battery grip -- I don't get it

[ThomasOwenM]

What's the advantage of getting a battery grip? I'm not having trouble holding my 20D steady. Why are these battery grips popular?

[The Hardcard]

If you shoot much in portrait position, the extra set of shooting buttons make a difference.

[DVS_WiNdz]

Extra battery life, better balance when shooting vertical, and better grip. I find my 30D kinda small without the grip, with the grip it makes holding the camera more easier and comfortable.

[sunbeast]

Clearly personal preference...as mentioned above shooting from the portrait position, addition of a hand strap, or as in my case with larger hands, makes it more comfortable to handle. None of these factors are "necessary", just a matter of personal preference.

[artyboy]

mainly for vertical portrait shooting. it makes a world of difference if you shoot in this mode very often. the added command dial and AE/AF/mode buttons helps too. the other obvious reason is of course extended battery life. i love grips but am eyeing a 1D series partly becos the built-in grip feels more natural than the accessoary add-on ones, but thats just me.

[Meaty0]

As Sunbeast said, it's personal preference. I used one for all of last year and decided;
a. It made the camera too heavy
b. It made the camera too bulky
c. It didn't add significantly to battery life (I just carry a spare battery in my pocket).
d. It was awkward to fit the camera onto the rotating flash bracket I use.
e. It caused Err99 messages (don't get them any more since not using it).

So I ditched it in May 2007 and haven't really missed it at all especially when walking around rainforests with the 100-400 plus 1.4x TC attached. But I always carry my spare battery with me.

[thrash_273]

helps with the balance, comfort, battery life.

[pjtemplin]

My XTi is just too small in my hands. I almost always have a finger under the body, and that's just not comfortable for me. My girlfriend's 40D is just barely big enough for that finger, but still cramped. The grip also gives me more leverage for my palm to hold my camera when needed.

Using a grip that takes two batteries means you might be able to go clean through a shoot without having to change batteries. That can be convenient in and of itself, but many of the add-on grips will take an "emergency" load of 6AAs to get you through a shoot if all of your purpose-fit batteries go dead.

[Mark_Cohran]

I have grips for all my cameras for the following reasons:

1. It adds weight and stabilizes and balances the body, especially with large lenses.
2. It adds bulk to the camera making it a better fit for my hands,
3. It allows me to shoot twice as long without having to worry about changing the batteries, and I don't have to keep track of one in my pocket.
4. It adds vertical controls and I shoot about 80% in the portrait mode.
5. It allows me to attach the E-1 Hand Strap (which is my preferred way of carrying the camera).

[Meaty0]

Oh and one more reason. Two professional landscape photographers who have won just about every award there is, told me to ditch it because I wouldn't miss it (they didn't use one either of course). I figured they'd know what they were talking about. They did!

[kfry]

it seems to balance out the weight between the lens and the body. i rarely shoot portrait, but when i do, the vertical grip buttons are nice. and when shooting events, i dont want to worry about switching out batteries, i already have to worry about my memory.

[JeffreyG]

a. It made the camera too heavy
b. It made the camera too bulky
c. It didn't add significantly to battery life (I just carry a spare battery in my pocket).
d. It was awkward to fit the camera onto the rotating flash bracket I use.
e. It caused Err99 messages (don't get them any more since not using it).

That about covers the reason's I don't use them. The battery is good for a ton of shots and I can carry a spare easy enough. I don't care for the extra weight.

[mastertech01]

I didnt care for it when having a long lens that weighted it to the tipping point. When the long lens is attached to just the camera you can set it down and it just tips an inch and rests. But with the grip it was a large tip and It never felt stable unless you had a large surface under it. It was a nice addon for the verticle buttons though.

[Aaagogo]

buy one and try, no one can tell u how good it is, but everyone can

my bet is, you would wonder how u've managed without one for so long, then again, if you don't like it, they always sell like hotcakes on POTN

[DDan]

In some situations I like them and thats all that matters to me. :lol:

[timnosenzo]

a. It made the camera too heavy
b. It made the camera too bulky
c. It didn't add significantly to battery life (I just carry a spare battery in my pocket).


This is pretty much why I only use grips very occasionally, mostly when I know I'll be taking a lot of pictures in the vertical orientation. I don't care for the added weight and bulk, they're also not very comfortable (they're pretty much rectangular, which isn't terribly ergonomic), and if you use a tripod often you definitely don't want to use a grip, as they're not very rigid.

[Woolburr]

Oh and one more reason. Two professional landscape photographers who have won just about every award there is, told me to ditch it because I wouldn't miss it (they didn't use one either of course). I figured they'd know what they were talking about. They did!

Thanks for the laugh. Ken Rockwell says you should shoot with a Noink. Going to be grabbing one of them now?:lol::lol::lol:

The use of a grip is a personal choice. You either like having a grip or you don't. If you have never shot with a grip and are curious about it....give it a try. There are many compelling reasons to use one, but there are an equal number of reasons not to use one...in the end...it only matters that you are happy.

[supergoat]

My portrait shots improved ten fold with the grip. They used to be slitghly off, now they are perfectly vertical everytime.

I also never worry about battery life now.

[Meaty0]

Thanks for the laugh. Ken Rockwell says you should shoot with a Noink. Going to be grabbing one of them now?:lol::lol::lol:



Who's Ken Rockwell? :-)

[JWright]

Oh and one more reason. Two professional landscape photographers who have won just about every award there is, told me to ditch it because I wouldn't miss it (they didn't use one either of course). I figured they'd know what they were talking about. They did!

Yeah, and I'll bet they are shooting with 1Ds'...

[Meaty0]

Yeah, and I'll bet they are shooting with 1Ds'...

They both use Canon 5D's Their comment concerning the 1DsMkii...It's a brick. Mind you, I'd "live" with the extra weight if someone gave me one.

[cdifoto]

Serious landscape photogs generally use a tripod so it stands to reason that they wouldn't feel the need for a battery grip.

[Hermeto]

What's the advantage of getting a battery grip? I'm not having trouble holding my 20D steady. Why are these battery grips popular?

You’ll know what the advantage is when you start using lenses considerably longer and heavier then 50mm f/1.8.

[Specs]

For myself, the battery grip added a bit of extra heft and balance, along with the vertical release (which can be turned off to avoid accidental shutter release). It made the transition from my bulkier and heavier EOS film cameras (I had a 630 w/a grip) easier. If you can, get thee into a dealer, put one on your camera and give it a test drive. It's the only way to know for sure if you want one.

[Phiberglass]

yes grips ftw

[snapmando]

You’ll know what the advantage is when you start using lenses considerably longer and heavier then 50mm f/1.8.

Exactly, a 50 f1.8 is a feather weight lens, you won't have a problem with Camera shake with that on the 20D. Put a 70-200l on and full extend the Zoom. That's when you'll want a grip on....

[MrChad]

What's the advantage of getting a battery grip? I'm not having trouble holding my 20D steady. Why are these battery grips popular?

Ever shoot with a lens like the 70-200/2.8 or 100-400L all day long, you'd get it then. Try dragging a 24-70/2.8L and 580EX on your rig all day at wedding, again you'll get it.

[ThomasOwenM]

Exactly, a 50 f1.8 is a feather weight lens, you won't have a problem with Camera shake with that on the 20D. Put a 70-200l on and full extend the Zoom. That's when you'll want a grip on....

I see. I take it, then, that battery grips are popular with sports photographers.

[Mark_Cohran]

I see. I take it, then, that battery grips are popular with sports photographers.

And fashion, and glamour, and event, and wedding, and many other kinds of photographers. :)

[ThomasOwenM]

Who's Ken Rockwell? :-)

Ken Rockwell is a longtime photographer who for many years was a Nikon guy. In recent years he's started using Canon gear while still using his Nikon stuff. As a result, he's pretty much an expert at explaining the pluses and minuses of shooting Canon versus Nikon, though I think he still leans a little more toward Nikon.

His reviews of gear are top notch. I check them out all the time when I'm considering getting something.

His site: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

[JWright]

And fashion, and glamour, and event, and wedding, and many other kinds of photographers. :)

I shoot airshows and find the grip essential to help handhold my 100-400 IS...

[Hermeto]

Ken Rockwell is a longtime photographer who for many years was a Nikon guy. In recent years he's started using Canon gear while still using his Nikon stuff. As a result, he's pretty much an expert at explaining the pluses and minuses of shooting Canon versus Nikon, though I think he still leans a little more toward Nikon.

His reviews of gear are top notch. I check them out all the time when I'm considering getting something.

His site: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Unfortunately, there are not many POTN members who will agree with this statement, especially with the ‘expert’ and 'top notch' parts.. ;)

[Mark_Cohran]

Ken Rockwell is a longtime photographer who for many years was a Nikon guy. In recent years he's started using Canon gear while still using his Nikon stuff. As a result, he's pretty much an expert at explaining the pluses and minuses of shooting Canon versus Nikon, though I think he still leans a little more toward Nikon.

His reviews of gear are top notch. I check them out all the time when I'm considering getting something.

His site: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Oh, most of us around here know about Ken quite well, and not many of us consider him an expert. :)

[TopGear1Ds]

here we go lol

and for my .02, I'm in love with my grip. its 100% personal preference. just try one for yourself.

[Woolburr]

Ken Rockhead is a longtime photographer who for many years was a Nikon guy. In recent years he's started using Canon gear while still using his Nikon stuff. As a result, he's pretty much an EXPERT at explaining the pluses and minuses of shooting Canon versus Nikon, though I think he still leans a little more toward Nikon.

His reviews of gear are top notch. I check them out all the time when I'm considering getting something.

His site: http://www.kenrockhead.com/

Wow....this thread is turning into a laugh a minute....I hope you aren't serious about his reviews.:lol::lol:

[Woolburr]

Oh, most of us around here know about Ken quite well, and not many of us consider him an expert. :)

Oh come on Mark....aren't you the Pacific Northwest Liaison for the KR fan club?:lol::lol::lol:

[Mark_Cohran]

Oh come on Mark....aren't you the Pacific Northwest Liaison for the KR fan club?:lol::lol::lol:

"Yeah, right!" (the one instance in which a double positive is really a strong negative :) )

[PaCiFiSt]

On the grip subject... I have an XT and i HAVE to use the grip, its just too small without it and I can barely hold it.. but I just got a 40D (Christmas present :) ) and I am debating to get one or just stay without it, the grip for the 40D is pricey too, so I'm thinking I'm probably not going to get one, although when shooting in portrait, my hand may get tired alot, ie basketball game :( We'll see, I couldn't live without it on my XT

[Meaty0]

Ken Rockwell is a longtime photographer who for many years was a Nikon guy. In recent years he's started using Canon gear while still using his Nikon stuff. As a result, he's pretty much an expert at explaining the pluses and minuses of shooting Canon versus Nikon, though I think he still leans a little more toward Nikon.

His reviews of gear are top notch. I check them out all the time when I'm considering getting something.

His site: http://www.kenrockwell.com/

Sorry Thomas,

I know who Ken is. I was being facetious. I should have said, "Ken who? ;)"

I have found his reviews a little biased and at times, inaccurate. However, if Canon doesn't get their act together soon, I might just have to get myself a Nikoff 3D and join Ken's camp:D

As for the Grip. You can probably see that it's a matter of preference. I said I don't use mine, but I haven't sold it either. If I was going to do a day of hand held portrait photography, I would reattach it.

But for nature and long lens photography, I think it just add too much weight.

I find the 40D to be quite comfortable in my hands without it. You might not.

On balance, I say, buy one, and try it out.

[Tumeg]

There are a few advantages:

-Holds 2 Batteries
-Can hold 6 AA batteries instead of the NB2LH
-Vertical Controls

These aren't very big advantages, I was going to go ahead and buy one, but I decided against it. I mainly wanted it for the look, it is truly a waist of money. I decided against this, and am now buying a nice lens with the money.

[Meaty0]

Ever shoot with a lens like the 70-200/2.8 or 100-400L all day long, you'd get it then. Try dragging a 24-70/2.8L and 580EX on your rig all day at wedding, again you'll get it.

Just out of interest, have you ever used these lenses without the grip? Why do you think the grip makes using these notoriously heavy lenses better? You see, I have done what you say above, with those very lenses, but I confess, I don't "get it", sorry.

[Robert16]

:lol: It's to make the camera look bigger and more expensive LOL

[Meaty0]

:lol: It's to make the camera look bigger and more expensive LOL

Now we're talking.

[ThomasOwenM]

Sorry Thomas,

I know who Ken is. I was being facetious. I should have said, "Ken who? ;)"

I have found his reviews a little biased and at times, inaccurate. However, if Canon doesn't get their act together soon, I might just have to get myself a Nikoff 3D and join Ken's camp:D

(snip)

I do think he has a pro Nikon bias, but how could he not? He's used Nikon gear since 1980 and only recently started using Canon. In spite of that, I still found that he supports his views well and has reasons for his preferences. His articles are informative, and I take them with a grain of salt as a primarily Nikon guy's opinion. His review of the 20D was helpful in my decision to buy one, though I read many, many reviews and didn't rely on just his. Here's that review:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/20d.htm I don't find any major howlers in it.

Looks like there are some people here who don't like Mr. Rockwell. People have a right to their views, but I do hope they'll choose not to turn this thread into a Ken Rockwell bashing session. That's not productive. I don't think any photographer would like coming across an Internet thread in which he's blasted. It's far better to just let people read his site if they want to and make up their own minds if any of the material on it is valuable. Maybe we can just stick to the original topic, which is about battery grips.

[kuanyu]

I like the way the grip 'feels' with my XTi, gives more room for my hands and a bit more balance.

[Robert16]

I have one on a 5d! It looks impressive. It doesn't weigh enough to offset anything! My 70-200 came with a tripod mount ring thing - I cup that in my hand to take the weight of the whole thing. I never just hold the camera with that lense on - if I did I don't think that having the grip attached would make any difference ( I'm holding it and looking at it right now).

[Robert16]

( I'm holding it and looking at it right now).

The camera/lense that is:eek:

[Meaty0]

Looks like there are some people here who don't like Mr. Rockwell. People have a right to their views, but I do hope they'll choose not to turn this thread into a Ken Rockwell bashing session. That's not productive. I don't think any photographer would like coming across an Internet thread in which he's blasted. It's far better to just let people read his site if they want to and make up their own minds if any of the material on it is valuable. Maybe we can just stick to the original topic, which is about battery grips.

Yes it's true what you say. But invoking KR's name is a bit like serving a nice high slow lob at tennis. People just can't resist taking a swipe at it:D

[gcogger]

I've never understood the argument that a grip 'improves balance'. The camera/lens together have a balance point. That's where you put your left hand - under the point of balance. Where's the improvement? In fact, if the camera body is extended significantly below the lens (e.g. by adding a grip to a Rebel series camera) it can make it more awkward to support the rig at that balance point...

[pjtemplin]

I've never understood the argument that a grip 'improves balance'. The camera/lens together have a balance point. That's where you put your left hand - under the point of balance. Where's the improvement? In fact, if the camera body is extended significantly below the lens (e.g. by adding a grip to a Rebel series camera) it can make it more awkward to support the rig at that balance point...

Adding weight closer to <you> means the balance point shifts closer to <you>. This can help by allowing the outstretched hand to support less weight, and subsequently allow more zoom/focus control. In addition, adding the grip adds leverage: think about the change in distance and change in angles from the bottom rear of the camera to the top front of the camera. Without a grip, you have a shorter distance with which to apply torque, and the points are at a more severe angle (compared to the lens axis).

[undergrad.]

I have the XTI which is quite the small camera to start with. I find that the grip makes it much easier to handle. The additional controls also makes taking portrait photos much easier.

[Woolburr]

I do think he has a pro Nikon bias, but how could he not? He's used Nikon gear since 1980 and only recently started using Canon. In spite of that, I still found that he supports his views well and has reasons for his preferences. His articles are informative, and I take them with a grain of salt as a primarily Nikon guy's opinion. His review of the 20D was helpful in my decision to buy one, though I read many, many reviews and didn't rely on just his. Here's that review:
http://www.kenrockhead.com/canon/20d.htm I don't find any major howlers in it.

Looks like there are some people here who don't like Mr. Rockhead. People have a right to their views, but I do hope they'll choose not to turn this thread into a Ken Rockhead bashing session. That's not productive. I don't think any photographer would like coming across an Internet thread in which he's blasted. It's far better to just let people read his site if they want to and make up their own minds if any of the material on it is valuable. Maybe we can just stick to the original topic, which is about battery grips.

Sorry....but when you tout a moron as a genius...most responsible people are apt to say something. We have lots of new photographers that read this forum and they deserve better than to be told that KR has anything intelligent to say. KR is a paid shill for Noink, plain and simple. Presenting the facts is very productive.

[SBCmetroguy]

Those who say the grip makes the camera too bulky... have you ever thought about what you'd do in the event you owned a 1Ds Mk III or something along those lines? The portrait grip is built into those bodies and there's no removing it, regardless of how bulky it is.

Everyone who has said it's a matter of personal preference is correct, but anyone who ever aspires to own one of Canon's premier beasts like the 1Ds Mk III should at least consider what I said above.

As far as my own personal preference, the first time I mounted my 28-135mm lens to my XT, I immediately saw the need for the grip to help balance the camera. Particularly when I'd let it hang around my neck, it was very uncomfortable the way the lens turned the camera downward and the corner was constantly bumping my chest. Once I added the grip it began to sit flat against my chest even with that lens mounted.

I have yet to try my 30D without the grip, though, except when mounted in a flash bracket. As soon as I got my 30D, I immediately mounted the grip and it just feels like a damn solid combination. I love it, and wouldn't have it any other way. It's solid, it DOES add more battery life since it holds two batteries at a time, I never have to fumble with batteries, and it does help me with portrait photography.

If you still don't see the need for a grip after all the responses in this thread, then simply don't spend the money. If you can live without it, then that's $200-$300 that you can save to use on a nice piece of glass. :)

[cdifoto]

Those who say the grip makes the camera too bulky... have you ever thought about what you'd do in the event you owned a 1Ds Mk III or something along those lines? The portrait grip is built into those bodies and there's no removing it, regardless of how bulky it is.

Everyone who has said it's a matter of personal preference is correct, but anyone who ever aspires to own one of Canon's premier beasts like the 1Ds Mk III should at least consider what I said above.

And to add, the 1D/s original/II body with battery is heavier still than a XXD + Grip + 2 batteries. I can't speak for the 1D/s III though since the new batteries supposedly save weight. However, once you add a considerable lens (24-70L, 70-200L, etc) you really don't notice it because all together it makes a well-balanced "rig" - even with a Speedlite on top.

[Jon]

As Sunbeast said, it's personal preference. I used one for all of last year and decided;
a. It made the camera too heavy
b. It made the camera too bulky
c. It didn't add significantly to battery life (I just carry a spare battery in my pocket).
d. It was awkward to fit the camera onto the rotating flash bracket I use.
e. It caused Err99 messages (don't get them any more since not using it).

So I ditched it in May 2007 and haven't really missed it at all especially when walking around rainforests with the 100-400 plus 1.4x TC attached. But I always carry my spare battery with me.Amen to all of the above.

You’ll know what the advantage is when you start using lenses considerably longer and heavier then 50mm f/1.8.Like the 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8 L IS or 100-400 L IS? Sorry. Those are my mainstays, and I don't like the grip.

Exactly, a 50 f1.8 is a feather weight lens, you won't have a problem with Camera shake with that on the 20D. Put a 70-200l on and full extend the Zoom. That's when you'll want a grip on....I do, and I don't want a grip. If you need a grip to help with camera shake, you're relying on your right hand to support too much of the weight. Let the camera/lens combo rest on the palm of your left hand instead.

Ever shoot with a lens like the 70-200/2.8 or 100-400L all day long, you'd get it then. Try dragging a 24-70/2.8L and 580EX on your rig all day at wedding, again you'll get it.I do shoot with them all day, without grip. See above about how to hold the camera.

I shoot airshows and find the grip essential to help handhold my 100-400 IS...So do I, and I don't.

Just out of interest, have you ever used these lenses without the grip? Why do you think the grip makes using these notoriously heavy lenses better? You see, I have done what you say above, with those very lenses, but I confess, I don't "get it", sorry.Amen.

I've never understood the argument that a grip 'improves balance'. The camera/lens together have a balance point. That's where you put your left hand - under the point of balance. Where's the improvement? In fact, if the camera body is extended significantly below the lens (e.g. by adding a grip to a Rebel series camera) it can make it more awkward to support the rig at that balance point...Ditto

Adding weight closer to <you> means the balance point shifts closer to <you>. This can help by allowing the outstretched hand to support less weight, and subsequently allow more zoom/focus control. In addition, adding the grip adds leverage: think about the change in distance and change in angles from the bottom rear of the camera to the top front of the camera. Without a grip, you have a shorter distance with which to apply torque, and the points are at a more severe angle (compared to the lens axis).It also increases the length of the lens pivot, so any little shake you impart to the camera is magnified at the lens end of the system. And your left hand should be under the lens, supporting it from below, with your fingers free to focus or zoom. Move the center of mass too far back and your fingers won't be able to reach both zoom and focus controls.

Those who say the grip makes the camera too bulky... have you ever thought about what you'd do in the event you owned a 1Ds Mk III or something along those lines? The portrait grip is built into those bodies and there's no removing it, regardless of how bulky it is.

Everyone who has said it's a matter of personal preference is correct, but anyone who ever aspires to own one of Canon's premier beasts like the 1Ds Mk III should at least consider what I said above.

As far as my own personal preference, the first time I mounted my 28-135mm lens to my XT, I immediately saw the need for the grip to help balance the camera. Particularly when I'd let it hang around my neck, it was very uncomfortable the way the lens turned the camera downward and the corner was constantly bumping my chest. Once I added the grip it began to sit flat against my chest even with that lens mounted.

I have yet to try my 30D without the grip, though, except when mounted in a flash bracket. As soon as I got my 30D, I immediately mounted the grip and it just feels like a damn solid combination. I love it, and wouldn't have it any other way. It's solid, it DOES add more battery life since it holds two batteries at a time, I never have to fumble with batteries, and it does help me with portrait photography.

If you still don't see the need for a grip after all the responses in this thread, then simply don't spend the money. If you can live without it, then that's $200-$300 that you can save to use on a nice piece of glass. :)If I could get a 1D-series without a grip, I would. The film models add on the grip; it's not a required component. I'd even sacrifice a few fps for a grip-free 1D model.

[cdifoto]

I do shoot with them all day, without grip. See above about how to hold the camera.

I tried your right-hand under way the other day. I don't know how you can do that consistently.

[elysium]

Mounting a heavier/longer lens, it helps you balance out the weight of your camera. Plus the extra life so longer shooting. Plus the portrait button. I prefer using mine constantly even if im using a nifty fifty.

[timnosenzo]

Those who say the grip makes the camera too bulky... have you ever thought about what you'd do in the event you owned a 1Ds Mk III or something along those lines? The portrait grip is built into those bodies and there's no removing it, regardless of how bulky it is.

Everyone who has said it's a matter of personal preference is correct, but anyone who ever aspires to own one of Canon's premier beasts like the 1Ds Mk III should at least consider what I said above.


I wouldn't have a 1-series as my only camera for that very reason. No need to have a big, hulking camera when I'm out hiking, at parties, out with friends, walking around the city, or whatever. And FWIW, the built in grip on the 1-series cameras are much nicer than the add-on grips. They're more rounded and shaped like your hand, as opposed to the add on ones that are shaped like a box. This is why I'm REALLY gunning for a weather sealed 5D with 45 point AF! :)

[Jon]

I tried your right-hand under way the other day. I don't know how you can do that consistently.Practice - just like holding a camera any other way (including with a grip). My arms are in about the same position whether I'm holding the camera in portrait or landscape.

[cdifoto]

And FWIW, the built in grip on the 1-series cameras are much nicer than the add-on grips.

I dunno. I look at the 10D grip and the 1D II and they're close to the same shape. In actual shooting I don't really notice a difference in the feel. Probably because it's not something I'm thinking about. Maybe the 20D/30D/40D grip is boxier still? I haven't analyzed photos of the BG-ED3 vs BG-E2.

[cdifoto]

Practice - just like holding a camera any other way (including with a grip). My arms are in about the same position whether I'm holding the camera in portrait or landscape.

Must be akin to the * button for focus. I couldn't get used to that either. It's not intuitive enough to me.

[timnosenzo]

I dunno. I look at the 10D grip and the 1D II and they're close to the same shape. In actual shooting I don't really notice a difference in the feel. Probably because it's not something I'm thinking about. Maybe the 20D/30D/40D grip is boxier still? I haven't analyzed photos of the BG-ED3 vs BG-E2.

The 1-series grip isn't quite as tall as the add on grips. I think the 10D's grip was decent build-wise, and the grip for the 5D is decent build-wise (I believe both are metal, and have rubber on them), the grip for the 20D, 30D, and 40D, is plastic and only partially covered in rubber.

Here's some pictures of the 1DsMKIII, 5D w/ Grip and 30D w/ Grip from DP Review--sort of shows what I mean.

IDsMKIII (http://a.img-dpreview.com/previews/CanonEOS1DsMarkIII/Images/Additional/sides.jpg)

5D (http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS5D/Images/batterygrip04.jpg)

30D (http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS30D/Images/batterygrip.jpg)

[cdifoto]

Well I have a 10D with grip and a 1D II sitting right next to me and I don't see a big difference. The 1D II's is deeper for the fingers but it's not really rounder. Looks like, in those pics, the 5D grip is more like the 10D's thus more natural feeling than the 20D/30D/40Ds. I never had a grip for my 30D...thought about getting one but didn't keep it long enough.

[JeffreyG]

Those who say the grip makes the camera too bulky... have you ever thought about what you'd do in the event you owned a 1Ds Mk III or something along those lines? The portrait grip is built into those bodies and there's no removing it, regardless of how bulky it is.

Everyone who has said it's a matter of personal preference is correct, but anyone who ever aspires to own one of Canon's premier beasts like the 1Ds Mk III should at least consider what I said above.

So that's one reason for most of us hobbiests not to own a 1D. The other is cost.

What can I say, the 1D is made for professional use, and those guys just have to put up with lugging such a chunk of a camera to get paid I suppose.

There is no way I'd be lugging one around on vacation. 30D or 5D without grip and a couple zooms is my limit.

[rklepper]

I find it essential for sports where you want to be able to switch back and forth between vertical and horizontal. Not sure the battery issue is real as the new batteries last so long as it is.

[gcogger]

I tried your right-hand under way the other day. I don't know how you can do that consistently.

Umm... It's left hand under, not right hand. Unless I've misunderstood what you're saying, which is quite possible :)

[gcogger]

Adding weight closer to <you> means the balance point shifts closer to <you>. This can help by allowing the outstretched hand to support less weight, and subsequently allow more zoom/focus control. In addition, adding the grip adds leverage: think about the change in distance and change in angles from the bottom rear of the camera to the top front of the camera. Without a grip, you have a shorter distance with which to apply torque, and the points are at a more severe angle (compared to the lens axis).

Adding more weight to the body means the outstretched hand holds more weight, not less, although it is closer to you. Unless, of course, you're supporting the weight of the camera with the right hand, which will always be awkward with or without a grip.

[gryphonslair99]

Umm... It's left hand under, not right hand. Unless I've misunderstood what you're saying, which is quite possible :)


Oh yeah, Check out this thread over at PopPhoto. Getting pretty funny to me. :lol:

http://forums.popphoto.com/camera/board/message?board.id=8&thread.id=24442

[cdifoto]

Umm... It's left hand under, not right hand. Unless I've misunderstood what you're saying, which is quite possible :)

Jon was saying in another thread (I forget where) that he uses right hand under technique (ie rotate clockwise for portrait instead of counter-clockwise). I was saying I tried it and it was too awkward.

[gcogger]

Oh yeah, Check out this thread over at PopPhoto. Getting pretty funny to me. :lol:

http://forums.popphoto.com/camera/board/message?board.id=8&thread.id=24442

Oh I see now (I think)! I thought this was referring to general hand holding technique, not portrait orientation shots...

I'll have to try right-hand-under some time :)

[JeffreyG]

Jon was saying in another thread (I forget where) that he uses right hand under technique (ie rotate clockwise for portrait instead of counter-clockwise). I was saying I tried it and it was too awkward.

That's how I do it. I'm left eye dominant.

I tuck my right elbow into my body and I feel more stable overall. If you go the other way your right arm forms this big hook up over your face.

I can shoot either way really. Neither feels too awkward. I think I prefer right down though.

[cdifoto]

That's how I do it. I'm left eye dominant.

I tuck my right elbow into my body and I feel more stable overall. If you go the other way your right arm forms this big hook up over your face.

I can shoot either way really. Neither feels too awkward. I think I prefer right down though.

I've done it with smaller lenses at fast shutter speeds but overall it doesn't work for me. I'm not as stable that way.

[JeffreyG]

I've done it with smaller lenses at fast shutter speeds but overall it doesn't work for me. I'm not as stable that way.

You just have to find what works. I actually switch eyes. When I shoot landscape orientation I use my right eye. It's not be cause I prefer it but because cameras are designed to be used that way and if I use the preferred left eye I wind up jabbing myself in the right eye with my thumb when I try to change focus points.

But when I go vertical, there is no ergonomic penalty to using the left eye so I use it. I think this moves the camera over far enough across my body to make the right hand on top position awkward.

[redemptioncalls]

the bg is the best accessorie ive ever purchased for my camera. i highly reccomend one.

[Jon]

Umm... It's left hand under, not right hand. Unless I've misunderstood what you're saying, which is quite possible :)He's referring to my technique for shooting portrait mode which is camera/lens resting on left hand, but camera turned so your right hand's also under the camera and tucked against your chest, not stuck out to the side.

[Mark_Cohran]

It seems the "grip vs. no grip" debate might be nearing the fervor of the "filter vs. no filter" debate. :)

[Meaty0]

Oh let's not start up that debate.

I have another point to add. I did alright from 1977 until 2005 with my film cameras (Olympus) without a grip (like most professional photographers did too). Maybe I just got used to not having one.