Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg)
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.
- Fast, one-handed positioning
- Customizable for left or right-handed use, horizontal or vertical
- Built-in bubble level
- Optional 322RA adapter or 341 Junior Elbow bracket allow camera to be centered over tripod in horizontal and vertical axes
| 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®
by PowerReviews(based on 314 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (272)
- Attaches firmly (271)
- Strong clamp (246)
- Large range of motion (243)
- Easy to use (5)
Cons
- Heavy (64)
- Small range (7)
- Unstable (6)
- Complicated controls (3)
- Heavy / bulky (3)
Best Uses
- Portraits (189)
- Landscape/scenery (147)
- Night shots (127)
- Stabilization (101)
- Photography (96)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (127), Semi-pro photographer (57), Pro photographer (33), Enthusiast (31), Casual photographer (30)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (105), Yes (10)
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.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Can't hold weight of camera & flash
This grip is good for landscape photography, but I had issues with portrait (vertical) shoots.My grip could not hold the weight of my Canon EOS 5D and 580 Flash in the portrait position without...Read complete review
This grip is good for landscape photography, but I had issues with portrait (vertical) shoots.My grip could not hold the weight of my Canon EOS 5D and 580 Flash in the portrait position without clamping down the tension to the maximum setting, which defeats the purpose of having a one hand operation (because it requires two hands to adjust the tension, etc). I don't know if mine is defective or not, but I'm planning on returning it and just going to continue to use my Manfrotto 488RC2 head which I like a lot (but does require two hands to adjust (one on the camera, one on the tension dial).
Expertise: Expert
Problems Encountered: - Tension, at a reasonable setting, was not appropriate to hold the weight of my Canon 5D, and 580 Flash (require the tension at the maximum (lock down) setting).
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Manfrotto 488RC2
Items I Recommend: Manfrotto tripod
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 314 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Used mostly indoors
Easy mounting of camera
Stable and secure- handles a Nikon D700 with 2x converter and 70-200 tele without problem.
A bit bulky which limits portability
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Travel
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
This is a great Ball-Head very solid build and easy to adjust angle and amount of tension.
Not suitable for panning shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Ball Not as Smoothe
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
This is a great tripod for portraits and landscapes! Moving and adjusting the camera has never been easier. You simply squeeze the trigger and aim!
Please note that this tripod head is not good for macro photography. Get a geared head if you want micro adjustment for macro photography. When you release the trigger on the 322RC2, the head jerks a little when it tries to grip onto the head, so it doesn't point exactly where you want it to point.
The handle is also on the right. This means you cant shoot pictures while you're adjusting the head. Just some things to think about before you purchase. I still love this head.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Used for portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Ease of Use
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Hard to see level bubble
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Much easier to use than the pan/tilt head I had before. Quick adjustments are easy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Positive positioning
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Excellent product, well built, reliable, ergo friendly
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I already own this Ballhead with the Manfrotto tripod. I let a friend borrow it and they fell in love with it also so I purchased it for them for Christmas.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Kids
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I like how you can configure the joystick for folks who want to control it with their left hand and hold the shutter with their right.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- 190XPROB Pro Aluminum Tripod Legs (Black), Canon 7D
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
The only thing I did not like about this product, and the reason I ended up returning it, is that the release on the grip was very hard. I'm a woman with average hands and I found it too difficult to release the grip to move the head.
The large grip also makes it a little heavier than other products.
Otherwise, everything about this product seemed fine.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
This is a wonderful piece of equipment. It's fast and very stable, I've used it pretty intensely for about 3 months now and can not fault it. By far this years favorite and easy to use piece of photo equipment. Manfrotto really did their homework on this one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Great tipod head. Easy to adjust and stays where you put it, even with a telephoto lens. Great choice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
Super stable, versatile, fun and great for landscapes and macro. More than worth it!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
This product is easy to handle and transport
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
this product was highly recommended as a "beginner on a budget" item and I could not be happier with it. The instructions were easy to follow for installation on a tripod as well as taking your camera on and off. I would recommend it to anyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
It's easy to instal, easy to use and you can change from right to left hand.
360 degrees
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
I am a professional photographer. I photograph real estate and fine art. This head is great for interior photography as it gives me gives and simple ability to change the head without moving multiple knobs.It's quick and sturdy, solid using the minimal friction setting with a Nikon D300s with battery grip on and a Nikon 70-200 2.8, the lens was mounted to the tripod head. Great build quality as you should expect from Manfrotto products. Not ideal for video as it is a fiction head, not fluid, also not good for pano's as you can not lock with vertical motion was adjusting the horizontal motion. Overall great product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead - Supports 11 lbs (5kg):
This product has been very easy to use. I love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Simple one-hand setup
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
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.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Reducing/Enlarging Bushings
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- Price: $6.68
Quick Release Adapters
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Universal Camera Plates
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- Price: $13.58
Custom Body Plates
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- Price: $21.58
Vertical "L" Brackets
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- Original: $64.95
- Save: $3.08
- Price: $61.87
What's in the Box
- 3157N Quick Release Plate
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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