Manfrotto: cool GRIP ACTION BALL HEAD...

[pn.md]

Manfrotto Grip Action ball head:


http://www.manfrotto.com/fileindexednew/module2/item/file0006081.jpg

http://www.manfrotto.com/fileindexednew/module2/item/file0006084.jpg

http://www.manfrotto.com/fileindexednew/module2/item/file0006085.jpg

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=8&itemid=2013

Product description from their website:

"Take the versatility of a ball head, add true ergonomic control and you get the 322RC2: a photographic head that allows you to unblock, move, position and lock your camera with one hand in one position thanks to the revolutionary design of its grip handle, which incorporates the ball lock lever and can also mount the 322RS shutter release accessory. A friction control wheel lets you regulate the power of the blocking mechanism to match the weight of your camera/lens. The 322RC2 is made from magnesium for lightweight performance, and is designed to keep the weight of your kit as close as possible to the tripod's centre of gravity by way of its reduced height. This, matched with the precision construction of the 322RC2, gives the head its load capacity of 5kg (11lbs). NB. When the head is used in the vertical configuration (to match the function of the existing 222 head), its load capacity is only 2.5kg (5.5 lbs).

Complete with built-in bubble spirit level and quick release camera plate (standard 1/4 - 20" screw, with secondary safety pin). Suitable for use with 35mm or medium format cameras."

The "grip action" looks pretty cool, IMO. I'm not sure if this "grip" is really that much better than traditional head mechanisms... I'm in search of a nice tripod. Anyone have this one? They're advertising this head heavily in the photo mags right now. :D

[pn.md]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=303591&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=319538&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/222268.jpg

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=details_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=303594 &is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/303594.jpg

[IanD]

Local shop loaned me a 322 to try for a day. I found it a little awkward to use. Maybe because it was new that it stiff and "jerky". The 222 for me, is smoother but I'll stay with my trusty 488RC2.

[CyberDyneSystems]

New?

I've had mine for about 5 months ! lol :)


To make it less awkward you need to do some surgery (in fact it is designed to be adjustable)

For some odd reason they sell these things thinking you'd use it right handed????????

Hellooo?

We use our right hands for the shutter?

But it is quickly flipped to be a left handed adjustment with an allen key.
(see the second photo above)

I like it. It's no $300.00 Acratech.. but the squeeze grip adjustments I have grown quite familiar with.

[G3]

I'm going to order one as soon as B&H opens back up....(mostly on CDS's recommendation). If it will support my 10D with a 500mm lens, flash and bracket, as well as my medium format camera (not at the same time, of course), then that's a pretty darn good deal at under $100.00. I need new legs, too...that Giottos MT-9180 ( recommended by MediaMagic, I think) is a steal, too.

[CyberDyneSystems]

What 500mm ?

It will hold a 500 prime,. but it certainly isn't the best solution for a lens that big...

Are you using the 50-500mm zoom? That would work pretty good.

[pn.md]

CDS, do you have the shutter release adapter? If so do you find it useful and practical to use?

Thanks :)

PS- I didn't realize it wasn't new. I guess it's just new to me because I'm new to this world of digital SLR. ;)

[G3]

What 500mm ?

It will hold a 500 prime,. but it certainly isn't the best solution for a lens that big...

Are you using the 50-500mm zoom? That would work pretty good.


No, it's a Sigma 170-500. It's pretty heavy, but I think that head is rated up to 11 lb or something like that isn't it? Since you mount it by the lens collar the weight should be balance OK, so it's not real front-heavy. The whole rig still weighs in less than 9 lb.

[CyberDyneSystems]

It should be fine with the Zoom .. I was just thinking the massive primes.. it would be awkward..

I don't have the optional shutter release, nor will get it.. this goes back to my dissatisfaction with the idea that I would use the "grip" with my right hand,.

I need my right hand on the camera's shutter.. so I use the left hand for the pistol grip.

I also have a pistol grip monopod,. and before I had this head I had Manfrottos earlier pistol grip that only works oin the upright (topheavy) position..


In all instances I have allways used them left handed to leave the right hand free... I think Manfrottos extra engineering efforts to remedy a right handed grip is misguided.. teh only time my right hand is off the camera is when I am using a cable release.

It actually is pretty new.. didn't mean to sound like an "ass" :)

I was just so happy with the earlier pistol grip design.. that when this one hit the market with the added benifit of releiving the "top heavy" situation I grabbed it immediately!