Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead

[gryphonslair99]

Grandpaw - I have the 322RC2 and stopped using it about 2 years ago. Even though it is rated for 11 pounds, it slips too much for my purposes (even with the tensioner turned all the way up). I can't use my 300mm lens at real-world angles without it drifting.

I recently started using the 488RC0 ball head and it is much better (and cheaper too). The quick release plate is heavy duty and the whole rig will easily support my 500mm. The larger ball allows motion to be much more fluid.

The 488RC0 will allow you to grow with it longer.

Spec's for the 488RC0 is HERE.

I am curious, when you say the tennsioner is turned all the way up, are you speaking of the wheel in the handle or the large recessed hex screw in the back of the handle that actually tightens the tension on the ball? If you tighten that one down all the way the ball will not move. The wheel is for fine tension adjustment. Just a thought.

[Loupey]

I am curious, when you say the tennsioner is turned all the way up, are you speaking of the wheel in the handle or the large recessed hex screw in the back of the handle that actually tightens the tension on the ball? If you tighten that one down all the way the ball will not move. The wheel is for fine tension adjustment. Just a thought.

You are absolutely right - I checked into this and made the adjustment and it now has the original locking power.

Please disregard my previous complaint of the drifting problem with this head.

[gryphonslair99]

You are absolutely right - I checked into this and made the adjustment and it now has the original locking power.

Please disregard my previous complaint of the drifting problem with this head.

Would be nice if Manfrotto put a small explanation on the schematic of what that hex head is for wouldn't it??

[Grandpaw]

Well I ended up buying the Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball head grip from Loupey. It came in Friday and I have tried my Nikon D90 with the 70-300VR zoom and my D80 with my Sigma 135-400APO zoom and it works with both of them. Now it's time to start using my tripod more. I had to get a adapter for $9.95 to match up the head with my tripod legs but it works fine now. I would like to thank everyone for all your comments and replies and a special thanks to Loupey for selling me the grip, Jeff

[gryphonslair99]

Well I ended up buying the Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball head grip from Loupey. It came in Friday and I have tried my Nikon D90 with the 70-300VR zoom and my D80 with my Sigma 135-400APO zoom and it works with both of them. Now it's time to start using my tripod more. I had to get a adapter for $9.95 to match up the head with my tripod legs but it works fine now. I would like to thank everyone for all your comments and replies and a special thanks to Loupey for selling me the grip, Jeff

For the Sigma, get another QR plate and mount the lens on the 322 when you use it. It will balance the load better. since that lens weights 3+ lbs and spreads that weight over a larger area. It will increase the stability.

[Grandpaw]

For the Sigma, get another QR plate and mount the lens on the 322 when you use it. It will balance the load better. since that lens weights 3+ lbs and spreads that weight over a larger area. It will increase the stability.

That is exactly what I did. When I bought the adapter I also purchased an additional plate to leave on the Sigma so I should be in good shape, Jeff