Battery Grip... when did you really need it?

I have been thinking about getting a battery grip for my 40D. But I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me with an example of a time that, say, if you didn't have it you would have run out of juice and missed shots etc. In other words, what are the advantages or reasons that might help me decide whether I need it.

I have had my 40D out for say 12-14 hours and took 1000 pictures... and at the end of the day, the lowest I have seen my battery is around 35%. So I am just wondering what the real utility is?

I had one on my 20D. Battery life had little to do with having the grip on the body. To me it was about handling. My 20D just doesn't feel the same with out it.

i been debating the same myself. which i why i have yet to buy one. ive neever run out of juice

I was just about to edit and include the question... or is it really the grip that you're after on these?

For many people it isnt so much the battery life that attracts them, but how much easier it makes shooting in portrait format. I shoot slightly more then 50% of my photos in portrait format so its worth the money for just that alone.

Never. Although it occasionally made shooting in portrait mode easier in the end the size was not worth it. Took up too much space, too big to just haul around my neck, especially with the 70-200 attached.

That's not to say I would never want a 1D series as at least the size of the camera balances out with the amazing photos it can produce and speed and everything else unlike other camera that just make them bigger.

It is not battery life for me, though I do appreciate the extra capacity. I have grips on both of my cameras because I like the way they feel and enjoy the convenience of the 2nd shutter release and other controls when shooting with the camera vertically. On the occasion that I pick up a non-gripped camera it feels as if something is missing!

Shaun

For me it is defintely about the handling. Both for shooting in portrait and for general feel. As for battery life, I shot roughly 2000 images last week and the same pair of batteries are still in there.

Another vote for the benefits of portrait mode. Extended battery life is not a reason but is a benefit.

For me the benefit was when shooting sports, having the release in 2 positions was a real saver.

Cold weather.

When it gets cold, battery life decreases.

It can also make the camera balance a bit better in your hands.

Or, like my wife, you'd hate it because you have small hands.

Did any of that help?

It was more for the grip. (big hands). the battery life and extra shutter button was just a plus for me.

I think it just comes down to preference. You can carry a second battery or buy a grip an keep it in the camera at all times.

I didn't buy a grip because of battery power, I bought it for the vertical shutter button after a night of holding my arm over my head shooting portraits at a party. No I wish I had a grip for my 20D too, I just don't use it enough to justify buying one.

I have small hands and i still like the grip just for shooting in portrait. I do a lot more in portrait now than ever .. i just keep on shooting that way unless i am doing land scapes.

As the others have said, handling. My little finger has no place to rest on my 30D without a grip. With the grip, not only does the whole body feel better, it balances better with bigger lenses (300/2.8) and gives you more leverage to swing still bigger lenses around (400/2.8). The vertical controls are also a definite plus.

Extended battery life is irrelevant to me as I always have spare batteries around anyway.