Manfrotto RC2 Compact Rapid Connect Adapter (#3299) w/200PL-14 Plate (#3299)

I own several Manfrotto and Gitzo heads and wanted to use the same QR plates on all my gear. So I was delighted when I read Manfrotto's claim that the 323 RC2 allows you to "add a quick release system to any tripod." So I ordered a 323 RC2 from Amazon and eagerly awaited its appearance on my doorstep.The best mounting solution--if possible with your head--is to remove the head's disk/platform and mount the 332 RC2 directly on the ball stem. The underside of the 323 RC2 is flat, so ball stems with a single key or boss will be too wobbly. Double boss stems should be pretty solid. I installed the 332 RC2 on a Gitzo G1177M Magnesium 1 Series Ball Head with a simple flat topped stem, so it has 100% contact with the bottom of the 323 RC2. The disk on top of the head (where you mount the camera) is easily removed (a single nut) and the 332 RC2 can be screwed onto the 3/8 inch stud sticking out of the ball stem. I finished the job with a wee dab of Loctite Blue 242 on the stud to lock the threads. The result was a beautiful Italian-French hybrid, i.e., a Gitfrotto head. It looks handsome--like original equipment--and works like a dream. My old friend, G1177M, is now much more convenient to use.The 332 RC2 is well constructed with excellent fit and finish. It's also fast to use: press in the plate and the spring loaded lock snaps shut. However the small 200PL-14 plates used in the 323 RC2 are best suited for light to medium sized load, e.g., your typical DSLR and telezoom. The new neoprene backed 200PL-14 plates are more grippy and less prone to twist than the old cork backed plates from the 1990s. For example my EOS 5D MKII and EF 70-200 4L IS USM were rock steady and didn't twist when flipped for portrait orientation.Check the customer images above for my picture of the 332 RC2 mounted directly on the ball stem of the Gitzo G1177M.

I’ve used these quick release plates for years out in the field shooting nature/landscape and sports and they’ve held up great to the elements and abuse. Nice and compact design and the stability they provide for my larger and/or heavier lenses like the 70-200 f/2.8L II and 300 f/4L is rock solid. Never had any play issues and always locks in tight. Super quick and easy to swap equipment around and mount with ease. Definitely a game changer if you use different equipment often.

This is a well engineered piece of equipment. It allows for quick removal of the camera from the base unit mate to shoot hand held without tripod/monopod, and features a spring loaded cam lock to snap the camera back in position on the tripod/monopod when you are finished. It has a little safety lever lock to prevent accidents. You want to take advantage of safety lock because it protects your equipment from premature removal(falling off, and plummeting to the ground). The plate that attaches to the camera has a protective rubber coating that prevents marring and slippage once the plate is fully secured to the camera via the threaded screw supplied. The threaded screw is secured to the plate by an "E-clip" retaining ring. The screw can work it's way out of the clearance hole on the plate so be aware of that when it's not in use and being jostled in the camera bag. I'm not sure, but I think you can purchase extra parts of the plate that mounts to the camera for extra cameras without having to spring for the whole package and not use it all.(one tripod - three cameras)The material appears to be of some type of cast metal, not plastic and the painted finish appears to be adequate to protect the material from the elements.It's too early for me to comment on the wear factor, but even though the price seems to have jumped up since I made my purchase, it is reasonably priced. This is well engineered and constructed, it's not a cheap piece of equipment found in bargain bins at your local flea market. I use it with a canon 7d and it feels totally secure.One last note, I couldn't find anything this nice at any of the major dept stores.Manfrotto 323 RC2 Rapid Connect Adapter with 200PL-14 Quick Release Plate - Replaces 3299 (Black)

If you want to use this on a gimbal when considering Manfrotto tripod to gimbal swapping it is important to know that the unit is rather bulky as well as heavy.I really do like the ease of use and my cameras always felt really secure but i might have to consider a more low line, lighter approach.It does work on the gimbal, RS4 which is super strong but it does make balancing just a little bit more tricky, as well as bulky.If not using a gimbal, this product is superb!

I've been doing videography for 5 years but I'm finishing up college, so I'm always looking for the most bang for my buck when buying camera/video equipment.This will be a short review because I love this product. I bought this product for use with my Flycam Nano and have loved it. It saved my video and it's a sturdy, easy to use product that has a nice locking mechanism at the bottom. I'm thinking about buying another adapter to stick on my tripod to that I can quickly mount my camera from the steadicam to my tripod.LIKE:1. Solid metal construction that's durable, professional looking, and feels sturdy.2. Smaller than other quick release heads on the market.3. Has a separate locking mechanism on the bottom that eases your mind.DON'T LIKE:1. You can only aim your camera in one direction (without spinning the adapter) since it will only fit on the adapter one way (not typically a problem, but in some applications it could be helpful).2. I wish it were a little bit cheaper, but even at it's full price it's well worth the money.If you would like to see this equipment in action to better make a decision, you can find my youtube channel by searching jbhphotovideo in the youtube search box and going to that channel.I hope that helps!

This works great!