A grip and 2 batteries worth it?

[k4show]

Would me spending $100 for a grip and 2 batteries for my new 30D be wise? Is it really neccessary, seeing as I just splurged on a new lens and camera?

Thanks

[thaking]

"wise" might be a personal choice...i have a grip and love it...i like the size of the camera with it and the functionality it provides...for me, it would be wise, but for you, only you can say that...

[k4show]

I have used my friends gripped D80, and I really liked the feel of it, however it was a bit heavy.

[LowriderS10]

how long did you use your friend's camera for?

Consider trading for a day or three before shelling out the cash :)

I love my gripped camera...but I know plenty of people (both men and women) who find it too heavy...especially if you toss a zoom and/or a flash on it...

[thaking]

if you don't like the weight, then it might not be for you...

[bohdank]

If I didn't shoot almost exclusively in portrait orientation, sometimes pretty much non stop for 15-20 minutes with slight pauses to review shots or change lenses, I would not bother with a grip. The added comfort and stability, due to the noticeable extra weight, has to be traded against the extra weight of the body when walking around. It does add up at the end of the day.

The extra battery power is certainly not needed, for my use, so using just one battery lessens the weight, a bit.

[k4show]

I was just fooling around with it. I'll see if i can try it for longer.

[Familiaphoto]

Only you can decide. The general benefits are...

1. Extra size
2. Need more battery life
3. Shoot in vertical a lot

[LowriderS10]

I was just fooling around with it. I'll see if i can try it for longer.

definitely...you won't get a good feel for it until you've used it for a day or two...

[RaymondXTi]

I just got the BG-E3 grip for my XTi from a member here on POTN for $100 shipped and couldn't be happier. I have big hands and it made my Rebel, a small body, "fit" me so much better. I've been forcing myself to shoot *sideways* all day to get used to the feel of it. Definitley worth the money IMO.

[rowan57]

If you regularly carry the camera by a strap, i find that with the grip, it sits more naturally on the body & doesnt try & flip forwards all the time.

The other things mentioned above, weight etc. are important as well because if you find the camera uncomfortable with a grip, chances are you'll use it less.

Cheers
Rowan

[Rrdstarr]

It balances the camera better. Especially on a Gimball style tripod head with a Telephoto lens. Adds weight and stability. Both my XTi and 10D are gripped. I don't take them off.

[Mike R]

I recently picked up one for my 40D. The position of the shutter button when in the protrait position is a big help when shooting in that orientation for a long period of time. It really helps since I have tendonitis in the right wrist and hand. As the others say, It is heavy with the 2 batteries in it but you can operate it with only one if you want to. I wish I had bought it when I got the camera. You can also attach a strap so that the camera hangs in the portrait position. The bottom of the grip has a strap slot.

[JelleVerherstraeten]

If you shoot manny portraits, then buy the grip, your arms will love you :-)

[SYS]

Don't get one until shooting without it really hampers your work. Put your money towards a nice lens, or a tripod/monopod, a bag, or...

[eelnoraa]

Don't get one until shooting without it really hampers your work. Put your money towards a nice lens, or a tripod/monopod, a bag, or...

+1. Grip does nothing to improve IQ, just ergonimic.

[powaysteve]

It's all in what feels comfortable to you. I shot with a mamiya 645 with a grip for years and when I switched to a canon digital it didn't feel right until I put the grip on it. If you do put the grip on it, you will get used to the weight difference. When you have a big zoom on the camera, the grip balances the weight out also

[DennisW1]

how long did you use your friend's camera for?

Consider trading for a day or three before shelling out the cash :)

I love my gripped camera...but I know plenty of people (both men and women) who find it too heavy...especially if you toss a zoom and/or a flash on it...


Just remember, you don't HAVE to use two batteries in the grip if you're trying to keep the weight down. Yes, it's one of the advantages of having a grip to have more battery capacity, but it works just the same with only one battery in it, just not as long.

[Duncan Frenz]

Personally, a grip is essential in making my camera 'complete'. However, YMMV depending on your use. BG-E2N or equivalent that your camera takes is extremely popular and you would be able to sell it for little loss if you decided it wasn't for you. But, I think most people who try it, like it.

[SkipD]

A grip and 2 batteries worth it? A grip and ONE battery is what I use. I keep spare batteries in my bag, but only use one at a time in the grip. Saves a little on weight of the camera and lets me really know the performance of each and every battery I have (I usually carry at least four with me).

[Here and There]

As it's been mentioned, it's really a matter of personal taste. I have a grip on my xsi and love it. I have large hands and the grip really makes the camera more comfortable.