"Pistol Grip" Ball head

[Richard DeYoung]

My old conventional Ball head is about shot. I am considering a "Pistol Grip" model since I shoot primarilly moving objects (Birds) I have heard good and some bad comments about using a Pistol Grip ball head. Anyone have any comment or experience?

[ST77]

have one on my tripod for over a year now and love it, if I would replace it in a sec if it ever needs its

[venchka]

Like this?



The ball is too small. There doesn't appear to be a postive lock other than the spring action. I wouldn't trust it.

[ST77]

they have a newer better design now with the pistol grip on the side and a bigger ball and better locking features

Originally Posted by venchka

Like this?



The ball is too small. There doesn't appear to be a postive lock other than the spring action. I wouldn't trust it.

[wwong]

I don't have experience with this, but if you are shooting long focal length (300mm equivalent or more), your left hand most likely be on top of the lens barrel, leaves you with no hand for the release. In that case, I would prefer a ball head (or gimbal) with drag adjusted so the cam can be pan/tilt with ease.

Static objects, should be ok. Moving objects, I would say no.

[Richard DeYoung]

Anyone have a brand or name for a good pistol grip?

[rab3rd]

I have that pistol grip on my monopod and I use it with my 100-400 all the time. Never had a slip issue. It works great.

[Hanky]

I have the Manfrotto 322RC2, a horizontal grip style. I took a few shots, hope they don't cause nausea. My stubby fingers will not oporate D ring on bottom of plate.

[PhotoDen]

Originally Posted by Hanky

I have the Manfrotto 322RC2, a horizontal grip style. I took a few shots, hope they don't cause nausea. My stubby fingers will not oporate D ring on bottom of plate.

Henry,
What's the largest size lens/camera combo you've used the 322RC2 with? I'm thinking of getting one but need it to work smoothly with at least a Canon 5d mk ii, plus 70-200 2.8 IS ii lens, together about 7. 5 pounds. I realize you're a Nikon user but, do you have any idea of the weight you've been putting on it?
thanks

[Hanky]

It handles my 70-200 2.8 vr1 (wt. 3.2 lbs) just fine and like Rob (rab3rd) says tension is good. From the B&H 2007 cat. pg.429, load capacity is 11 lbs (5.5 lbs. in the vertical)
I considered rubber banding my wired trigger to the handle so I could manual focus and still make the shot in a timely fashion.
BTW, I had the vertical grip but was not comfortable with it.

http://houstoncameraexchange.com/products.html

http://www.arlingtoncamera.com/shop/...-1824-732.html

[Lexie]

Originally Posted by venchka

Like this?



The ball is too small. There doesn't appear to be a postive lock other than the spring action. I wouldn't trust it.

I've used a "pistol grip" like this for years with the Canon 1Ds MKii & a 70-200mmL f/2.8 lens. I've had good luck with it. Have had it slip while shooting at an angle, but just tightened it up. Would like to have a BH-55 ballhead from Really Right Stuff also, but this will do for now.

[PhotoDen]

Originally Posted by Hanky

It handles my 70-200 2.8 vr1 (wt. 3.2 lbs) just fine and like Rob (rab3rd) says tension is good. From the B&H 2007 cat. pg.429, load capacity is 11 lbs (5.5 lbs. in the vertical)...

I noticed there are two similar heads: 322RC2 and 324RC2. I'm assuming the 324 must be the newer model. Do you know anything about whether one is better than the other? Both seem to be currently available.

[Hanky]

The 324rc2 appears to be light duty w/ 7.72 lbs. cap.
Manfrotto Light Duty Grip Ball Head - Joystick

[PhotoDen]

Originally Posted by Hanky

The 324rc2 appears to be light duty w/ 7.72 lbs. cap.
Manfrotto Light Duty Grip Ball Head - Joystick

Thanks for looking that up, Henry. Quite a difference in load capacity! I'll try to do my homework next time. Appreciate the help.

[ldelacruz]

I had the 322 and used it with a Canon 300 f2.8 IS, 2X TC and gripped 40D. Although it never slipped it was hard to focus precise because the weight moved it. EX: You focus on an Egrets head the let go and it would move slightly so the focus was know off the bird. The ball wasn't slipping but at 600mm any little movement was alot. Let me know if you need more info?

Look at the Wimberly tripod heads. It's what I have now and it is worth every penny. I can use a 500, 2X TC and MKIII with 1 finger.