got a grip... feels like a whole new camera!

just got mine as well, the camera seems so much easier to use when I am using my 70-300 lens, the thing just feels balanced now

and if your taking vertical shots the buttons on the bottom are awesome, I am quite happy

Blue S2 wrote in post #2479934
Its heavier, thats a fact...but the weight of the entire camera is better distributed now. It won't seem so lens heavy since you will hae a better grip on the camera and some more weight to the rear.

This isnt a problem with light lenses. Try a 24-70 on a camera with a grip, and then take the grip off. Major difference.

If I had major hand problems, I would probably stick to lighter lenses personally and not worry about the grip.

Thank you so much for that.

I ordered it It doesn't sound much better. I have wrist arthritis too so I'm betting that as you and others mentioned that the better balanced weight of it, rather than leaning forward would be better in the long run!

Ok, I was going to buy the canon grip for my xti. I see almost everyone caries it for 220 or so American. I see b&hphoto has it for 139 or so. Now I am seeing people talking about obteka. Looks like it is 60 dollars or so. Is there that big of a difference, Does that canon one have better feel, fit and finish, build quality, connections, and the opteka feel cheaper? Or is the opteka just as good and a "carbon copy" or the canon?

I have found (not necessarily with camera stuff) that 3rd party attachments don't always hold up as well as 1st party products. Not counting lenses. Just wanting opinions on what people think that have used both??

supposedly the opteka is made from the same molds with the same materials. basically, its the canon grip without the logo. i don't have experience with the official canon grip to make a direct comparison but the opteka in no way feels cheap.

Ok here is a comparison of the Canon and Opteka Grips

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=136966

I been using the Opteka grip for for some time now and I must say, I do like the feel of the camera with it. I didn't noticed a huge increase of body weight. It still feels light compared to my Dad's 20D. It does seem more well balance and it's very comfortable to hold with. I do have big hands and having the grip made it much easier to grab onto the body. The vertical position comes in handy and the extra battery life is a nice touch. The quality of the grip is good and I have no complaints of it so far.

Well, I just bit the bullett and purchased the opteka grip. I am so glad I found this post, as I was going to go buy the canon for 220. Then I though i was getting a deal for 130 on BHphoto. Now after reading this, I ordered the grip for 60 or so and i catually took that package for 20 dollars more and got two more batteries. I already have to batteries now and i know that they will last for a long time. I just covered my bases, Becaus i know it will happen where the batteries die, and my kid is doing something worth photographing, and i half to wait for 2 batteries to charge! This way i can always have two batteries charged in reserve

To my great surprise, my wife did get all the hints I left.
Got the Opteka grip for Christmas! It does make the camera heavier, but I think in a good way. I feel like I have so much more control of the camera, I know as I have read many times, support the camera (lens) with the left hand, but honestly, my right hand just feels so much more comfortable.

Also, I am able to squeeze it into my Domke 5XB with the grip and the Tammy. Lying on its side bottom of camera in the back top, front, it bulges just a wee bit, but nice to not always bring the F6.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Also got the book Understanding Exposure, a monpod, and grey card.

FYI: I know for a fact that you can use one single battery in the Opteka grip and it will still work. The information is in the manual and it states that you can place the battery in either tray. I think this is a good feature. Not sure if this is true with the Canon Grip but I assume it is.

It's true.

zasboy wrote in post #2488415
FYI: I know for a fact that you can use one single battery in the Opteka grip and it will still work. The information is in the manual and it states that you can place the battery in either tray. I think this is a good feature. Not sure if this is true with the Canon Grip but I assume it is.

Yes it is true that is how I used it for the past few days until I got my batteries yesterday.

e r y k wrote in post #2467190
im stuck between a grip / camera bag / or a nifty fifty :S

DEFINITELY nifty fufty !
and if you need an inexpensive camera bag, e-mail me ! lol
I got one, then I got a bigger one, don't know what to do with smaller one now... : )
I hope it's not against the rules, me telling you this here...?

I bought mine on Amazon this morning. I have a couple of questions?
1.) Can you use it with one battery?
2.) Does it matter if one battery is low and the other is fully charged?
3.)Is there a way to know which battery is low?

Thanks in advance.

1. Yes
2. No
3. You can always remove one and see what the battery reading is for the other. Besides that, im not sure. Im guessing when two batteries are in place you are getting a combined reading. Or at least from what ive noticed.

god cameras are such money pits! I've promised myself to be more frugal and yet I forsee myself getting a grip and a 70-300 shortly, and I just spent 400$ on this stupid thing last week! Oh well