battery grip

Accentor wrote in post #2238146
I'm happier with my Canon grip than I would be with the Opteka, the guys with the Opteka seem happier than they would be with the more expensive Canon grip, so everything is hunky dory.

What matters is that everyone is happy except the guy with the broken tray sympathies.

I'm keen on getting a grip for my 20d but I'm a bit concered about quality/ reliability issues - and priorities, I'd rather get a 580EX first....or a....

So many toys, so little time!

Accentor wrote in post #2238146
I'm happier with my Canon grip than I would be with the Opteka, the guys with the Opteka seem happier than they would be with the more expensive Canon grip, so everything is hunky dory.

Bold statement for not having used one.

As for the Rover parts analogy, I too have a Rover and would argue that they are so tempermantal you MUST buy OEM.

Resistoon wrote in post #2237429
Brand name items normally mean higher prices, not always better quality. The Opteka battery grip was made with the Canon mold.

That's a bit of a sweeping statement! Evidence??

I have the Merkury 3rd party grip (used on XT and XTi) and after trying a Canon BG-E3 in a shop I can say that there is NO real reason to spend more money on the Canon one unless you want to pay for the badge.

OK, the shutter button on the 3rd party grips are generally a bit softer at the half press but I can't see why that would be a problem to anyone... I'm sure there are some people who would dissagree, then go ahead and spend your money

enjoy...

so then, am i to believe all you "Puristst" dont buy sigma or tamron lenses? its only OEM right? what about bags? do you use a canon or some other brand that doesnt have the canon name therefore its not of good quality... this argument is so stupid.. the two grips are identicle in every way, dont be a Hater..... buy what you want and remember.. it isnt the equipment, its who trips the shutter!
keep it easy!

evandavies wrote in post #2238800
OK, the shutter button on the 3rd party grips are generally a bit softer at the half press but I can't see why that would be a problem to anyone... I'm sure there are some people who would dissagree, then go ahead and spend your money

enjoy...

lol.. to tell the truth, Im so old school i forget that fricken button is even there... 99.99% of the time, i dont even turn the grip on unless by acident! its basically used to hold the extra batt and make the camera seem "Balanced" and gimmie the option of useing AA's in a pinch....thats all.

zacker wrote in post #2238809
lol.. to tell the truth, Im so old school i forget that fricken button is even there... 99.99% of the time, i dont even turn the grip on unless by acident! its basically used to hold the extra batt and make the camera seem "Balanced" and gimmie the option of useing AA's in a pinch....thats all.

Hehehe, I guess you don't shoot alot in portrait orientation then...? Its so nice to have the controls there.

I usually only load one battery to keep the weight down a bit.

Its great to have all the options available for your shooting comfort

zacker wrote in post #2238801
so then, am i to believe all you "Puristst" dont buy sigma or tamron lenses? its only OEM right? what about bags? do you use a canon or some other brand that doesnt have the canon name therefore its not of good quality... this argument is so stupid.. the two grips are identicle in every way, dont be a Hater..... buy what you want and remember.. it isnt the equipment, its who trips the shutter!
keep it easy!

This is not true, they are not identical in every way and if you think so then you are being conned.

As to bags, I also use the best available: a Lowepro Lenstrekker 600AW for my 500mm with camera attached and a Crumpler for my "bits and pieces".

Your response is purile, to say the least.

Accentor wrote in post #2238959
This is not true, they are not identical in every way and if you think so then you are being conned.

Please explain then... I cant see a difference. take off the badges and stick the two side by side.. they are the same to me!

Accentor wrote in post #2238959
Your response is purile, to say the least.

..lol

evandavies wrote in post #2238937
Hehehe, I guess you don't shoot alot in portrait orientation then...? Its so nice to have the controls there.

I usually only load one battery to keep the weight down a bit.

Its great to have all the options available for your shooting comfort

ya got me, I almost never use portrait mode.. (prolly cause I dont use that damn extra shutter button..lol) most of the time the cam is on the tripod or mono pod and i use my remote allot now too.

i found that i was taking enough portrait orientation shots to justify a BG-E2, so i got one via ebay yesterday...we'll see how it goes, but i think it will be a good fit. if not, i can always dump it for minimal cost.

Accentor wrote in post #2238959
This is not true, they are not identical in every way and if you think so then you are being conned.

Please fill us in on the differences. They are made from the same mold, after all...

landoawd wrote in post #2239139
Please fill us in on the differences. They are made from the same mold, after all...

Here we go again!! Evidence ??

John T wrote in post #2239156
Here we go again!! Evidence ??

Evidence otherwise?

Google it and decide if it is a cleverly put together hoax meant to steer millions wrong, or if there is a possibility that something with the same weight, dimensions, etc, could actually be made from the same mold. It isn't that far fetched, it even has the spot where the Canon badge would go...

My compromise: I bought the Canon grip USED but in EXACTLY AS NEW condition for $97 total (included PayPal fees and shipping) on Fred Miranda's forum.