20D Battery Grip

I'm wondering about purchasing the BG-E2 for my 20D.
i have to be honest I don't need the extra battery power, it's more a question of balance and feel. I like the heft/ weight of the 20D but feel that the 'naked' state of the camera is a little unbalanced, especially with a larger lens. My little finger is tending to float about a bit, which surprised me a little given how everyone said they were buying 20Ds to stop this happening ( I have small hands)
I would be grateful for any opinions on the effect the grip has on handling, and how the exta weight works out.
TIA,
Steve who's just itching to buy

You might want to read up on some of the grip problems before taking a chance with one: https://photography-on-the.net …p?t=113758&high​light=grip

I don't have any problems with my 20D with the (usually) 24-70, or the longer lenses (70-200 IS and 100-400) without the grip. I have the grip, but the early "Low Battery" warnings were such a pain I stopped using it and, even though I've had it fixed, I haven't bothered to go back.

Thanks for this thread - it makes rather alarming reading. If God meant us to open up this stuff, we would have all been born Canon technicians!

I'm becoming more aware of quality control issues with Canon, even with the premium stuff like the L lenses. Maybe it's because people only make a fuss when things go wrong, but i am alarmed at the thought of dropping serious money on , say a 24-70 L that has build problems. If they can't get the grips right, it doesn't say much.

I think if I get one I'll get it from the local camera store and pay a little extra, that way I can try it in the shop.

I'd still like to hear from people about the handling issue though - what I'm interested in is how it affects weight and balance, and how people feel holding this set up for any length of time.
Thanks,
Steve

Hi "Steve who's just itching to buy"

I also was itching to buy a grip and was reluctant due to the same concerns as you are. I like it a lot and didn’t have any need for more battery power. It does make a long lens feel more balanced and it hangs much better. I keep one end of my strap under the grip to stay out of the way when shooting vertical. This is where the grips shines in many ways with the extra buttons and easier holding. My only complaint is I loose all my peripheral vision on the right with it. With out it I have some, not a lot but it helps to see a little when chasing action on field. I have NEVER had an issue with a battery indicator level or error message. Yes it’s plastic, but when firmly attached it feels like it belongs and I have no build issues. When I go off for a day of two of shooting I take everything I may need and weight becomes an issue, plastic is not all that bad sometime. I have not had any build issues with my Canon lenses, but I did return two others from a different brand, which I did have, build quality issues with and they were not cheap lenses ether.

My 580 EX flash zoom motor failed shortly after I got it. I called Canon and was directed to send it in. I enclosed a note stating that I purchased it for an event two weeks away and if they could extradite it I would really appreciate it. Canon arranged for a special Saturday FedEX delivery for me and I got it the day I needed it. Any company can have an issue especially when selling millions of units. I judge a company by how they resolve those issues and I am satisfied that Canon will stand behind their products. Further more if you buy from a reputable dealer, most allow you time to test and send back something that may be defective or not up to the standards you expect. You may have to pay return shipping sometimes but, hey you should have saved money from buying there vs. some other place closer and more expensive.

Just my two cents for what it’s not worth.

Ken W.

20D w/ grip helped me a lot when i was shooting sports...i loved the weight and feel like having mkII specially when using 4-3 config....

I have noticed this as well. It seems that back focus/front focus issues have become troublesome with Digital SLRs. Canon's digital SLRs from the D30 upwards have all been plagued with problems, just do a google search on canon and digital slr and error messages. Why is this? It's only electronics. Their recent (in the past ten years) film SLRs have all had a lot of electronics in them, and rarely had issues. Then there's AF, and every Canon digital SLR (other than the 1 series) has sub standard AF imho.

I'm really hesitant to buy any new Canon gear now...at least 2nd hand is cheaper, less loss...especially when you're dealing with things on a budget...

Dave

That problem has been resolved. Quite a long time ago in fact.

Good to hear that the problems have been resolved.
In summary it looks as though the handling issues for most users are better with the grip, and obviously if you need the extra battery power then it's a no brainer.
It also seems quality control issues are now fixed.
I am still not sure if I really want one of these, I guess I'll have to try one out in-store and see if I like the feel.
thanks for all the advice/ comments,
Steve

To me a vertical grip is 100% necessary. 80% of the shots I take are vertical. The extra shutter button REALLY helps me out.

From what I heard, the "low battery" issue has been fixed. So, when I go shop for the grip, what should I need to check? There is a serial number which indicate the one that has been fixed right. Need advice.

Toogy, I agree the vertical grip is very useful. I played with the 1D Mark II N before and find that the grip helps out shooting vertical pose a lot better.

I wonder if drisley would agree with this statement. https://photography-on-the.net …hp?t=92697&high​light=grip

the grip helps if you have the heavy lense and your shooting portrait shots. makes it easier on your wrist.

Drisley is the odd man out. He needs to send his camera in. I have not read about anyone else having those issues.

I had a bad grip, sent it in, and all the previous problems with the flexing, camera shutting down and low battery have disappeared.

I got the grip when I got my 20D. Makes for a comfortable unit and no issues.