To grip or not to grip?

I'm sure this probably has been discussed many times, but I couldn't search for any recent ones.

I just wanted to find out how many of you are using battery grips for your cameras. I have been using battery grips for both 5DII and 50D, but recently started taking pictures without them and boy do they feel so much lighter.

I found that the lighter weight is definitely better for longer shooting, as long as I keep my second battery handy. I do feel more steady (stationed) with the battery grip though. Any thoughts or your preferences?

Not being rude but there are threads on grips that pop up weekly. It is one of the more hotly disputed ones going with pro and con advocates. I myself buy Canon branded grips for all of my bodies and my childrens too. They make portrait shooting much more comfortable on the shoulders, balancing longer teles in another plus, longer shooting times courtesy of having two batteries in another plus. in the end it is a personal choice.

I do apologize for posting a repetitive topic... I guess I just wanted to hear people's POV on my own thread so I can use them as reference. I still have both of my grips, but don't know whether to sell or keep them. I appreciate your input Joe!

I just too lazy to remove it, so I just keep it gripped. I need the grip to give me more balance feeling espeically when I am with my 70-200 anyway. It adds stablility as you mentioned. So, grip is always on my 7D.

for what I do with the big L lenses, the grip helps me balance when I pan. I think its personal preference. I usually need the battery life when I shoot, but to each is own.

Yes, if you do search you'll find at least 3 or 4. So why start a new thread?

tkadrum wrote in post #10932110
Yes, if you do search you'll find at least 3 or 4. So why start a new thread?

There's at least 2-3 new topics like this a week.

I use it always. Sometimes I think about removing it for the less weight and easier fit into the camera bag but I just prefer the way the camera feels and handles with the grip so it remains attached. And I'm a woman with not particularly large hands but I still like it.

I bought a grip for my Xt when I bought it . I've had it on a couple of time , but that's about it. I really don't see the need for it .
When I bought the 30D , i passed on the grip . When I get the 7D , i'll pass again . I'd rather spend the money on something else , that might be more useful .

I voted sometimes. On my 1Ds2 it's not really an option since the size/functionality of a grip is built right into the camera. It's nice because it really does balance the weight of my 70-200. I also had a grip on my Rebels and liked the extra battery capacity it gave me.

Sometimes it would be nice to have a lighter setup for casual use, though. If money were no object I'd probably have a 1D(s) with its built-in "grip", as well as a Rebel or XXD without one as a second body.

SLRs just feel weird without that bottom area. My pinky always gets sore.

I gripped my 50D for extended battery life, and I haven't removed the grip since installed. I like the extra weight for balance and stability as well.

Gripped my XSi for the vertical controls and haven't taken it off since. Battery life is a plus, and it makes the size of the Rebel almost bearable.

Having just gripped my T1i, I dont think I will ever take it off! I guess I would have to play with a gripped 50/7D (what I plan to upgrade to soon) to see if I felt the same way since they are a larger camera body to start.
But so far, loving the grip!

Removing the grip and refitting the battery door is a pain in the neck so I tend to leave it on even though it is massive and heavy. Looks sorta idiotic with a 50mm lens on the camera.