Customer Reviews
Great Tripod Head! 
2008-08-27
This is a great tripod head. It has a quality build and is very versatile. It came shipped in the right-hand operation configuration (as shown), but I easily converted it to be controlled with my left hand. I found this to be a much more natural position allowing my right hand to hold the camera grip, manipulate the camera position, and fire the shutter of my DSLR.
Nice in theory, so-so in practice 
2008-08-08
While the concept of a ball head adjustable with a hand-held grip is nice, in practice I have found this head to be too heavy and obtrusive when traveling. The hand-grip also requires more-than-expected force, and one's hand can quickly grow sore. I have returned this item in exchange for a much lighter and less obtrusive Gitzo ball head.
No complaints whatsoever 2008-07-04
This is a fun ball head to work with, very stable and has a bubble level if you need it. I'm not sure the level will do much for you if you move the mounting plate. The plate can be moved from the location on the handle shown in the picture to the base of the handle. The only reason I can imagine anyone doing that would be to get a few extra inches of height, or if you like vertically positioning your camera more than the normal horizontal so that the level worked for vertical instead of horizontal.
Great Choice 2008-06-21
I've been using this product for a couple of months now. The grip release is more useful than I anticiated. It works well with all my lenses including the 100-400mm IS on my Canon40D. Only down side is using for panoramic photos.. no way to keep the horizontal plane, but I mostly use for lowlight situations when using very slow shutters.. setup is easy and positioning the camera is a snap.
Arrived USED when bought new. 
2008-06-15
This review is more about the fact that businesses tend to think it's ok to restock used returns and sell them later as new. That is not cool.
I spend my hard earned money on this product and guess what? There are scratches at the bottom and it's obviously been used. The threads at the bottom were obviously already screwed onto a tripod.
You know what else? What is that little rattley gold lever on the side? It just wouldn't stop rattling. Anyway, now it's getting returned again by me.
If you order this product and you notice scratches at the bottom it's the one I had before you. (I don't even have a tripod to screw it onto. That was the person who obviously used/abused it before it got to me.)
Shame on businesses who sell used items as new.
Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate 2008-06-13
Bogen Manfrotto 322RC2 Grip Action Ball Head is unique in that it allows you to unblock, move, position and lock your camera with one hand in one position. This is due to the revolutionary design of its grip handle which incorporates the ball lock lever. A friction control wheel lets you regulate the power of the blocking mechanism to match the weight of your camera and lens. The 322RC2 is made from magnesium for lightweight performance, and is designed to keep the weight of your equipment as close as possible to the tripod's center 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 11 lbs (5.5lb capacity when in the vertical position). It comes complete with a built-in bubble spirit level and quick release camera plate (standard 1/4 - 20" screw, with secondary safety pin).
Just Right for Me 2008-06-13
I haven't had a chance to use this ball head extensively yet, but will on a couple of upcoming trips.
It does require a bit of pressure, but nothing I can't manage, and I'm a senior citizen who is totally out of shape.
The head feels sturdy and substantial, and the quick release is easy to operate, unlike my previous hexagon shaped release.
All in all, I'm going to enjoy this ball head, and it should handle my Minolta Maxxum 7D with Sigma 50-500mm lens with no trouble at all.
Highly recommended
Works fine for my needs. 2008-06-09
Like others, purchased this with the 190 manfrotto tripod. Holds 40D Canon with 70-200L tele in place. Yes it takes some force to squeeze the grip, but locks solid without movement. real ease of pointing camera on tripod. If you have the additional battery handle for the 40D and the tripod ring for the 70-200 mounted with the plate to the tripod ring with the battery grip on camera, won't fit, have to remove the battery grip to use the tripod ring.(or mount the battery grip onto ballhead and don't use the ring direct onto tripod, then works fine..)
Switched handle to left handed use for more ease of use. Have not used it with the vertical orientation, but can purchase another locking plate for the grip to mount in the vertical axis and foregoe the need to change the plate when using in the vertical axis. Solid build, holds weight firmly, locks firmly, using two hands best for me. Purchased separate carrying case the HAKUBA USA INC PSTC100 Tripod Case, ball head handle in the horizontal position mounted on tripod fits into carrying case, although rather tightly. I am satisfied with this purchase, but if you are mounting heavy heavy gear and are petite handed with little grip strength, you may not like it.
Beeeeautiful product!! 2008-05-10
Such a wonderful tripod head!! You can virtually put it in any position in seconds...and as soon as you let go of the hand-grip, its instantly in place.
I found it a little frustrating that when you first squeeze the hand-grip and move the head forward in back, it seemed a little stuck and then moved freely...but I'm guessing its like that so if you have it at a paticular angle horizontally, you can just move it veritcally and keep it level.
No complaints so far.
And for the price, it is well worth it.
Purchased it with the 190XPROB.
Fabulous 2008-05-10
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.
