This Manfrotto 324RC2 Ball Head Kit with Quick Release Platesfrom Manfrotto 324RC2 Ball Head Kit with Quick Release Plateshas a load capacity of 8.8 lb and can be attached to tripods or other support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount. It includes an RC2 quick release cam lock and a 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate. RC2 compatible quick release plates such as the 200PL-14 can be removed from the head 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.

The 324RC2 features a ball-and-socket joint with an easy-to-grip control handle. By squeezing the control handle's integrated trigger, the ball-and-socket joint can be quickly swiveled, angled, fully tilted, or returned to its upright position. A thumbwheel set within the underside of 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.

Cameras or accessories that are compatible with a 1/4"-20 mount can be connected to the 200PL-14 quick release plate, which measures 1.7 x 2.1 x 0.4" and has a rubberized, non-slip surface. The 324RC2 is initially configured for use with the right hand. An included hex key allows the RC2 quick release cam lock to be repositioned along with the control handle, enabling left-handed use.

Ball Head with Control Handle    Load Capacity: 7.7 lb    Integrated Handle Squeeze Trigger    Ball-and-Socket Tension Control    RC2 Quick Release Lock/200PL-14 QR Plate    1/4"-20 Mount, Non-Slip Surface    200PL Quick Release Plate    1/4"-20 Mount, Non-Slip Surface    1/4"-20 to 3/8"-16 Expansion Sleeve    Removable, Anti-Twist Index Pin

• 8.8 lb load capacity
• Compatible with tripods or support systems that feature a 3/8"-16 mount
• Uses ball-and-socket joint with easy-to-grip control handle to help maximize pan-and-tilt flexibility
• By squeezing the control handle's integrated trigger, the ball-and-socket joint can be quickly swiveled 360°, fully tilted down to a 90° angle, or returned to its upright position
• When the control handle's squeeze trigger is released, any adjustments to the position of the ball-and-socket joint are locked into place
• A thumbwheel set within the underside of the control handle can be rotated to apply tension control to the ball-and-socket joint's movements
• RC2 quick release cam lock
• Built-in bubble level
• Can be configured for left-handed use
• Durable and lightweight aluminum, polymer, and fiberglass construction
• Hex key to adjust position of RC2 quick release cam lock
• Hex key to adjust tension on ball-and-socket joint

• Compatible with Manfrotto RC2 quick release cam lock
• Measures 1.7 x 2.1 x 0.4" and has a rubberized, non-slip surface
• 1/4"-20 mount
• Durable, aluminum-alloy construction

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Does the quick release plate fit the Manfrotto 054 Magnesium Ball Head with QR?

A: my quick release plate by manfrotto, fits all heads by manfrotto. I have three heads and four plates

Q: 2. Can I clean the grease on the ball? It makes my handS oily and I cannot Touch my lenses and filters with my hands in the fields.

A: The grease on the ball is lube and if you clean it, it will affect smoothness of movement. If there is an excess of lube, it would be ok to remove that but don't clean it completely.

Q: 3. I have the light duty version of this and of course the equipment slowly slides down the ball when my Canon 5D Mark II plus 85 lens are attached.I just want to confirm that load capacity refers to the total weight that sits on the grip without sliding and that this product can handle up to 12 pounds of equipment without sliding. Am I understanding this correctly?Thanks.

A: Correct, the load capacity is 12lbs of camera equipment, however that refers to horizontal shooting. The load capacity for vertical shooting is about 20% less capacity.

Q: 4. Is it made in Italy?

A: Yes, country of origin is Italy.

Q: 5. Will this XPRO magnesium ball head be good to use with the Gitzo Traveler Series 1 tripod?

A: Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ball Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate BH #MAMHXPROBHQ2 will be good to use with the Gitzo GIGT1545T Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod BH #GIGT1545TUS.

Q: 6. Will this head fit an alta pro 263AT tripod?

A: It looks like it should. Both the head and your tripod have 1/4 and 3/8 adapters for mounting the head to the tripod. B&H customer service may have an opinion too as they do tryout different combinations. 877.886.4180. It's a nice head, happy with mine.

Q: 7. I have a similar quick release plate and it's very difficult to release. Is this one hard to release?

A: I haven't had problems with using the release.

Q: 8. Will this pistol grip fit on an Induro AKB0 tripod? The tripod has a smaller attachment than the Manfrotto tripods, so I'm thinking they may not go together.

A: I started serious photography in 1995, back then you had to be resourceful, I'd say go to a hardware store that cuts, threads steel pipes. This type of hardware store will have on hand very small inserts that may act as go-betweens to allow a self modification from 1/4 to your specific need. I hope that I helped you on this endeavor, photography can be like cutting, threading steel pipes, your not sure what your doing, but you're pretty sure your going to like it...

Q: 9. Does this grip enable the camera to be in landscape orientation and rotate up by 90 degrees?

A: No, the Manfrotto 324RC2 Ball Head with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate does not tilt up 90 degrees in a landscape position.

Q: 10. Will this 324RC2 Joystick Head attach to a Manfrotto MT190X3 Aluminum Tripod? Thanks.

A: Sonja H, These products have always fit together for me and I have about seven heads and three tripods sitting in the closet, all Manfrotto! Note that there are compatible Manfrotto plates that fit on the top of the head that will hold your camera a bit more steadily if the one that comes with the head doesn't do the job. (This is largely a matter of the weight of the camera and lens together.) Enjoy your new purchases! Adrian