Thumbs up for BD-ED3

[kd6lor]

If anyone is wondering about getting the BG-ED3, I would suggest that you do get it.

I have been using mine, and I conclude that while it bulks up the camera, it does so in a good way. With this grip, the camera is heavier, but more natural to hold.

Get one if you can find one, that is. I have also recently ordered the MAHA batteries for the camera, and will report on them when they come in.

Paul

[oops]

kd6lor wrote:

Get one if you can find one, that is.



Seems to be the problem, lately.:)

I can't imagine where they have all gone. The D30 is discontinued and the D60 is on "backorder", so to speak. Folks must be so antsy for the D60 they are buying up the accessories before they take delivery of something to hang 'em on!

If I had taken this approach, I would have a hope chest full of goodies but couldn't afford the groom. Thanks for the review; it fortifies my quest.

[D30Photo]

Many people liked it so I thought I gave it a tried.

FOR ME, I found that it added more weight to the camera that I didn't need especially when I got 550EX on a flash bracket and a large lens like the 70-200IS with my D30.

Things that I disliked about the BG-ED3 while others found it benefitial.
1) I could hold my D30/70-200IS better with one hand than I could with the grip added.
2) I was uncomfortable using the vertical shooting mode because the viewfinder is now at the bottom left corner with the added grip.
3) I rarely run out of battery for the 1.5 years that I have used my D30 to really need to have two in the camera at all time. I do carry a spare battery for weddings and such, but have never really needed it. Plus, it's not that difficult to change the battery if the first one ever goes out.

The only thing I did like about the BG-ED3 is that it made my D30 looked cool and very professional, but that wasn't a good enough reason for me to keep it.

I ended up selling mine a week after I got it to someone else who did really like it.

Bottom line:
You just have to try it out to really know if it's for you. And if you have small hands like mine, chances are you might (or might not) run into the same feelings that I had.

[darrell]

I bought mine with my d30 and never regretted it. I shoot a lot in vertical mode and with the extra shutter release on it it saves my hands a lot of strain. I've never had a problem with the location of the view port. I like having the extra battery in it, especially when shooting sporting events since I never have to worry about power. As for holding the camera, I find it easier to hold with the extra grip. With out it, the body is too narrow to hold firmly. when using a big lens as such, I usually hold the camera by the lens anyways and it's not a factor. I guess some people don't like it, which is why it's an optional accessory, to me it's a nessesity, and should be built into the camera.

[gorham]

I'm not sure I want/need a grip but just realized I haven't actually seen on on a D30/60. Does it put the grip in the right hand horizontally? Which means the right hand is on top vertically? Hope so because that's my natural portrait position.

Thanks for an answer to the obvious. Here in Maine, I've never seen another Canon DSLR. OK I move in small circles. :)

Gorham

[kd6lor]

gorham wrote:
I'm not sure I want/need a grip but just realized I haven't actually seen on on a D30/60. Does it put the grip in the right hand horizontally? Which means the right hand is on top vertically? Hope so because that's my natural portrait position.

Thanks for an answer to the obvious. Here in Maine, I've never seen another Canon DSLR. OK I move in small circles. :)

Gorham

On your camera now, the button is on the top right, there is a finger grip for the fingers of your right hand to curl over the right front of the camera. With the Big Ed, when you rotate into a vertical format, there is a new shutter button now on the top right and a bulge in the grip that is on the right for your fingers.

In short, the grip allows you to place your fingers in roughly the same position as horizontal shots while shooting vertically.

The weight and size of the camera may be a bit much if you have smaller hands, or for a lady. ( My wife must be no lady, she likes Big Ed. ) My hands are large and the camera feels good in my hands with the grip. Unfortunately, when carrying it around, you do feel the extra weight, but when shooting it is worth it in my humble opinion.


Paul