Backpack or a grip

Hi guys,
I'd like to hear your opinions on what would be better. Today is my birthday and I have got some camera shop vouchers from friends and family. I'm not sure what would be better. I already have a Lowepro sling bag. But I fnd when I'm shooting at car shows and event and it becomes a strain on my neck. So I would like a Kata backpack.
I've also wanted a batterygrip for the extra battery life and portrait grip comfort, plus my little finger hangs under my 450D and gets sore after a while.
So I thought I would ask you guys for your thoughts.
Cheers, Blair

Do much lens changing at the car shows? If you do, then consider that you'll need to take the backpack off to change the lenses.

Maybe consider adding a small belt pack that'll hold a couple of lenses. It puts them within easy reach and lightens the load in your sling bag. You can throw a couple extra batteries in there for quick retrieval too.

only get the grip if you shoot vertically, otherwise there is no real point for it, but if you do shoot vertically, then i highly recommend it. it has helped me a lot.

Interesting points. At the moment I have 3 lenses, but the nifty fifty is my most used lens. (practically never comes off) When I go to car shows I usually put a lens on, and stick with it to reduce the chances of dust getting in. But I like to carry the other lenses just in case.

It's not often I can't make a decision, usually I've made my mind up.

The Kata DR-467 is looking like the go. But that BG-E5 would be cool too.

I'd get the grip first, then the backpack. I find the grip really helps in protrat orientation, and the extra battery life is really useful.

What Lowepro bag have you got? I've always found them very comfortable, and it looks like you're only carrying a couple of lenses in it, so I'm surprised it's causing you problems.

Problem with bags is that there is never one perfect one - once you start down the slippery slope you can easily end up a bag-a-holic! ;o)

the bag+3rd party grip? it cost half of the oem grip

Simple. Get the bag you want and a spare battery.


Happy Birthday.

DarthSparky wrote in post #10310551
I'd get the grip first, then the backpack. I find the grip really helps in protrat orientation, and the extra battery life is really useful.

What Lowepro bag have you got? I've always found them very comfortable, and it looks like you're only carrying a couple of lenses in it, so I'm surprised it's causing you problems.

Problem with bags is that there is never one perfect one - once you start down the slippery slope you can easily end up a bag-a-holic! ;o)

I think it's the EX 180. It's more the whole thing hanging off one shoulder all day that gets me.

cogliostro wrote in post #10310765
the bag+3rd party grip? it cost half of the oem grip

Unfortunately the shop th vouchers are for don't sell 3rd party stuff.

DANATTHEROCK wrote in post #10310876
Simple. Get the bag you want and a spare battery.


Happy Birthday.

Thanks man it's more the ergonomics of the grip that appeals to me having the option of using AAs if I get a bit trigger happy is a good thing too.

It's a public holiday tmorrow, so I'm going to have a look at the shop. I'll take my camera with me.

Buy a zeikos grip.
Its VERY Similar to the canon version.
The one for my rebel xs was only $60 versus $132 for the canon version.
Works just as well, and is very well built and it seems pretty durable!

(Although some people are having a couple problems with theirs lately. Hmm)

I'd go with the grip, but then I hate to shoot a camera without one. Happy Bday!

District_History_Fan wrote in post #10312547
I'd go with the grip, but then I hate to shoot a camera without one. Happy Bday!

Thanks man I'm off to thecamera store soon. I'll post what I end
up getting. Bets anyone?

I bet 79 gold doubloons that you buy a grip.

I had a 400d and the grip was fantastic for making it more comfortable to use for long periods, never really took it off that body.. Also, you may need another bag for a gripped body though lol.. happy shopping & happy birthday

Well I went to the camera store today. Had a good chat to the guys and brought a Kata DR465i and a softbox for the flash.

I'm going to save up for a 3rd party grip.

Thanks for all your input guys and helped alot and brought up things I hadn't thought of.

And thanks for the birthday wishes too

These were taken with my Sony P&S. I couldn't figure how to rotate an attached image/

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