Battery Grip or Just Extra Batteries?

[pridash]

Sorry, this may be a sill question, but it's got me thinking.

I'm due to get some experience as a second shooter on weddings and just wondering if a grip is really required. I don't want to run out of juice half way! So far I've never ran out of power from a single battery on portraits shoots that have lasted a few hours, but I'm just concerned that a wedding will involve much more on-cam flash work that may drain more power. Add to the fact that I may hire a 70-200is it is something of a concern.

The cost of a BG-E2 is around £120, add a couple of BP511's and it easily running into another £180 on top (assuming originals are bought). Whereas buying a couple of BP511 compatible batteries may only cost about £30 - charged before a shoot surely shouldn't let me down...or so I think. Just wondering what people's opinions are on the matter.

FWIW, I don't find holding the cam in portrait mode without a grip awkward.

Also, if I go down the grip route, are the BG-E2 knock offs just as good or is the Canon one definitely better? Again, I'm just thinking along the lines of lens hoods - I don't find the 3rd party ones any different than the overpriced Canon ones - are grips the same?

[Jon]

A grip won't extend your battery life. More batteries will extend your battery life, as you realize. All a grip will let you do is have two batteries in the camera at once, so you'll go twice as long before you need to change batteries. A better immediate investment for your situation would be to have the spare battery(ies) and instead of a grip, an external flash. I see you have a 580EX, so maybe look at a flip bracket (either flash or camera type) for it so you can keep the flash above the lens in either orientation.

[cdifoto]

Sorry, this may be a sill question, but it's got me thinking.

I'm due to get some experience as a second shooter on weddings and just wondering if a grip is really required. I don't want to run out of juice half way! So far I've never ran out of power from a single battery on portraits shoots that have lasted a few hours, but I'm just concerned that a wedding will involve much more on-cam flash work that may drain more power. Add to the fact that I may hire a 70-200is it is something of a concern.

The cost of a BG-E2 is around £120, add a couple of BP511's and it easily running into another £180 on top (assuming originals are bought). Whereas buying a couple of BP511 compatible batteries may only cost about £30 - charged before a shoot surely shouldn't let me down...or so I think. Just wondering what people's opinions are on the matter.

FWIW, I don't find holding the cam in portrait mode without a grip awkward.

Also, if I go down the grip route, are the BG-E2 knock offs just as good or is the Canon one definitely better? Again, I'm just thinking along the lines of lens hoods - I don't find the 3rd party ones any different than the overpriced Canon ones - are grips the same?
If grips were required, they'd be integrated. Just carry an extra battery or two in your pocket.

[TTk]

A grip ( Phottex ) is the way to go and as for batteries go to www.7dayshop.com around £7 each and trust me there good, very good, never let me down when I had a 50D.

[pridash]

A grip won't extend your battery life. More batteries will extend your battery life, as you realize. All a grip will let you do is have two batteries in the camera at once, so you'll go twice as long before you need to change batteries. A better immediate investment for your situation would be to have the spare battery(ies) and instead of a grip, an external flash. I see you have a 580EX, so maybe look at a flip bracket (either flash or camera type) for it so you can keep the flash above the lens in either orientation.

If grips were required, they'd be integrated. Just carry an extra battery or two in your pocket.

Thanks for the responses! I thought I was going mad thinking that I absolutely needed a grip!

Yes a bracket for the 580 is something I was thinking off at some stage...but I have yet to see one used at any of the weddings I have attended, albeit as a guest - it may be that I just haven't noticed.

A grip ( Phottex ) is the way to go and as for batteries go to www.7dayshop.com around £7 each and trust me there good, very good, never let me down when I had a 50D.

Thanks, I forgot about 7dayshop - bought CF cards from there very cheap! Those BP511s are going very cheap too! Do these 3rd party batteries perform well? The reason I ask is that the only experience I've had with them is a spare non-Canon one supplied with my 30d when I bought it a year or more ago and its useless - hardly lasts before running out.

[RPCrowe]

I only used a grip when I shot with a 350D. That darn little body was just to small for my hands and did not balance well with heavier lenses such as the 24-70mm f/2.8L.

I always carry a spare battery or two for my xxD cameras (I have had no problems with generic batteries). Batteries will last a tremendous number of shots (I have never tested to see just how many) and even if one gets low, it is quick and easy to pop in a replacement.

I will agree that the vertical release button on the battery grip is a nice addition but, IMO, not worth the price or extra weight on a xxD camera.

[TTk]

PJ,
2 batteries in a 50D, 800 shot,s (approx) at most weddings, never let me down, excellent item's. Now use there 1D batteries and again no prob's.:cool:

[pridash]

Thanks RPCrowe & Terry!... That's more reassuring news!

As the cost of the 3rd party BP511s are about £6, getting 2 will keep me well juiced up! Thanks again!

[r.morales]

I now have 3 sets of batteries for my grip . It's nice to know if something happens you can pop A batties in the other grip tray .
The grip is heavier , takes some getting used to , I have used the buttom on grip maybe 3 times in 3 years .
To me the grip makes camera easier to handle with any lens other than primes up to the 85 .
I have 3 flip brackets , same thing - heavy , ackward need to get used to . To me the only advantade is they move the flash . A good investment for posed pictures but to me almost worthless for casuel hobby or wandering around a reception .
I have a 12 inch flask bar that works better for me . Most filp brackets take a special QR and don't like mono or tripods .
I would get a couple more batteries , a used 50 mm and / or an 85 instead of the grip or filp bracket .
You say you are going to be 2nd shooter , check out what 1st shooter uses and ask advice .
A mono pod would also be a good investment - put same QR as on your 190 [ rc2 ridgid heads are cheap ]