Joystick Head

[markgozz]

I'm thinking of getting the Manfrotto 324RC2 Joystick Head to go with my Manfrotto 190 XPROB tripod and my Nikon D90 . Would like to know if anyone has experience with this Head .

Mark

[Cathus]

yeah, it's great. I used to use mine all the time. It's quick to use & move the camera.

I don't use it so much now as I tend to use heavier lenses. It's not good for big or heavy telephoto lenses as it will creep under weight. It's no good for macro work as well as the movements are not precisely controllably enough for very small movements.

[OldBoy]

No, never used it. Did look at it once but decided to get one like 498RC2 Midi Ball Head, as it allows me to lock either one or both directions and the friction hold gives me freedom to move the lens/camera and hold when I stop.

[wavemachine]

I have one and love it, I find it much quicker and easier to use than the ball head I got with my Tripod.

I am with Cathus though for macro work it isn't very precise and heavy lenses will probably give it a hard time although I have used it quite successfully with my current lenses although none of those are above 1KG.

The 327RC2 has a max load of 5.5KG and is about £30 more so that could be an option if you are likely to use heavy lenses.

[donoreo]

I have one (Not the manfrotto) on one of my tripods. It is great for fine adjustments.

[markgozz]

Thanks all

The one down side that I was concerned about is the one OldBoy mentioned , if you have one hand on the grip then you will only have one on the camera ( zoom/focus or shutter button ) I don't know if this ends up as much of an issue out in the field or not , or doe's it have some kind of friction setting like the Midi Ball Head .The problem with heavy lenses is only something I can dream about £££

Mark

[wavemachine]

Originally Posted by markgozz

Thanks all

The one down side that I was concerned about is the one OldBoy mentioned , if you have one hand on the grip then you will only have one on the camera ( zoom/focus or shutter button ) Mark

I have never found it to be an issue tend to set it roughly where I need it adjust, focus etc but I may work differently to others, there is a variable friction setting on it as well.

[Cathus]

You don't hold the grip when you take the shot, you use the grip to compose the shot, then let it go where it locks in then you use the same hand (for right-handers) to press the shutter.

[wavemachine]

Originally Posted by Cathus

You don't hold the grip when you take the shot, you use the grip to compose the shot, then let it go where it locks in then you use the same hand (for right-handers) to press the shutter.

Yep thats the way I work to thought I may be doing it all wrong for a second then

[markgozz]

Thanks for the help and advise , so much to learn .