Battery Grip? Should I get it now?

[Viva-photography]

I will be upgrading to either a 50D or a 7D in the fall.
(that still a lil while away for my budget)

Right now I shoot a rebel xs and I was wondering if I should opt for a battery grip, even though I will be upgrading in the fall?

Have you seen the quality of your vertical shots improve when using one?
About how many more shots can you get with your battery grip?
Is it comfortable for everyday shooting (everything from sports to nature)?

Thank you! :D

[RDKirk]

No. Most likely, your shots would not improve with a battery grip (and I say that even though I use them 100% of the time). I use one because I'm a heavy battery user and I do have large hands (my little finger cramps quickly without one). I don't even use the vertical grip.

[Viva-photography]

the battery life would be a big thing for me though, considering my rebel gets low after about 400.
(and I do a bit of sports photos)

but I also do alot of verticals, and It feels weird holding the camera normally.
I just am wondering if the grip feels better or if it still feels weird.

[Mocows]

It feels weird holding the camera normally.
I just am wondering if the grip feels better or if it still feels weird.

Define weird. For me, I got a grip because my pinky didn't really have a rest spot and I did a bunch of vertical shots. If the XSi feels "small" then yea a grip would help you know that feeling. You can also go to a local camera shop and check them out too. Some fine it bulky.

The battery thing isn't a huge issue if you have an extra to swap when you're running down, I keep one in the grip most of the time anyways.

[gonzogolf]

No reason to buy a marginally useful accessory for a few months that you will have to sell at a loss.

[CatchingUp]

how big a lens are you shooting with?

I got my grip for my 30D/50D and my 5D due to high usage and shooting with a 70-200. Having the grip help balance the weight out some. If you are planning on upgrading in the near future, save your money or buy an extra battery.

[halitime]

I bought an after market grip for my XSi for $60 on EBay and it's worth every penny and more.Way better for vertical shooting and makes the camera balance with larger lenses.Make sure you get one with the setting wheel.The only draw back is that the battery level indicater shows full charge all the time but I just make sure to keep the batteries up and carry the double A tray that came with it If
I'm not sure.When I upgrade to full frame I'll keep my XSi until I can Afford a better crop cam.so I'm very glad to have the grip and will probably get a couple of more years use out of it.

[Hogloff]

No reason to buy a marginally useful accessory for a few months that you will have to sell at a loss.

If you shoot a lot of verticals, then the grip is NOT marginally useful. I would say it is one of the best accessories to make you life shooting verticals much easier. Even if you don't shoot many verticals today...you just might start shooting more with a grip.

[gonzogolf]

If you shoot a lot of verticals, then the grip is NOT marginally useful. I would say it is one of the best accessories to make you life shooting verticals much easier. Even if you don't shoot many verticals today...you just might start shooting more with a grip.But with a slight adjustment in technique you can still shoot verticals with the ungripped camera and get the grip when you buy a new camera in a few months. I wouldnt argue against the grip if he was locked into this body, but for a temp situation dont bother.

[Viva-photography]

No reason to buy a marginally useful accessory for a few months that you will have to sell at a loss.

I'll be keeping the Xs, but It'll be used for wide shots when I shoot events. The 50D would more than likely have the Telephoto on it.
Its just that when I get the 50D, the grip wont be as helpful as it would say, next week.

[sapearl]

Why not buy some spare batteries then? They would be much cheaper and not add any weight to the rig.

the battery life would be a big thing for me though, considering my rebel gets low after about 400.
(and I do a bit of sports photos).....

[lannes]

I'd have a look at a 3rd party grip, definitely improves the handling of the XSI body (identified by Dpreview http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos450d/page5.asp) as the body is so small to start off with.

Using the camera horizontally with the grip is improved as well as it rests better in the palm the left hand (left hand supporting the lens), also as mentioned in a previous post the little finger will have somewhere to grip onto.

The ability yo use AA batteries is a bonus, I always carry my AA battery tray with the imedions loaded as a back up. This way you get a grip and extra battery capacity . The 3rd party grips are pretty reasonable at Adorama around 65 USD or even cheaper on ebay.

[halitime]

EBay seller jiakgong Is where I've bought lots of items.Great Seller and has what you need for $40

[flowrider]

$35 bucks. You can't go wrong and can pretty much sell it for the same locally afterwards.

HERE (http://www.linkdelight.com/index.php/Standard-Battery-Grip/Vertical-Grip-Battery-Holder-for-Canon-EOS-450D-500D-1000D/Detailed-product-flyer.html)