Ball heads for tripods

[Gliderparentntn]

What are you guys opinions on the joystick type heads?

Items such as the Manfrotto 222/Bogen 3265 Grip Action Ball Head

Or what would you guys recommend?

I'll be using it basically for night shots and macro shots.

[gasrocks]

Joystick ballheads are a convience item. You are putting your camera/lens onto a monopod on top of your tripod - never a good idea. They are easy to use but not real steady. I would not recommend them for macro or wildlife. Scenery, ok.

[Gliderparentntn]

Thanks for the input. I'll go with Bogen 488 RC2 then it seems to be very popular.

[Jon]

Depends on how much flexibility you need. I have the 488RC2 and the 322RC2. If I'm going to be moving the head around a lot but want a solid lock I'll use the 322RC2 (with the remote release attachment). If I can set it and forget it, or hold the camera while the tripod plays the part of an exceptionally stable monopod, I'll use the 488. Also if I want to minimize weight.