BG-E2 Grips & etc. and Such . . .

[RJSorensen]

I have a question I would like to ask . . . I don't as yet understand why so many of you use/need the add on battery grips for your DRebel/10D/20D? I can shoot for 'days' on a single charge in my 20D and I carry a spare in my pocket. I would never think of using/needing the two together at once.

What am I missing? What is it that your users do that draws so much power? The battery life on my 20D is very good, IMO. Why pack the extra weight and then need to carry two spares for when you get low on 'juice?'

My kindest thanks for those whom can enlighten me on this, I might need one and just not know it. Or it could be one of those six impossible things . . .

[Jussuff]

Hi,
you are absolutely right that the power consumption has been very much improved with the 20D. No doubt about it. BUT beside the possibility of carrying a second battery the grip has another - and for me this is the real reason why I use it - feature: With the grip you can easily change from horizontally to portrait format because of the second relase button on the grip. Additional to this real improvement the whole camera is much better balanced with a bigger lens on it.

These are the reasons for me to use the grip which I won't miss anymore. You should give yourself a try using it!

Best,
J.

[jbradc]

I can't speak for everyone but for me there are 3 reasons to use the battery grip.
1.) Insurance - When you are getting paid to shoot a job you can't afford to take chances, having the battery grip insures I can shoot several Gigabytes of images and not have to worry about my battery power.
2.) I like a big, heavy camera. For me it is easier to hand hold a camera that has some weight to it.
3.) I need the Vertical shutter release, I take a lot of photos vertically and having the vertical shutter release again makes the camera easier to hold.

[Patrick 10D]

Yeah, I like the added weight and size, plus the verticle shutter release.

[HKFEVER]

I can't speak for everyone but for me there are 3 reasons to use the battery grip.
1.) Insurance - When you are getting paid to shoot a job you can't afford to take chances, having the battery grip insures I can shoot several Gigabytes of images and not have to worry about my battery power.
2.) I like a big, heavy camera. For me it is easier to hand hold a camera that has some weight to it.
3.) I need the Vertical shutter release, I take a lot of photos vertically and having the vertical shutter release again makes the camera easier to hold.

You are right, I always like camera has vertical grip since I was in junior highschool:p :
- Nikon F5
- Canon 1V
- 1D MKII & 1DSMKII
With the grip, the camera provide more and longer power in the field, especially I like to shoot people (portrait).

Also it looks PRO.:cool:

[HKFEVER]

Plus you get all the same control or buttoms next to the vertical grip's shutter release buttom.

You don't have to change position back and fore all the time.

[pcasciola]

I did not by the grip because of the added battery, but because the 20D body feels way too small with the 300mm f/4L on there. I like the extra portrait controls and the feel of the square body when shooting in portrait mode, too. Originally, I figured I'd only put it on there when I was using the 300, but now the body feels too small to me with any lens on there, so it's on all the time.

[Mark_Cohran]

I would say that 90% or more of my shots are oriented vertically (that's just how I shoot - my subjects are mostly glamour shots), so the grip gives me a vertical release that provides me with the most ergonomically sound method of shooting. The extra battery capacity is simply a bonus!

[Mark_Cohran]

By the way, you don't need to carry two spares when using the BG-E2 (or any other) grip. It will work just fine on one battery. Even on overnight hikes, I'll carry two fresh batteries in the grip, and one fresh batter in my hiking vest. If the two in the battery die (extremely unlikly as I would run out of CF cards first), then I can pop those out and pop in the single battery to get me home, so to say.

[ed2day]

I bought the battery grip primarily for a more stable feel in my hand. The ability to shoot verically is also very nice. The extra battery capacity was not even a factor.

I'm just curious--does anyone see the grip as added protection if batteries leak?

[iof]

The grip also provides the attachment for the hand strap.

[sheldon]

Balance and Vertical Shutter Release

[eunger]

I have read that having the extra battery available in the grip also provides for a faster response time for autofocusing. Has anyone had this positive experience?

[Jon]

I have it for my 20D, not for my D60, and, frankly, it's off the 20D at least as much as it's on. Battery life, especially with the 20D and BP511A is a non-issue; you'll be changing memory cards at least as often as batteries unless you're using huge cards. I don't find it a great help for holding; I'd prefer not to have one on when using a tripod. It's bulky, so it makes bag packing a problem. I used grips on both my F-1s and the T90 has a grip-like body, so I'm used to grips, but this one is really bulky (because of the design decision to make it usable with 1 or two batteries). The vertical shutter release is nice, but unless you do a lot of portrait-orientation shots, not a big deal. And on the 20D, you'll get false "low battery" warnings after a very few shots (Canon claim this will be fixed in a firmware patch Real Soon Now).

Extra batteries won't make any difference in auto-focus response. If they did, the trade-off would be that they'd go flat faster, since they'd be supplying more current. And if the extra batteries helped autofocus, you'd also see a boost from using higher mAH rated batteries in the camera in quantity 1 but also increased heat. Canon wouldn't route more voltage through for AF; unless circuits were seriously beefed up, they'd fry. So only amperage to the motor would be possible, and pulling more current will heat up the battery/ies and the circuitry to the lens.

[tbfoto]

I'm just gonna jump in here and agree with most of the others here and say that I want one for thr "GRIP" feature of it and not the fact that you can load two batteries in it. I want it because it makes the camera much more comfortable to hold and switching from horz. to Vert. is much nicer. However ...I refuse to buy one untill they are redesigned. Some say they are being fixed...GREAT. I will not buy one then have to send it to the shop for repairs as soon as I get it. This whole deal really bugs me. They know of the problem. For $200.00 it should be right the first time.

[Mark_Cohran]

I keep hearing rumors of problems with the grip, but I haven't had any issues yet, and I've been using mine for several months now at least.

[RJSorensen]

My kind thanks to those whom have been able to enlighten me in this regard. Living in the sticks . . . we don't have many whom love to photograph, most too busy with everyday life to notice the beauty around them. What I am trying to say is that there is no one near with which to query, with a question such as this. The 'net' is a blessing for us, lol, and the UPS truck.

[pierrot]

Also it looks PRO.:cool:
That's THE point! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[mjordan]

I guess I've used 35mm bodies for too many years, but I can shoot either horizontal or vertical just as easy and naturally without using a grip. If anything, having the grip would seem to slow things down because you have to change hand positions as you turn the camera and take your finger off the shutter button.

The only reason I considered getting a power grip was for my EOS 3. With the extra battery it boosted up the frames per second to 7 from the 5 without it. For the action types shots I take, the extra speed would have been helpful. Battery life has never been a real issue since I carry a lot of spares and I can keep an eye on the battery level as I'm keeping an eye on how many shots are left in my CF card anyway. Balance is not an issue either. If I'm shooting with my 70-200 2.8L IS or 100-400 4.5/5.6L I'm going to be balancing with the lens and not the body or have the lens mounted on a tripod. But I have the 24-70 2.8L on my 10D as much as the others and it's a good balance as is. With one of the big white lenses I usually have on my camera, I have no trouble looking like a "PRO" and attracting attention. Sometimes too much attention. People always want to ask questions when I'm shooting. :D

I can understand why some would like having the grip on there camera. But I think it's more of a personal preference than a functional one in most of the cases... as the above posts seem to indicate.

Mike

[Medic1]

For me its the vertical shutter release and the weight it adds......I don't use the second battery compartment all that much......

.....besides, what fun is life if you don't have ALL the toys you can!! Can't take your money with you!

[cc10d]

I had the grips on the Elan, A2's, 10 D, and now the 20D. I find it helps me with the handling of the larger lenses, the Wrist strap adds to my feeling of having my camera secure and also is a large part of the easier handling of the camera regardless of what lens I am using. Can use the camera with one hand, flash or what ever in the other, shade the lens or even just using that free hand to motion with. Oh yeah, I use the vertical grip sometimes. Extra battery, ok thats nice. Each to what works for them!

[RJSorensen]

Well I have decided to "try" one of these BG-E2's out. I sent in my order this evening to B&H. That is if they did not all get burnt up in the fire today. It was hard for me to part with the cash on something that I don't know will help me take better photographs. I hope the grip and strap become my favorite accessories.

I have made a rule so to speak that I have enough gadgets and etc. et al. SO if it will not make an improvement in my work, in some way, it can stay on the dealers shelf(s). On faith, having never seen one, felt one, other than a picture, I am taking the advice of POTN members. We will see how it goes.

I note on the two 'upper' cameras, they seem to have this function built in? Is that correct? Do they have the 'extra' buttons already? I have never seen one of these, other than on TV . . . not many photags in my neck of the woods.

[baboymo]

Love that vertical shutter release, plus all that extra weight tugging down on the back of my neck...hehe.

[jbradc]

I note on the two 'upper' cameras, they seem to have this function built in? Is that correct? Do they have the 'extra' buttons already? I have never seen one of these, other than on TV . . . not many photags in my neck of the woods.
yes the 1D and 1Ds both have integrated battery grips as did the original EOS 1 film camera body. The pros demand a solid easy to hold camera body and the grip makes it easier to hand hold. I hope you enjoy yours.

[Neens_wa]

Easier to hold. I'm 6' tall, so I have large hands. The camera without a grip just feels too small, kind of puny. With the grip, voila! Purrrrfect. "Pro look"? Who cares, what is important is that you find a way that allows you to shoot optimal images. For some it's with a grip, for some it's without.

I like never batting an eye about battery life. All my friends are always watching their battery levels - even on the 20D... tsk tsk. I never look at mine. Ever. Every night when I come in if it's been an all day shoot - batteries get charged. Load up the next a.m. and go. I do NOT ever want to be caught w/o a battery, or to worry about battery life - all my attention needs to be directed towards image capture.

Portrait mode - so so so much nicer with the grip - the added control is divine. I happen to like the weight... (though I really don't think the weight is noticeable...)

I just upgraded to the 20D - never batted an eye about spending the money on the grip. I felt like this - no grip, no camera. Get them both, or wait. That's how hooked I am.

nina

[RJSorensen]

Thank you one and all . . . I hope I like it. I think I will, but it was hard for me to decide to do so. There is just something about being able to see and or touch one, feel it in your hand. I wonder how far I would have to drive to find one? Denver, Reno, Salt Lake City? It is 500 miles to anywhere more or less. LOL, I don't think Pocatello is a photo hot spot . . .

I did not get my tracking number from my order on Thursday . . . so I wonder if the fire has caused some problems with delivery, or not. I hoped to have it by Monday but I guess the Photo Gods will let me have it when they are ready.

As I am 6'4" and a quarter K . . . without my boots, I guess if size is part of the 'need' I will be able to manage that part.

[Belmondo]

The grip also provides the attachment for the hand strap.
This is a big deal to me. Once you've used the hand strap, it's very hard to think of using a camera without one.

I bought the 20D as an 8mp backup for my 1DMII, and I thought I would like having a smaller, lighter camera for days when I didn't feel like hauling around the larger MkII. Then, I realized I wouldn't be able to have the hand strap. I immediately bought the battery grip, and it hasn't bveen off since.

[cc10d]

My reason for using the grip is like some others, Primarily the GRIP, with the grip and the handstrap, it all feels more secure and eaier to manage, regardless of what lens is on it. Especially if it is a lager one though. The use of the grip and handstap has been my practice for several years on any camera I have. I like all my fingers around the grip rather than hangin out.
Oh yes it is nice to have the vertical controls but often just turn the camera, easier and more securely with the handstrap.
No problems with the grip by the way, sorry for those who have.

[JeffS]

I have the grip on my 10D just because I like the way the camera handles with it on.

[Dante King]

Besides, women just love big equipment packages ;)

[mbze430]

only reason for me to get a grip is that it balance the camera with heavier lens. With L glass, with the extra weight it feels more balance. With cosumer glass it out of balance, and shooting without the grip is fine. 2nd is the portrait orientation with the shutter button. Make life alot easier without twisting your wrist in a very uncomfortable manner.

One thing I like about the detachable grip is that sometime when you feel like just taking a walk and do some casual snap shot, you can lose the grip, and stick a 50mm on it. I wish the 1D allow you to do that....

[RJSorensen]

Got a UPS number this evening . . . should have this by Thursday, Seven days after order . . . a long tine in the system it would seem. Anyone else have slow orders after the 'fire?'

[Chris1le]

I have a grip for both 10 and 20D. I like the vertical shutter release. Some + an - of the 20D grip vs the 10D. First of all I like the new on off switch location. I was always accidentally turning it off on the 10D. Dislikes. It looks and feels cheaper. Why no rubber on the battery compartment door? The muticontroller is useless when using the grip. Maybe they could have added a second muti for the grip. Just my thoughts. :)

[JZaun]

[QUOTE=RJSorensen]Well I have decided to "try" one of these BG-E2's out. I sent in my order this evening to B&H.


I had one, it didn't work and I returned it. I have been waiting for them to be fix'd as I really like it. I had a BG-ED on my 10d and miss it.

PLEASE let us know if it works ok or not.. Ck battery power and flexing. If yours is fix'd I will probably order another :)


Thanks

JZ

[Lefty Ray]

Just got the grip yesterday and the low bat warning came up when doing some test shots on a tripod. I swapped the position of the 2 batteries and it went away. It wil be a real pain if it happens when shooting live events. Is this a mechanical or software thing. If a fix is coming, what is taking so long. I will have a Canon sales manager with me this coming weekend so the list of questions keeps getting longer.

[Jon]

When I called Canon Customer Support about that, I was told that an upcoming firmware fix would take care of it. But I'm still waiting. As far as I can tell, it's a false "Low Batt" warning, but it really should be fixed.

[RJSorensen]

I will be pleased to report on my personal findings for this item and the hand-strap as well. I look forward to seeing this in the flesh for the first time. Regarding the hand-strap . . . does anyone have the link to the instructions for 'rigging' the hand-strap and a neck strap? I seemed to have cleaned up my desktop and discarded same.

Looking forward to Thursday . . .

[Jon]

Directions for installing the strap are printed on (of course!?) the grip instruction sheet.

[Marshall]

I agree with most of the views so far, no problems with fit,+ can use the adaptor provided to use AA batteries as an emergency back-up, and it's soooo butch !!

[mvonditter]

I keep hearing rumors of problems with the grip, but I haven't had any issues yet, and I've been using mine for several months now at least.

I have had mine for years without a single problem.:D Now where is that pile of wood to knock on?;) Ah, yes.....the wife just pointed to my shoulders. Funy how I always forget that!:oops:

[Mark_Cohran]

I have had mine for years without a single problem.:D Now where is that pile of wood to knock on?;) Ah, yes.....the wife just pointed to my shoulders. Funy how I always forget that!:oops:

Well, actually I meant the BG-E2 (which has only been out for months not years). But, I have owned the BG-ED3 grip for my D30, which transfered to my D60 and eventually to my 10D. I never had a problem with it until last year with the vertical control knob stopped working (it woudn't detent and spun freely). I had it repaired for about $90 - the plastic shaft from the knob to the electronics had sheared. Now, before you get nervous, I have to tell you that I was hiking in the Grand Canyon at sunrise about 9 months earlier when I tripped and fell. The grip bore the brunt of that fall. I have no doubt that that fall contributed to the demise of the knob.

[JZaun]

I have had mine for years without a single problem.:D Now where is that pile of wood to knock on?;) Ah, yes.....the wife just pointed to my shoulders. Funy how I always forget that!:oops:


:) since the BG-E2 was only released in Sept 2004 with the 20D I wonder how you used it for "years" without any problem. :)

JZ

[RJSorensen]

What are the chances that this 'new' grip will have been serviced, thus repaired in inventory? Or am I going to have to send it back as soon as it comes on Thursday for a repair . . . would B&H do that?

[RJSorensen]

Well the UPS man came, a little late but with a B&H box under his arm . . . I have my BG-E2 grip and was able to install it without problems. That is neat how Canon gave you a place to store your battery door within the grip housing. I did not know about that, now it won't get lost, well at least not as soon or easy.

I was also able to install the hand strap, lol, it took me a while. I must confess that only the thought of having to ask my wife for help, drove me to 'follow the instructions' as they are quite plain, if one reads or even look at them. The feel is . . . awkward for now, I think the hand strap i will like however, that feels nice. The weight . . . we will see about. I think I will try to get in some shooting this afternoon and try the new gear out. I got a B&W CP for my 17-85 I want to use as well. If I can locate some sunshine . . .

Wish me luck and my kind thanks to all whom have helped here. My final review will be forth coming in a few days.

[MarkoPolo]

Well, we areen't exactly neighbors-- Greeley Colorado to Tin Cup Wyoming, but I have the same issue of no one around t talk "camera" with. I would be more than glad to try to get together and shoot some CF cards sometime. PM me if that sounds at all feasible. I could learn a lot from you I'm sure. Mark

[Maureen Souza]

I'm like you used to be RJ..one in the camera and one in the camera bag. I find my batteries last for about 5-6 days of shooting. Since the weight of the camera and lens is enough for me, I probably won't ever use a battery pack.

[RJSorensen]

Mark . . . I am just a 'hack' so it is you whom would be doing the teaching. One never knows, stranger things have happened and I love to fill Compact Flash up to over flowing.

Maureen . . . I like the hand grip that one can instal with the BG-E2, that has been a boon to me. I can hold the camera with one hand and even shoot one handed. That is sweet. I am still not used to having a place to put my pinkie . . . but will just have to get over it. Also on the 20D battery life is a non-issue. I can get near 1.5K shots from a fresh new charged 1390a battery. So there is no way I am going to pack the weight for 'looks.'

As to if it makes you or the camera look 'Pro.' I think that should be saved for the prints and not a bulbous hunk of black plastic stuck on the bottom of a 20D. It makes me think of (insert name here) wannabes. Not a Mark II of either make, a plastic clone of a real thing.

The Hand Strap rocks however . . . I like that regardless of how it looks.

[Mikelite80]

Don't think anyone mentioned that you can store a CF card where the 20d battery door usually goes. I never take my grip off except to grab my back-up CF card. It's nice when you only expect to take a few pics and end up firing off 2gb of pictures!

Mike

[RJSorensen]

Thanks for the tip Mike . . . I am still trying to get used to the 'place' for my pinkie to rest. A change in something that has become an extension of my hand might take a bit. As I have noted the hand strap is just wonderful so I suppose the grip will stay if for no other reason. With two batteries installed one could suppose that you could shoot for a week with out worry of drain.

It is all good . . . my thanks to everyone.

[RJSorensen]

Back to the 'grip' . . . I guess I am not going to take it off anytime soon. I can go for seven or eight days with a load of batteries and a spare in the pocket. A test I wanted to do. I LIKE the hand strap very, very much. I can shoot with one hand if need be. I like the balance it gives to me when panning with the 100-400. There is more control of the lens and I even think my shots are better with something to hold on to with a long lens.

As some may remember I was a bit of a doubter regarding this, cosmetic, addition. I do think it looks 'funky' but function before form in my pursuit of the perfect image . . .

My personal thanks to those whom commented on this thread.

P.S. I have had NO problems with the grip and errors or other such, thus far. Should such happen I will dig this thread back up and report same.

[RJSorensen]

I have gotten so that I really like the grip . . . thanks. It feels good, my long lens (100-400) takes better photos with the grip hand held. I have torsion twist with the 'grip' and palm of the hand that makes this very stable as far as free hand goes. With the grip . . . I can do anything. As a combo if you shoot much please consider this combo, next time you get the upgrade bug.

My kind regards as always.

[Steve Parr]

I've got really big hands, and I found the 300D body was almost too small for me. A 350XT isn't even a consideration for me. Like others here, I think the grip makes for a far more substantial camera to hold onto. The controls on it, as well as the capacity for a second battery are, for me, secondary...

Steve