Off brand battery grips???

I've got a battery grip on one of my 5D's but not the other. Hadn't realized just how much I like using and have gotten used to the grip until I pick up the other 5D without it. Feels weird! (also have one on my 10D)

So I'm looking for a battery grip and notice Canon isn't the only model made. The only review of an off brand I read says it "feels lose and makes me check it often". Also noticed other grips use different batteries.

However the price difference is about $100 +/-. Wondering if it's wise trying to save a buck or two if I end up regreting getting an off brand.

Anyone use an off brand grip? Pros? Cons?

Thanks!!!

I have a flashpoint for my Xti and am happy with it. I have read many good things about the Phottix for the 40d and plan to get one for mine.

I was wondering the same thing. I see a few different brands on fleabay and didn't know if anyone had tried them. B&H wanted $199US for a Canon one a few weeks ago, now the price (like everything else) has gone up dramatically. They are now asking $225. That's a pretty big jump if you ask me.

I see used BG-e2/n going for about $115 on the boards.

I hear opteka is good and they are $75 shipped.

I am thinking about getting one, but I've never even touched one. It'll also require a new bag.

I have a Canon BG-E2 and the Opteka knock-off. There are differences in the finishes and the batteries don't load in the same way, but the Opteka works as well as the Canon.

I got the Opteka from Amazon.com with two batteries for less than $100.

I have a phottix BG-E2n clone. it's excellent, and I got it cheap on ebay.

+1 for the Opteka. Got it from Amazon for less than $80 I think WITH 2 batteries! The batteries are not Canon as well, however both work very well on my XSi.

The only complaint, if you can really call it that with the Opteka was that the adjustment wheel on the grip does not feel as "solid" as the one on the camera. I do feel a less pronounced "click" when moving that wheel, but certainly has no affect on the operation, just a comfort issue.

I am very impressed with the batteries and have not had to recharge them yet, somes in real handy with using LiveView alot!

I am very happy with my off brand grip and would recommend one.

Why does amazon list the opteka+2batteries deal as $319 & $89 -- am I missing something?

$319:
http://www.amazon.com …a-Batteries/dp/B000MFE9Q​E

$89
http://www.amazon.com …oto&qid=1243922​875&sr=1-3

Another thing I read is the Opteka:
"Opteka is proud to be allowed to use the same factory and mold as Canon uses for their BG-E2."

I have the Phottix BG-E2 that I use with my 30D, and it works a charm. It also came with 2 batteries which is working fine.
It feel very solid mounted on my camera, and both the wheel and shutter button feels good. I actually prefer the shutter button on the grip, since it's more responsive.

I personally will not buy a "Off Brand" battery or grip. I am quite amazed by all the good reports stated here. Personal choice.

buurin wrote in post #8033282
Why does amazon list the opteka+2batteries deal as $319 & $89 -- am I missing something?

$319:
http://www.amazon.com …a-Batteries/dp/B000MFE9Q​E

$89
http://www.amazon.com …oto&qid=1243922​875&sr=1-3

Another thing I read is the Opteka:
"Opteka is proud to be allowed to use the same factory and mold as Canon uses for their BG-E2."

that is weird. Only difference i see is one is shipped from Wall Street, the other from 47th street...

Another +1 for the Phottix grip on my 40D. Solidly built and works as it should. Sure, the finish doesn't match up 100% with my camera, but I'm using my camera to take pictures, not to look at!

cgAnimator wrote in post #8033337
I have the Phottix BG-E2 that I use with my 30D, and it works a charm. It also came with 2 batteries which is working fine.
It feel very solid mounted on my camera, and both the wheel and shutter button feels good. I actually prefer the shutter button on the grip, since it's more responsive.

Actually I find the opposite on my Phottix mounted to my 20D,, it's a tad stiff..

To the halfway point it's fine but the final push to trip the shutter often needs a good hard push.. Otherwise the Phottix battery grip is great..

I've bought two grips from Linkdelight and have been satisfied with their Meike brand, their service and quick delivery. They are in Shenzen, China just outside of Hong Kong. All transactions are done via Paypal. Their batteries are well priced as well.

http://www.linkdelight​.com …tailed-product-flyer.html

I have a Phottix from ebay (hong kong) and am happy with it. Fit is great. Finish is almost identical to canon. And was only $70 with 2 extra batteries.