Grips...

While I understand the concept of AA trays and don't deny their THEORETICAL usefulness, I stand by my point that they do little more than gather dust in most people's cabinets. Most of us are smart enough to make sure we double-check whether we have batteries before we embark on an expedition.

Popcorn anyone?

philwillmedia wrote in post #14533031
Popcorn anyone?

I'll have some.

I have a small to med sized camera bag and I can't fit my 5Dii in there with it on. So I haven't attached my grip in a while. But then again, I don't shoot for hours on end. It does make it a bit more comfortable.

LowriderS10 wrote in post #14532934
While I understand the concept of AA trays and don't deny their THEORETICAL usefulness, I stand by my point that they do little more than gather dust in most people's cabinets. Most of us are smart enough to make sure we double-check whether we have batteries before we embark on an expedition.

I well remember having dead batteries in France on a motor racing Sunday with absolutely no chance of buying new ones and completely unable to recharge the ones I had. The reassurance of having a cassette loaded with AA batteries as an emergency stand-by is heaven.

That was the same year that all the pro 'togs packed up and were walking away on the last lap when the race leader drifted wide near the end of the lap and the second place man took the lead. I've never seen as many angry photographers in one place before or since! Without batteries I could not grab it either.

I have big hands and I have a grip for most of my cameras. Also been out of work for almost two years so I've cut back ... no grip on my 5DMKII and that money went for a 2nd 5DMKII
However, I took them off when I bought my first 5DMKII about 2 years ago ... why? Because using a grip on my 7D and then grabbing the 5DMKII without, just felt weird! Easier with no grip on either than a grip on one.

Grips come out on Thursday! One for my 5DMKII is being delivered and the 7D grip goes back on as well. Next week I will be ordering a grip for the 2nd 5DMKII

Is it Kettle corn? I'll take some!

This said it all. This is the main reason why I get the grip, everything else is just nice to have. With that said, my grip will arrive today and can't wait to put it on.

kenjancef wrote in post #14532340
Nice... But since I've upgraded to a 1D3 and 1D4 I don't need no stinking grip...

That's because Canon was smart enough to INCLUDE the grip built right onto the 1D/1Ds series bodies! Only the BEST for their top of the line, number 1 cameras!

Don't know about an expensive OEM grip on a large full frame body, but a sub-$50 3rd party one on a Rebel is one of the best accessories I've ever bought. You don't know the diff until you try.

Have my 5D MkII gripped and just ordered a grip for my new 7D, I like grips for one reason, comfort. I shot a T1i for a couple years, always felt small and uncomfortable, upgraded to a 5D MkII and the comfort level went way up, used a friend's gripped 7D for a weekend and the comfort level went up again, sold me on grips.

Amamba wrote in post #14536391
Don't know about an expensive OEM grip on a large full frame body, but a sub-$50 3rd party one on a Rebel is one of the best accessories I've ever bought. You don't know the diff until you try.

They are fine until something goes wrong ... I have grips for my 10D's, 5D's and 7D and the only one that has given me any problem is the knock off for my 5D. I can put two fully charged batteries in it, and within hours, even when barely used, both batteries are completely drained. Never happens with my Canon OEM grips!

Also, not saying this is always the case for inexpensive knockoffs but my way of thinking, "once burned, twice learned!"

johneo wrote in post #14536510
They are fine until something goes wrong ... I have grips for my 10D's, 5D's and 7D and the only one that has given me any problem is the knock off for my 5D. I can put two fully charged batteries in it, and within hours, even when barely used, both batteries are completely drained. Never happens with my Canon OEM grips!

Also, not saying this is always the case for inexpensive knockoffs but my way of thinking, "once burned, twice learned!"

I've had mine for 2 years without a hickup. At less than 1/3rd the cost of Canon one. When I upgrade the body, I'll just buy a new one & still come out well ahead. And if it craps out, all I have to do is take it off & put the battery in camera.

Not all knock offs are made equal, too. There are some better known brands.

LowriderS10 wrote in post #14532934
While I understand the concept of AA trays and don't deny their THEORETICAL usefulness, I stand by my point that they do little more than gather dust in most people's cabinets. Most of us are smart enough to make sure we double-check whether we have batteries before we embark on an expedition.

It's not about being smarter than others IMO, it's about having a contingency. I can get AA cells anywhere and can't always find a plug and several hours to recharge if I decide to branch out and not return home when originally planned. It like water. You can't always carry enough to complete a trip, the load is too great. Sometimes you have to find it along the way.

If you could plan everything you would ever need a backup body. You woul plan for your primary one not to fail.

URLphotographer wrote in post #14533738
I have a small to med sized camera bag and I can't fit my 5Dii in there with it on. So I haven't attached my grip in a while. But then again, I don't shoot for hours on end. It does make it a bit more comfortable.

I had the same problem... so I bought a bigger bag.

I used a grip on my 7D for a couple of years and thought I loved it. When the 5D3 arrived and I started using it without the grip I realized how nice and light the camera felt without it. Ironically, I've gone the opposite way and sold my grip and will now be grip free on all bodies.

Plus, many bags are not designed for gripped bodies and it's a pain, they make the camera more bulky and not as accessible IMO.