Battery Grip - Do i need one?

There are lots and lots of threads on this topic. There's a very recent thread (almost the same title) that's still ongoing! It's a good idea to search before posting some topics A battery grip is technically an accessory, so this should go over in the other section as well.

I bought a battery grip for my Rebel XT and loved it. It made the camera better fit my hands, and more comfortable to shoot with. The added battery life was also nice.

I later bought a 40D, and decided not to get the battery grip for it as it was a bigger camera, and fit my hands decently. I did notice that my portrait shots did tend to tilt a little and I had to be extra careful when shooting in that orientation. Never had a problem with battery life with the 40D, those batteries seemed to last forever (I had two).

I just got my 7D and decided to splurge on a Battery grip, and I must admit, it does make the camera a lot more comfortable to shoot. It does add quite a bit of heft to the 7D. My only issue is I can't reach the joystick in portrait mode for AF point selection, so I'm now getting used to using the two wheels. Besides that, It's a great accessory.

michillebaker wrote in post #11662623
...should I buy a battery grip?

Only if you like the feel of it

michillebaker wrote in post #11662623
Do I need one

NO!!

michillebaker wrote in post #11662623
...how useful is it to have one?

Not very. If you shoot A LOT in portrait orientation, having the shutter button and grip there is nice. Otherwise it just adds bulk and weight.

After year of almost every day use, my T1i original battery started to keep less charge.
My choice was between one original Canon Battery and non-original grip plus two batteries for the price of one Canon battery from local retailers. I went with grip.
It is very convenient for portrait oriented pictures. It holds charge at very cold day and few days after. But with grip it is not light anymore and it is not fitting into small lunch bag, which I prefer 100% over backpack.

I have grips on all my cameras.... Mainly for the vertical controls.

I'm mid-50s, couch potato and I shoot for 8 to 10 hours at a time, practically continuously, usually with two gripped cameras that are considerably larger and heavier than yours. So the weight is manageable.

I also feel it gives better balance with larger lenses and that the extra mass allows me to better hold steady shots at lower shutter speeds.

It really is a matter of preference. I also prefer cameras with removeable grips, in case I want to take one on a bike ride or a hike and leave the extra weight at home.

Oh goodie! Another "do I need a grip" thread...we went almost 24 hours without one!

I kinda wanted one on my next camera but when I got the 7d, I realized that it's already pretty big w/o one so I'm allocating my funds elsewhere for now. Once I start shooting more portrait work I may look into it again.

Yes.

I hate these threads.

JoeyBaccala wrote in post #11666751
Yes.

I hate these threads.

Me too. These "Do I need or want XXX" or "Which XXXX should I buy" threads are rather pointless. The characteristics of a product are usually well documented so it should be apparent to you whether you need it or not. If you don't know then you don't need it.

emitecaps wrote in post #11666957
Me too. These "Do I need or want XXX" or "Which XXXX should I buy" threads are rather pointless. The characteristics of a product are usually well documented so it should be apparent to you whether you need it or not. If you don't know then you don't need it.

Yeah! Sometimes, in 1% of the cases, I understand.

Every once in a while you get someone with a clear idea of what they want the equipment for and they give us enough info on their shooting styles, personalities, needs, etc that we can help them make a decision.

When I was going to sell my 30Ds, I didn't know whether I should get a 5Dc, a, a 1D2, a 1Ds2 or a 1D3...I made a thread, detailing the kind of photography I do, the kind I don't do, and my needs and wants out of a camera. A lot of people chimed in, and I appreciated their help.

But the vast majority of these threads (like this one) give absolutely zero information as to what kind of a photographer we're dealing with and why they're looking to buy new equipment.

Additionally, grips in many senses are like bags, a matter of taste...some like slingshots, others backpack, yet others prefer the shoulder bags. The only way to know if you want a grip or not is to try one and see if you like it.

I got one for my T2i. I'm undecided whether I like it or not.

emitecaps wrote in post #11666957
These "Do I need or want XXX" or "Which XXXX should I buy" threads are rather pointless.

I agree with the "do I need" part... but not with the "which should I buy" part. I think it helps to ask for user feedback when it comes to deciding between Product A or Product B.

SoundsGood wrote in post #11667053
I agree with the "do I need" part... but not with the "which should I buy" part. I think it helps to ask for user feedback when it comes to deciding between Product A or Product B.

Exactly.

If you're looking at one particular body/lens/accessory/et​c, it's really simple to read some reviews, go to the store, etc and figure out if it's right for your needs.

If you have to choose between two or more, it gets trickier. Then, a thread may be useful...but ONLY if you give a ton of information as to what you shoot, etc...otherwise, they're a complete waste of everyone's time.

No you do not need one and it will not make you a better photographer.

Some people like it for the way it looks, it makes the camera look more Pro-Like, doesn't make the camera any better but does give the camera a different look. I have a grip for my camera that I almost always leave off. I don't like the extra weight and for long lenses I use a collar and a tripod for stability. Ultimately you have to decide what you want and what your motivation is and whether a grip will make a difference.

But NO, you don't need one.