"Bridge" cameras (compact SLR-type with built-in lenses)
SLR cameras with short and/or light fixed-length lenses
Medium format cameras
Take the versatility of a ball head, add true ergonomic control and you get the 322RC2: a photographic head that allows you to unblock, move, position and lock your camera with one hand in one position thanks to the revolutionary design of its grip handle, which incorporates the ball lock lever and can also mount the optional 322RS shutter release accessory. A friction control wheel lets you regulate the power of the blocking mechanism to match the weight of your camera/lens. The 322RC2 is made from magnesium for lightweight performance, and is designed to keep the weight of your kit as close as possible to the tripod's centre of gravity by way of its reduced height. It is this fact, matched with the precision construction of the 322RC2 that gives the head its load capacity of 5kg. The 200PL quick release plate assembly can be removed and positioned for left-handed use or on the top of the grip in a vertical position like the 'traditional' 222 design, but when used in this position, max load reverts to 2.5kg capacity. Complete with built-in bubble spirit level and quick release camera plate (standard 1/4" screw, with secondary safety pin). Suitable for use with 35mm or medium format cameras. Optional Plates: 200PL-38, 200PLARCH-14, 200PLARCH-38
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Height 10.3 cm
weight 0.7 kg
load capacity 5kg
Colour - Black
Material - Magnesium
Lateral tilt -90° / +90° tilt range
Front tilt -90° / +3° tilt range
Quick release
Ball friction setting
Bubble spirit level (no.) 1.0000 number
Plate type quick release - with 1/4-20" screw plate type
Read about alternatives to the Manfrotto 322RC2 by clicking here for more camera reviews, product comparisons, photography information, digital camera price comparisons, digital SLR cameras, digital compact cameras, film SLR camera, photography books, camera lenses and camera accessories.
Author
Boddie Knight Commander of the Wild Empire
Registered: September 2004 Location: Bolton Posts: 5751
Review Date: Mon 16, October, 2006
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £90.00| Rating: 10
Strengths:
Very versatile, well made, quick release, easy to use
Weaknesses:
Relatively heavy
I bought this item pure and simply for use with the ErgoRest and have not been disapointed. It is a fantastic piece of engineering and allows for low level stability of your camera. This weekend I utilised it for ground work macro shots, and on shelves within hides, and was not disppointed with either. With the 30D and 100-400 attached to the Ergorest, via this head, you can carry the camera by the arm of the ErgoRest or quick release it off, and tuck the ErgoRest into your belt and throw the camera and lens around your neck.
On a tripod I can imagine it is equally as good but I am very impressed with the 222 on my monopod and the 322 on my ErgoRest
Registered: October 2006 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, UK Posts: 41
Review Date: Wed 18, October, 2006
Would you recommend it? Yes |
Total Spent: £70.00| Rating: 10
Strengths:
Versatile, Easy to Use, Quick release with lock, 5Kg load capacity. Minimal whip-lash
Weaknesses:
Time consuming to switch from right to left handed orientation
I've been using one of these with a Sigma Bigma (50-100 EX HPO) and matched 2X tele-convertor for about 18 months on a Manfrotto tripod. Very impressed and wouldn't revert back to the old mount at any cost due to the ease of changing to a new subject and the smoothness of panning. Even invested in additional base plates to allow quick location of either Bigma, Nikon D100, or Nikon D70 to the mount ( additional base plates cost in the region of £5).
The locking mechanism is so secure I have no problem carrying the tripod with full rig attached across a shoulder.
