322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head?

Rick Anderson · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

I have decided on the 055XPROB tripod legs. I know that the 488RC2 is a highly regarded ball head but I really like the ease of use of the grip action heads so I'm considering the 322RC2 sold HERE I shoot a variety or things from landscapes to birds to portraits. I have a 30D with a battery grip and my heaviest lens is a 100-400L. Does anybody have anything to say about this head versus the 488RC2? Is it strong enough?

EdV · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

I have the 322RC2, have used it for nearly a year, and like it a lot. I use it about 90% of the time with my 30D and 400mm f/5.6L. No problems.

SkipD · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

The grip can be a real pain to carry in the field and probably won't fit into a bag with the tripod very well.

I sometimes use my 488RC2 with the ball kept somewhat loose and move the camera/lens with both hands on it when following moving subjects. I don't think this is possible with the grip head, as you have to squeeze the grip to loosen the ball. You'd need a third hand to accomplish what I do with my ball head.

Jon · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

It's strong enough, but you'll hate it if you spend much time trying to track a moving target. Better get some grip exercisers and start training.

René Damkot · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

I've never liked the "grip action" ball heads...
IMHO they offer a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

jrsforums · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

I am with the other guys. The 488 will serve you well...stable and with the ability to slightly loosen to get free movement. To get anything better than the 488 puts you in the $300+ range for tension adjusting heads.

photographer unknown · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

Having owned both the 3265 and the 322RC2 grip actions, I can tell you that neither are great for panning and both potentially cause hand fatigue depending on the amount of use they are getting at any one session. Secondly, with my 30D and 100-400L sag was a continuos issue. Just when I would have the composition set just the way I wanted it the ball would creep. At times it was even and issue with the 24-70L.

thatkatmat · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

Hmm. looks like I'm in the minority, but, I like the grip, I do have big hands but the grip really isn't hard to squeeze (IMO). Since I switched to the 322Rc2 I just seem to enjoy using the tripod more. Mine fits in the bag just fine, in fact it fits perfectly into a standard 36" with my legs. Was just shooting with the 1DmkIII and the 70-2002.8IS early this morning and the weight is fine....no sag.
BUT>>>I must say, I use the tripod when I'm stationary, that is to say I don't pan while shooting,(I use a monopod for that) usually I am doing a landscape or long exposer . Hope this helps

CyberDyneSystems · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

Just say NO to grip action heads...

nutsnbolts · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

Yup, that's the same dilemma I was in. 488RC2 or the 322RC2. In the end, I decided to go with the 488RC2 and be done with it.

CyberDyneSystems · 13th of January 2008 (Sun)

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutsnbolts

Yup, that's the same dilemma I was in. 488RC2 or the 322RC2. In the end, I decided to go with the 488RC2 and be done with it.

Wasn't that just 29 minutes ago?

FYI to both of you, I was lured in by the grip heads when I started, and thought they were good until I tried something much better, ie: a normal balle head!

I owned both Manfrotto units, sold one and gave the other away.

nutsnbolts · 14th of January 2008 (Mon)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberDyneSystems

Wasn't that just 29 minutes ago?

FYI to both of you, I was lured in by the grip heads when I started, and thought they were good until I tried something much better, ie: a normal balle head!

I owned both Manfrotto units, sold one and gave the other away.

Yes it wasn't that long ago, lol but I have been mulling over it for the past week. I figured I have a 488RC2 already and try out something else but everyone who has them either love them or wished they had a regular ballhead, so 488 is definitely a way to go...no one else has suggested otherwise...that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

holrd · 14th of January 2008 (Mon)

i wish i would have sprung for a RRS BH-55 instead of being "thrify" and buying the grip. I loathe it now.

Elton Balch · 14th of January 2008 (Mon)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipD

The grip can be a real pain to carry in the field and probably won't fit into a bag with the tripod very well.

I sometimes use my 488RC2 with the ball kept somewhat loose and move the camera/lens with both hands on it when following moving subjects. I don't think this is possible with the grip head, as you have to squeeze the grip to loosen the ball. You'd need a third hand to accomplish what I do with my ball head.

Mine fits perfectly into the Manfrotto bag with the horizontal head attached. You are absolutely correct that it is not good for following moving subjects but it is extremely convenient otherwise.

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#1
Rick Anderson Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Napa, CA Posts: 533 IMAGE EDITING OK	322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? I have decided on the 055XPROB tripod legs. I know that the 488RC2 is a highly regarded ball head but I really like the ease of use of the grip action heads so I'm considering the 322RC2 sold HERE I shoot a variety or things from landscapes to birds to portraits. I have a 30D with a battery grip and my heaviest lens is a 100-400L. Does anybody have anything to say about this head versus the 488RC2? Is it strong enough?

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#2
EdV Goldmember Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 3,257 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? I have the 322RC2, have used it for nearly a year, and like it a lot. I use it about 90% of the time with my 30D and 400mm f/5.6L. No problems. __________________ "the earth has music for those who listen." Visit my Website: Ed Vatza Photography

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#3
SkipD Cream of the Crop Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Southeastern WI, USA Posts: 18,503	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? The grip can be a real pain to carry in the field and probably won't fit into a bag with the tripod very well. I sometimes use my 488RC2 with the ball kept somewhat loose and move the camera/lens with both hands on it when following moving subjects. I don't think this is possible with the grip head, as you have to squeeze the grip to loosen the ball. You'd need a third hand to accomplish what I do with my ball head. __________________ Skip Douglas A few cameras and over 45 years behind them ..... ..... but still learning all the time.

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#4
Jon Moderator Cocker Spaniel Mod Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Kensington, MD USA Posts: 65,124	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? It's strong enough, but you'll hate it if you spend much time trying to track a moving target. Better get some grip exercisers and start training. __________________ Jon ---------- EOS, Powershot and Domke - it doesn't get any better than this! T90 and stuff \| F-1n, New F-1, FTb and more stuff out on loan Cocker Spaniels Maryland and Virginia activities *DC Cherry Blossoms* Image Posting Rules and Image Posting FAQ Report SPAM, Don't Answer It! (link) PERSONAL MESSAGING REGARDING SELLING OR BUYING ITEMS WITH MEMBERS WHO HAVE NO POSTS IN FORUMS AND/OR WHO YOU DO NOT KNOW FROM FORUMS IS HEREBY DECLARED STRICTLY STUPID AND YOU WILL GET BURNED.

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#5
René Damkot Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: enschede, netherlands Posts: 39,368 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? I've never liked the "grip action" ball heads... IMHO they offer a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. __________________ "I think the idea of art kills creativity" - Douglas Adams Why Color Management. Color Problems? Click here. MySpace Get Colormanaged Twitter PERSONAL MESSAGING REGARDING SELLING OR BUYING ITEMS WITH MEMBERS WHO HAVE NO POSTS IN FORUMS AND/OR WHO YOU DO NOT KNOW FROM FORUMS IS HEREBY DECLARED STRICTLY STUPID AND YOU WILL GET BURNED.

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#6
jrsforums Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cary (Raleigh), NC, USA Posts: 1,234	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? I am with the other guys. The 488 will serve you well...stable and with the ability to slightly loosen to get free movement. To get anything better than the 488 puts you in the $300+ range for tension adjusting heads. __________________ John Gear List

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#7
photographer unknown Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 255	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? Having owned both the 3265 and the 322RC2 grip actions, I can tell you that neither are great for panning and both potentially cause hand fatigue depending on the amount of use they are getting at any one session. Secondly, with my 30D and 100-400L sag was a continuos issue. Just when I would have the composition set just the way I wanted it the ball would creep. At times it was even and issue with the 24-70L.

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#8
thatkatmat Cream of the Crop Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Seattle, don't move here, it's wet and cold Posts: 8,950 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? Hmm. looks like I'm in the minority, but, I like the grip, I do have big hands but the grip really isn't hard to squeeze (IMO). Since I switched to the 322Rc2 I just seem to enjoy using the tripod more. Mine fits in the bag just fine, in fact it fits perfectly into a standard 36" with my legs. Was just shooting with the 1DmkIII and the 70-2002.8IS early this morning and the weight is fine....no sag. BUT>>>I must say, I use the tripod when I'm stationary, that is to say I don't pan while shooting,(I use a monopod for that) usually I am doing a landscape or long exposer . Hope this helps __________________ My Flickr Stuff Last edited by thatkatmat : 13th of January 2008 (Sun) at 23:12.

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#9
CyberDyneSystems Wait, all that time and all I get is "Cream of the Damn Crop" ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Providence RI Posts: 37,429 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? Just say NO to grip action heads... __________________ GEAR LIST CDS' HOT LINKS My POTN Share Threads Jake Hegnauer Photography

13th of January 2008 (Sun)	#10
nutsnbolts Goldmember Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 2,279	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? Yup, that's the same dilemma I was in. 488RC2 or the 322RC2. In the end, I decided to go with the 488RC2 and be done with it. __________________ Canon EOS 40D \| EOS Rebel XTI/400D \| G9 Lenses and Gear List Review of my ThinkTank Gear

14th of January 2008 (Mon)	#13
holrd Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 181 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Head -VS- 488RC2 Ball Head? i wish i would have sprung for a RRS BH-55 instead of being "thrify" and buying the grip. I loathe it now. __________________ 5D \| 30D \| 70-200 2.8 IS \| 24-70 \| 17-40 \| 100 macro \| 580ex \| 2x AB800

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