OMG Do NOT Buy This Grip! Look What Happened!

cbienlein wrote in post #3129793
one of my friends bought a Targus grip just a few weeks ago and it was Dead On Arrival

maybe they drop them all once at the factory, just to make sure they're crap when they get to the end user.

justisnmnz wrote in post #3130405
same. Although unfortunately after about 8 months of my incredibly rough use (i beat the crap out of my gear.) The battery tray holder thing is loose so I have to tape it. But that's what I get.

And my canon's battery tray holder (What is that anyways) is still pristine.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #3130483
And my canon's battery tray holder (What is that anyways) is still pristine.

i also saved about 70 bucks to get my nifty. which is a pretty important part of my limited kit.

angryhampster wrote in post #3130370
My Opteka was flawless

Only problem with my Opteka is the 'labels' by the two vertical buttons has worn off.

ByteTheBullet (-:

I should have just spent the money and done it right the first time. I am a college kid(man), so I am a little on the poor side. I should have some money coming in the next few months, so I guess I'll have to waste it on another grip.

Yah, I have never heard of a Targus grip either. I know they make mice for computers and I have tried one of those out and didn't like it at all. I would have never even considered the Targus. How come you didn't get the Opteka? Seems like people are pretty happy with that one. I have the Canon grip and couldn't be happier! Never had a problem.

I bought the Opteka grip and used it on my 20D. I didn't have any problems with it when I had it. I have since sold it (I bought (3) 1D cameras) and the person who has bought it from me says it works great.

So give a +1 to the opteka grip.

Ross

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #3130483
And my canon's battery tray holder (What is that anyways) is still pristine.

You have a Rebel; the XT and XTi need a tray to hold the NB2Ls IIRC.

Jon wrote in post #3131065
You have a Rebel; the XT and XTi need a tray to hold the NB2Ls IIRC.

oh. lol

So canon indeed makes better oranges than taurus makes apples.

Well, at the time, I had read that it was made with the same mold as the Canon one. I think Not. I think that was said of the Opteka one too. I would consider getting the Opteka one, but I think I will just go to Canon. I got it because I primarily order from Adorama. It was the only off brand they had. Now I know a few other places to look, like B&H Photo. It sux that i have had to learn the hard way. I just wish It actually happened for a reason. It just happened for no apparent reason.

I had the Targus grip and mine did the exact same thing! I was like you also in the fact that I was looking for the financial easy way out. I have since gotten the Opteka grip and so far it is holding its own. I baby the heck out of my camera because for me even though it is only an 350D, it holds extreme value since I am not financially blessed to just go out and replace it if something were to happen. I mention this only to say there is no way I would recommend that Targus grip to anyone knowing how gingerly I treated it and it failed so miserably!

After what happened with the Targus grip, I am really paranoid and constantly checking the stupid thing to make sure it isn't loose!

EOS MAN1 wrote in post #3131209
Well, at the time, I had read that it was made with the same mold as the Canon one. I think Not. I think that was said of the Opteka one too.

Same mold doesn't mean same plastics.

Ouch, thanks for sharing

I will never recommend it. I am weary now to get the Opteka. I just don't wan't to go wrong twice.

You are quite right. In fact I should have know considering my job. I am on workmans comp right now. About a year running. I was a Plastic injection molding setup tech. I would setup plastic molds in the injection machines. Then I would get them ready for the operators and get the material set. Needless to say I was injured. It definitely isn't Engineering grade Polycarbonate(Lexan). That would have made a huge difference.

It looks like polycarbonate, but what a lot of companies do, like mine is get the cheapest recycled plastic pellets they can find. It is definitely not the same quality. Virgin Polycarb is much stronger and Makes much cleaner parts. Engineering grade is extremely strong and is usually the best looking in a finished product. The only thing stronger in plastics are glass filled plastics.