Why a battery grip?

mishymama wrote in post #7633215
"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.

55-250 IS for about $255 shipped new.

Thanks, what do you think of refurbished? from canon? from adorama?

I'd agree with the 55-250 IS as being a good supplement to your kit lens.

My battery grip is probably my favorite purchase as far as how it changed how my
camera feels/handles. Getting a couple thousand shots off a charge is nice as well

mishymama wrote in post #7633394
Thanks, what do you think of refurbished? from canon? from adorama?

I purchased a refurb and it was like buying new for a fraction of the cost. Refurbished items are often better than new because a Canon tech will test each one versus new items have quality control that only tests one out of X# of production pieces. Adorama, just like any reputable reseller has Canon gear refurbished by Canon.

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #7632965
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

You left out the vertical part.

nphsbuckeye wrote in post #7633968
You left out the vertical part.

I figured the

"and provides a more intuitive hand placement for portrait shots"

covered that

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #7634001
I figured the

"and provides a more intuitive hand placement for portrait shots"

covered that

However, the vertical ability ought to constitute its own heading. It includes a second shutter, which isn't in the same argument for those arguing that it evens out the weight when attached to a lens with a tripod collar on a tripod.

It makes a difference depending on which camera body you own. When I got my XTi, it was so small, it didn't fit comfortably in my hand. I go the grip and love it. With The Wife's larger 50D, however, the body size is such that it's very comfortable to hold and the grip isn't needed for that issue. We'll still probably get one someday for the added battery capacity and vertical grip for portrait shots, but it's not urgent.

I'm surprised no one mentioned the popular saying: Once you go grip, you don't go back. Cliched, almost, but very true. My 50D simply didn't seem to feel right (especially after moving from the hulk that was the 10D), until I had a grip on it.

nphsbuckeye wrote in post #7633968
You left out the vertical part.

You forgot 4-The ability to finish shooting with AA batteries when your BP-511's run out (mind you, you should NEVER put yourself in that situation, but it's a nice backup to have)...

i also like it for the vertical shutter release.

BigBlueDodge wrote in post #7632965
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 knew there was a reason I bought a grip.

One thing about a grip is that the camera won't fit in a lot of those nice compact bags w/ it on there.

I had a great M-rock bag that fit my 5D + 24-105--even got it to work w/ the hood. Doesn't work w/ the grip.

reason #2 alone should be why you should buy a grip...

but #3 puts it over the top.. although i don't like being Ricardo that was so 90's hahaha

nyne wrote in post #7633112
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 suggests to me that you're holding the camera awkwardly - maybe holding it by the sides of the body, like a point and shoot? I've used my 400D (XTi) with some quite large and heavy lenses (Sigma 100-300 f/4, for example) and there is no pressure on my index fingers at all. Basically, the left hand is supporting most of the weight, under the camera + lens at the balance point (which often means it's holding the lens, not the camera), and the right hand is used the operate the controls and provide added stability. The right hand should be quite relaxed. Take a look at this page for some ideas:

http://knol.google.com …our-hands/3k0expg5xjecw/2

As to the OP's question...

Grip vs no grip is a very personal question. Be wary - these threads quickly fill up with 'grip evangelists', who assume that everyone likes them It's certainly not true that everyone who tries a grip sticks with them. There are plenty of people who have tried grips and don't see much point, so you have to try one for yourself. I'd also suggest that you are sure your hand-holding technique is sound first, before spending money on a grip.

Personally, I think the extra battery life is a red herring - it's easy enough to put another battery in a pocket, and it takes seconds to change. The 'improved balance with heavier lenses' is something I've never really understood, as you're holding the camera + lens at the balance point anyway. For me, adding a grip just makes the rig heavier and therefore harder to hand hold. The extra shutter button in portait orientation is a real advantage, so it may depend on how much shooting you do in this orientation.