Gear Talk > Software & Accessories
Battery grips
EYEONE:
--- Quote from: neuroanatomist on December 28, 2011, 02:03:36 PM ---
--- Quote from: EYEONE on December 28, 2011, 01:57:37 PM ---I would complain more about how the batteries go in long way and make the grip so much deeper than the main grip. It seems like they could have turned the batteries so they could make the grip more in line with one on the camera.
--- End quote ---
The depth of the battery grip base seems pretty equivalent to the grip on the body, although you may be referring to the offset (the vertical grip sits a bit behind the body grip). I suspect if they designed the battery packs to be oriented at 90°, a carrier of some sort would be required (similar to the AA holder), and I, for one, would not want an extra piece to lose/break.
--- End quote ---
Well perhaps the problem isn't the depth of the grip but the shape. It's more squared off. The main grip is more curved and comfortable.
neuroanatomist:
--- Quote from: EYEONE on December 28, 2011, 02:20:04 PM ---Well perhaps the problem isn't the depth of the grip but the shape. It's more squared off. The main grip is more curved and comfortable.
--- End quote ---
Quite true...and the Wimberley plate on the bottom of mine certainly doesn't add to the comfort...
bvukich:
I've got a gripped XSi and gripped 60D, both Canon grips. For the XSi I had a third party grip in my hand for about 5 seconds, set it down and bought a Canon one instead. The third party one just looked and felt cheap, and was way too light.
I really can't stand using a camera without a grip, I like the extra weight, and extra battery life. I think it balances much better even with medium size lenses (like a 28-135). I don't consider myself to have exceptionally large hands, but ungripped the camera just feels small and awkward to me. Especially the XSi, it feels like a little toy ungripped.
unfocused:
I've had a Canon grip on my 7D from the time I bought it.
Like others, I'm skeptical of the third-party grips, although I have no objective information to point to. Sure, the Canon grip is overpriced for what it does, but I figure that rather than skimp on an off-brand grip, if you really don't want to spend the money, then don't buy any grip. It is an optional item and to be very honest, it isn't an essential.
Half the time, when I turn the camera vertically, I forget to use the controls on the grip. Frankly, I think they designed it poorly by putting the shutter release on the right side of the grip. I think it would be more natural on the left side, but that may be just me. I tend to rotate the camera so that the shutter button on the camera points toward the ground and then just use the button the camera. But, that probably comes from decades of using film cameras with just one shutter button.
To some extent, if I'm honest, I'd say the grip is something of a "fashion accessory." I like the way the camera looks and feels with the grip on it.
But, it does make the camera heavier and bulkier, which means I take the grip off and pack it in my luggage while traveling (keeping the camera in my carry-on). There are times when I want to save the weight and just take the grip off.
But, there are some practical reasons for it.
Battery life. I hate worrying about keeping the batteries charged. With two batteries in the grip, I almost never run into a situation where I have to worry about whether or not the batteries are charged.
Protection. It does give you a sense of security (perhaps false, however) that if you need or want to set the camera on the ground or elsewhere for a shot, you have a couple of inches of fairly inexpensive separation between the ground, rock, etc. and your camera.
Finally, and this may be the best reason, it really does offer some shock protection. I tripped carrying my 7D and went straight down on a sidewalk with the camera in my hands, landing solidly on the gripped base. The impact broke the battery cover door on the grip but the 7D and the attached lens were both undamaged. Sent the grip back to Canon and had it repaired, took about a week and a half and cost me about $100. Still cheaper than repairing the 7D or a lens and I was able to keep on using the camera while the grip was being repaired.
EYEONE:
--- Quote from: unfocused on December 28, 2011, 03:02:18 PM ---
Half the time, when I turn the camera vertically, I forget to use the controls on the grip. Frankly, I think they designed it poorly by putting the shutter release on the right side of the grip. I think it would be more natural on the left side, but that may be just me.
--- End quote ---
I'm confused by this. The normal shutter is on the right side of the grip.
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