488RC2 vs 322RC2

[v35skyline]

After asking for advice and reading several reviews, I've decided on the 055XPROB legs.

But I'm confused about which head to get. I've gone to my local camera shop and "felt" both heads. After briefly getting a feel for both heads, I'm leaning toward the 322RC2. Unfortunately, the shop won't let me take it out of the shop to test it out in the field. =P The 488RC2 wasn't bad either. The primary reason I looked at and am considering this head is becaue of all the recommendations. People keep telling me I can't go wrong with the 488RC2.

Now, I know there is really no "right" or "wrong" head as it is probably mostly personal preference. But I'd have to assume that one does something better than the other and vice versa. I plan to use whichever head I choose primarily for automotive purposes. That includes both stationary shots and some panning shots. However, I will use the setup I choose for other purposes as well, just not as much. Other purposes include night time "urban life" and "travel/landscapes."

Given my intended uses, what head would you choose and why?

Edit: I guess I should have searched more than I initially did.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=436204
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=273715
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=322368

But I'd still like some feedback since I have listed my specific purposes for my tripod setup. :)

Edit 2: After reading some more threads on POTN, I'm beginning to think that most everyone here will tell me to go with the 488RC2...

[SkipD]

If you're planning to do any shots while moving the camera as it is attached to the tripod, the 488RC2 would definitely be your best choice. You can loosen either the pan lock (if your movement will be strictly in the left-right plane) or the main ball clamp, allowing you to move the the camera in any direction with whatever level of friction you leave set in.

The big thing is that you can operate the camera with BOTH HANDS while in motion when using the 488RC2, but you'd be limited to one hand on the camera or lens with the grip type heads. I do NOT like either of the grip style heads, as I always like one hand on the camera and the other on the lens - so both hands can be making adjustments, even while on a tripod.

[Sasquatch41]

Once again, I agree with Skip 100%. I have never used a grip style head, but I like to have both hands on the camera, especially when I have a deer moving along. I loosen the panning lock and hold the long lens with one hand and run the shutter release with the other.

[Tapeman]

I have a 322RC and would not recommend it for most types of shooting. A nice ball head would be a better choice IMO.

[WMWARD2]

I have a 322RC and would not recommend it for most types of shooting. A nice ball head would be a better choice IMO.

I agree totally, I have 322RC2 and plan on switching to the 488 soon.

[v35skyline]

The 488RC2 it is, then!

[Yooper60]

There I was, all set on a tripod/head combo until I read this thread and the three linked in the first post.

90% of my shots are landscape and I was contemplating the Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Tripod with the 322RC2 head (and Remote Switch RS60 E3).

What I liked about the head was the option to mount it vertically to add height to the setup because I'm 6' 2" and a partially disabled vet (bad knees so crouching can be quite painful).

After reading these posts, I am now concerned about the ease of setup. Does the 322RC2 offer enough stable versatility to make minor adjustments during composition or would the grip be too cumbersome?

I've set my tripod/head budget at $250 - $300. Also I wore out my last tripod so solid construction is also a factor.

[Mr.TP]

I've just bought the 322RC2 after I purchased the 055 & 488RC2 bundle. I found that the 488 shag a little after u lock the ball. I realized that when I do macro n using lens testing charts.
With the 322RC2, the grip holds better, and the tension adjustment works very well.
The 322RC2 has a bubble spirit, so regardless of the level of the tripod legs, u can easily level with the head only, whereas the 488RC2 needs guessing when it comes to leveling.
This is just based on my own judgement.

[gryphonslair99]

I own both and use both constantly.

The 322RC2 is a fabulous head.....in the studio or for portrait work. Quick, responsive, easy to use and very stable. Great studio head. The 488RC2 to me is a pain in the studio compared to the 322.

Once out of the studio the heads usefulness is diminished. For general field work, including what you mentioned the 488RC2 is the better choice. Better to transport, more versatile in general use, especially panning and also very stable. I think you are making the better choice with the 488RC2 with what your intended use is.

[Jon]

I have both along with a video pan-tilt head. I'd only use the 322RC2 when I need precise placement and am not going to be repositioning much. If I need oto reposition the camera,the 488 will be a lot easier on the hands. And neither's any good with a video camera, hence the pan-tilt.