trigger ball head- yea or nay?

[WildWolf]

What is the deal with the trigger ball heads? Are these worth the money? What has your experience been with them? If they are worth the $$$$, which one is the one to get?

[HighPlainsPhotographer]

I have an older Bogen "pistol grip" ball head. I like it. It works smoothly and is easy to reposition quickly. Having said that, I don't think it would hold up real well under a heavy lens.

Shaun

[Dorman]

To quote myself from another thread:

"The ballhead I use now is the Manfrotto 3265 Joystick head. I find it much more convenient than a traditional ballhead, just squeeze and it's fully adjustable, when you let go the ball stays where it's positioned, no screws or levers. It's rated for up to 5.5 pounds which would hold a body and 70-200 F/2.8 just fine. As a plus it has a built in spirit-level. By far one of the best photographic purchase I've made."

That being said, I think it would hold your 20D + 100-400 just fine with the tripod collar.

[HighPlainsPhotographer]

I have the same model as Dorman, I just could not remember the model number:rolleyes:.

Shaun

[lostdoggy]

I have the upright pistol grip one and have no complaint. The sideway pistol grip holds more weight but more akward to operate.

[gryphonslair99]

I have the Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead on the 3021BPro legs and love it. Supports 11.5 pounds. Easy to use, quick to position. I prefer it to a standard ball head.

[dickbanks]

I also have the 322rc2. It's a little heavy but iI love it.
Dick

[René Damkot]

Tried one, didn't like it.

[yeoness]

i looked into a 322 head but vertically only holds 2.5kg which isnt enough. so i bought the 488rc2 which is a damnn nice head.:D

[sugarzebra]

I use the Manfrotto 486 RC2 on a monopod and the 488 RC2 on the tripod. Both are very nice (and economical)....but I haven't tried the pistol grip models, so perhaps I'm missing out :D

[Jamie Holladay]

I have the Manfrotto 6265 Action Grip Ball head which is the upright or joystick. I like it very well. I use it with my XT and 70-200 with no problems. The only complaint I have is that sometimes I can't get low enough, as it sets the camera up an additional 5-6 inches.