to get a grip or not get a grip?

i use my 40D grip mainly for landscapes cos the long exposure are a bigger drain on the batteries and it's a pain changing batteries in the dark/cold/wet with a tripod and also for portraits cos it's more comfortable that way. i find it's too bulky for urban shots and travelling. having said that, am thinking of getting one for the XTI. end of the day, i think you just have to try one out and see how you like it or not...

Get a grip, you'll never look back.

If you are not sure, I'd suggest you stop by a local camera store and try one on your camera to see if you like it or not.

After having mine for a few months now, I don't know how I ever shot without using one. When I took it off a couple of time for automotive rig shots (needed the reduced weight), the camera felt so awkward in my hands.

canons900 wrote in post #5880403
I am using a rebel XT.

Then definitely get the grip. You won't regret it. Gives the camera a bit more bulk and substance. Get a genuine Canon grip though as there are a lot of poor quality ones on the market.
Reaperman

I'm a big fan of the grips. I had one on my EOS 3 (7fps wasn't bad either at the time) and I got the grip for my backup Elan 7e. My 1D MK II doesn't come without one and I'll more than likely buy one for my next camera.

I am thinking about a rebel for a P&S in which case I'll likely pass on getting a grip. (although that Olympus E410 with the pancake lens would be a cool P&S camera).

When I first picked up my 40D there was just something about it that just didn't work for me and I couldn't place it. my old digital Rebel (300D) felt better in my hand for some reason. Then I got the grip for the 40D.. WHAT A DIFFERENCE. It just filled my hand alot better and I felt more comfortable with it in my hand.

A grip is one of those things that you need to try first. Yes, it serves a purpose... Holds an extra battery and you have the portrait shutter but if it doesn't feel right in your hands, dont get it... If it DOES fell good, then GET IT!

Stealthy Ninja wrote in post #5884086
YES, calm down... get a grip... breath deep... that's better isn't it?!

I want to get a grip, but I keep buying lenses instead.

Well, I went and got a grip today (for my 40D).

It depends on how many times your going to shoot vertically and need extra battery life. Personally, I only use it when I need it. It does, however, give a nice handrest for when I manually focus. While, It does have a plasticky feeling, it's pretty snug on my 40D. Haven't tried it on the 5D, yet. If you're curious, just rent one at Calumet for around $12.

Renting might be a good idea.... Its not just about the vertical shutter release and extra battery too. It really makes the body feel better in my hand. It makes the 100-400 very handable too.

Get a grip! I had a grip on my Nikon D100, Canon 40D and now just bought a 5D and a grip from POTN and FM members.

It adds versatility and balance.

Kenski wrote in post #5890960
Renting might be a good idea.... Its not just about the vertical shutter release and extra battery too. It really makes the body feel better in my hand. It makes the 100-400 very handable too.

It makes a 40D more balanced with heavy lenses. My 200mm f2.8L is much more comfortable to use with it on.

Only problem maybe is slightly increased weight (overall) and it is a bit more difficult to get your camera into your bag (depending on the bag).

canons900 wrote in post #5882407
I am shooting with Sigma's. A 24-60 most of the time and my 70-200 for sports. I use a monopod and tripod as much as possible. Will the grip go on a pod? Will it throw off the balance on a pod?

I guess it really don't won't help me much overall, I have never had a problem holding my XT. I guess I am just looking for something to spend money on.....

If you use a tripod or monopod often, I think you're better off skipping the grip. They reduce the stability of the camera because they flex.

Personally I think grips are pretty subjective. I use one occasionally, but sometimes I prefer to go without. Sort of depends on the situation. If I know I'm going to be using a tripod, I will definitely leave the grip home, it does much more harm than good.

If you have a chance to try before you buy, I would do that.

these threads always make me laugh "get a grip, its great".. its a bit like the whole windows/mac thing, its personal preference.

go try one, if you like it great if you dont great.

personally ive never run the battery out on the 20D using AI SERVO all day, the balance with the 70-200 sigma is fine as it is. but thats my opinion..

TheHoff wrote in post #5881806
No, I really think he used a tripod.

ROFL nice!!

Heres my take on Canons grip...

I just bought one last week and overall, im happy with it from a functional standpoint but not from a build quality one. The plastic they use for the 40D grip(BG-2En) is plainly very cheap and somewhat flimsy feeling and really detracts from the cameras good looks. It just totally looks out of place and you can tell its different by just looking at it...it is even more obvious when you pick it up as it just doesnt feel of as much quality as the camera itself. However, from a functional standpoint it works great...shooting vertically is much easier thanks to the extra shutter button and bottom grip. It really does give the camera a much more usable grip and nice feel to it overall. But Canon charging 180-200 bucks for one is outrageous! Its maybe a few dollars worth of materials. For that kind of money, it should come with an extra battery and a charger! If you can find one for cheap, get it...but dont pay full price for one cuz it certainly is not worth it unless you absolutely need a grip!

The finish has totally rubbed off of my BG-E4 (5D grip) where it swings against my jackets or jeans. Looks like hell, but that is cool. It does show it isn't made to the same quality level as the camera body. I've been going without lately -- nice for weight but I can't balance it as well when shooting from the hip.