Why a battery grip?

I just took a class on how to better use my camera this weekend and it was awesome. I am finally off of the auto setting. WOW! But whatis the battery grip and why would you want one? Thanks from a newbie.

Three reasons.

1. More shots between battery charges - You'll EASILY get 1000+ shots on a single battery charge using a grip with 2 batteries. It's also a benefit if you use IS lenses, which draw their power from your battery.
2. Balance & Feel - is used to balance out the camera for larger lenses, provides more surface area to hold, and provides a more intuitive hand placement for portrait shots
3. Gripped camera's are known to make photographers sexier to people of the opposite sex. Without the grip, you are "Uncle Bob taking snapshots". With the grip, you are "Ricardo, exotic glamour photographer".

I would venture to guess that most photogs buy a grip for reason #2 over reason #1. I bought a grip hoping #3 would come true

ha ha im sold on #3

Thanks, I am not sure any of these would be good reasons for me to get one at this time. Thanks so much for the info!

i think you will in time, i think every one does

Personally, it seems that you either love the grip, or you hate the grip. Honestly, its not something that someone can try and convince that you need. You just have to put one on the camera, and you will instantly know if you need to have one or not. I suggest you visit your local camera store and try one on.

#2 is huge. I was not a believer until I tried it. With a larger lens it should almost be required. Much more comfortable and therefore easier for me to get a stable shot quickly.

After my class I am thinking I need a filter for my lens, Some sort of diffuser for my flash (I think that is what it was called, I will have to check my notes), and a compact camera bag that will hold the camera with one lens for when I am on the go with 4 kids but still need to take pictures.

Go to a shop and try out your camera with a grip and then without. See which feels better in your hand and then you'll decide. I had a grip on my 5DI but sort of like the feel of the 5Dii w/o. + I think the cost of the grip for the 5Dii is outrageous.

If you are just starting out, focus on building up quality glass first, camera second, accessories third. Personally, I would only get a grip after I have found a set of lenses that I like. A grip adds nothing to the images that are produced.

If you do any sort of portrait photography, its a godsend.. makes taking "vertical" shots much easier.

The added battery power is also a nice benefit.

btw...what camera do you have? I find that the issue of balance definitely comes into play with the rebel line...even with my 17-50 2.8 Tam I find that I need a grip on an XTi otherwise I feel too much pressure on my index fingers.

that is a great idea to go try one out. I often get so anxious when it comes to this new hobby that I forget to slow down and research. Anothe reason I love this forum.

I have an XSi, 18-55is and a ef ?-80. Can't remember. And I only found out through this forum about multiplying those number on the ef times 1.6. Another thanks to the forum members for that.

"If you are just starting out, focus on building up quality glass first, camera second, accessories third. Personally, I would only get a grip after I have found a set of lenses that I like. A grip adds nothing to the images that are produced."

What lens would you suggest for a newbie who needs a zoom (soccer, t-ball, ballet recital, first communion, etc. inside and out) on a budget with 4 kids.