Advantages of a battery grip?

[Christa]

what are some advantages of a battery grip? I have a 40d. I honestly don't know but notice ALOT of people have them. Am I missing out on something really beneficial? I had an XT prior to my recent upgrade (only have had the 40d a week). I have done a few weddings already and shoot alot of photos of children.

Please tell me pros and cons of a battery grip......

[bazz8]

what are some advantages of a battery grip? I have a 40d. I honestly don't know but notice ALOT of people have them. Am I missing out on something really beneficial? I had an XT prior to my recent upgrade (only have had the 40d a week). I have done a few weddings already and shoot alot of photos of children.

Please tell me pros and cons of a battery grip......

Christa I use one on all my SLR,S eos3 ,d30,d40. why I am a builder with large hands and probably use the cameras 80% vertical format, why tighter crop and stronger compasition,+holds 2 batterys which is a plus with my 40d i use a hand strap instead of a neck strap and have come to find the hand strap very usefull and not restrictive in quick shoots compared to the neck strap

[robonrome]

I'm sure if you're doing professional shoots the extra battery life must be worth it. For me though I find the battery life of the 40D impressive enough as it is. I just carry a spare battery. The 40D is heavy and bulky enough for me without adding to in unnecessarily (for me that it). cheers, rob

[FlyingPhotog]

Quck off the top of my head list...

Pros:
- Double the battery life
- Fits larger hands better
- Less contortion needed for shooting portrait orientation
- Counterbalances long lenses
- Mass (less camera wobble)
- Ability to use AA batteries in case of dire emergency

Cons:
- Cost of the grip itself
- Expense of extra battery
- Weight
- An extra electrical connection point that could go stupid
- Can have an impact on which camera bag works best with grip mounted

[CyberDyneSystems]

1. You can shoot with the camera turned sideways for portrait orientation shooting.

IMHO, that's it.
It's a biggy though and should be at the top of any list. When shooting an event where this is 90% of the shots you'll take, want starts to look a lot like "need" for the grip. That 2nd set of controls will be an almost require tool.


Other than that, IMHO they are highly overrated.

You don't get "longer battery life" .. at least no longer than you would if you keep that 2nd battery in your pocket ready to use. That extra battery is a lot lighter and less cumbersome. You can pack 4 or 5 extra batteries in the space it would take to put that grip, so really no grip = more space for batteries.

Many claim "better balance" or "feels better in your hands" Big hands won't even know it's there if your shooting landscape.

Again, IMHO this is silly talk. Making something weigh more and more cumbersome is rarely an advantage. I'd very much like to see the additional controls and weight they create removed from the 1 series altogether. (leave us the option with the removable grips that the other models have) I'll add that grip when shooting events, and I never need it otherwise.

Better yet, Switch to square sensor with optional internal cropping formats and the need for a "portrait grip" set of controls will go away as well.

[timnosenzo]

I use a grip only very occasionally, but when I do it's mostly because I want the shutter release in the vertical orientation. Otherwise I would rather do without the additional size and weight.

[timnosenzo]

Better yet, Switch to square sensor with optional internal cropping formats and the need for a "portrait grip" set of controls will go away as well.

Then we would have to get new lens hoods... :(

[RDKirk]

Big hands won't even know it's there if your shooting landscape.

My right little finger cramps painfully within minutes with the bare camera, so my experiences are different from yours.

My big hand, btw, doesn't even touch the CF door--with my fingers around the grip and my thumb on the back, my hand is large enough that my palm doesn't even brush the camera, there's nothing but open air--so I'm always quizzical about people who complain about the CF door creaking.

[Christa]

I have 2 extra genuine canon batteries, so I guess there is no need for a grip then. I was just wondering if I was missing out on something huge.....lol My hands are tiny so I guess my extra 2 batteries will have to work for me then.

Thank you :)

[gfspencer]

I had a grip but I got rid of it because a camera + grip did not fit into any of my camera bags. I've never run out of battery with either my 40D or my 50D.

[motofan]

i greatly prefer to shoot with the grip on, my pinky has no where to go without it on. helps to add a little stability to grip with my whole hand.
I prefer to shoot vertical with it on also, so you're not holding your right hand up above your head for long periods of time.
On the tracks i tend to be around, opening and closing doors on the camera the least amount possible is the goal. I can shoot more then enough photos in one day on a set of fully charged batteries in my grip.

[nphsbuckeye]

The second shutter for shooting vertical is amazing.

[n1as]

I shoot a lot of basketball and other sports where I'm shooting vertical and holding the camera up in the ready position for long periods of time. My back gets sore. I got the grip to try to reduce the amount of reach my right harm had to do. I love it for that and use it all the time on the 40D

... but ...

- I hate the extra weight.
- I hate the extra size
- I hate the floppy way it fits the 40D. I've had some intermittent operation which gets better if I wiggle the grip to renew the contact with the body.
- Extra battery life - a lie.
- I hate how it makes the camera harder to put on a tripod & less stable when it is on one.
- I hate how it gets in the way with a flash bracket (more bulk)

Some of my issues would be solved by a 1D where the grip is in integral part of the camera.

So, if I wasn't doing sports / shooting vertical, I'd not have the grip. I think some people put a grip on because it looks cool and more professional, sort of like putting a rear spoiler on their Civic - they'll never go fast enough to need it, but it looks cool.

[Sean]

I had a grip on my Elan 7, but not my 40D. The 40D weigh's enough that it feels good. Plus I felt the quality of the grips lacking. Now the new 5DII's grip might be a little better, but until I try one, I can't recommend one.

[timnosenzo]

I think some people put a grip on because it looks cool and more professional, sort of like putting a rear spoiler on their Civic - they'll never go fast enough to need it, but it looks cool.

:lol::lol:

[mrkgoo]

1. You can shoot with the camera turned sideways for portrait orientation shooting.

IMHO, that's it.
It's a biggy though and should be at the top of any list. When shooting an event where this is 90% of the shots you'll take, want starts to look a lot like "need" for the grip. That 2nd set of controls will be an almost require tool.


Other than that, IMHO they are highly overrated.

You don't get "longer battery life" .. at least no longer than you would if you keep that 2nd battery in your pocket ready to use. That extra battery is a lot lighter and less cumbersome. You can pack 4 or 5 extra batteries in the space it would take to put that grip, so really no grip = more space for batteries.

Many claim "better balance" or "feels better in your hands" Big hands won't even know it's there if your shooting landscape.

Again, IMHO this is silly talk. Making something weigh more and more cumbersome is rarely an advantage. I'd very much like to see the additional controls and weight they create removed from the 1 series altogether. (leave us the option with the removable grips that the other models have) I'll add that grip when shooting events, and I never need it otherwise.

Better yet, Switch to square sensor with optional internal cropping formats and the need for a "portrait grip" set of controls will go away as well.
I don't have ag rip, but I would agree. The single greatest reason for getting a grip is to shoot portraits with a lot more ease.

[nphsbuckeye]

So, if I wasn't doing sports / shooting vertical, I'd not have the grip. I think some people put a grip on because it looks cool and more professional, sort of like putting a rear spoiler on their Civic - they'll never go fast enough to need it, but it looks cool.
Have you ever seen a grip for a digital Canon?

[p32shooter]

have grips/like grips and figure if it hits anything it protects the camera too

[gcogger]

1. You can shoot with the camera turned sideways for portrait orientation shooting.

IMHO, that's it.
It's a biggy though and should be at the top of any list. When shooting an event where this is 90% of the shots you'll take, want starts to look a lot like "need" for the grip. That 2nd set of controls will be an almost require tool.


Other than that, IMHO they are highly overrated.

You don't get "longer battery life" .. at least no longer than you would if you keep that 2nd battery in your pocket ready to use. That extra battery is a lot lighter and less cumbersome. You can pack 4 or 5 extra batteries in the space it would take to put that grip, so really no grip = more space for batteries.

Many claim "better balance" or "feels better in your hands" Big hands won't even know it's there if your shooting landscape.

I totally agree - portrait orientation is the one 'proper' reason for a grip IMHO...

I think some people put a grip on because it looks cool and more professional, sort of like putting a rear spoiler on their Civic - they'll never go fast enough to need it, but it looks cool.

...and this, I think, is one of the most common reasons that people actually use one.

Another major reason that people use one, IMHO, is that they are not holding the camera correctly ;) When people talk about problems 'gripping' the camera with the right hand, or have problems with the right hand cramping, I suspect this is the case. The right hand should be relaxed, not tense at all, as it is just used to operate the controls and add a little stability. The left hand supports the weight.

I've also never understood the 'better balance' argument. The camera + lens has a balance point - that's where you put your left hand. How can that be made 'better'? In fact I find a grip can be a nuisance with lighter lenses, as it can cause an awkward shape just where you need to put your hand.

[Tom_D]

I think the grip made the Rebel XT (350D) a much better camera.

I've had my 40D for some time and never felt the same need of the grip. Battery life seems fine without one. I miss the portrait shutter release every once in a while but not enough to run out and get one.

[borealis]

This is a never ending debate.

In many ways it's very much the same question that "should I get a motor drive for my film camera?" was 30+ years ago. And for most photographers my answer is the same: grips are personal, get one and sell it if you don't like it. Really, how much can you lose?

[RDKirk]

Another major reason that people use one, IMHO, is that they are not holding the camera correctly When people talk about problems 'gripping' the camera with the right hand, or have problems with the right hand cramping, I suspect this is the case. The right hand should be relaxed, not tense at all, as it is just used to operate the controls and add a little stability. The left hand supports the weight.

Amigo, I've been shooting for over thirty years, everything from Minoxes to 8x10--I've figured out how to hold a camera by now. One of the things I learned in the early 70s for shooting at very slow shutter speeds--that works as well target shooting a Colt .45ACP--is to exert pressure while pulling the trigger with nothing more than my index finger and the web of my thumb on the grip safety. I can accurately fire a Colt M1911 without my other fingers even touching the grips.

The reason my little finger cramps is because it doesn't touch anything--it's below the body of the camera. I suppose I could learn to shoot with it extended, though, like holding a china teacup.

[n1as]

Have you ever seen a grip for a digital Canon?

Yes, I have one on my 40D. Use it all the time.

[mastertech01]

Those high speed motor drive autowinders from the 35mm days were huge profit makers for the camera manufacturers. I believe they could have easily molded an extra set of switches into the body of most DSLR but its a huge profitable business to build grips and batteries to mate with them. As long as there is a demand for a high profit addon the manufacturers would be nuts to do the easy camera body mod. I am certain they sell many more grips than there are people that really need one. IMHO

You should have seen the expensive grip that sold with my Canon A2. The winder was in the body of the camera... all the grip did was add size and buttons to the body...

[TheSportsGuy]

I have a 40D, and if it was not for my grip, I don't know what I would do.

Positives:
-Great for vertical shooting. I shoot a lot of sports, so having the convenience of a battery grip is great. Plus, it doesn't kill your arm from "chicken wing."
-It most certainly makes the camera feel "fuller." My hands are a little big, but not massive. The grip gives something for my bottom two fingers to grip.
-The grip compensates the weight of your lens. It gives a good balance to it.
-Almost forgot, double battery life!

The only con I can think of is the extra weight issue, but it honestly does not bother me.

GET A GRIP!

:D

[jacobsen1]

I'm a fan of NO GRIPS...

I have very large hands. I'm a big guy. I shoot portrait shots at least half the time, I carry a second battery and you know what? I still don't use a damn grip. I'm bad enough that when I had a 1 series I didn't use it's second shutter, and I bitch they're too big/heavy...

but yeah, as mentioned earlier, 2 batteries? Yeah, I have them, the second is in my bag and at least I really know when I'm half way through them. Balance? I've yet to drop a non gripped body. Second shutter? I don't use them when I do have them. Better hand holding? I'm having no issues there, plus, I'm actually more stable when shooting vertically when I DROP the shutter button and hold the elbow in against my body. I save money and weight this way too, so what's to like (with a grip)?

That said, I had one for my A2E back in the day because it made my feel better about my camera. LOOKED more professional. I guess I thought that helped back then. If I were shooting only a rebel, for me with large hands, yeah, they're small enough I'd probably like one there. But with the 40D, 5D and 5Dii I LOVE their feel w/o them.

I might be in the minority here, but I REALLY want a new 1 series w/o a grip a la the 1V. Make it add FPS with a grip if you want, then I'd use the grip when needed, but yeah, I love smaller lighter bodies. :)

[cd5_2NR]

Quck off the top of my head list...
Cons:
- Cost of the grip itself
- Expense of extra battery
- Weight
- An extra electrical connection point that could go stupid
- Can have an impact on which camera bag works best with grip mounted

yup..i thought of picking one up for the extra battery life but my 40D battery life is amazing...as far as shooting portrait...i dont have any problems shooting without a grip...most of the xxD series cameras are significantly heavier than the smaller XT/XS etc...so i decided the grip was NOT needed

it has alot of pros...but in my case, i dont need longer battery life and dont find it difficult to shoot portraits...give it a try and see if you like it..

[eb314]

The reason I got my grip was because I got a pretty sweet deal on a 3rd party grip. Yeah, I know a lot of people on here wouldn't touch it, but the Opteka grip I got is apparently made from the same molds as the Canon grips. The only difference is that it doesn't say Canon on it. Anyway, it was 80 bucks for the grip + 2 batteries. The batteries actually don't suck, they seem to have the same life as my original Canon battery.

Anyway, I do like the grip. It makes my XSi feel much more solid and easy to hold. I needed the extra batteries, and figured I may as well get the grip to go along with it since it wasn't much extra to get it as a package. After having used it for a while, I like it - but wouldn't spend the money on the Canon brand grip + batteries (over 200 bucks.) I like it, but would use the money on something else.

[Duncan Frenz]

The grips for the Rebel line are pretty much essential for me as it is a very small and light camera. Despite what some have stated, it balances the camera better with heavier/longer lenses with this line of bodies. For those who purchased the Rebel for its smaller size, probably shouldn't add the grip.

On an XXD body, it is useful to me for the obvious reasons mentioned but also because it allows me to use an E-1 handstrap which I like very much. There are other handstraps that attach via the tripod mount, but I find them cumbersome, and not quite as 'finished'.

Unlike the 1D line where the 'grip' is built in, I can at least remove mine when a lower weight is desired. The trade off is less weather sealing with the grip.

Nikon marketing got it right by enabling higher FPS shooting with the grip on certain models. I know that alone would make the grip imperative to have for me.

[mellofelow]

Holding the camera vertically is just odd. Technically you're suppose to tuck the right elbow down rather than hanging up in the air. See below. Somehow I find it very uncomfortable and cramped. Works well with little P&S with live-view but not via view-finder. The grip is dandy for this.

Gripless, sometimes I cheat by zooming out take a landscape and then crop it to a portrait PP. Lazy and stupid I know....

https://knol.google.com/k/vesna-kozelj/how-to-hold-the-camera-with-your-hands/3k0expg5xjecw/2?path_author=vesna-kozelj&path_title=how-to-hold-the-camera-with-your-hands#

http://vesnakozelj.com/wp-content/uploads/image/holding_camera_standing_vertical.gif

[jphelzer]

The reason I got my grip was because I got a pretty sweet deal on a 3rd party grip. Yeah, I know a lot of people on here wouldn't touch it, but the Opteka grip I got is apparently made from the same molds as the Canon grips. The only difference is that it doesn't say Canon on it. Anyway, it was 80 bucks for the grip + 2 batteries. The batteries actually don't suck, they seem to have the same life as my original Canon battery.

Anyway, I do like the grip. It makes my XSi feel much more solid and easy to hold. I needed the extra batteries, and figured I may as well get the grip to go along with it since it wasn't much extra to get it as a package. After having used it for a while, I like it - but wouldn't spend the money on the Canon brand grip + batteries (over 200 bucks.) I like it, but would use the money on something else.

+1 with me. I got the Opteka grip for my 40D and I really like it. Like most everything else, it's just personal preference. I took mine off for a day and put it right back on...

[smorter]

A battery grip allows one to pretend they have a 1 series camera :D

[KuyaRich]

A battery grip allows one to pretend they have a 1 series camera
not when you have a silver XT

..like me :(

[smorter]

:lol: yeah it does look a bit awkward doesn't it

[Oteck]

Funny coincidence as i was experimenting that style so i can reach the AF joystick on my 50D, I didn't know that was the proper way to shoot portrait w/o grips. I kinda like this way of shooting, atleast i have easy access to the top 4 buttons near the lcd


http://vesnakozelj.com/wp-content/uploads/image/holding_camera_standing_vertical.gif

[roman_t]

most of the time i shoot in portrait position when in studio so grip really helps.
good balance with 24-70L and tamron 70-200/2.8.
very long battery work

[The Moose]

not when you have a silver XT

..like me :(

I've got one on my silver 400D and it looks funny but it feels great :lol: I'll never take it off. When I upgrade, if it's not a 1D/s, I'll be buying the grip straight away.

[Perry Ge]

Holding the camera vertically is just odd. Technically you're suppose to tuck the right elbow down rather than hanging up in the air. See below. Somehow I find it very uncomfortable and cramped. Works well with little P&S with live-view but not via view-finder. The grip is dandy for this.

Gripless, sometimes I cheat by zooming out take a landscape and then crop it to a portrait PP. Lazy and stupid I know....

https://knol.google.com/k/vesna-kozelj/how-to-hold-the-camera-with-your-hands/3k0expg5xjecw/2?path_author=vesna-kozelj&path_title=how-to-hold-the-camera-with-your-hands#

http://vesnakozelj.com/wp-content/uploads/image/holding_camera_standing_vertical.gif
WTF I cannot shoot like that (the pic on the left), it's so uncomfortable. I've also never seen anyone shoot like that before. I tend to mostly shoot over my left shoulder rather than straight ahead (so I stand sideways on).

[gofer]

Quck off the top of my head list...

Pros:
- Double the battery life
- Fits larger hands better
- Less contortion needed for shooting portrait orientation
- Counterbalances long lenses
- Mass (less camera wobble)
- Ability to use AA batteries in case of dire emergency

Cons:
- Cost of the grip itself
- Expense of extra battery
- Weight
- An extra electrical connection point that could go stupid
- Can have an impact on which camera bag works best with grip mounted

Can I add to the list of 'cons' that a grip makes a camera less stable when mounted on a tripod.

[gcogger]

Amigo, I've been shooting for over thirty years, everything from Minoxes to 8x10--I've figured out how to hold a camera by now. One of the things I learned in the early 70s for shooting at very slow shutter speeds--that works as well target shooting a Colt .45ACP--is to exert pressure while pulling the trigger with nothing more than my index finger and the web of my thumb on the grip safety. I can accurately fire a Colt M1911 without my other fingers even touching the grips.

The reason my little finger cramps is because it doesn't touch anything--it's below the body of the camera. I suppose I could learn to shoot with it extended, though, like holding a china teacup.

Sorry - didn't mean to imply that my comments applied to everyone. Quite often it has turned out that people having trouble hand-holding a smaller body are trying to do so like a P&S - holding both sides of the body and supporting the weight equally with both hands.

[franklinn]

It makes you look like a pro.

Nuff Said ;) :lol:

[Josh_30]

WTF I cannot shoot like that (the pic on the left), it's so uncomfortable. I've also never seen anyone shoot like that before. I tend to mostly shoot over my left shoulder rather than straight ahead (so I stand sideways on).

I agree... that "correct" posture is awful and would make all of my portrait photos come out upside down! :p

I have a nagging right shoulder injury and the grip just makes it more comfortable for me to shoot, which is the main reason I use it. I could care less about extra battery life.

[smorter]

WTF I cannot shoot like that (the pic on the left), it's so uncomfortable. I've also never seen anyone shoot like that before. I tend to mostly shoot over my left shoulder rather than straight ahead (so I stand sideways on).

So true - I tried that when I was at a marathon event (taking shots of every runner). By the end of it my wrist was like totally damaged :(

I couldn't change my orientation because the agency I worked for said that photos must be of 1 orientation...so I was stuck using that method for the entire time (2500+ photos)

:lol: funny now that I think about it, but my wrist didn't think it was funny

[silvex]

Quck off the top of my head list...

Pros:
- Double the battery life
- Fits larger hands better
- Less contortion needed for shooting portrait orientation
- Counterbalances long lenses
- Mass (less camera wobble)
- Ability to use AA batteries in case of dire emergency

Cons:
- Cost of the grip itself
- Expense of extra battery
- Weight
- An extra electrical connection point that could go stupid
- Can have an impact on which camera bag works best with grip mounted

+1 on all those. I myself have large hands and with the grip it makes a HUGE difference. Ladies (or men with small hands) will feel more pressure in theirs and therefore get tired often. I also prefer to have the second battery already there than to wait and switch batteries.

When using telephotos it is REALLY handy in portrait mode, but sometimes I forget about the grip....when going into portrait mode for few frames.

I used a 5D without the grip and had a HECK of time time shooting.

[timnosenzo]

WTF I cannot shoot like that (the pic on the left), it's so uncomfortable. I've also never seen anyone shoot like that before.

I always shoot like that (when not using a grip), I find having my arm up over my head really uncomfortable. :)

[hollis_f]

I'll bet I've got bigger hands than 90% of the people on PotN but I find using any of my xxD cameras with a battery grip most uncomfortable. Without a grip my little finger (pinkie) naturally rests on the base of the camera, across the battery door. This certainly helps with stability when handholding.

With a grip added I no longer have this extra support and my pinkie is forced to jut out into space (like a posh person drinking tea) because the finger grip on the body isn't carried on down into the grip.

[JeffreyG]

I shoot like the guy on the left with the green checkmark.

[spelunker]

There are advantages of a battery grip, but it's so ergonomically different from using a grip-less camera that you'll just have to try it out to know if it's right for you.

I tried it and didn't like it. It took away the compactness of my camera and it was messy because it kept tangling up with the neckstrap. Also, I mainly shoot primes without flash, so I didn't really gain from either extended battery life nor a heftier body. Finally, I actually felt shooting vertically without the grip felt more intuitive.

[kentdebtn]

I've only used my 40d with the grip! I like it and the weight is not a problem. as others have stated its very nice for vertical shooting.

With the two batteries you can get nearly 1800 shots - what I do is when the battery gauge shows its getting low I pop in a charged battery and keep on shooting so i don't never worry about charging a batteries till I get home.

[apersson850]

I like the way I can hold my 400D/40D in portrait mode, when the grip is there.
Significantly more comfortable.

[neilwood32]

WTF I cannot shoot like that (the pic on the left), it's so uncomfortable. I've also never seen anyone shoot like that before. I tend to mostly shoot over my left shoulder rather than straight ahead (so I stand sideways on).

Im with Perryge on this one - aint no way i could shoot like that. I have long arms and there is no way i could manage to get them folded in that way while being comfortable shooting.

+1 on all those. I myself have large hands and with the grip it makes a HUGE difference. Ladies (or men with small hands) will feel more pressure in theirs and therefore get tired often. I also prefer to have the second battery already there than to wait and switch batteries.

When using telephotos it is REALLY handy in portrait mode, but sometimes I forget about the grip....when going into portrait mode for few frames.

I used a 5D without the grip and had a HECK of time time shooting.

Oh and the big hands+grip= more comfort is totally true! My hands certainly aint shovels but they larger than average and without a grip i end up holding with 3 fingers and end up with cramp at the end of a day.

The extra battery life is a boon as well - i was shooting British Touring Car Champ at Knockhill this year and found that the second battery gave me the life i needed to shoot without worrying about the battery giving out mid race as the single battery had the week before! Lost the chance of photos of 2 laps, a great overtaking manouver and a crash because of having to change the battery:evil: GRRRRRRR. So dont tell me the extra battery consumption isnt useful!!!

[jemann]

Advantages of a battery grip? More battery and more grip of course :)

Joking aside, I got the grip for my 400D because the body alone was too small for my big hands. I did think it made the camera look cooler too, but that's a silly motive to get one.

I got the grip for my 40D for much the same reasons, but I'm starting to think it's not really necessary due to the bigger body size.

[RDKirk]

I'll bet I've got bigger hands than 90% of the people on PotN but I find using any of my xxD cameras with a battery grip most uncomfortable. Without a grip my little finger (pinkie) naturally rests on the base of the camera, across the battery door. This certainly helps with stability when handholding.

That's the specific formula for a finger cramp for me.

[Perry Ge]

I always shoot like that (when not using a grip), I find having my arm up over my head really uncomfortable. :)

I shoot like the guy on the left with the green checkmark.

How? Like smorter said, it hurts the hell out of my wrist - and I have to contort myself to get it 100% vertical when held that way, and I have a hell of a time trying to hold the camera when I'm using smaller manual focus lenses. I find the over the head stance pretty uncomfortable too, but not as uncomfortable as that method - but I'm always willing to try and learn new things, but this stance so far is just painful.

[spelunker]

I hold it like the guy to the right, I just don't do it full out "chicken wing". My arms are parallel, just like when I'm shooting horizontally. It hasn't hurt my photography so far.

[joedlh]

If you have the grip, non-photographers will think that you're actually toting a 1D and must be some kind of pro. So they will give you more space.

I've been shooting SLRs for decades and have never experienced the need for extra batteries or a vertical shutter release. That's my personal observation.

[Duncan Frenz]

If you have the grip, non-photographers will think that you're actually toting a 1D and must be some kind of pro. So they will give you more space.

I've been shooting SLRs for decades and have never experienced the need for extra batteries or a vertical shutter release. That's my personal observation.

A non-photographer is probably thinking to themselves... "Dear lord, that poor man can't afford a decent camera, just look at that ancient thing! He must not be able to afford the new technology that makes cameras small enough to fit in a pocket or a proper cell phone." :D

[hollis_f]

Here's my problem with a grip -

[n1as]

One other downside to the grip that I've encountered during sports photography. Having the grip slows down the transitions between portrait and landscape. With no grip, you just rotate the camera. With a grip, you have to change your gripping area which is much slower.

As much as I dislike the grip, I use it all the time. It is sort of like zoom lenses. I want to like primes more, but in practice the zoom is just too darn useful and stays on the camera far more than primes do.

[taxsux]

Go check out the most ridiculous comments thread.

You will find tons of "Well I was walking with my 350D.. gripped." "My gripped rebel.."

*Wank wank wank*

Go figure... :lol:

[Duncan Frenz]

Go check out the most ridiculous comments thread.

You will find tons of "Well I was walking with my 350D.. gripped." "My gripped rebel.."

*Wank wank wank*

Go figure... :lol:


This comment is lost on me. Are you saying that because someone chooses to use a camera from the XXXD line they are excluded from the grip club? Or are you commenting on how he came off by saying he had a grip in general? I see a number of the same comments but with XXD substituted for XXXD and they receive no ridicule... Just wondering because if ANY camera NEEDED a grip it is the Rebel line to make it feel proper.

[Rocketdun]

The battery grip means never having to say "Whew I wish I could have gotten that shot, but my battery went dead. The grip also has a second shutter release that will allow you to shoot from the vertical position much easier. The grip also has an alternate carrier that takes six AA batteries in the event that both of the batteries in the grip are totally discharged. It does add extra weight to the camera, but it does set the camera off and make give it a more professional look. For a person with larger hands it also provides a larger area to hold the camera more firmly. At approx. $150 it will give you some peace of mind if you intend to shoot a lot of shots.

[JeffreyG]

How? Like smorter said, it hurts the hell out of my wrist - and I have to contort myself to get it 100% vertical when held that way, and I have a hell of a time trying to hold the camera when I'm using smaller manual focus lenses. I find the over the head stance pretty uncomfortable too, but not as uncomfortable as that method - but I'm always willing to try and learn new things, but this stance so far is just painful.

I think the problem is that you are actually gripping the camera. When I shoot my 5D in portrait orientation I am holding it by the lens. My right hand it actually only gripping the body lightly by my fingertips. It's very comfortable.

What is not comfortable is the other way, with my arm extended over my head like I'm preparing for some kind of kung fu attack called the flying crane.

Wax on! Wax Off!
Take Photo Landscape! Take Photo Portrait!

[timnosenzo]

Wax on! Wax Off!
Take Photo Landscape! Take Photo Portrait!

:lol::lol::lol:

[JeffreyG]

Here - This is not uncomfortable. I think people who find this uncomfortable are trying to get the camera grip all the way into the palm of the right hand.

BTW - go back and look at 'red X' guy. That is clearly very unstable. I think I'd take the old 1/focal length rule and double it standing like that. You want your arms tight to your body for stability. Clearly none of you guys are riflemen.

[Perry Ge]

I hold it like the guy to the right, I just don't do it full out "chicken wing". My arms are parallel, just like when I'm shooting horizontally. It hasn't hurt my photography so far.

That's roughly how I do it too.

[JeffreyG]

That's roughly how I do it too.

Go shoot a mirror Perry. I have trouble picturing your stance.

[PeaceFire]

I shoot the wrong way, too, apparently. It's never been a problem until this week when I threw out my shoulder at work. Now I can't lift it up that far. Which is where my battery grip came in handy. With the shutter release on the grip I can hold it up and not have to move my arm with it.

I like the grip. I've noticed (in the one shoot I've used it) that I hold the bottom of my grip with my left hand and rest my elbow on my hip which helps balance it. Of course, this only works with prime lenses on AF, but it's what's going to work for me until the shoulder heals up. Because I'm sitting here with my camera trying to hold it right, and it feel too weird. I don't think I can break that habit.

[Perry Ge]

Go shoot a mirror Perry. I have trouble picturing your stance.

I don't grip the camera with my right hand either Jeffrey, like you said, it's unstable. It's easy to explain how I grip the camera (too lazy to do a mirror shot) - I thought the post I quoted was pretty clear.

So, start with proper horizontal stance: lens in left hand, support all the weight of the camera with the left hand, add right hand to grip just for control, not support.

Now for vertical, basically just raise the right arm, and change the angle of your wrist to meet the grip. The angle of my shoulder and elbow stay roughly the same (elbows still against or close to chest) - so it's like that 'wrong' pic but with the arms parallel instead of one out to the side. [The right hand rests on the grip, doesn't grip it, all the weight is in the palm of the left hand, via the lens).

I also shoot over my left shoulder, sideways on, not facing straight forward.

I tried your way, it feels OK I guess but it doesn't feel very manoeverable at all.

[JeffreyG]

Ah, so the top hand (right) ends up draped across the camera in a dahling sort of a fashion and the forearm is vertical.

[Perry Ge]

Ah, so the top hand (right) ends up draped across the camera in a dahling sort of a fashion and the forearm is vertical.

:lol: Yes...you could put it that way :lol:.

[fiorano94]

I got my grip because i have big hands and need more camera to hold onto. 2x battery life is cool, and the shutter button is nice to have. I hate it because of the "WOAH!! HUGE CAMERA!!!" comments from "normal" people.

[RLJSlick]

Same here, the grip is totally the way to go, specially if you have larger hands. I like the idea of a "large camera" make it feel and look more professional.

[mrkgoo]

Here - This is not uncomfortable. I think people who find this uncomfortable are trying to get the camera grip all the way into the palm of the right hand.

BTW - go back and look at 'red X' guy. That is clearly very unstable. I think I'd take the old 1/focal length rule and double it standing like that. You want your arms tight to your body for stability. Clearly none of you guys are riflemen.

Good point. I always shot like the gut on the right - leftie was far too uncomfortable. BUt what you say makes sense. I will give it a shot.

[Duncan Frenz]

Here - This is not uncomfortable. I think people who find this uncomfortable are trying to get the camera grip all the way into the palm of the right hand.

BTW - go back and look at 'red X' guy. That is clearly very unstable. I think I'd take the old 1/focal length rule and double it standing like that. You want your arms tight to your body for stability. Clearly none of you guys are riflemen.

You put the butt of your rifle up to your eye???

[mellofelow]

Here - This is not uncomfortable. I think people who find this uncomfortable are trying to get the camera grip all the way into the palm of the right hand.

BTW - go back and look at 'red X' guy. That is clearly very unstable. I think I'd take the old 1/focal length rule and double it standing like that. You want your arms tight to your body for stability. Clearly none of you guys are riflemen.
Wow... The picture is great and you're absolutely right. Just now I tried it against the monitor and already noticed much steadier center target.

Thanks!

[n1as]

BTW - go back and look at 'red X' guy. That is clearly very unstable. I think I'd take the old 1/focal length rule and double it standing like that. You want your arms tight to your body for stability. Clearly none of you guys are riflemen.

Actually I AM a rifleman - and it gets in the way of photography shooting because I always hold my breath when I press the shutter button and when I'm 1/2 pressing and following the action I find myself holding my breath the whole time and running out of air :-)

I've not tried the right-hand-down method of holding vertical but my first objection will be that the camera body will block my left eye.

[jblaschke]

The first thing I bought for my XTi was a battery grip (the Opteka knockoff--which as far as I can tell after side-by side comparisons, is identical to the official Canon grip). I needed it for comfort--the XTi was too small to hold easily. But I can to love the extra battery and the ability to shoot vertically.

The Wife, however, complained. She griped that it was to bulky and that if she wanted to shoot vertically, she'd simply use the button on the camera.

Fast-forward a year. The Wife's 50D arrived two weeks ago, and she's been shooting portraits on a semi-pro basis. I really, really like the feel of the 50D--it fits the hand really well, so imagine my surprise the other day when she comes up and casually asks if there's a vertical battery grip available for the 50D. Boy, did I give her a look! She confessed that she'd grown addicted to shooting portraits with my grip, and wanted the extra battery power for her 50D...

So, no, grips aren't necessary (less so on the XXD bodies than on the tiny XXXD bodies), but by golly they do spoil you with the extra power and controls.

[ejicon]

just because it looks bad'ass... there. I said it :)

Also, it allows you to use the hand grip instead of going out an buying one of those weird sunpak tripod grip holders.

[Duncan Frenz]

It's really a 'secret handshake' amongst photographers. The casual observer doesn't know/care what it is.

[apersson850]

One other downside to the grip that I've encountered during sports photography. Having the grip slows down the transitions between portrait and landscape. With no grip, you just rotate the camera. With a grip, you have to change your gripping area which is much slower.That's not true.
Without the grip, you can't hold the camera sensibly in portrait orientation. You can do the awkward way (left side in the images posted earlier in this thread), but that's no good, as you have to significantly change the grip of the camera, and even if your elbows are supported, you can't really support your camera well like that.
Or you can do the other way, with your hand above the camera, which makes more sense, as you only have to release the grip of the lens, tilt the camera and go on. This is extremely quick to do, but it puts labor on the right arm, having it up like that.

However, don't forget that the second method I list above works just as well, even if the grip is on the camera. And if you are all the time changing back and forth between landscape and portrait mode, then you'll not get tired in your right arm anyway, so then it doesn't matter. When you do have time, you just change to the gripped grip, so to speak. Or back to horizontal.

[eelnoraa]

The battery grip means never having to say "Whew I wish I could have gotten that shot, but my battery went dead. The grip also has a second shutter release that will allow you to shoot from the vertical position much easier. The grip also has an alternate carrier that takes six AA batteries in the event that both of the batteries in the grip are totally discharged. It does add extra weight to the camera, but it does set the camera off and make give it a more professional look. For a person with larger hands it also provides a larger area to hold the camera more firmly. At approx. $150 it will give you some peace of mind if you intend to shoot a lot of shots.

Not true. But if you let it happen without the grip, it will happen with the grip too. It will just happen half as often.

[eelnoraa]

I shoot a lot of basketball and other sports where I'm shooting vertical and holding the camera up in the ready position for long periods of time. My back gets sore. I got the grip to try to reduce the amount of reach my right harm had to do. I love it for that and use it all the time on the 40D

... but ...

- I hate the extra weight.
- I hate the extra size
- I hate the floppy way it fits the 40D. I've had some intermittent operation which gets better if I wiggle the grip to renew the contact with the body.
- Extra battery life - a lie.
- I hate how it makes the camera harder to put on a tripod & less stable when it is on one.
- I hate how it gets in the way with a flash bracket (more bulk)

Some of my issues would be solved by a 1D where the grip is in integral part of the camera.

So, if I wasn't doing sports / shooting vertical, I'd not have the grip. I think some people put a grip on because it looks cool and more professional, sort of like putting a rear spoiler on their Civic - they'll never go fast enough to need it, but it looks cool.

I feel the same

[CyberPet]

I can't live without my grips. I saw myself shooting without a grip once and I was laughing. I looked silly with my arm all the way up (I just don't get why I need to turn the camera the other way to shoot vertically, doesn't make sense to use different shutter fingers).

So not only do I love my grips as I shoot a lot of vertical images, but I also love the balance it gives the camera with the 70-200/2.8L IS on it. Even if it's heavier, it's much more well balanced for some reason.

[carr0t]

i have a grip for my 40D. as most of the people here said, it gives the camera a whole better feel in my hands and after a really long day in the sun and out shooting, the small differences can really help.
Plus with the extra battery, i never run out on a shoot. just recharge them at night.

If i had a 5D MK2 then i would be getting a crip for that camera as well. If you want to go somewhere and you don't like the bulk, that's easy take the battery grip off, however with using one it can help make life comfortable by the end of the day.

[blogs]

I dont understand people going on about extra battery life, and missing shots becasue the battery went flat??

How hard is it to..

a) Put a spare battery in your pocket
b) Take notice of the battery level indicator
c) Spend all of 5 seconds swapping the battery???

[Duncan Frenz]

I dont understand people going on about extra battery life, and missing shots becasue the battery went flat??

How hard is it to..

a) Put a spare battery in your pocket
b) Take notice of the battery level indicator
c) Spend all of 5 seconds swapping the battery???


If you could buy a battery that had 2x the life of your standard battery, wouldn't you buy that? A grip does precisely this while adding a host of other features. Grips have multiple advantages; people use them for some of those and others use them for all the reasons. Best of all, you can always remove it when not needed.

[Christa]

Okay, so now I am back to being unsure if I want one......hmmmmmm

[Ballen Photo]

I can switch from landscape to portrait position in less than a heartbeat without the grip.
Also, As CDS points out early in this thread, you can easily carry spare batteries, so that's not an issue either.
But WAIT! Why do I have a grip on my camera's? Well, I think they look COOL. :p
-Bruce

[Duncan Frenz]

Okay, so now I am back to being unsure if I want one......hmmmmmm

The only way to be sure is to try it. If you don't like it you can sell it. For $90.00 US you can get an Opteka grip with two batteries or $70.00 without the batteries. You really can't lose.

[Christa]

The only way to be sure is to try it. If you don't like it you can sell it. For $90.00 US you can get an Opteka grip with two batteries or $70.00 without the batteries. You really can't lose.

This may be a dumb question, but can I use the canon batteries in the opteka grip? I have 2 canon batteries already with a third coming. I don't need any other brands or copies of them.

[Duncan Frenz]

This may be a dumb question, but can I use the canon batteries in the opteka grip? I have 2 canon batteries already with a third coming. I don't need any other brands or copies of them.


Yes. The Opteka batteries are identical to the Canon except with higher mAh. Both are interchangeable and you can use the Canon charger. The grip itself claims to be made from the same mold as Canon's BG-E2n and functions identically. So, if you don't need the batteries, save yourself $20.00 and just get the grip.

[nik.hisham]

So true - I tried that when I was at a marathon event (taking shots of every runner). By the end of it my wrist was like totally damaged :(

I couldn't change my orientation because the agency I worked for said that photos must be of 1 orientation...so I was stuck using that method for the entire time (2500+ photos)

:lol: funny now that I think about it, but my wrist didn't think it was funny

This 1 orientation is a strange requirement. This means that you can only take portraits where your right hand is below the lens and not above it? If that were the case, having a grip would not help because if you shot portrait orientation with the grip, your pics would be 'upside down' .... or am I completely not getting this? I thought a portrait orientation is a portrait orientation is a portrait orientation, regardless of which way you take it.

I dont understand people going on about extra battery life, and missing shots becasue the battery went flat??

How hard is it to..

a) Put a spare battery in your pocket
b) Take notice of the battery level indicator
c) Spend all of 5 seconds swapping the battery???

And just to chime in on this point, for me, extra battery life that prevents from missing the shot is absolutely true. If I were shooting in the field and I ran out of juice in my canon battery, I could swap with AA's and still get the shot. Couldn't do that without the grip.

Cheers.

[skygod44]

I don't use/need a grip. I'm not a pro, so I can "plan" my shoots and just take a spare battery, as I'm not getting paid (usually) for what I take, unless it's by word of mouth sales, and don't expect to shoot more than 1500 pictures!!!! I mean, who does? If you might, maybe your technique is questionable. Or take a recharger, drop in somewhere for lunch and ask nicely to plug in your battery!
Here - This is not uncomfortable. I think people who find this uncomfortable are trying to get the camera grip all the way into the palm of the right hand....
I'm with you on this one. I've always held like you for portraits, and when I'm waiting for a shot, I "relax" the camera onto my palm, with my face away from the viewfinder.....but I've noticed you've slim fingers JeffreyG like me (cute mirror-picture, btw ;)) so I wonder if the guys with hands like a gorilla are the ones who "don't get it"?
This 1 orientation is a strange requirement. This means that you can only take portraits where your right hand is below the lens and not above it? If that were the case, having a grip would not help because if you shot portrait orientation with the grip, your pics would be 'upside down' .... or am I completely not getting this? I thought a portrait orientation is a portrait orientation is a portrait orientation, regardless of which way you take it.
And just to chime in on this point, for me, extra battery life that prevents from missing the shot is absolutely true. If I were shooting in the field and I ran out of juice in my canon battery, I could swap with AA's and still get the shot. Couldn't do that without the grip.
Cheers.
Nope, you're not getting this.
But "portrait" is "portrait", so you're right there. Irrespective of whether you do the "funky chicken", the "stick insect" or the "bamboo" stance, with the rectangle going up-and-down as opposed to left-to-right, it's "portrait".

[silvex]

Well...if grips get on the way WHY???? 1D have them....:)

[nphsbuckeye]

Well...if grips get on the way WHY???? 1D have them....:)
Well, they do need a lot of juice...

[sunnygirl]

Grips are a fantastic option for a portrait shooter who has problematic shoulders, IMHO - that would be me.:)
Finally got one for the MKII - going to save me a fortune at the physiotherapist now.

[taxsux]

This comment is lost on me. Are you saying that because someone chooses to use a camera from the XXXD line they are excluded from the grip club? Or are you commenting on how he came off by saying he had a grip in general? I see a number of the same comments but with XXD substituted for XXXD and they receive no ridicule... Just wondering because if ANY camera NEEDED a grip it is the Rebel line to make it feel proper.

Don't take it the wrong way. I'll change it to a 5dII if that makes you feel better. :lol:

Just stating the obvious. "Oh look at my gripped camera.." It's big and massif bro. Fully sick!

[Duncan Frenz]

Don't take it the wrong way. I'll change it to a 5dII if that makes you feel better. :lol:

Just stating the obvious. "Oh look at my gripped camera.." It's big and massif bro. Fully sick!

No, no need. I am not offended, nor do I longer own a Rebel. I just see so many negative things from people on this forum about the XSI and it just isn't deserving of such ridicule. It is a top notch camera despite its detractor's comments to the contrary. And like I said, if ANY camera needed a grip it is the Rebel line.:D

[taxsux]

I still have a 400d.:lol:

And tis does feel better with a grip.

[snails]

I use my XTi with a grip and my 40D without.

The XTi's body is too short for me to hold comfortably in landscape without the grip, but it does make the camera bulky to get into and out of bags and hanging from my neck. It makes the XTi's batteries less frequent to change, but changes now require 2 charged and matched (same mAh) batteries. Battery life vs convenience is a draw. Portrait shooting is a little bit more comfortable, but I don't shoot that way often. I normally rotate SLRs the same way the grip requires so that's not an issue for me. (I rotate PnS' the other way.) I don't feel like the grip offsets any significant lens weight, but it doesn't make the camera too heavy.

On my 40D, I can buy and store 3-4 extra batteries (SterlingTek) for the price of a grip, this extends available shooting time far more than a grip could with an extra battery and a set of emergency AA's. I also like the ergonomics of my 40D as-is.

[dima1109]

And like I said, if ANY camera needed a grip it is the Rebel line.
Amen to that! :D I couldn't even hold my XS with any degree of comfort without a grip. Now that I've got one, I can fire off 1000+ shots in one day and not even feel any discomfort. Of course, it's not a xxD, the handgrip itself is pretty small. But it helps a lot. Plus, with two batteries in the grip, the battery life is insane.

[RDKirk]

When I was doing PJ work in the 70s--which was also a time of lots of political rallies and protests--I found the battle-armored (and super heavy) MF motor drive for the F1 to be very good as both a face shield and a battle mace. I'm pretty sure it would have stopped a bullet, if so called upon.

[RDKirk]

And like I said, if ANY camera needed a grip it is the Rebel line.

FYI, according to the previous Canon Inc chief of their Imaging Division, the DRebel line (named "Kiss" in Japan) was specifically designed for the hands of Japanese women, and their goal is to get it yet smaller.

Notice that for the American market, the camera was renamed "Rebel."

[philmar]

one advantage is that people with small P&S cameras will move out of your way and give you the space you need to compose your photo. I guess they assume you are a professional and will often defer space to you.

[Duncan Frenz]

FYI, according to the previous Canon Inc chief of their Imaging Division, the DRebel line (named "Kiss" in Japan) was specifically designed for the hands of Japanese women, and their goal is to get it yet smaller.

Notice that for the American market, the camera was renamed "Rebel."

I actually did know (most) of this. And yes, I realize their is a market for smaller DSLRs. Look at the 4 thirds system for instance. What I should have said is, if any camera line needed a grip to feel comfortable in my hands it is the Rebel/XXXD/KISS line.

[BLACK MAMBA]

I'm wearing my bullet proof vest so shoot me now!

There are people who uses the battery grip just because they want their cameras to look a bit more professional aka the dinosaur sized canon 1D series or Nikon dxX series. :lol:

[kennys350d]

I got my canon grip for free...so like hell Im going to put it to use...!

[creature_]

I think that honestly, maybe half the people that purchase grips (not just Canon, all brands included) do it to 'look pro'. Maybe it's just me, but it seems that way...no?

[bohdank]

4 reasons to buy a grip.

1) more battery power.... do you really shoot > 500 shots in an outing ? If you do, pack a second battery in your bag/pocket

2) I have big hands.... buy a bigger camera. The grip adds about $70 to the price. What's the price difference between the XXXD and the XXD these days ? I really don't know, just asking.

3) I find it uncomfortbale to shoot in portrait mode..... how much do you actually shoot in this orientation and what frequency. Somewhere in the area of #1 ?

4) it can help to steady a camera shooting at slow shutter speeds... assuming you do this fairly often and have a problem.


4 reasons why not to buy one


1) it adds noticeable weight that you are going to carry around all day. If you don't carry it around all day you, probably, won't be shooting a lot in portrait mode or need the extra battery power.

2) it takes up more space in a camera bag, potentially needing a bigger and heavier bag. If you fly/travel with your gear, this can be an issue.

3) it costs money that could go towards more, arguably, usefull gear or beer.

4) An XXXD with a grip looks wanna-be ;-)


When all is said and done.... it's < $100 with a couple of batteries so who cares.

[neilwood32]

My comments to your post

4 reasons to buy a grip.

1) more battery power.... do you really shoot > 500 shots in an outing ? If you do, pack a second battery in your bag/pocket It has been known on a number of occasions for me to shoot 700 in an outing (motorsport) and i dont want to need to change during a race.

2) I have big hands.... buy a bigger camera. The grip adds about $70 to the price. What's the price difference between the XXXD and the XXD these days ? I really don't know, just asking. When i bought my 400D, the 40D was an extra £300 so out of my price range at the time

3) I find it uncomfortbale to shoot in portrait mode..... how much do you actually shoot in this orientation and what frequency. Somewhere in the area of #1 ? Actually very often when at family/friends.

4) it can help to steady a camera shooting at slow shutter speeds... assuming you do this fairly often and have a problem. If you have largish hands like mine it is very hard to hold the body in a way that would keep it steady without a grip


4 reasons why not to buy one


1) it adds noticeable weight that you are going to carry around all day. If you don't carry it around all day you, probably, won't be shooting a lot in portrait mode or need the extra battery power. Not a big issue to me, its on a strap and tbh once you are used to the extra weight the camera feels like a P&S without it.

2) it takes up more space in a camera bag, potentially needing a bigger and heavier bag. If you fly/travel with your gear, this can be an issue. Never been an issue to me - the bag (lowepro) is plenty deep enough for the grip on the body.

3) it costs money that could go towards more, arguably, usefull gear or beer. I would rather shoot with the grip on and be able to hold a beer than to suffer the hand cramps i was getting before the grip and not be able to hold a beer! :lol:

4) An XXXD with a grip looks wanna-be ;-) You are entitled to your opinion but looks aint what i bought mine for!


When all is said and done.... it's < $100 with a couple of batteries so who cares.

[RayHenry]

I used grips on all my bodies (30D, 50D, 5D). The primary reason for going with the grip is comfort. Yes, I find it more comfortable to have the grip (despite the extra weight) than to have my pinky with nowhere to go.

I also find that when you have a heavier lens on the body and you've got it hanging around your neck with another camera in hand, the weight/surface of the grip goes a long way in keeping the camera balanced and assists in keeping it from bouncing off my body excessively. And yes, the additional balance is nice when hand-holding as well.

The extended battery life is great, not having to stop and dig out another battery is wonderful. Changing cards takes enough time. And yes, I do often shoot over 1k in a run.

Another thing the grip allows for is the use of the Canon hand strap, something I love. When you have a camera with a heavier lens in your hand for hours, the strap allows you to drop your arm and keep the camera safely in your hand with little physical input. Yeah, the grip is part of the weight that makes you want to do this, but the trade-off works very well *for me*.

As for the looks.... I really don't care what people think of the looks, good or bad. I but what I want for what I want, and that's it.... :)

[dc5itr329]

I have a 40d and I didn't like the feel of the grip on it. I think it's the design for me. If the grip made it feel like a 1d series then I'd be all over it.

[Rocktoe]

I love my grip! :mrgreen: Makes the camera handling much more natural, imo. Also gave me more stability in both horizontal and vertical positions. I don't really care for the doubled battery capacity; for my needs one XSi battery is plenty.