battery grips...actually worth it?

[kharris904]

or are they more or less just extra weight? it just seems that i would rather actually switch out batteries than pay 240 dollars just for something to do it for me...seems kinda lazy! lol

[BigBlueDodge]

Worth is a very subjective term. The common person would say that our camera gear is not worth what we pay for it. If you view a battery grip as just a housing holding 1 extra battery, then it would be easy to say that they are not worth is. However, if you view a battery grip as a housing to double your battery power, offer you more balance when using heavier lenses, and giving you the ability to shoot in a portrait orientation more comfortably, then they are absolutely worth it. I don't know what lenses you have, but shooting my 5D with 70-200 2.8 IS without the grip feels really ackward. If all you have is small lenses, then they probably won't help you much.

Let me ask you a question, have you actually held a camera with a battery grip? And what battery grip are you looking at that costs $240?

[kharris904]

yes, i have used them before...i work at a photography studio & when we shoot sports for the schools, our sports cameras have them and i have used a camera with a battery grip AND a 70-200 f/2.8L IS...it is a very heavy combo but i have found that the extra shutter button does me no good, bc if realized i have NEVER (in a year of using company cameras w/ grips) have actually held the battery grip when i shoot in portrait orientation, it is way more comfortable for me to hold the actualy camera and just turn it, i think that's bc the finger grip is deeper on the actual camera so it feels like a more solid hold for me. and the grip that i am looking at for 240 is the bg-E6 grip for the 5dmkii.

*edited to add: for my personal camera, i do not have any of the super heavy lenses (YET!) like the 70-200 f/2.8 and such. my heaviest lens will be a 24-105 f/4 for a while. with a 580ex ii speedlite.

[NorCalNomad]

It's really a personal thing.
1. You shooting enough to need that extra battery cap?
1a. Is there a need to be able to use AA's? (as in long outdoor strip where you couldn't recharge your batteries)
2. You willing to take the weight penalty?
3. Are you doing redic amounts of portrait style photos and your wrist hurts?

For me I haven't ever taken that many shots (I have a spare anyways) or needed AA usability. That and I used my friends grip and idk if I'm doing portrait I like to just bend my wrist...it felt weird not to.

[kharris904]

NorCalNomad---i feel the same way...it's weird to NOT turn my wrist and i dont have a need to be able to use AA's either, as i have an extra battery. and i would rather not have the extra weight as i am ALWAYS using my camera for something and dont want to rush arthritis! haha!

[Comerfjc]

I gotta tell you, the battery grip really saved my right shoulder. Only having to turn the camera and not half my upper body has apparently reduced a significant enough amount of stress that I'm free of some shoulder-aches I once had. :)

I blame the Sigma. That sucker is HEAVY.

Also, it's handy not having to switch out batteries at a fast paced event. Definitely appreciate that feature.

[Guapo]

For you, no. For me, yes. It is much more comfortable in either orientation.

[dahl]

I primarily got my battery grip, because my hands are large.
But it's a little annoying to have on, if you want to squeeze it into a smaller bag. Trade off I guess.

[BigBlueDodge]

But it's a little annoying to have on, if you want to squeeze it into a smaller bag. Trade off I guess.


But that is the beauty of them. You can take them off if you need your camera to be smaller!

[Bioshock]

For me it was great especially when my XTi was my main camera. I have large hands so holding the Rebel I didn't feel like I had a secure grip with out the battery grip. Also the rebel kinda felt cheap without it. :-) I never really used the buttons on the grip but did enjoy having the longer battery life.

What it seems like is that for now your fine without one and I'd save my money for better glass.

[philwillmedia]

I know I've posted this on here before but can't be bothered trying to find the link so I've just copied and pasted it from a word doc that I've created - it's easier and quicker to do this than trawl through threads to find what I'm looking for.

It's horses for courses but these are my thoughts...

I wouldn't shoot without a grip if I had the choice.
The extra controls are in exactly the same position as on the body and make the camera more usable when shooting vertically (portrait)
When I borrow my BIL's 400d that doesn't have one, it doesn't feel right and doesn't have as much usability as a body with a grip.
My old 10D and even older d30 both had grips as does my 40D.
The extra weight of a grip is so negligible, it's not worth talking about.
A 600ml bottle of water weighs more than a grip.
Most sports photographers might shoot as many as 4-5000 frames (sometimes more) in a day. I average around 2000 a day just at a club race meeting and as much battery life as possible is required. It's just one less thing to worry about when shooting.
Remember that it's not only firing the shutter that uses power, but also AF, the LCD screen and all the other electronic circuits in todays cameras.
However it is horses for courses and each to their own but I'm afraid I can't get my head around this "so much extra weight" thing that people always bring up with grips.
It borders on the ridiculous.

This is why...

A grip for a 40D weighs around 460g fully loaded with two batteries, at least that's what the kitchen scales I used told me - hahaha.
Thats 300 grams for the grip itself and and 160g for two batteries at 80g each.
If you are carrying two spare batteries anyway, then the grip adds only 300g extra.
Hardly back breaking.
And you've already got one battery in the camera anyway.
The average grip for other brands and aftermarket ones would be of similar weight, give or take a little either way.
A decent jumper/windcheater weighs around that, maybe more. A jacket even more than that again
If you're going out shooting and it might turn cold or wet, do you leave the jumper/windcheater/jacket home because they add too much extra weight? - err, probably not. You'd probably take all three AND the bottle of water.

Looking at the weight thing in another way - lets say you get rid of your 75-300 "kit" lens and upgrade to a better, heavier lens such as a 70-200/2.8L or 100-400L or Nikon/Sigma etc equivalent that weighs considerably more than the "kit" lens.
What do you do? Take the new heavier lens or leave it at home because it's too heavy and take the kit lens instead?
I know, you leave the new lens at home because it's too heavy.

Or this scenario - you finally upgrade the 20/30/40/5D etc (or Nikon equiv) and finally get the 1D MkIII or Mk IV you've been hanging out for that comes with its own built in grip and big battery and weighs considerably more than the old camera with no grip. Again, what do you do? Take the new camera or leave it home because its so much heavier than the old one?...

Tough call that one - Not!

What would I do? - Take BOTH bodies.
I'll bet there's people here who lug a tripod around on a shoot with them, in a lot of cases, unnecessarily, but won't have a grip because it "adds too much" weight.
I've never been able to work that one out.
As I said earlier, a 600ml bottle of water weighs more.
I guess those who suggest that a grip is too heavy would never consider carrying two or more bodies with lenses to go with them let alone owning a 300, 400 or even a 500 prime - 'cause they weigh a TON.

[dahl]

But that is the beauty of them. You can take them off if you need your camera to be smaller!

I know.
I'm lazy. :)

[spiralspirit]

1) yes its worth it
2) I find the added weight and size helps me hold the camera steadier
3) I paid $50 CDN all in off of ebay for a knock off, and it works great
4) I like not having to extend my elbow every time I want to take a portrait shot. I like it a lot. In an hour+ long basketball game it makes a big difference, since the whole game is basically shot in portrait.

[eelnoraa]

Don't do it for the misleading extended battery life. Battery life is NOT extended, it just trades 2x replacing battery to 1x replacing 2 batteries.

If you have to do it, it is for the ergonimics. That if if you shoot a lot of vertical or have very large hands.

To me, it is not worth it. I much prefer a smaller body. If Canon make a FF sensor into 30D body with 7D AF, I will buy in a heard beat.

[NorCalNomad]

Phil you have some logical fallacies there...

1. adding about .8lbs (380g = .838lbs) on your camera is not "negligible", that's like saying putting on my 430exII (330g sans batteries) is "negligible" weight...adding something like a hood is negligible weight
2.Comparing the weight of something that you hold (camera addon) vs something you wear is comparing apples to oranges.
3.Comparing the weight of a lens which is better quality to a less quality (ie something that is proven to make your photos better) comparing to something that isn't going to directly effect your photos (battery grip)
4.Yes 1D's will weight more but it's not like you have a choice on that one or that it's ONLY because of the battery.
5.Tripod vs Battery grip is also like the cheaper lens vs better lens is the same thing. One is directly linked to better photos (tripod) one isn't.

Saying all this I'm not against getting a battery grip, I'm just saying that your arguments aren't solid. I don't need a battery grip at the moment but if I ever feel that I need it I'll get it.

[greazyjungle]

I shoot a lot in portrait orientation, and battery grips have been invaluable for me.

It's generally the next item purchased after a new camera. For my most recent upgrade to 5D mk II, I purchased the Adorama 'Flashpoint' brand for $79 and I can't tell the difference from the Canon grips I have purchased for other cameras in the past...

[kharris904]

i thought about gettin an off brand but i read somewhere that using a non-canon grip will void your warranty on the camera?

[dovaka]

if the only thing the grip did was make the body more square and give my larger then average hands something to hold onto i would still get them on all my cameras. having extra set of controls and 2 batterys is just a bonus

[dovaka]

i thought about gettin an off brand but i read somewhere that using a non-canon grip will void your warranty on the camera?

how would they never know what brand grip your using?

[Eldorf_Dragonsbane]

I have a Battery Grip on my Rebel XSi and since getting it I dont take it off. I feel it was well worth purchasing, it makes shooting in portrait (vertical) a lot easier and it added some needed bulk to the camera, so now my ring and pinky arent being wrapped around the bottom of the camera.

The ability to hold a second battery also allows me to shoot longer before I have to do a battery swap, plus the ability to use AA batteries with the AA battery magazine, is really nice since I know I can easily run into any convenience store, supermarket, Walmart/Kmart, electronics store, drug store, etc... and pick up the AA's if I dont happen to have my rechargeable ones on me.

[toxic]

I don't much like it. I only have one now for portraiture, since holding my elbow up gets tiresome. A 5D is heavy enough stability-wise, so I don't think that's a good reason. It also bothers me a little having my left wrist awkwardly sitting under the grip when shooting in landscape, but I guess that's just something I'll get used to.

I don't have any large lenses, though, and I don't plan on getting any.

[jffuerte]

i just got one for my T1i from Adorama. I like the feel of it a lot more than when I didn't have the grip. The added shutter button for portrait shots is great!

[lauderdalems]

I've been using a battery grip on my 40D since day one. Had one on the XT also. Have never even though about taking them off. And with indoor sports I shoot a lot of verticals.

[tomevision]

I've got a gripped T1i and can't think of shooting any other way now! Especially with my 24-105 the balance is much better with a grip. Also, I never even think about running out of juice!

[themadman]

I run out of batteries before I fill my card with just one battery and I don't want to worry about having to change batteries during a critical shot. Plus having buttons in vertical orientation is great. I find the extra weight not a problem, I like the feeling of a heavier camera anyways since my T1i is soo tiny =)

[philwillmedia]

Phil you have some logical fallacies there...

2.Comparing the weight of something that you hold (camera addon) vs something you wear is comparing apples to oranges.
It doesn't matter where on your person you are carrying that weight, it is still weight and weighs the same amount.
300 grams is still 300 grams whether it is in your pocket, camera bag or in the form of a battery grip.
Remember, of the two batteries in the grip, one would have been in the camera anyway so the net increase in weight on a 40D with grip is actually only about 300g.
As I pointed out earlier, hardly back breaking.

3.Comparing the weight of a lens which is better quality to a less quality (ie something that is proven to make your photos better) comparing to something that isn't going to directly effect your photos (battery grip)
The point I was trying to convey is that people say that they won't have a battery grip because at approx 380g with a second battery it adds too much weight but carrying around a lens (such as a 70-200/2.8 ) that weighs around 1.3kg and significantly more than a kit (or similar) zoom doesn't add too much weight - doesn't make sense.
4.Yes 1D's will weight more but it's not like you have a choice on that one or that it's ONLY because of the battery.
Again, if a camera, lets say a 40D, with a grip is too heavy, does it not follow that a 1D series with whatever lens on it would also be too heavy?

5.Tripod vs Battery grip is also like the cheaper lens vs better lens is the same thing. One is directly linked to better photos (tripod) one isn't.
Not necessarily.
Example: I've seen people at the zoo (and similar places eg: theme parks) in broad daylight with a 400D (or similar size/weight body) and kit lens and shooting at 1/1000sec (or faster) using a tripod.
How do I know what set up they are using? I'll often get stopped by them (or start talking to them myself) and get asked why I'm not using a tripod with "such a big camera"
How does a tripod help in that situation. That's what I call unnecessary use of a tripod and added weight that wasn't needed. Yet they are the same type of person to complain that a grip is too heavy.
An un-neccessary tripod weighing around a couple of kilos is not too heavy, but a grip at less than 1/2 kilo is?
Again, not a logical argument.
In addition, a tripod is more cumbersome and difficult to handle than a grip.

When you cart around all this gear on a regular basis a battery grip is a negligible addition.

426652
Thanks to RS Photos for letting
me use the photo

The lens you can't see on the 40D on the mono-pod is a 300/2.8
In the bag and pouches is a spare battery for the 1D, two spare batteries for the gripped 40D, 4 spare rechargeble AA's and 8 non recehargeable AA's, 450EX Flash, 100-400L, 20-35mm and 10mm fisheye lenses, 1.4X and 2X converters, and 600ml drink plus other bits and pieces - CF cards etc

All up around 12-15 kgs - don't know the exact weight.
And this comes with me to any and every event I shoot.

Sometimes there will be a third body too.

[zero85ZEN]

Also nice if you want to use a hand strap on a non-pro body. I can't go without a hand strap after trying one out. In fact I far prefer it to a neck strap. (But I use both so that I have the ability to carry my cameras around my neck/shoulder.)

[ELT_Photo]

I won't use a camera without one.

[monk3y]

so far i love my batt grip... it makes the camera beefier and feels more solid

[Juan A]

I love my new Opteka grip from Amazon (69.95 w/ 2 batteries).

I really thought grips were no big deal and did not want to invest in one. A couple of weeks ago I ordered a Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and went out shooting. I quickly found out that shooting hand held with this big lens and my small XSI/450d that my pinkie finger quickly started to hurt. So after doing some research I decided to bite the bullet and order the Opteka. I really like this grip. I do not know why I waited so long to try a grip. The camera handles much better and I no longer get any pain form my Pinkie. I would highly recommend adding a grip. As someone else already said, The second battery and controls are just a bonus.

[Nick5]

Last week I bought the Canon grip for the 7D while shooting a family function.
Shooting in portrait mode alone is worth the cost.
I do take it on and off. If I am walking about I may remove and use the body alone.

[stitchbug]

I had one but I returned it.
I have small hands, and just couldn't get the hang of holding the camera with a grip.

[ManiZ]

I haven't since purchase and will never remove the grip from my 7D. With my gigantic hands, it is a must have, besides I love the camera's balance now and also can't imagine going back to holding the camera "the wrong way" while shooting portraits.

To me, the grip has been something I can't believe how I ever managed without for so many years.

[AxxisPhoto]

I am so glad I spent the $$ on a grip. Makes shooting vertical WAY easier.

[CosmoKid]

When I know I will be shooting portraits for any length of time, the grip is invaluable. if I know I am in a situation where changing batteries is going to slow me down, like shooting concerts, I love my grip.

Any other situation the grip stays home. It may be on my camera 10% of the time, if that.

Weight on your camera v. weight in your bag is 2 different things. My shoulders wont feel 300g of weight in my bag like my wrists will feel holding my camera all day.

If you have large hands I can understand a grip. I can also understand it on Rebel bodies if you have average sized hands. Other than that the grip is just a tool to use when needed. It is not something I permanently attach to my camera.

[yogestee]

I wouldn't be without my grips on either my 20D or 50D.. Infact, once fitted, never removed.. I've been using Phottix grips for the past few years without any problems..

Grips add to the weight of the camera but feel better balanced with longer, heavier lenses.. Priceless when shooting in portrait orientation..

[111t]

Don't you folks know that battery grips and white lenses with red bands make you look tough?! Petal shaped lens hoods are pretty bada*s too....

It gives you an emergency power option that should not be overlooked. AA batts are less than ideal... but if you have nothing else...

[dovaka]

It gives you an emergency power option that should not be overlooked. AA batts are less than ideal... but if you have nothing else...

and that has saved me before and i always carry the AA battery holder with me just in case

[RPCrowe]

I don't use one for my xxD cameras but, when I shot with a 350D, I added a battery grip to balance bigger lenses.

I don't need one for my xxD cameras. Sure the vertical shutter button is nice but, it is not worth the extra weight in my opinion. Neither is the extra battery power. I always carry an extra battery for each camera I am using in my photo vest. However, I almost never need to change batteries.

What I cannot understand is the posters who state they want to keep their travel kit light so what lens should they use with their gripped full frame cameras.

Light, grip and full frame are not an equal equation.

[SillyGuy]

i like having the hand strap on my gripped cameras....makes a big deal to me

[fhphoto]

The battery grips is pretty standard for any GWC...

[Cyclop]

I am content with mine attached.

[JWright]

or are they more or less just extra weight? it just seems that i would rather actually switch out batteries than pay 240 dollars just for something to do it for me...seems kinda lazy! lol

Where are you shopping that the battery grip for the 7D is $240? B&H lists the BG-E7 for $189.95 and I'm sure the third party ones are less than that.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/652388-REG/Canon_3815B001_BG_E7_Battery_Grip.html

As far as using a third-party grip is concerned, many people have had very good results with them, but I've always used the Canon grips. It just makes sense to me to use the manufacturer's product when it comes to feeding power to the camera.

[1cowboys]

I needed it for the XSi as the camera did not feel right (too small) in my hands. I am looking at buying a 5d II and do not think I will buy one (at least not right away) as from what I have seen the size of the 5d is more substantial.

[johnnybfan]

I won't shoot without one. I have had one one each of my rebels and found that I never take them off. I had a second party grip on my 40D for several months and couldn't stand it. Got rid of it & got a Canon grip and am much happier with it. The extra weight is not an issue with me even though I have a chronic pain problem. It's easier to lift the extra weight than it is to wave my arm & elbow around without the grip.

[eatonjb]

I like the grip for a few resons..

Battery.. but this is not much of an issue., an extra battery in my pocket i can live with..
The ability to put AA's in it.. this is worth it.. Dad borrowed my cam, and was not able to charge it, but was able to pick up some AA's (expensive where he was) and get some epic shots!

Portrait.. duhh!

I also have the hand grip that is nice, cause I dont always like to have the strap on.

and the most interesting reason.. it's prepping me to go to a 1DS!..

[cdifoto]

I'd take the "grip" off my 1D IIs if I could.

[cdifoto]

Don't you folks know that battery grips and white lenses with red bands make you look tough?! Petal shaped lens hoods are pretty bada*s too....

It gives you an emergency power option that should not be overlooked. AA batts are less than ideal... but if you have nothing else...

Color me frugal but I'd rather carry spare Lithium Ions that'll give me a thousand shots each than break away from oh-so-important shoot to scrounge around for AAs that I'd be lucky to get a couple hundred shots from. The AAs I already have are for my flashes so I couldn't use those in my cameras. If I bought an extra set or 3 for the camera itself, I'm back to more weight than the Li-Ion.

In short, I would and do pre-plan with all the juice I need in the most efficient storage units.

Besides, the "AA for an emergency" goes right out the window for the 1 series. You'd be screwed if you didn't plan ahead.

[Josh_30]

I gotta tell you, the battery grip really saved my right shoulder. Only having to turn the camera and not half my upper body has apparently reduced a significant enough amount of stress that I'm free of some shoulder-aches I once had. :)

This is the main reason for me. I could care less about the AA capability or the extra battery life (I rarely need to shoot more than 1 battery worth of photos at a time). But the grip really saves my right shoulder. I injured it a while back and it makes shooting portrait much more comfortable... it's actually just like shooting landscape. I don't see how it could feel "wierd" to do so.

[111t]

Color me frugal but I'd rather carry spare Lithium Ions that'll give me a thousand shots each than break away from oh-so-important shoot to scrounge around for AAs that I'd be lucky to get a couple hundred shots from. The AAs I already have are for my flashes so I couldn't use those in my cameras. If I bought an extra set or 3 for the camera itself, I'm back to more weight than the Li-Ion.

In short, I would and do pre-plan with all the juice I need in the most efficient storage units.

Besides, the "AA for an emergency" goes right out the window for the 1 series. You'd be screwed if you didn't plan ahead.

I agree, standard proceedure is to plan ahead and have plenty of Lithium ion packs ready... (6 or more) Which is what i do for weddings. (i rarely use 2 sets up and have an additional set in reserve) (plus i pack 2 chargers, so if power is available, I can go indefinitely.) But the aa option is a good one to have. I just keep the extra-expensive lithium AA's in my bag as an emergency reserve for either the flash, camera, or cybersync receiver. They last forever unused. Since they're extra-expensive, i'll think twice before i use them. I have alkalines available around the house as well, sometimes an impromptu shoot comes up and i haven't had time to charge the batteries the night before. They likely will have a residual charge from the last job, but having the backups saves me any worry. That's $20 well spent IMHO! (8 aa lithiums)

I guess that would color me 'loaded for bear'...

[Jon]

I'd take the "grip" off my 1D IIs if I could.It's a 1D3 for me, but ditto.

[cdifoto]

I agree, standard proceedure is to plan ahead and have plenty of Lithium ion packs ready... (6 or more) Which is what i do for weddings. (i rarely use 2 sets up and have an additional set in reserve) (plus i pack 2 chargers, so if power is available, I can go indefinitely.) But the aa option is a good one to have. I just keep the extra-expensive lithium AA's in my bag as an emergency reserve for either the flash, camera, or cybersync receiver. They last forever unused. Since they're extra-expensive, i'll think twice before i use them. I have alkalines available around the house as well, sometimes an impromptu shoot comes up and i haven't had time to charge the batteries the night before. They likely will have a residual charge from the last job, but having the backups saves me any worry. That's $20 well spent IMHO! (8 aa lithiums)

I guess that would color me 'loaded for bear'...

I have four chargers - two for the Li-Ions of the 30Ds and two for the 1D IIs. That means I can and usually do keep batteries on them, being topped off, while other batteries are in the cameras ready to go.

Considering how long they last, there's really no reason for me to resort to AAs.

[Jon]

^^^^ That - I never travel without backup chargers. I've had chargers die on the road, twice now. First time was the last time I didn't carry a spare (even though I had spares at home).

[zincozinco]

I'd take the "grip" off my 1D IIs if I could.

It's a 1D3 for me, but ditto.

I just did - sold the ds and got a 5d :) and my 3 cameras run in same batteries - I have 4 charges .... why could canon not make a dual charger for the bpe6....:(