Are Grips Just Nonsense?

I kinda have grip envy (don't have one) but hard to rationalize.

My thoughts -
1) 400D crop is a great small camera. The whole point of compact size is to keep it manageable. Why on earth bolt on a ruddy great battery pack to the bottom? The grip will occupy space in the camera bag which could be allocated to other more important kit, like lenses.

2) Grip seems to be mainly a heap of heavy expensive batteries. I've never had a battery run out on me. In fact, I did 10 days in Vietnam on one charge. Extra batteries can be carried in a bag - why strap them to your body?

3) People argue a grip balances heavy lenses. I reckon on heavy lenses the balance point is in the middle of the lens somewhere; that may be the best place to hold them. What do people do with 400mm lenses? Strap lead bricks to the bottom of the grip?

4) People argue grip helps them hold the camera body better. I've never had a problem or issue. I guess my hands are average size and dexterity so no complaints.

5) People argue they can take portrait orientation photos easier with the grip controls. I've never had a problem. About half my photos are portrait.

6) Grips cost a fortune! For a plastic box with a couple wires, the price of the Canon grip is just outrageous relative to the camera+lens price (about half or more).

7) In the film days, we strapped on a device which looked identical to a grip, called an "autowinder". It allowed us to advance the film and reset the shutter automatically, rather than by hand. Autowinders were used by professionals who needed the the ability to shoot a high frame rates. Because they were used by professionals, they became cool and desirable add-ons for amateurs (like most of us!). Modern DSLRs don't need auto-winders, but the grip lives on as a bulky bolt-on to the camera base which makes it look more "professional".

So, what are your views? Are grips legitimate accessories or just vain wannabe nonsense? Anyone buy a grip then realize it was undesirable?

Thanks,

Ben

I have one on each 30D and 7D and love them, seems my XT had one as well. Like the room for my fingers (big hands), portrait mode and extra battery. There's no right or wrong answer; you like it or you don't.

I have a grip for my 40D and it has a shutter button on its side so when I want to get more vertical shots in, the shutter button is easier to find and press. Also I like to use the 2 battery grip because it kind of feels a little better to hold in my hands, seeing how I have these big man hands haha.


Sometimes I just add it on for more of a "Hey look how big my camera is compared to yours" factor...when I'm bored.

I just get a kick out of sigs that list the camera gear as XXD Gripped...

It reminds me of being on car forums and seeing XX Car Model, SLAMMED!


I would like to test a grip though. I spent mucho hours photographing sports a few weeks ago and my hand cramped up something awful. I'm curious if a grip would make that any more comfortable.

I felt the same until I tried one. Now I'm hooked. I think if you give it a try you will become a fan.

I hate using a camera without one. I am addicted to the extra shutter button when I rotate the camera.

I can't stand add-on grips. They feel flimsy and slick.

Now the 1D bodies, those are simply awesome. Nothing like having your grip built in

leroy_sunset wrote in post #10544659
I can't stand add-on grips. They feel flimsy and slick.

Now the 1D bodies, those are simply awesome. Nothing like having your grip built in

You must have used a non Canon grip? My grip for my 7D feels just like the rest of the camera. My Phottix grip for my 40D is slicker but still feels good. It's just a little different textrue than the 40D body.

No, the battery door is not that textured grip cover. It's smooth(ish) plastic on an OEM grip. My palms sweat, and it makes the camera really slick in my hand.

Hmm. I don't find mine to be slick, but everyone is different. I am sure they work great for some and not so great for others. I have large hands so I find gripped cameras to feel more natural to me.

Try a 1D series body. It's like the camera was meant to be a part of your hand.

Oh yeah. I love shooting with the 1D Mark IV.

leroy_sunset wrote in post #10544659
I can't stand add-on grips. They feel flimsy and slick.

Now the 1D bodies, those are simply awesome. Nothing like having your grip built in

Woah there! Ok, your opinion, but the Canon BG-E7 Grip is one top notch add-on. No flex, exact quality as the 7D body and all the buttons I need AND use (except for the fact I wish they found room to add the multi-directional button so I can select AF points quicker whilst in portrait)

grip is necessary for some, specially with bigger lenses.

I did have a grip with my 500D + tamron 18-270mm

and

I do have a grip with mine now, as I want to be able to go up to 8fps.

a couple things...

1. cold weather eats up batteries
2. you can use them with only one battery.. less weight
3. I would also suggest that the more you shoot the better they are, for instance, waiting for something to happen and having your camera in vertical without a grip is a recipe for titled photo and tired wrist. Especially with a tele.

With that said, I almost never use it on my 5D.