Are Grips Just Nonsense?

billybookcase wrote in post #10568599
I see the benefits of grip but that is the dealbreaker for me. anyone else have any insights?

get used the using the wheels and the selection button. It's not slow, it's just different. Kinda like learning to use the back buttons to AF. If you want to use a grip and that's your only concern, learn the other way. If you like the joystick that much, learn to live w/o a grip. Canon should add one but doesn't for whatever reason.

Battery grip worth it?

I have been wanting to buy something new for my camera, but not to the point of a new lens. So I saw some people talking about their camera grips, and I was looking into one, and wondering, is that good for me? I would be getting one that would fit my 30D if I were to choose to get one. The issue that I'm worrying about is the weight of it all together. I have 2 bulging discs in my neck and back, and it hurts if I have the normal camera body + lense around my neck for so long. Would a hand grip strap be more appropriate for something like this? I know many people have them, but does it kind of make the 20D-50D series look a little cheap since it makes the package look a little differently? I'm also trying to figure out if it'll fit within my backpack if it's on, I have to go home and measure that (I have the Naneu Pro Alpha). So any opinions on this?

I've never been attracted to a battery grip. I have a motor drive on my A-1 film camera and the vertical shutter release is nice, but not really worth the extra weight.

Love the feel of the battery grip. HATE the way it fits into my camera bag.

scorpio_e wrote in post #10626349
Love the feel of the battery grip. HATE the way it fits into my camera bag.

+1 to that.

I keep the battery grip on despite the additional 1 pound weight because it feels more comfortable for me and I shoot portrait quite frequently. Without the grip, the lens just make the whole camera droop, which makes walking around uncomfortable (at least for me).

I had the same problem with neck pain until I got rid of the factory neck strap and bought a 3rd market strap. I use the crumpler industry disgrace and carry the camera cross-shoulder style. Much much more comfortable and no more neck pains

May I know why you want a battery grip? I don't like using a battery grip, since it makes the camera feels and looks bigger. I don't have a weight issue with it, but I just like my camera to be compact.

Some people like battery grips because of the size of their hands, or because it balances better with bigger lenses. My hand is not big, but not small either, and I don't have big lenses. If Canon can build a 5D with the size of a Rebel, I'm all for it.

Off couse, this is all my perspective only..

scorpio_e wrote in post #10626349
Love the feel of the battery grip. HATE the way it fits into my camera bag.

^^^ Agree. But it also makes the camera/lens balance a little better. Sort of like a 40/60 weight split in cars

I like the fact that my can wrap my entire hand around the camera. My palm is secured on the grip with it

RetroBlader wrote in post #10567001
If they are so light as to not needing lens-based tripod support, why give them the ability to take tripod collars?

For the same reason as below: Some want them, some don't... I know if I had a 70-200 f4 I'd want a tripod collar on it. I've used lenses with a longer physical length that didn't have them and I didn't like the way they mounted on a tripod.

tkbslc wrote in post #10567025
I agree with the OP completely, but that is why they are optional on most bodies. Most people don't need them, some people don't want them, but some people do. So buy it or don't.

I agree...

GabooN wrote in post #10568308
I never really understood why people have such strong opinions about grips for some reason, on either side. I do use one because I like the extra room for my hands, and I like the portrait shutter and dial for aperture/shutter adjustments.

I just don't get why it seems to get so heated. People don't seem to have such strong opinions about other camera accessories, so what is it about grips that gets people going? :P

I use grips for most of the reasons outlined above... The added battery capacity, vertical controls and it makes the camera easier to hold, but I'd be lying if I denied that one of the reasons is it looks cooler...

I use mine for sports assignments only. Most of those shots are vertical, with a monopod, so it comes in handy after a few hours of shooting.

I picked up the T1i I sold to my bro back in April yesterday and did not like the feeling at all. It felt like something was missing and no matter how I held it, it didn't feel right. I will never own a non gripped body again. The weight is a small complaint for the ease of shooting a portrait

I was a true believer in battery grip when I used it on my old camera. I then got a wrist strap and made holding the camera so much easier. when i got the new body i wanted a grip just for that. After i got an adapter so i could use a wrist strap, I am not missing the grip at all. Grip is only worthed it if you go lots of vertical shots.

ni$mo350 wrote in post #10627125
I will never own a non gripped body again.

Neither will I. The grip has never been off my camera and never will be. I think you should definitely try it and see how it works for you.

waterman wrote in post #10626827
May I know why you want a battery grip? I don't like using a battery grip, since it makes the camera feels and looks bigger. I don't have a weight issue with it, but I just like my camera to be compact.

Some people like battery grips because of the size of their hands, or because it balances better with bigger lenses. My hand is not big, but not small either, and I don't have big lenses. If Canon can build a 5D with the size of a Rebel, I'm all for it.

Off couse, this is all my perspective only..

Im the opposite; I hated my rebel because it was too small. My 50D is MUCH better and even more so with the grip on it. It would be nice if the grip looked better on the 50D but other that that I love it

yes both of my camera has it.