Manfrotto 322RC2 Overview

The 322RC2 Ball Head from Manfrotto can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. By squeezing the control handle's integrated trigger, the head's ball-and-socket joint can be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position. A thumbwheel set within the control handle can be rotated to apply tension control to the ball-and-socket joint's movements. Once the squeeze trigger is released, any adjustments to the position of the ball-and-socket joint are locked into place.

The control handle is initially oriented to provide a horizontal grip for the right hand, and a 322RA Quick Release Adapter as well as a 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate are included. The quick release adapter is detachable, and along with the control handle, can be repositioned to enable left-handed use with a horizontal grip. Alternatively, the 322RC2 Ball Head can be transformed into a joystick-grip ball head suitable for right or left-handed use with the control handle oriented vertically and the quick release adapter attached to the top of the configuration.

When oriented for a horizontal grip, the 322RC2 Ball Head has a load capacity of 11.0 lb, and 7.0 lb when configured as joystick for a vertical grip. The 322RA Quick Release Adapter features an RC2 quick release cam lock for the 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate. RC2 compatible quick release plates such as the 200PL-14 can be removed from the quick release adapter by pulling the cam lock's spring-loaded lever, which also allows the plate to be instantly reattached. The cam lock also features a safety catch to prevent a quick release plate from accidentally disconnecting.

Cameras or accessories that are compatible with a 1/4"-20 mount can be connected to the quick release plate, which measures 1.7 x 2.1 x 0.4" and has a rubberized, non-slip surface.

To enable rapid conversion between horizontal and vertical grips, a second, separately available Manfrotto 322RA Quick Release Adapter can be attached to the 322RC2 Ball Head. When two RC2 quick release cam locks are installed, which together, correspond to both of the ball head's possible configurations, only repositioning of the control handle is required to obtain a preferred grip option that is instantly compatible with the included quick release plate.

The 322RC2 Ball Head can also accommodate a separately available Manfrotto 322RS Electronic Shutter Release Kit. That kit is designed to allow the user to activate an attached camera with the same hand being used to adjust the ball head without having to remove it from the control handle, The 322RS Electronic Shutter Release Kit includes a two mounting brackets, one for horizontal grips, and another for when the ball head is configured as a joystick. A shutter release button is also included, which integrates with either mounting bracket and can connect to an attached camera using a separately available motor drive cord with a 2.5mm phone jack at one end and a compatible input for the camera at the other end.