Stupid battery grip question (XTi)

[InverseX]

Warning: Newb ahead.

I've got the good old 400D. I've seen a lot of comments about it vs the 30D and more specifically the battery grip changing the 400D's style. Now I know it will never be the 30D which I prefer the grip of but how much difference does it actually make?

I'll admit I've never used a battery grip before, but from my understanding its only mounted on the bottom, so how would it ever make any difference unless you had the camera rotated 90 degree's? I'm assuming you wouldn't do that the vast majority of the time.

So in a nutshell.

Does the battery grip make a big difference to the XTi?

Do you typically actively hold the battery grip for the majority of your shots?

Thanks for your help, sorry for the basic questions.

[Jman13]

I had the grip on my 300D, and it makes a good deal of difference to the balance of the camera, especially with an external flash or a large lens. This is true even in the horizontal position. It is, of course, much more comfortable when shooting verticals. I find that even the grip is better when horizontal, especially on a small camera like the 400D...you have a place to put your pinky when shooting! :) As soon as I get a bit of extra cash (which for me is $300, since I'll be buying an arca-swiss l-bracket when I get the grip), I'll add the grip to my 30D.

[ofdphoto]

If you take vertical shots it makes a big difference.

If you have heavy lenses it makes a big difference (weight balance-wise).

If you like to look like you have a big camera it makes a big difference.

It makes a big difference :-D

[InverseX]

Oh, another silly question, can I use a tripod with the battery grip on? I suspect the answer is no considering I can't imagine where you could screw it in.

Thanks folks.

[Jman13]

The grip has a tripod screw on the bottom, so you'll be fine. On my Rebel (and when I get the grip for my 30D), I used an Arca-Swiss L-bracket, since I switched over my tripod to the A/S clamp for greater ease and stability...this is what it looked like:

http://www.jordansteele.com/forumlinks/dreb_front.jpg

[Tim S]

Search for Opteka. I got mine for 79.00. Canon model is 150.00 or more. They look identical (said to be made from same molds) but shutter button has a different feel. I personally don't have a problem with it.

Tripod mounts the same.

Holds two batteries.

Hope that helps!

[Gerdav43]

I have the Opteka grip. It's fantastic for holding the extra battery which of course means more pics without worrying about a battery dying. It also adds a tremendous amount of balance to the unit, especially with larger glass and the larger flash units. And it looks cool. It makes it look like the big boys but we paid less:D :D. And for those days when your feeling small it's a snap to remove. All those 10,20,30D and so forth can't get smaller. Sometimes it's sexy to be dainty.

I think once you try the grip you will come to love it. The only con with the Opteka is the shutter button has a different feel. I used the little rubber pad as recommended on the forum and it's a nice adjustment. I don't know where the thread is for that mod.