Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)

I purchased the 322RC ball head along with a Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod and the combination is unbeatable.It serves my purposes superbly. I specialize in outdoor and wildlife photography, and the 322RC ball head along with the tripod have enhanced my photographic abilities,along with the quality and artistry of my photos.

My 322RCR Action Ball arrived along with the Bogan 190XPROB tripod and today I took them for a test run along with my Canon 40D and 100mm Macro lens. I went to our local Botanical Garden where they were having a flower show. I can't tell you how pleased I am with this wonderful piece of technology which is so user friendly. It performs exactly as specified. You grip the handle and move the camera to view the subject and it stays exactly on the point of interest. It's really easy to change your subject view and so much easier than a traditional ball head. I was able to take some amazing pictures. Definitely a great asset for my photography hobby.

I bought a 190XPROB and a 484RC2 ball head initially, I had to return them since the tripod was too short for me. I ordered 322RC2 along with 055XPROB. 322RC2's clutch lever is amazing, you can make adjustments in a jiffy. You can switch the lever to be left handed grip in few minutes by undoing some screws and putting them back.

The reason for the 4 *'s is (also) because of the clutch lever. It obstructs movement to some degree. If you plan for a macro shots, it might be a little cumbersome to bring the head position in angles where the lever blocks the movement.

I'm really happy with the purchase and its an amazing product. I currently use it for taking outdoor shots in the night and experimenting some table top photography. I would recommend it to a friend.

I love this head !!! I was a little apprehensive when I was reading the reviews considering my small hands (size 4 ring). But I ordered it anyway. I am so glad I did. I have no extraordinary strength in my hands and I find the grip very easy to use. You can make the smallest of adjustment (or the largest) in fractions of seconds. There is no excuse any longer for a picture that is not framed perfectly. I use this on my Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod. For HDR photography (or just taking a single shot) this combination is rock solid no matter if you take 5, 7, or more exposures. The line-up is perfect. The combination is a little heavy and I would not want to hike half a day carrying it up a mountain, but not that bad for shorter walks. I highly recommend this head !!!

For me, this is the best tripod head for landscape and nature photography. It's steady, smooth and simple to use.

It is also one of the fastest "Heads" I've used. When you want to move the camera, you do not waste time turning any handles to unlock. Just squeeze it and go for the shot. When you find the shot, you do not waste time turning any handles to lock. Simply squeeze to move and unsqueeze the grip and it's in place and locked.

I use the Bogen-Manfrotto 3021 Pro Tripod. Using the 322RC2 along with my B-M Tripod is more than enough to hold my Canon 5D with the heaviest lenses I own. Those would be; Canon 100-400mm F/4-5.6L or, the Canon 24-70MM F/2.8L. Total weight of camera with one of those lenses is over 10 Lbs, and I have no issues in quickly and smoothly setting my shots.