How many Photographers use Big ED?

[Vegas Poboy]

Just wondering how many out there uses Big Ed?

Do you really think it was a must purchase?

Have you tried it with Non Canon batteries?

Lastly how long do you let your batteries charge?

Basically it seems I get better perfomance charging my BP511 for @ least eight hours. I own two batteries and don't mind carrying the extra on my belt pack with the CF cards. Just trying to get a outlook to see if I'm doing things out of the norm.

[defordphoto]

Both my D60 and 10D have BigEds. The camera balances better with them. Vertical shooting is so much easier hence the name: Vertical Grip.

I think it a must purchase yes.

Yes I use Canon and non-Canon batteries.

I let my batteries charge until the light is solid and then another 2 or so hours after, as the directions state. The batteries CAN be overcharged.

[maderito]

For me, using Big Ed + strap is not about the extra battery. The camera feels more balanced - especially with heavier lenses - and shooting verticals is more convenient with the additional shutter release button.

I haven't used non Canon batteries.

I recharge until the red light stops blinking, and then for an additional hour - time permitting.

Big Ed was my first and remains my favorite 10D accessory. Wouldn't leave home without him. :D

[Belmondo]

Poboy,
This is ironic timing on your question. I just picked up my second BG-ED3 today for my other 10D. I actually deliberately held off buying to see which way I prefer using the camera....with or without the grip.

Ultimately, I determined that I much prefer the look, feel, balance, heft, and utility of the grip. The extra battery life is just a bonus.

[motophoto]

Chicks dig big...camera's

Its a must have. I have to agree 100% with what everyone else says by saying that it balances the camera better. Also, its nice having the extra juice.

But be warned, things tend to get a bit heavier, but its nothing that cant be handled.

[wtlloyd]

Great! I'm the first to disagree with everybody1

Had it, sold it.

My hands are pretty good sized, I wear a large size glove - that's not unusual at all, so maybe for me it was just a personal choice. I've got a 100-400 that I use quite a lot on my 10D. Mostly I use it with the tripod ring on a Sidekick on a monopod - no need for the grip there.

I sometimes take panos, I have a panod head for my tripod. The grip added too much weight and pused the lens further out the arm, causing more flex in the whole assembly that I liked.

My last (and only camera for the prior 25 years!) was an OM-1, so I'm used to small bodies.....

I do miss the portrait shutter release tho...

Guess I'll have to get a 1DMkII if I want that back! :shock:

[SnJPhoto]

2 - 10Ds with BGEDs on both. Wouldn't go without it...

[CyberDyneSystems]

I use Big_ed but I don't think it is a must have,. I put it on and take it off depending...

I never have it on hiking with the long telephotos.. I just keep batteries in my pockets.

When I do use it and it REALLY helps is shooting a show/concert etc.. when I know I will in fact be shooting "portrait" a lot...f not all the time.

Other wise,. can take it or leave it.

[Wickedfn4u]

The instructions state to remove the batteries before installing or removing the grip? Do you?

[defordphoto]

The instructions state to remove the batteries before installing or removing the grip? Do you?

I only installed mine once. There's never been a reason to remove them since.

[Nolz]

from a beginners POV.....

i am 5"11' and have a good healthy sized hand it was OK without it, and because of a lack of funding i had to get by without. for me it felt more complete with Big Ed on! it gave it good weighting and the vertical shutter release is a gem! i picked up a 300d just recently at teh shops and it felt like it was a different camera wihtout it....

i dont thnk i will EVER remove mine :)

well worth the money i think....to me the extra batt life is a bonus, secondary how much better the camera sits in my hands :)

[Jesper]

Everyone seems to be so enthousiastic about the Big Ed...

I don't have small hands but the 10D is in itself already large and heavy enough for me. I don't want a Big Ed. I don't want extra weight to carry around and I don't want a conspicuous camera. I have two Canon BP-511 batteries, I always keep the spare one charged. I don't need the Big Ed for the extra battery power. You can change the battery of the 10D in 5 seconds...

[psk4363]

Mine's on permanently.

IMHO it was an essential purchase - mainly for the stability especially when using larger lenses.

Iuse both Canon and non-Canon batteries in it without any problems whatsoever.

I charge the battery until I get a staedy light then leave it charging for a minimum further two hours.

Poboy - you are in the norm!

Cheers,
Barry :)

[PacAce]

I use Big_ed but I don't think it is a must have,. I put it on and take it off depending...

I never have it on hiking with the long telephotos.. I just keep batteries in my pockets.

When I do use it and it REALLY helps is shooting a show/concert etc.. when I know I will in fact be shooting "portrait" a lot...f not all the time.

Other wise,. can take it or leave it.

I'm with CDS on this one. I'll use it when I'm going to be out all day for a shoot or when I'm using my long lens but for occassional use with the shorter lenses I leave it off just to keep everything "compact".

[Vegas Poboy]

Thanks all for the replies, I'll put this on my fathers day wish list & the main reason is for the vertical shots. Most likely I'll be having it off & on for compactness.
Thanks again

[iwatkins]

On most of the time, but take it off for tripod mounting. This is mainly as I find it difficult to get a good tilt/direction with BigEd mounted, mainly due to the slack it gives when using the tripod mount.

Love BigEd + Hand strap for most hand held shooting. Can easily carry the camera in my hand for most of the day without fatigue.

Cheers

Ian

[Sketcher]

I bought the BG-ED3 for the hand positioning and balance it gave to my 10D. The Added Battery life is a bonus IMO being that it's no issue to switch out the batteries and they have pretty good life in the first place. The only time I take the grip off is when tripod mounted and certain stability is needed (not often). Otherwise, I don't even consider it as a removable grip. Eh, hmmm... I guess you asked your question to "photographers"... well, I'm not a professional photograher; but I did stay in a Holiday Inn a couple years ago.

So, for me it is well worth the price. I have a variety of battery brands and never an issue with any of them through the grip. I charge mine the same way RFM mentioned. Two hours beyond solid (that is if I don't need to rush out the door).

Then of course... there is the Secret CF Stor (http://www.pbase.com/sketcher/bged3_cf_stor) :lol:;)

[DaveG]

After coming from Nikon F3's and FM2's with motordrives and longer lenses I just didn't want to have a camera that was too light. I bought the BG-ED3 before I took delivery of the 10D and I haven't been the least bit sorry. The redundancy that the extra battery gives, plus the vertical release has been very welcome. It hasn't come off my cameras since I got it and it would be my first purchase if I ever picked up another 10D.

[Morden]

If I'm using a heavy lens and / or expect to be shooting "portrait" orientation a lot, I use the Big Ed.

[EoSD30fReAk]

i bought my D30 as a PRO version as a last shop model so the BG-ED3 + extra battery and 1GB microdrive was included, but otherwise i would certainly have bought it anyway!
i mostly use it with my 100-400L for the balance and as many others here say the extra juice is just a bonus for me.

[IanD]

I like Thos just got my BigEd today. It really does make the camera feel better. So fasr have jsut used Canon batteries but am going to try a couple of Optmax. 1/2 the price....maybe 1/2 the performance.

[Belmondo]

To err is human, and today I proved my humanity. The only way I could tell my two 10Ds apart was that one had a battery grip, and the other one didn't.

Today, they both have battery grips, and now I can't tell them apart.

I wonder if people with identical twins have the same problem.

Thos. :? :? :? :?

[Tom W]

To err is human, and today I proved my humanity. The only way I could tell my two 10Ds apart was that one had a battery grip, and the other one didn't.

Today, they both have battery grips, and now I can't tell them apart.

I wonder if people with identical twins have the same problem.

Thos. :? :? :? :?

If you just call out one of their names, only one should come running. :)

[iwatkins]

I think you should paint one of them silver :twisted: :twisted:

[Belmondo]

Tom:
I figured out a way....the older camera likes to expose its sensor. New new one is too modest.

[IanD]

To err is human, and today I proved my humanity. The only way I could tell my two 10Ds apart was that one had a battery grip, and the other one didn't.

Today, they both have battery grips, and now I can't tell them apart.

I wonder if people with identical twins have the same problem.

Thos. :? :? :? :?
Hey Dad!
Send the one you don't want to me. That will solve the problem right quick. Might as well send the dinged up 100-400 IS along with it. :lol: :lol:

[ilya]

Tom:
I figured out a way....the older camera likes to expose its sensor. New new one is too modest.


Thos, I just cannot help to think ~

2 10Ds + 2 Big Eds = about $3,000

One of your two 70-200s - $1,600 (?)

1 1D Mark II with a 9 stop dynamic range = PRICELESS

The math seems to work. I'd soooo be on the phone to your drug, I mean camera dealer by now...

Eh?

Ilya

[Tom W]

Tom:
I figured out a way....the older camera likes to expose its sensor. New new one is too modest.


Thos, I just cannot help to think ~

2 10Ds + 2 Big Eds = about $3,000

One of your two 70-200s - $1,600 (?)

1 1D Mark II with a 9 stop dynamic range = PRICELESS

The math seems to work. I'd soooo be on the phone to your drug, I mean camera dealer by now...

Eh?

Ilya

Heck, I want one of his 400's! And maybe one of the big Eds. :D

[Tom W]

Tom:
I figured out a way....the older camera likes to expose its sensor. New new one is too modest.

Its apparent that the older one has reached puberty. Be careful that it doesn't hide pictures of sexy silver point and shoots. It may go blind (or at least lose its ability to focus ((and I'm stealing that line from another thread)) ). :D