Manfrotto 391RC2 3-Way, Pan-and-Tilt Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate
UPC's:
Handy for the monopod user
Rugged, good degree of friction in the grip and stable. I've used this ballhead mostly with monopods to allow for a good degree of swivel while on the go. Though a bit heavier than I'd have liked it has performed well and continues to be one of my favorite mounts for both mono and tripod fittings.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Easy to use ball head
I wanted a tripod ball head for my Nikon D300 with a long lens attached that could quickly be positioned to catch a shot. The 322RC2 is well designed, easy to use and affordably priced for my purposes.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Form and Function
The grip action is very easy to use and offers a wide range of motion. I especially like the small levelling device to ensure straight pictures. The mounting plate detaches easily and snaps quickly into place. I recommend buying at least one extra mounting plate to avoid the need to reattach when shifting cameras. Finally, it is fairly compact.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
So easy to use!
Trying to get bird/wildlife shots with a standard head meant constantly adjusting screw heads and by then the subject was long gone. With this pistol grip you just squeeze and put into the position you desire, let go, and it stays put. Bird moved? Squeeze the pistol grip and move with it. The level makes sure you are stable with the horizon. Amazing!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great Product
I've been using the 322RC2 for several weeks now and truly love it. It's exactly what I was looking for and would highly recommend it for photographers at any level. I use this on my field tripod and love the handling and functionality. The grip is very easy to maneuver and is surprisingly sturdy at any angle.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Easy movements
Solidly built, easy to use, unlike other heads you don't have three different ways to adjust it. Just one simple trigger. I have mine installed so it sits vertically with the trigger up and down, seems to be the best for having easy access to the trigger. The only problem is when I go vertical with the camera it puts alot of stress on the head and tripod, so much the head will loosen and slide, but I am using a heavy Canon markII, sometimes with flash. Using the head mounted horizontally woulld remedy this, does that make sense?
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I love this product... easy to use...
I have fully enjoyed the use of this product. I do a lot of wildlife photography and this product has made it so much easier to follow the subject while keeping a nice solid base under my camera. It is very versatile and I was impressed with the base mounting options (left, right, top). If you do like to take panorama (stitched) pictures this is not for you. It is very hard to step your camera on the same plane (horizontal or vertical) because of... Show More
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So smooth, so fast, so easy
I wanted a tripod head that let me find the angle I wanted fast without a lot of fuss. This one nearly jumped off of the display rack at me and though I did look at a few others, I kept coming back to the Bogen/Manfrotto. I'm glad I opted as I did, this is perfect for my needs. Be careful not to overcrank the spring action on the grip, you could break it, and if the equipment you're using weighs over ten pounds you should look for another head. B... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Rapid and firm
I have used a similar grip-action ball head for a while; this one is superior in every way (as well it ought to be, because the other was quite inexpensive). I have experimented with my EOS1D MkIII and a 70-200 2.8L IS -- a not insubstantial combo -- and found that (in combination with my MagFiber legs) this yields a very stable combination. I'd be dubious about using it much in the vertical orientation, though it certainly can be done. I work mostly in 'landscape' orientation when I'm using a tripod, however, so that's not really an issue for me.
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maybe I'll get used to it
When adjusting this ball head, it does not want to stay on the exact spot you set it. If this was a gunsight, you wouldn't always hit the target. Fortunately, not every shot requires that kind of precision.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Speed & Convenience All in One
I can't say how much i love this thing, it's easy to use (grab the handle) and makes my job easier (no tightening knobs). Pros: Easy to use, it's good for left handed or right handed use or for both (joystick mode) Stability, it easily holds an F100 with a 80-200 f2.8 and a flash. Firmness, the overall stiffness of the system instills confidence. Build Quality, it's movements are smooth, the motions are precise, it's solid metal. Quick Release, i... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
All I hoped it would be
As a nature photographer, the pan/tilt tripod head I was using took too long to adjust and could lead to awkward hand positions. I was intending to buy a traditional ballhead for my Bogen/Manfrotto 055MF legs when this grip action ballhead caught my eye. It seemed the best solution for the problems I'd been having, especially in bird photography, and it is. The grip does not require an undue amount of hand strength and the movement is smooth, eas... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
You can adjust ballhead if it's loose!
Mine was never tight when i first got it, but i loved it nonetheless. After 3 years of use it slowly lost it's grip. I almost wanted to get it repaired until i googled for help. I saw a site mentioning that there is an octagon screw near the ballhead which adjusts it's grip. A 1/4 turn did the job! it's very sturdy and strong enough to hold a monolight with softbox attached (I used this setting during a windy outdoor photoshoot) Great ballhead and clearly better than the old vertical grip ballhead model.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
No good for portrait orientation
I'd been looking forward to getting this for a while. I shoot severe weather and speed of adjustment/set-up is essential. I thought this would be the solution but on my first shoot found that the head has very limited motion when you put the camera in portrait orientation. Exchanged with the 488RC2 midi ball head. If you only shoot in landscape orientation this is ideal. It is stable and quick.
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Quick, Easy and Well Engineered
This grip was recommended over another grip by a salesperson. I can't thank him enough, this grip is outstanding.I was impressed the moment the grip arrived. It is engineered so that you can customize the grip for right or left-handed use. In both cases you can use your camera in a horizontal or vertical position. You can also customize the grip so that the grip is vertical and your camera sits horizontally, much the way you would hold a joystick... Show More
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Can't hold weight of camera & flash
This grip is good for landscape photography, but I had issues with portrait (vertical) shoots.My grip could not hold the weight of my Canon EOS 5D and 580 Flash in the portrait position without clamping down the tension to the maximum setting, which defeats the purpose of having a one hand operation (because it requires two hands to adjust the tension, etc). I don't know if mine is defective or not, but I'm planning on returning it and just going... Show More
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It does not get better.
This was recommended to me by a friend while we were out ona shoot together, me with my old head and him with this one.By the end of an hour I was so jealous and the end of theshoot, mine was already enroute.Pros- I got this for professional use and am very impressedwith it. Even with a Nikon body and a 500mm lens heldsideways this head did not slip. The quick release doesactually work as it is supposed to unlike othermanufacturers so that was a ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Love being able to adjust angle of camera with one hand
It is so easy to use with just one hand vs. messing with two handles, as you do when you play game table soccer.I'm busy enough with camera, so it is nice to spend less energy/time in adjusting camera angle with a single handle grip. Expertise: Semi-pro Problems Encountered: No problems Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Double handle low-end tripod Items I Recommend: Manfrotto tripod, they are all good in quality
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
