Grip or glass

OK I've always gone for the motor-wind, power-drive, whatever, when using film camera because they generally give faster sequential shots and longer in the field before running out of power. Of course this was in the days of using either massive NiCd rechargeable packs or lots and lots of AA's (a **** when fingers are frozen).

I automatically went to buy the BG-E4 with my 5D but was told that it would have to be ordered in, so I didn't walk away with one. Now I've got to thinking: the frames-per-second rates is not dependent on the mechanical power of the motor-drive; time in the field is now dependent on a single 511 battery, which lasts 300+ shots and I have ordered 2 spares which can be kept warm in a trouser pocket and quickly swapped over. What function does the grip fulfil, other than to provide a handy extra shutter button for portrait shots? For £150 I could probably go without (especially if the £150 went towards some L glass).

Can you all tell me of your experience and preferences for the use of a grip with the 5D (or any other digital). Should I go for a grip or glass?

I'd say go for glass. I have it and the only thing it gives beside the extra release and * buttons is you can use 2 batteries simultaneously and it comes with an AA battery holder. I got it primarily because of the latter as AAs are available everywhere but the BP511 batteries are so reliable and charge easily so I don't think I'll use it much for that. It also adds weight and gives a bit of counterbalance to longer heavy lenses. I didn't even bring it on the trip I'm currently on. Maybe down the road it would be a good accessory, but I'd definitely say good glass is what you need at the moment. 24-105L is a great match for the 5D.

It allows you to use AA batteries in an emergency which may be useful abroad.

I use a grip all the time on my 20D, but not for the purpose of using two batteries. In fact, I only use one battery at a time.

The purpose for the grip is how I can hold on to the camera. I use the wrist strap with it (as well as a neck strap). There is a lot more space for my fingers, even in the conventional "landscape" position. Using the camera in "portrait" position is, of course, a lot easier with the grip because of the ability to hold the camera more or less normally as well as having the extra buttons.

Phideaux wrote in post #2314130
OK I've always gone for the motor-wind, power-drive, whatever, when using film camera because they generally give faster sequential shots and longer in the field before running out of power. Of course this was in the days of using either massive NiCd rechargeable packs or lots and lots of AA's (a **** when fingers are frozen).

I automatically went to buy the BG-E4 with my 5D but was told that it would have to be ordered in, so I didn't walk away with one. Now I've got to thinking: the frames-per-second rates is not dependent on the mechanical power of the motor-drive; time in the field is now dependent on a single 511 battery, which lasts 300+ shots and I have ordered 2 spares which can be kept warm in a trouser pocket and quickly swapped over. What function does the grip fulfil, other than to provide a handy extra shutter button for portrait shots? For £150 I could probably go without (especially if the £150 went towards some L glass).

Can you all tell me of your experience and preferences for the use of a grip with the 5D (or any other digital). Should I go for a grip or glass?

Personally, I feel that grips aren't all that useful. I can hold portrait orientation just fine and even hold oversize lenses like the 100-400 on a 350D without the grip. Unless I was doing predominantly portrait work, then the ergonomics might make sense, but I don't usually, so I just rotate the camera. I value light weight, so the grip doesn't help any.

I just got back from shooting some landscapes. Spent 3 days out there, took two BP511s, had so much confidence in that setup I didn't even take a charger..! Used a mix of lenses including some with IS, which drains more power. I estimate I can get well over 500 shots on a BP511, I have done that before with a 100-400 (whole day, IS running throughout) and didn't even hit the "one bar" battery gauge.

Came back without having used the spare at all... Ambient air temp for me was ~10-20C throughout - cold weather may affect battery life.

The grips nowadays are largely battery carriers, 'ballast' for some who say they balance long lenses better (I don't find this true IMO, I just shift my left hand forward to the center of gravity), and a vertical shutter release. It really varies...it's personal preference and I can respect that

i got the grip cause its so cool and makes everyone love me and want to be with me...
lol
Seriously, the only reason i get a grip is for the AA reason... if need be i can get AA's ANYWHERE and still shoot, but I gotta say, I never, ever, ever, ever, had to use AA's when I charge both of my canon batts!!! lol its ultimatly your call... grip or glass, grip or glass.....

Phideaux wrote in post #2314130
OK I've always gone for the motor-wind, power-drive, whatever, when using film camera because they generally give faster sequential shots and longer in the field before running out of power. Of course this was in the days of using either massive NiCd rechargeable packs or lots and lots of AA's (a **** when fingers are frozen).

I automatically went to buy the BG-E4 with my 5D but was told that it would have to be ordered in, so I didn't walk away with one. Now I've got to thinking: the frames-per-second rates is not dependent on the mechanical power of the motor-drive; time in the field is now dependent on a single 511 battery, which lasts 300+ shots and I have ordered 2 spares which can be kept warm in a trouser pocket and quickly swapped over. What function does the grip fulfil, other than to provide a handy extra shutter button for portrait shots? For £150 I could probably go without (especially if the £150 went towards some L glass).

Can you all tell me of your experience and preferences for the use of a grip with the 5D (or any other digital). Should I go for a grip or glass?

It sounds like you want the grip since you went in to buy it. I would get the grip. I have in on my 30D and I love it. I think it balances the camera out and it's so much more comfortable to hold and handle. You get used to having the extra shutter, button and wheel it offers too. Taking vertical pics with a regular camera seems weird to me now.

Also, the cost of the grip is minimal compared to the cost of glass so you just need to figure out where you sit financially or which one you want first. Hell, just go back to the store right now and order the grip and 3 or 4 lenses and you wont have to worry about any of this.

Go for the glass. It'll make much more difference in your photography. I got the grip for the 20D, but stopped using it due to its fairly-well-known teething pains. Got it fixed but never went back. My D60 and 5D are both gripless, and I don't miss it. I carry about a half dozen spare batteries, so I'm not worried about needing AAs. Worst case would be a charger frying, and I've convinced myself (through experiencing it) that I can get a replacement if needed before I've run out of power. If I were going to be away from any source of power for several weeks, AA support might be an issue, but not until then.

You won't get much "L" glass for the price of a grip!



I'm 100% in agreement with what Rehuel wrote - it's almost like I wrote it!