I'm looking to purchase a set of 055XPROB legs, but am unsure about which head to go with. I'm stuck between the 488RC2 (midi ball head) and 322RC2 (grip action ball head). I've gone to the local shop to get a "feel" for both heads, but without being able to test them out in the "field," I'm uncomfortable with not knowing exactly what I'm buying.

On Photography On The Net, everyone seems to praise the 488RC2 head. Whether people have it or not, they recommend this head without reason. I'm sure it'a a great head, which is one reason I'm considering it. I did get a chance to get a feel for it at the shop, and while there was nothing wrong with it I didn't notice anything spectacular about it either. But I'm assuming there has to be some reason why so many people love this head.

After having "tested" them both in the store, I'm leaning toward the 322RC2. The ability to adjust the position, making tilting and adjusting lightning quick, is what attracts me to this head. After I used it for a mere 30 seconds, I feel as if I could never go back to tightening screws.

I understand there is no right/wrong decision, but is there a better one?

A little background on my shooting habits. I generally shoot stationary automotive shots, but would like to use whatever setup I get for panning if possible. Getting rid of that vertial shake is a pain without some sort of tri/mono-pod, for me at least. In addition, I will also use whatever setup I go with for night time photography (both long and short exposures) on occasion. On a very rare occasion I may use it for portraits, but this is not a big deal to me.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

You won't want to use a pistol grip for panning. Your hand will be tired after 30 minutes of squeezing it.

I use the 322RC2 and the only downfall is that it doesn't hold much weight when it's in vertical position, about 7-8 lbs. It does fine in landscape orientation, about 13 lbs iirc.