Manfrotto Heads

[Rob]

Hi all - just a quicky -anyone got experience of the Manfrotto 'Joystick Head'. Also anyone using the MAnfrotto 'Ball Head'. Feedback gratefully received.
Rob
in Sussex

[Paul Iddon]

A friend has the joystick head and loves it, despite it's extra weight.


Paul.

[CamMag]

I've got the Manfrotto 322RC2 horizontal grip action ball head which I bought because it looked simple and solid and it certainly has survived being knocked about. A number of people have expressed the opinion that I wouldn't be able to position it very precisely but that's not been my experience and I think it's more about getting used to it.
Margaret

[Rob]

THanks Margaret...this is all the sort of info I need before parting with my cash

[MarkOne]

Just check what weight they can support ..... otherwise thay can creep with a big lens or pro body.

[CamMag]

Just check what weight they can support ..... otherwise thay can creep with a big lens or pro body.

Mine is advertised as taking 5kg. It is rock steady with a 2 kg lens (mounted on a lens collar not the body) plus 1.4 extender on a 5D Mark II but I have never taken it to its limit.
Margaret

[georgehopkins]

Just check what weight they can support ..... otherwise thay can creep with a big lens or pro body.

Agree, wouldnt reccommend the joystick with a heavy lens it does creep slightly. Would always go for a good "ball head" myself, all depends what gear you are supporting.

[David S]

I used to own one of these (322) and it did creep with a 100-400,although there is a friction control. It's very much personal choice and seemed like a good idea when I bought it but in the end I sold it and got something more suitable for my needs.

David

[Rob]

Thinking of geting the Manfrotto 496, having looked various models, and it should hold the 100-400
Rob

[James I]

I use a Slik AF2100 ball head, this supports the 100-400 and 50D with battery grip no problem and only about £60!