Need a new tripod head!

[ORD]

Hey guys,

Well...I recently broke my aging 322RC2 grip head when I knocked my tripod off the bench and onto a concrete slab floor at the range while packing up my crap. I am considering a replacement head for my dedicated spotter tripod, a Bogen/Manfrotto 055XPROB, and I was wondering if anyone has used the new grip/joystick head from Manfrotto called the 327RC2 (seen here for example):

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/680140-REG/Manfrotto_327RC2.html

I have used the 322RC2 grip head on and off for a couple years now and had I not stupidly broken it, I'd be happy to stick with it. I guess I am just wondering if this new offering from Manfrotto is worth upgrading to (for an addt'l $50) or if it has any advantages over the older generation 322RC2 head?

Also, if not the 327RC2 or the older 322RC2, has anybody used any other grip/joystick type tripod heads that they can recommend as a replacement?

 

[DT1]

Re: Need a new tripod head!

Not sure what type warranty Manfrotto has, but it might be worth looking into to see if they'll replace it?

I love my 322/055 combo and if something happened to it, I'd replace it with another in a heartbeat.

 

[ORD]

Re: Need a new tripod head!

I appreciate the thought on the warranty, but unfotunately, I bought the 322RC2 head used on another forum about two years ago and it was used prior to that. Manfrotto only has a 2yr warranty on their heads, so I am out of luck. (Not to mention I don't think their warranty would cover my stupidity)!

I am still leaning toward getting another 322RC2, but since there are alternatives out there, I didn't want to overlook another product that might be as good (or better) than the 322.

 

[Blackhawk 1]

Re: Need a new tripod head!

The only advantage I can see to staying with the 322RC2 is the ability to mount up bino & spotter at the same time if you do that. I am going to up grade my binos soon but would not change from the 322RC2 because of versatility.