Bogen/Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

Frog
( Intermediate)

Review Date
May 13, 2009

Overall Rating
3 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Review 1 of 5

Price Paid: $105.00 from amazon

Summary:

I have a nice 3 way head but when not wanting to fiddle around I wanted a ball head for the faster composing.
I used it on an old Sears tripod but now have a b/m055probx but haven't had the opportunity to use it with it yet but don't for see any difficulties.
The action is smooth though some care must be used when releasing the lock lever that nothing moves though this is not hard to do. I may need to adjust the tension a little
The one thing that bothered me at first was not being able to go to portrait mode with it. I solved this by rotating the quick release plate on the bottom of the camera sideways...works fine.
Some say it is bulky but with my limited amateur experience, I don't find that a problem and prefer something with substance as I'm not inclined for small things with my clumsy enough hands.
I use it with a D80 and my heaviest lens is the 18-200 vr I guess. Cannot comment on how it handles heavy lenses.
I cannot complain about landscapes with it, though if doing multiple shot panos it would be difficult to align shots.

Strengths:

smooth easy action

Weaknesses:

Have to rotate quick release plate for vertical shots

Similar Products Used:

manfrotto 3 way pan

Customer Service:

not needed

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Rating
Reviewed by:

SLUFDRIVER
( Expert)

Review Date
January 12, 2008

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 2 of 5

Price Paid: $0.00 from Ebay

Summary:

I've been using the 3265 vertical 'joystick' for quite awhile, and recently saw another shooter using the 322RC2. He allowed me to 'play' with it a bit, (my DSLR on his rig) and I found I needed one myself. I was fortunate enough to find one for about half of retail on Ebay and as they say the rest is history. I shoot mainly local wildlife & landscapes, and frequently use longer lenses, which this head seems to have no problem with, provided the friction adjustments are correct. I'm not bothered by the size, as I have X-large hands, but I can see how a more average sized hand would need to stretch a bit for fine control. I have it mounted on a 3021BN tripod. I'm certain that there are lighter setups available, but really I don't mind the weight. All in all, I am quite pleased with this unit. I also didn't need to change QR base plates from my previos rig.

Strengths:

Very flexible to suit various shooting styles and equipment types. A bit of practice is advisable before the first serious outing.

Weaknesses:

For those with small to average sized hands, fine control could be a challenge.

Similar Products Used:

Bogen 3265

Customer Service:

Not used.

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Rating
Reviewed by:

almar
( Expert)

Review Date
May 1, 2006

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.17 of 5,
6 votes

Review 3 of 5

Price Paid: $0.00

Summary:

A great piece of kit for almost anything - just don't expect it to take a big heavy lens/camera combo.

I've been using this for well over a year now and the ease of use and versatility is incredible. Tension on the ball is adjustable via small wheel on the grip and further adjustments can be made on a small allen key near the ball. Some people may find the grip too hard to squeeze - particularly those with smaller hands (like my other half).
One thing I do find strange is that they ship with the grip to the right (when looking through the viewfinder). One of the first things I did was switch to a left handed config so I can hold the shutter release with one hand whilst releasing the grip with the other. Very much easier to use for moving subjects and more intuitive for every other use too.
I wouldn't recommend this for a long heavy lens though as there is a small amount of shake on release of the shutter that long lenses amplify. I have used it with a D2x and 50-500 Sigma but its a bit marginal - as for a 1000mm Nikkor - forget it!

Strengths:

Very very very versatile and easy to use.

Weaknesses:

Quite bulky, not good for small hands, not really up to use with a long lens/heavy camera combination - especially when tilting the whole assembly over to portrait mode (when you can't use a rotating lens collar).

Similar Products Used:

Manfrotto 460mg (horrible), Kirk king cobra, manfrotto 490, giottos MH3000

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Rating
Reviewed by:

moggy
( Intermediate)

Review Date
April 22, 2006

Overall Rating
4 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
4 votes

Review 4 of 5

Price Paid: $100.00 from antwerp

Summary:

worth while writing a review!
i use mine on a Velbon 641 carbon tripod
What surprised me most, was when i saw someone using this head on a MONOpod in a disco. people dancing, lots of movement.
that is where it is most usefull; fast action.
though i do a lot of landscape, it is still useable there. only just, but ok.
i would prefer to use a fluid/hydraulic dampened head or a gear head to be able to make minor adjustments because the 322 tends to move just a 1/10mm when releasing the grip (thus locking the head.) especially for landscape work with anything bigger than 180mm f:2.8.
a D1x with nikon 70-200 f2.8 is a bit too big (long tele range) for the head. NOT because of the weight, but the combination of mainly weight and long tele.
i use it with a F4 and 400mm f4; this works, but framing isn't always easy.
even with the adjustable friction possibility.

Strengths:

Very very fast to use head
versatile; for left or right handed people, even upright use, foolproof
adjustable friction
you only can buy this one head and use it for different work; indoor/outdoor, action/fixed

Weaknesses:

a little bulky and big
to ask the nearly impossible; make it lighter
not really meant for landscape use

Similar Products Used:

bogen / manfrotto neotec 458B with gear head

Customer Service:

not necessary

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Rating
Reviewed by:

Christiano
( Professional)

Review Date
July 22, 2004

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
4.28 of 5,
18 votes

Review 5 of 5

Price Paid: $179.00 from foto avc

Summary:

This is a fantastic head which is so easy and light to use,especially super for me as its perfect for travelling and alike. Its absolutely PRO gear and a must have.I use it with a D1 and 70-200 and also Pentax P67 with a smalle lens.Pcs of cake; Even for MED format you can use it! Buy it. 5 stars

Strengths:

strong easy to travel light weight nice design pro gear

Weaknesses:

none

Similar Products Used:

many from manfrotto and alike

Customer Service:

nope

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