battery grips?

This is one of my first threads and recently have been aroused in the world of photography and graphic design. I am looking at a third-party batter grip of amazon that seems to have above average reviews, I am completely aware of the use and advantages of a battery grip. But I'm still a bit sceptical about if I should go cheap but I really don't want to pay the full price.what do you think?

http://www.amazon.co.u​k …1364245151&sr=8​-1&pi=SL75

I don't buy the cheapest gear it usually ends up biting you at the most inopportune moments.

I purchased an Opteka grip for a Rebel I had a few years ago. It did not have the fit and finish of the Canon grip, but it functioned 100% for a few years of hard use.

bought aftermarket grip for xti ages ago, and worked as good as OEM I use on my 30D. I'de go cheap if reputable (most are).

I use a Meike grip for my 60D. I love it. I dont really notice a difference between it and the official cannon one. Only difference is how the shutter button feels. But really, there is no reason to spend the full price for the canon grip.

I had an OPTEKA grip for my T1i. I used it for 2 years before selling the entire setup. The girl I sold it to is still using it, with no problems. I have a Polaroid grip on my 60D, no problems there, either. I've had 2 Canon grips (came w/used cameras), one for Elan 7NE, one for 5D. I never noticed the Canon being any better than the aftermarket items.

I think I'm going to look into the opteka and Polaroid ones and reviews on YouTube, thanks everyone

I am going to vote for the Opteka grips again. I bought a second hand one off POTN and it is still going strong. It is very comfortable, and fits with my T2i very well.

I've had an Opteka grip on my T2i continuously for a couple of years with no problems at all.

I have a Zeikos grip for my 7D, but I don't like using a grip on that body, so I've only used it a couple of times (during which it operated fine).

I just bought this from B&H
Vello BG-C52

I think i got a bad/defective copy...eep! - I get intermittent power - that is no bueno!

Waiting on B&H to be finished with passover vacation to exchange. I'm thinking about just biting the bullet and upgrading to the Canon Grip to save myself the hassles.

I did get this on sale -$20 off so it was only like $52. YMMV

Opteka for both of my Rebels and they have been 100% reliable. I tried to cheap out on a grip for my T2i and it fell apart. Lesson learned.

I've only bought OEM grips for my Canon and Nikon bodies, it's one place I don't think cutting corners to save a few dollars is worth it. It wasn't easy to spring $400 for a Nikon grip, I spent a lot of time on that one before buying. Canon OEM grips are priced much better, and if you're patient you can usually find a good used one here.

Does anyone know where to get an opteka battery grip in the UK?

I was talking to someone at a local camera store about non-Canon grips. He said they have seen the cheaper grips causing electrical issues with camera bodies. It wasn't worth the risk so I found a used in Canon grip in great condition for my 7D on Craigslist for $150.

I bought a Meike grip for my T3i from Amazon and you couldn't tell the rubber texture from the OE camera rubber. Worked fine until i sold the camera. Now I have a Vello grip in my 5D2 that i bought off the forum. Works perfect as far as I can tell.

All electronics, even Canon stuff can and will fail. I really see no reason to pay double or triple the cost of something that works fine at a lower price point. (and if the grip malfunctions, then just remove it and place the battery in the camera...