Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head
The Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head is fast to set up and an easy to use tripod head. 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. You have immediate access to half of a sphere in which to position your camera. The tension of the ball can be adjusted to accommodate the load weight.
It is not for continuous tracking of moving subjects, because you must always grip the lever to release the ball and thus your hand would tire after prolonged use. In the vertical mode of horizontal-format cameras, it is limited to only 5.5 pounds. But for 6X6cm format shooters or 35mm up to an 80-200mm f/2.8 lens, it exceeds all others in expedience. An ideal head for wedding or portrait photographers.
Replaces part number 3265.
- Fast, one-handed positioning
- Built-in bubble level
- Tension adjustment
- Secondary security lock
| Maximum Camera Supported | Medium size 35mm SLR |
| Load Capacity | 5.5 lbs (2.5kg) |
| Height | 8.3" (21.1cm) |
| Quick Release | Yes |
| Spirit Level | Yes |
| Tension Control | Yes |
| Tripod Mount Thread Size | 3/8" |
| Weight | 1.7 lb (0.77kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 79 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Stable (65)
- Large range of motion (62)
- Strong clamp (57)
- Attaches firmly (56)
- Improves tripod function (9)
Cons
- Heavy (14)
Best Uses
- Portraits (46)
- Landscape/scenery (38)
- Night shots (30)
- Wildlife (27)
- Sports/action (23)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (24), Pro photographer (23), Semi-pro photographer (15), Casual photographer (6), Enthusiast (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (38)
Most Liked Positive Review
Sturdy!
I got this as my photography head for my 055X Pro Tripod that I ordered with this head. Both connect securely to the other - one won't go anywhere without the other.
<...Read complete review
I got this as my photography head for my 055X Pro Tripod that I ordered with this head. Both connect securely to the other - one won't go anywhere without the other.
I had been wanting to get this head, well, probably ever since it was introduced many, many years ago, so when I finally got around to purchasing a new tripod, this is the head I went straight to getting.
I like the screw base plate for the camera, that is able to be done with one's hands alone... my previous, I had to have a coin or screwdriver to screw it into the bottom of the camera... so, I much prefer this method for quicker removal of the base plate when needed.
My camera (Nikon D700), attached to base plate, attached to the head, I feel very assured that it will not come off unless I take it off. Solid construction.
Movement is as easy as squeezing the trigger and positioning at any angle, degree that you would want and need, quickly and easily, And when you release the grip to have the head/camera stay in that position, you can bet that it does! I haven't a full mother of a telephoto lens for my camera to test it with on the head, I am sure it may have it's limit as to what it can securely hold and keep it's position, but it would be a good chunk of glass, with camera, with flash, with a battery pack attached, I bet before it would start to get iffy... but then again, maybe not, it really locks into place.
It will add a good half foot to a foot to the top of your tripod. Has it's own bubble level, which is a nice second indicator to the one that is also on my tripod itself, so even if the legs are off some, I can always know I am level with the head itself.
I am really pleased with the head. I am having to get used to it... The reason why I gave it four stars, is really not a knock against the head itself, but just it in relation to some of my shooting. After a quarter century of having a tripod and head with separate tilt and pan controls, levers, and then going to this all in one ball head where it is all controlled with your gripping and changing it all in one fell move and swoop, I do sort of miss being able to adjust the X and Y axis separately without affecting the other.
For example, I mentioned the bubble level on the head, well I get it all nice and level, but if I grip and change position, I can't just pan left or right without also affecting the vertical plane... well, easily, like a simple pan and tilt head, where you lock in the tilt, and can pan level left or right... So, something that probably can be attained with much practice, but something to keep in mind and consider if maintaining level images is imperative to you and your shooting.
I had also planned on getting the 701HDV Pro Fluid Video Mini Head for my tripod for my video camera... may end up using it also with my Nikon too, and switching out heads for whatever the situation dictates.
I am pleased with the head and look to put some heavy use with it.
All the best to you and happy shooting!
JPH
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Can't handle the Canon 100 - 400 L IS
This head works well for most applications. However, when I am using my Canon 100- 400 L IS when it is fully extended this head can not handle the weight. I have to ...Read complete review
This head works well for most applications. However, when I am using my Canon 100- 400 L IS when it is fully extended this head can not handle the weight. I have to find a head a head will.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 79 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Everything
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
As far as ball heads go this one is pretty awesome and not too expensive either. I used it on my friends tripod and had to get my own. It makes rotating your camera at any angle way easy. Love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
This item is perfect for my need to maneuver my spotting scope quickly. No bulky adjustment devices. Very solid. Lots of cool design features, like a level bubble, squeeze adjustment, quick release platform, even a notch to allow the spotting scope to drop to a 90 degree position.
- 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
- Video
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
easy to use, and very good quality
- 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 222 Joystick Head:
As a new photographer I found the Manfrotto 222 Joystick to be very easy to use. I can't even imagine using my tripod without it being attached now.
- 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 222 Joystick Head:
This is a great head without drift when used with my Nikon D300 with 70-300 mm lens. I only give 4 instead of 5 because of the weight and added height to my tripod. Overall I am pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
It is better than322RC2 Ball Head that I have.It has large range of motion than 322RC2.Great product from Manfrotto as usual
- 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 222 Joystick Head:
I started using this grip at my job several years ago and have never looked back. It's so easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
I tried using a pistol grip (joystick) on a friend's tripod before I bought it and was sold. These grips making photography so much easier. I no longer get jabbed by the control handle of my old tripod. The extra safety locking mechanism makes me feel secure that the camera never falls off (as it did with my old tripod). The camera can be quickly and easily released from the tripod also. Extremely happy with this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
IT's just what I need to give me that stability I need to get those shots.
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Solid Construction
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Level's on the wrong side
- QR Plate lacks index pin
Best Uses
- Live Concerts
- Video
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
Perfect for tripod mounting when the camera's as far above the heads of the crowd as possible. Allows complete, independent motion for leveling/positioning.
And it looks like a piece of military hardware!
Only major nitpick is the level's on the wrong side (for a rightie).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
I had a ball head also of Manfrotto.
When I locked it on a frame it usually fell down a few degrees from what I wanted.
I hope that with this head the fixing is more accurate and not change after locking.
One thing more - It highten my quite low Gitso tripod by another 15 cm.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
This joystick head makes it very simple to reposition a camera on the tripod, and locks immediately when the "trigger" is released.
I think this ball head is as good as Manfrotto's more expensive ball heads.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Built tough
- Fluid motion
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
Using the 222joystick head on Manfrotto's 055XPROB TRIPOD. Saw Sandy Puc using this head in a video. It is obvious why she prefers this piece. Smooth and stable as can be. The grip action is on the money!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
We use this product to video tape youth golfer so that we can diagnose their swings and help them to become better golfers. This head allow us to quickly arrange the camera as we bring the players in. Its the best tool for the job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
great product to hold camera steady in any position
- 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 222 Joystick Head:
The spring broke on the old 3265 ball head, but the legs and mechanics of the tripod were still in fantastic condition. I ordered the 222 replacement head and the result is wonderful. It took less than 5 minutes to unscrew the old head and replace it with the new one. Simplicity at it's finest. Great product, especially if you do not need to replace the entire unit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Shots
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
Ease of use, I have been using it with my D700 and D3s with 70-200mm and 150-500mm lens with no problems. Locking feature really works great! No complaints only praise here!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
This head works well for most applications. However, when I am using my Canon 100- 400 L IS when it is fully extended this head can not handle the weight. I have to find a head a head will.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
Very easy to manipulate and locks securely into place. Well made and easy to use with no slippage. I am using it with a 40D and 400 lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Attaches Firmly
- Good Stability
- Large Range of Motion
- Strong Clamp
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Night Shots
- Sports/Action
Comments about Manfrotto 222 Joystick Head:
Kind of big sitting on top of my Giottos Tripod but it's worth it. Solid, locks down with no slipping. Fast to reposition and level. I use it with Canon XSi with 24-105 f4 lens. About a 3-4 lb. rig total and had no problems with it drifting even when tilted over for portrait perspective. Would buy again in a heart beat.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- RC2 Quick Release Plate with 1/4"-20 Screw
- 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering Online or by Mail
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