40D Grip

I'm considering upgrading my XTi to a 40D. I know that a grip is pretty much a requirement for the XTi (I can't imagine using mine without the grip), but is it as big a deal with the larger 40D body? I don't use the controls on the grip very often. Thanks for any insight!

The standard grip doesn't have the AF option for the Live View function. As for the size, the 40D is much more comfortable than the XTi, but I bought the grip as soon I could afford it just because I couldn't do without the vertical shooting comfort. You mentioned that the vertical controls aren't important to you, so I don't really see much benefit for you.

I took the grip off my 40D for my last trip to China to pack lighter and it sucked! What a tiny little dinky camera. Grip it.

Definitely not a necessity. I have one, use it occasionally, but its a very nice camera to hold without the grip.

I had one originally, and later on started shooting without it. More stealth and less weight. I mainly got it for ease of portraits.

For the D300 though a Battery Grip gives me 8FPS

I use the grip on my 40D (and on the 400D) all the time. Shooting sports/action with vertical orientation is much easier with the grip on the camera.

Sounds like the general consensus is that I could probably pick up a grip at a later date if I decided I wanted the vertical controls, but as far as general usability it's not as big a deal as with the XTi. Thanks for the advice!

I attached the grip to my 40D before I even mounted the lens. I just like having the option of shooting with a grip rather than chicken winging it all the time.

I had a grip on my XT and loved it. I have not put one on my 40D and don't think I will.

pixelharmony wrote in post #6051398
I had one originally, and later on started shooting without it. More stealth and less weight. I mainly got it for ease of portraits.

For the D300 though a Battery Grip gives me 8FPS

what good marketing nikon has, if you want faster FPS, buy our battery grip!

darkninja67 wrote in post #6051889
I attached the grip to my 40D before I even mounted the lens.

+1

I've tried shooting with it off and it just feels wrong, and I don't need the grip for shooting portrait style... I like the balance with it, and I use it to steady my hold... I rest the bottom of the grip on the meaty part of my palm. It just feels more comfortable to hold this way.

I never go gripless, don't like the feel of any body without a grip.

I had the XTi with a grip and now have a 40D without a grip. The camera, to me, seems to be missing without the grip. I also tend to use portrait mode fairly often and the vertical controls are really needed.

I just purchased a grip from these forums, just waiting for it to arrive.

Had a grip when I used my XTi to boost its size and let my pinky onboard

40D is much more sizable. I think that the grip would be nice for portrait orientation, but I feel like I can do without it and its $170ish price tag. 40D by itself (no battery grip) will provide more than enough room for your whole hand...unless you have very large hands. One other reason I didn't get the battery grip is it feels cheap compared to the magnesium alloy of the 40D body (grip feels plasticy). Also, the 40D has a molded indent for your middle finger...a small detail that the battery grip lacks, but I love it so much on the 40D that I want the grip to have it too .

My XTI needed the grip as it was way to small to hold without. When I upgrade to the 40d in April I bought a grip straight away... Must say I used it for about a week then took it off and found it better for a walk about camera without where as the XTI grip never left the body... I have pretty big hands so that said, really think you should take your 40d to a shop and try one on for size... very person thing that I don't think anyone can answer this question for you other than yourself

sorry,
Nick.