quick.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 297 customers
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I was considering a a less expensive mini-ball tripod head and decided to purchase the Manfrotto 322RC2 instead. I am extremely happy I spent the few additional dollars. The one-hand operation of the 322RC2 is excellent and the flexibility it affords are a perfect match to the Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod I purchased with it. This combination is rock-steady and very easy to use. Just squeeze the grip, compose your image, release the grip to lock and shoot. I cannot detect any "droop" after releasing / locking the grip. The 322RC2 comes setup in a conventional arrangement -- grip offset to one side. You can easily reconfigure / reposition the RC2 plate such that it is mounted to the end of the grip -- thereby creating an alternative, upright, "pistol-grip" arrangement. The materials and engineering of the Manfrotto 322RC2 are excellent.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I am just learning to use heavy lenses that require a tripod to steady. I started out with a cheap tripod that was pretty worthless. I upgraded to the Manfrotto with the 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead and I am very pleased. It is very easy to use and supports my heavy telescope lens very well with no wobble. I am very happy with this purchase.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I use this with my Manfretto 055XPROB tripod. It is a great asset to any photographer. The built in level increases your precise accuracy.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I gotta say, this is one well built product, I use it with my DSLR slider, and mannnnn it holds really well, the one thing I love is that it's very low profile compared to other similar products
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
My first ballhead experience seems great so far, solid, flexible and well built.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
So convenient to move camera anywhere you want.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I purchased this for use with the Glidetrack Pro SD when shooting video. I didn't necessary need a pan&tilt head , so i went with this. It works great. The build is strong and definitely quality (wouldn't expect otherwise from Manfrotto).
It works like a charm for pushing the camera rig along the glide track and the benefit of the bullhead is that quickly adjusts to make your camera level, and quickly locks into place by releasing the grip lever.
If you want to create live horizontal or vertical panning effects , this won't work. Its made to adjust and lock into place for quick camera positioning.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
With this grip I no longer get those crooked horizons!
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I bought this along with a Manfrotto tripod over 2 years ago and it is still functioning as it did when new. It does take some getting used to. Once it's set it does not move, it can go from horizontal to vertical in one quick motion. I use it with a Sigma 50-500 heavy telephoto lens & a D5000 as well as a D70 and a 50 macro and both work great! It is very stable and can adjust fairly quickly. I would recommend it to any photographer.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I originally bought a Manfrotto 294 with a panning head, then returned it for the 055 legs and this 322 head.
This ball head with the "joystick" is a real pleasure to use.
I'm an "advanced amateur", and it is great that manfrotto makes professional gear at a realistic price point for people like me. At least for me, the big drawback of the 294 was the panning head and the quick release which wasn't "quick" for me. This head is just great. Fast and very easy to use. Compared to the 294, this combination is only a bit heavier and only a bit more expensive, especially with the rebate. At the same time, it is incredibly cheaper than the super fancy equipment that would be the next step up from here.
You shouldn't have any concerns about getting this unit.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
The trigger grip allows for quick positioning of your camera. The bubble level is a nice feature. I was impressed with the ability to precisely position the camera exactly the way you want.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Used with SLR and even with a video camera
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Strong grip and fast, solid adjustments. Love it!!!
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
The grip ballhead is a vast improvement over the normal type. It's far easier to adjust and locks tight. Highly recommended.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
As in other reviews, I found that over about 1 years time, the ball loosened to the point that just putting the camera on it makes it fall forward, no matter how tight you make the tension. It is now useless. I have checked all screws and this is not the problem. Also became increasingly difficult to move forward and back (side to side is fine) to the point you have to "fight" it to move in those directions.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Never using a ballhead before, it's incredible and I would never go back to what I was using before. It's very smooth, sturdy, and it's so easy to attach and release the camera in just one simple motion. My only criticism is that the grip handle does not allow for very easy video panning, but it's intended for photographers, so that's my own problem.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
This is a great entry level ball head. Works well and is easy to use and adjust. I would recommend a hot shoe level as the level is a bit small. Otherwise a great product
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
robust, precise and stable. I recommend it.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Having just gotten my ballhead and compared to what I had this seems to be a good deal for the price. I am anxious to give it a good workout.
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Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I purchased the 322RC2 Ball head at the end of January along with a Manfrotto 055CXPRO 3-SECTION TRIPOD. Since then I have purchased another Manfrotto Monopod and a Manfrotto Light stand.Was VERY happy with Manfrotto because of the workmanship. My ball head did have a little stick to it when moving back to forward, worked fine going from left to right. I thought it would work itself out but now three months later it has gotten worse, much worse. To the point where it takes two hands to "break" it free.[...] Here's where the problem is! There is NO telephone number on their website only an internal email that I used. 10 days later and NO RESPONSE!!!!!So BUYER BEWARES!
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