Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2?

Brypan · 3rd of January 2009 (Sat)

I am most likely purchasing the Manfrotto 190XPROB for my birthday comming up, but I need to decide on a head. I don't really know if the 322RC2 is worth the extra money, or exactly what it lets you do.

Sorry for all the noob questions,
Bryan

SkipD · 3rd of January 2009 (Sat)

I have tried both types of "grip" ball heads and don't like either at all. I prefer a simple ball head like the 488RC2. I feel like I have more control with it than with the grip style.

One thing for sure - the 488RC2 take up less space when packing the tripod and does not get in the way when carrying the tripod across my back.

Another feature that the 488RC2 has - you can release the horizontal ("panning") movement without releasing the main ball. The 322 cannot do that.

Brypan · 3rd of January 2009 (Sat)

And you still get all the same angles with the 488RC2? Because I am new to ballheads, you move the camera to different angles just by pushing the camera atound, correct?

SkipD · 3rd of January 2009 (Sat)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brypan

And you still get all the same angles with the 488RC2? Because I am new to ballheads, you move the camera to different angles just by pushing the camera atound, correct?

You can point the camera in about the same range of directions with both. To use the 488RC2, you loosen the round knob to the degree of friction that you want and then move the camera. When you're camera is in the desired position, you tighten the knob again.

You can even use a ball head like the 488RC2 in a different way. You can leave the ball a little bit loose and follow action with the camera - with both hands on the camera so that you have full control.

SuzyView · 4th of January 2009 (Sun)

I have the 488RC and it is much better than anything else I've used. It holds up my most heavy gear and it doesn't even whine.

Tony-S · 4th of January 2009 (Sun)

Hasn't Manfrotto stopped making RC2 plates?

SkipD · 4th of January 2009 (Sun)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony-S

Hasn't Manfrotto stopped making RC2 plates?

Nope. They just have a new part number like almost all their stuff.

gryphonslair99 · 4th of January 2009 (Sun)

I think the difference is a matter of choice. For me it is a matter of use. I love the 322 for studio/portrait stuff. Quick and easy to use in that application and the accessory shutter release works great. Mine has been modified with an Arca-swiss QR on it.

A standard ball head is probably the most convenient for general shooting. It is the easiest to travel with. If you can go try them out at a local photograph shop and see what you like best.

Brypan · 4th of January 2009 (Sun)

I have two more questions before I buy the 322RC2 (I am pretty sure that I want that one). The 322RC2 comes with a quick release plate, true? Also, that shutter release you were talking about, gryphonslair99, doesn't that do the same thing as a cable shutter release? Or am I just confused (that happens more often than I realize

..

SkipD · 4th of January 2009 (Sun)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brypan

I have two more questions before I buy the 322RC2 (I am pretty sure that I want that one).

Do yourself a BIG favor.... Go to a good camera store and try out the two ball heads (322 and 488 ) before you purchase. If you have never handled either, it's impossible to make an intelligent purchase decision. I did the hands-on comparison and found that the 322 was not for me. I could not tell prior to that.

Pete Gl · 5th of January 2009 (Mon)

I did a lot of research before plumping for my tripod/head, and found a lot of people saying they found the 'pistol grip' type heads, because of the design, i.e. you're relying on the pressure the inbuilt spring applies to the ball, have a tendency to creep.

Pete

JRD · 5th of January 2009 (Mon)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzyView

I have the 488RC and it is much better than anything else I've used. It holds up my most heavy gear and it doesn't even whine.

+1

A solid, dependable ball head. Although I've never used anything bigger than a 400mm lens with it, to be fair. The abilitiy to almost lock the ball and still move the camera is a plus.

John

Nick5 · 5th of January 2009 (Mon)

Being a patient of Dr. Skip for over a year, I can honestly recommend him to anyone.
488RC2.

MattMoore · 5th of January 2009 (Mon)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brypan

The 322RC2 comes with a quick release plate, true?

Yes it does.

I've never had an issue with the 322RC2, it works fine for all my applications (and Jason Cole uses it as well(at least in his DVDs)).

But the 488RC2 is a great ballhead, no argument about it.

Jon · 5th of January 2009 (Mon)

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipD

I have tried both types of "grip" ball heads and don't like either at all. I prefer a simple ball head like the 488RC2. I feel like I have more control with it than with the grip style.

One thing for sure - the 488RC2 take up less space when packing the tripod and does not get in the way when carrying the tripod across my back.

Another feature that the 488RC2 has - you can release the horizontal ("panning") movement without releasing the main ball. The 322 cannot do that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipD

Do yourself a BIG favor.... Go to a good camera store and try out the two ball heads (322 and 488 ) before you purchase. If you have never handled either, it's impossible to make an intelligent purchase decision. I did the hands-on comparison and found that the 322 was not for me. I could not tell prior to that.

I fully agree with Skip. I own both. I use the 488RC2. I don't use the 322 because its grip release is less convenient, to the point of being painful over time, when you're following a moving target or making lots of small adjustments to the aiming of your camera. If you're able to just "set and forget", it'd be fine; but if you want to use it on a routine basis and are going to be moving the camera around much at all, better get a grip strengthener to go along with the 322, or get the 488.

3rd of January 2009 (Sat)	#1
Brypan Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 142 IMAGE EDITING OK	Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2? I am most likely purchasing the Manfrotto 190XPROB for my birthday comming up, but I need to decide on a head. I don't really know if the 322RC2 is worth the extra money, or exactly what it lets you do. Sorry for all the noob questions, Bryan __________________ Canon EOS Rebel XS\|EF-s 18-55mm IS\|EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 \|\|\|

3rd of January 2009 (Sat)	#2
SkipD Cream of the Crop Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Southeastern WI, USA Posts: 18,508	Re: Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2? I have tried both types of "grip" ball heads and don't like either at all. I prefer a simple ball head like the 488RC2. I feel like I have more control with it than with the grip style. One thing for sure - the 488RC2 take up less space when packing the tripod and does not get in the way when carrying the tripod across my back. Another feature that the 488RC2 has - you can release the horizontal ("panning") movement without releasing the main ball. The 322 cannot do that. __________________ Skip Douglas A few cameras and over 45 years behind them ..... ..... but still learning all the time.

3rd of January 2009 (Sat)	#3
Brypan Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 142 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2? And you still get all the same angles with the 488RC2? Because I am new to ballheads, you move the camera to different angles just by pushing the camera atound, correct? __________________ Canon EOS Rebel XS\|EF-s 18-55mm IS\|EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 \|\|\|

4th of January 2009 (Sun)	#5
SuzyView Ms Moderator and Grandma Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern VA Posts: 31,485 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2? I have the 488RC and it is much better than anything else I've used. It holds up my most heavy gear and it doesn't even whine. __________________ Suzie - Still Speaking Canonese! *5D2* *7D & G12, the new iPad, iPhone 5 , 5 L's & 2 Primes* 23 bags - 4 Domke, 3 Lowepro, 1 Crumpler, 2 Tamrac, 5 Kata, 3 Thinktanks, 1 Pelican, 1 Tenba bag, 1 Epiphanie Paris & 2 Coach Handbag! And no excuses. My children are the reason, but it's the passion that drives me to get the perfect image of everything. My Gear and Wishes

4th of January 2009 (Sun)	#6
Tony-S Cream of the Crop Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Posts: 9,212	Re: Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2? Hasn't Manfrotto stopped making RC2 plates? __________________ Gear list "Raw" is not an acronym, abbreviation, nor a proper noun; thus, it should not be in capital letters. Beginner's guide to printing. The PoTN film thread. 

4th of January 2009 (Sun)	#8
gryphonslair99 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 491	Re: Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2? I think the difference is a matter of choice. For me it is a matter of use. I love the 322 for studio/portrait stuff. Quick and easy to use in that application and the accessory shutter release works great. Mine has been modified with an Arca-swiss QR on it. A standard ball head is probably the most convenient for general shooting. It is the easiest to travel with. If you can go try them out at a local photograph shop and see what you like best. __________________ You don't take a photograph. You ask, quietly, to borrow it. ______________________________________________ Gear List

5th of January 2009 (Mon)	#11
Pete Gl Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Eccles, Nr Manchester, England Posts: 395 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2? I did a lot of research before plumping for my tripod/head, and found a lot of people saying they found the 'pistol grip' type heads, because of the design, i.e. you're relying on the pressure the inbuilt spring applies to the ball, have a tendency to creep. Pete __________________ Gear list

5th of January 2009 (Mon)	#13
Nick5 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philadelphia Suburbs Posts: 1,778	Re: Manfrotto 488RC2 or 322RC2? Being a patient of Dr. Skip for over a year, I can honestly recommend him to anyone. 488RC2. __________________ Canon 7D x2,BG-E7 Grips, Canon Lenses 10-22, 17-55 f/2.8 IS, 24-105 f/4 L IS, 50 f/1.4, 85 f/1.8, 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II, 70-200 f/4 L IS, 100 f/2.8 L Macro IS, 100-400 f/4.5- 5.6 L IS, Canon 1.4 Extender, 3 Canon 600 EX-RT, 2 Canon ST-E3 Transmitter Last edited by Nick5 : 14th of February 2009 (Sat) at 15:11.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
488RC2 vs 322RC2	v35skyline	Accessories & Storage	9	2nd of March 2008 (Sun) 16:58
488RC2 Midi Ball Head Vs. 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead	Reptile Bob	Accessories & Storage	21	20th of November 2007 (Tue) 15:25
322RC2 Ballhead vs. 488RC2	Embers	Accessories & Storage	9	21st of May 2007 (Mon) 21:44
Bogen/Manfrotto heads 322RC2 vs 488RC2	wibbly	Canon EOS Digital Cameras	0	23rd of January 2005 (Sun) 13:26