to get a grip or not get a grip?

I wish Canon would take Nikons approach to the grips and make them a little more aesthetically pleasing. The D300 grip is just plain beautiful where the Canon ones are clunky and cheap looking.

Jeffro250 wrote in post #5880494
I wish Canon would take Nikons approach to the grips and make them a little more aesthetically pleasing. The D300 grip is just plain beautiful where the Canon ones are clunky and cheap looking.

Agreed. I was a die-hard grip fan with my Minolta film system. When installed, the grip really became part of the camera. It was ergonomic and the fit was amazing. I have a grip for my 30D and have took it off shortly after acquiring it. It just feels too much like a "chunk of plastic" attached to the camera. At least that is my thought.

In fairness, I did get the Opteka instead of the Canon. If someone nearby wants to take it off my hands for a minimal investment they are welcome to it!

DL.Photography wrote in post #5880478
I HIGHLY reccomend the grip since you're using the XT series. I came from the XTi and 50% of the reason why I chose to upgrade to the 40D was because the grip felt so much better!

The grip on the XT series is just way too small....:o

Do you think it will help me hold the camera more "steady"? Or just give me a better "feel" with the camera?

i couldnt go back to one without a grip

a) better battery life...i did run out before

b) portrait controls

c) better balance with heavier lenses

all of the above were considerable improvements on my xti

on the xt i find it too small for my hand. got a grip on my 30D and i like it alot. then again i'm use to it since i use the 1D alot.

Bill 1

i didn't feel i needed a grip for my XT when I was using the kit lens/50mm/55-250/30mm

but as soon as i put a bigger lens on, it immediately became apparent that i wanted a little better balance. I also really like having the hand strap. I had one of the screw on type before, and i could never get the fit right, because i think the grip itself was too small for strap. The only thing is once you have the hand strap on, it becomes a little harder to take the grip off on a regular basis. but now mine almost never leaves my camera.

canons900 wrote in post #5880528
Do you think it will help me hold the camera more "steady"? Or just give me a better "feel" with the camera?

Both. For most people it does anyway. Just read the user reviews on it:

http://www.amazon.com …tal-Camera/dp/B0007WK8LC/
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Grip_Battery_H​older.html

DL.Photography wrote in post #5880478
I HIGHLY reccomend the grip since you're using the XT series. I came from the XTi and 50% of the reason why I chose to upgrade to the 40D was because the grip felt so much better!

The grip on the XT series is just way too small....:o

Do you find having the grip on the XT helps when shooting landscape mode? I just ordered a 40D, in large part because I have big hands and found the xti uncomfortable to hold. I'd feel kinda stupid if the grip helps in both the portrait and landscape orientations on the XXXD models.

Jeff

Get one, it makes you look more professional.lol

I personally think it helps keep you more steady when shooting in portrait orientation. I take the grip off for traveling or other 'recreational' use

MaillerPhong wrote in post #5880600
Do you find having the grip on the XT helps when shooting landscape mode? I just ordered a 40D, in large part because I have big hands and found the xti uncomfortable to hold. I'd feel kinda stupid if the grip helps in both the portrait and landscape orientations on the XXXD models.

Jeff

I find that it helps in landscape. I'd still prefer the body of the 40D though.

It is not even a choice , I have 40D coming to replace my 20D and a grip will be coming soon.

For a the Rebel series I really liked the grip, but for any of the others, I have had them, tried them for a long time, and ultimately ended up not keeping them.

ForzaF1 wrote in post #5880361
I don't like the Canon grips. They just look cheap to me, but whatever floats your boat!

I've seen a lot fewer complaints about the Canon grips than the third party ones...

dchen99 wrote in post #5880400
I am easily amused by many of the grip discussions. People (including myself) always (ok, a little bit exaggerated) talk about the balance, look, feel. Isn't it true, what the grip designed for is to give you more battery life? Let's say if we ask, do we need the grip if the battery is a nuclear one and never die? The answer still is Yes?

Sure, the extra battery life is nice, but I use grips because the cameras are too small to hold comfortably without them.

I don't shoot long enough to drain the batteries on my camera so I haven't jumped on the grips yet .. although the portrait configuration is nice it isn't worth it to me now and not to mention the weight/bulk it adds to bags.

If I found one for under $100 I'd pick one up but otherwise, no real hurry!