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Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head

  • Price: $119.18
  • Mail In Rebate -$10.00 (see details)
    offer ends JUN 30 '12
  • Price after Rebate: $109.18
  • B&H # MA324RC2
  • Mfr# 324RC2

Product Highlights

  • 7.7 lbs (3.5kg) Load Capacity
  • Adapto Technopolymer
  • Lateral Tilt: -19°/ +90°
  • Front Tilt: -90°/ +90°
  • Lightweight 0.95 lbs (0.43kg)

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The Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head is constructed of Adapto, an ultra-durable and lightweight technopolymer, optimized for compactness and transportability with a high load capacity and reduced weight. The joystick design offers a uniquely ergonomic way of quickly unlocking, moving and blocking your camera. You can frame and reposition the head freely and frequently to get the perfect photo: grip the head to move the camera and as soon as you release, it locks securely in place.

The Joystick Head has a single locking lever, making control of all movements fast. The head features 360° panoramic rotation, -19°/ +90° lateral, and -90°/ +90° front tilt. Cameras are attached to the ball head with the 200PL-14 Plate with 1/4'' male threads. The head to tripod attachment has 3/8'' female threads. This 0.95 lbs (0.43kg) lightweight head has a 7.7 lbs (3.5kg) load capacity.

Friction control permits fine framing adjustment and improved camera safety
Stainless steel ball made using a "deep drawing" process which produces a strong, thin-walled, hollow sphere, reducing weight and increasing locking power
Ergonomic design guarantees comfort and precision
Load Capacity 7.7 lbs (3.5kg)
Ball Sphere Diameter Not Specified by Manufacturer
Quick Release Yes
Spirit Level Yes
Tension Control Not Specified by Manufacturer
Rotating Head 360°
Tripod Mount Thread Size 3/8" female thread (bottom)
1/4" screw (attachment)
Plate 200PL-14
Height 10.1" (256.54mm)
Tilt Lateral: -19°/ +90°, Front: -90°/ +90°
Weight 0.95 lbs (0.43kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head
 
4.9

(based on 57 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (50)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Large range of motion (50)
  • Stable (49)
  • Attaches firmly (48)
  • Strong clamp (45)

Cons

  • Heavy (3)

Best Uses

  • Landscape/scenery (46)
  • Night shots (33)
  • Portraits (32)
  • Home (22)
  • Travel (20)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (30), Semi-pro photographer (16), Casual photographer (5), Pro photographer (4)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (44)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Flexible, needs true left-hand config

The universal swivel allows fast adjustments in many different directions at once. I installed it per instructions (easy to follow) for left-handed operation so I can quickly frame photo, then use my right ...Read complete review

The universal swivel allows fast adjustments in many different directions at once. I installed it per instructions (easy to follow) for left-handed operation so I can quickly frame photo, then use my right hand to operate shoot button on camera. However, the left-hand configuration flips the whole lever apparatus upside down which works but then you have to use your thumb instead of your 4 strong fingers to depress the release lever. It works but is tiring after awhile. Relatively light and easy to set so it does not stick out too much when not in use.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Nice movement but feels cheap

Has good movement
Feels tight and stable
Easy to level
Made with cheap materials
Wish I spent the extra money for the nicer quality model

Has good movement
Feels tight and stable
Easy to level
Made with cheap materials
Wish I spent the extra money for the nicer quality model

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 57 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Excellent Head

By MitchB

from NJ

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Attaches Firmly
  • Good Stability
  • Large Range of Motion
  • Strong Clamp

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Home
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Night Shots
    • Portraits
    • Travel

    Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

    Exactly what I was expecting. Hold 60D firmly with 15-85 lens. Solidly built.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    Manfrotto 324C2

    By Bob

    from West Texas

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Attaches Firmly
    • Good Stability
    • Large Range of Motion
    • Strong Clamp

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Wildlife

      Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

      I use this grip in conjunction with a spotting scope for hunting. A very useful tool every hunter that does a lot of glassing should have.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Excellent tripod head!

      By Brad

      from Savannah, GA

      About Me Casual Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Good Stability
      • Large Range of Motion
      • Strong Clamp

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Home
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Travel

        Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

        This is a great tripod head. I use the head on my Bogen tripod and it works perfectly. The off-set handle allows for easy repositioning of the head and the ball joint locks into place without movement. I feel this design is far better than the pistol grip because the camera is closer to the ball head and doesn't change the center of gravity when tilted 90 degrees.

        The mounting plate is a bit tricky to get locked into position but once it is locked I feel confident that it is secure.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Quick and Easy to Position Camera

        By Bob G.

        from Marco Island, FL

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Attaches Firmly
        • Good Stability
        • Large Range of Motion

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Wildlife

          Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

          I have used the 324RC2 Joystick Head in the Everglades, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks for landscapes and wildlife. All I had to do was get the tripod in a reasonabally level and stable position to quickly position the camera in a vertical or horizontal plane. I was extremely please with the quality, ease of use and time saved in getting the frame in a level position. My camera was a Canon T2i so the weight was not an issue with the head.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          Quick, Flexible and Reliable

          By Mountain Man Mike

          from Colorado

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Attaches Firmly
          • Good Stability
          • Large Range of Motion
          • Strong Clamp

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Home
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Night Shots
            • Travel
            • Video
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

            Great for my use. Have a Canon 60D with battery pack and 24-70 2.8L on it and it as sturdy as I could ask. I even fold up my tripod with my camera on it and walk around with it over my should and don't ever worry that it's gonna slip. Great features. Can use the Black Rapid strap latch with it (def plus). Has resistance adjustment. Can tell it's designed/made with great care.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            4.0

            Nice but doesn't hold a 70-200 very well

            By whimsyone

            from Oklahoma City, Ok

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Attaches Firmly
            • Good Stability
            • Large Range of Motion
            • Strong Clamp

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                This is a nice joystick. It's easy to move, glides smoothly. It doesn't hold a 70-200 without some sort of counterweight but it's a beast of a lens so I'm not sure any joystick would be able to. Overall, I'm happy with it and would buy it again!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                Great head for spotter

                By Ken

                from Alberta, Canada

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Good Stability
                • Large Range of Motion
                • Strong Clamp

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • I use it for my spotter

                  Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                  I really like the way the head moves and it is easy to pan with my 65mm Swaro attached to it. I would buy another if they came out with a smaller version. I use this with my spotter to look at game after I have found it with bino's and don't really need the ability to pan left and right but it does this very well and very smoothly

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Extremely convenient and strong.

                  By Soultrip

                  from Las Vegas

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Attaches Firmly
                  • Good Stability
                  • Strong Clamp

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Portraits
                    • Travel

                    Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                    I was a little doubtful when I was purchasing this joystick head. Now after I tried it in many outdoor terrains, I can swear by it. It really an excellent product. It is very strong and holds a full frame DSLR with long zoom without a slightest creep. It is also saves time noticeably by having only one handle that operates both: pan and tilt. I am very glad I bought it.

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Very Convenient

                    By Priyendu

                    from Hoffman Estates, Illinois

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Attaches Firmly
                    • Large Range of Motion
                    • Strong Clamp

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Night Shots
                      • Travel

                      Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                      Very Convenient because of its Large Range of Motion.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Love It

                      By TnFoto

                      from Kingsport tn

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attaches Firmly
                      • Good Stability
                      • Large Range of Motion
                      • Strong Clamp

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Home
                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Travel

                        Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                        I was surpised it was as small as it was but I love the size. I'm glad it turns straight up so I can get it in a bag. It was unclear from any info that it would do this[...] It's easy to go from horizontal to vertical.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Love this head

                        By Firemun

                        from Concord, NC

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Attaches Firmly
                        • Large Range of Motion
                        • Strong Clamp

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Landscape/Scenery
                          • Night Shots
                          • Portraits
                          • Sports/Action

                          Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                          I love this head. It moves freely when you want it to and stays put when you want it to. One of the best purchases I have made.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Quick adjustments

                          By Bert

                          from Strawberry, AZ

                          About Me Photo Enthusiast

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Attaches Firmly
                          • Good Stability
                          • Large Range of Motion
                          • Strong Clamp

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Sports/Action
                            • Weddings/Events

                            Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                            the camera is quickly adjusted to another angle.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Comment on this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Quick & Smooth

                            By n0hot

                            from Minnesota

                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Attaches Firmly
                            • Good Stability
                            • Large Range of Motion
                            • Strong Clamp

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Landscape/Scenery
                              • Night Shots
                              • Portraits
                              • Weddings/Events
                              • Wildlife

                              Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                              The adjustable tension and quick-grip flexibility make setup very efficient. Solid construction coupled with light weight mean you'll have this along more often when it's needed.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Comment on this review

                               
                              4.0

                              Absolutely fine for medium-sized cameras

                              By biogeo

                              from Berkeley, CA

                              About Me Photo Enthusiast

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Attaches Firmly
                              • Good Stability
                              • Large Range of Motion
                              • Strong Clamp

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Landscape/Scenery
                                • Night Shots
                                • Travel

                                Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                                I don't yet have enough experience with this product to award five stars, but already like it very much. One point to keep in mind: if you want to shoot panoramas, a ball head like this one is intrinsically inappropriate. Once the clamp is released, all three axes of rotation are free. Calibrated rotation on a single axis is impossible. It would be a different story if there were a separate, calibrated turntable on top of the ball, but that would increase both size and complexity.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • No

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                LOVE IT!

                                By Connie

                                from Dallas

                                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Attaches Firmly
                                • Good Stability
                                • Large Range of Motion
                                • Strong Clamp

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Landscape/Scenery
                                  • Night Shots
                                  • Portraits

                                  Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                                  I've already used it several times. It's easy. Super easy to adjust and move about. Worth the money.

                                  • Was this a gift?:
                                  • No

                                  Comment on this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  Works like a breeze

                                  By Notoriouszim

                                  from camarillo, ca

                                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Attaches Firmly
                                  • Good Stability
                                  • Large Range of Motion
                                  • Strong Clamp

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                      Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                                      This is my first real tripod and ball head. I purchased this head for my recent trip to Yosemite and it worked perfect! It was very easy to put the camera into any position and it held it rock solid. the pics turned out perfect and it was very handy. Definitely recommend!

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Comment on this review

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Fantastic

                                      By Donner42

                                      from Waukesha, WI

                                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Attaches Firmly
                                      • Good Stability

                                      Cons

                                      • None

                                      Best Uses

                                      • Landscape/Scenery
                                      • Night Shots
                                      • Portraits
                                      • Travel

                                      Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                                      Mostly used for scenery and macro photo's of flowers. Didn't realize it could be switched for left-handed users until I got it, but switched it around and it's fantastic. The Quick Release lever is upgraded from my old Manfrotto 3-way pan head. Much better construction.

                                      • Was this a gift?:
                                      • No

                                      Comment on this review

                                       
                                      5.0

                                      Great head!

                                      By [@]

                                      from Jackson, WY

                                      About Me Pro Photographer

                                      Verified Buyer

                                      Pros

                                      • Attaches Firmly
                                      • Good Stability

                                      Cons

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Landscape/Scenery
                                        • Sports/Action
                                        • Travel
                                        • Wildlife

                                        Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                                        Awesome for quick adjustments.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Comment on this review

                                         
                                        4.0

                                        Quick for finding target

                                        By Dannidoodle

                                        from Redding, CA

                                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Attaches Firmly
                                        • Good Stability
                                        • Large Range of Motion
                                        • Strong Clamp

                                        Cons

                                        • Hand strength needed

                                        Best Uses

                                        • Landscape/Scenery
                                        • Travel
                                        • Wildlife

                                        Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                                        I bought this head because I was spending too much time turning knobs to adjust my old tripod plus the old one wouldn't hold steady my 200mm plus 2x teleconverter lens setup. This head makes it much easier to find my subject quickly. One thing to note, you can't set it up & then pan on the same plane like you can with other tripod heads. You re-level each time if you're taking landscape shots. Also found that I need to build up some hand strength if I use it a lot in one day. Otherwise, much easier to use for me. I also love the way the camera quickly clicks onto the head.

                                        • Was this a gift?:
                                        • No

                                        Comment on this review

                                         
                                        5.0

                                        Best head I've ever had!

                                        By Jesse

                                        from Green Bay, WI

                                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                                        Verified Buyer

                                        Pros

                                        • Attaches Firmly
                                        • Fast and Easy Release
                                        • Good Stability
                                        • Large Range of Motion
                                        • Strong Clamp

                                        Cons

                                          Best Uses

                                          • Home
                                          • Landscape/Scenery
                                          • Night Shots
                                          • Portraits

                                          Comments about Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head:

                                          I use my camera for recreational macro photography and the joystick head allows me to easily capture shots in a 360 degree sweep. The joystick handle allows rapid repositioning, so I can quickly capture pictures of my fast moving toddler and infant. The 324RC2 Joystick Head by Manfrotto is a solid camera mount, well worth the investment.

                                          • Was this a gift?:
                                          • No

                                          Comment on this review

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                                          Quick Release Adapters

                                          Cotton Carrier -  Universal Hubless Adapter Plate
                                          • Price: $39.00
                                           

                                          What's in the Box

                                          Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head
                                          • Plate 200PL-14
                                          • 2-Year Warranty + Additional 3-Years after Registering On-line
                                           
                                           
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