 Pamela Njemanze |
Battery Grip Canon I am considering buying the Canon Battery Grip BG-E5 for my Canon T1i. I was wondering if anyone has used it and how they like it and how much weight it adds to the camera. Thanks Pam :)
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chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny Contact Chris Budny Chris Budny's Gallery |
I had the battery grip for my old Rebel XTi; I liked that it added extra height to the camera when mounted on a tripod (given that I'm 6'2" and my tripod isn't.) It does add a substantial bit of bulk and a bit of weight, but the extra shutter button (when you rotate the camera to vertical/portrait orientation) was handy. If you know you're going out for a long day's shooting, the thinking is that it is nice to have the batteries lined up without having to change them - however, battery changing isn't really all that cumbersome or time consuming, really, and I found I eventually stopped using the battery grip entirely. (I guess if you're shooting lots of action, and don't want to miss a possible second, it would pay to have the 2 batteries in place, along with big memory cards.) I liked the idea of being able to run the camera on AA batteries in a pinch - but it turns out I never used that option! You didn't say what kind of shooting you like to do, but I'd spend the money (if it were my choice again) on the Canon Angle-Finder C accessory, if you ever are doing macro work, or low-to-the-ground shooting. I have that now, and it is by far my favorite non-lens accessory ever.
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Pamela Njemanze |
Thanks Chris. I have not done too much macro I just bought a macro lens recently. I love wildlife and nature but am starting to do more portraits. I was thinking of the battery grip for a wedding I'm shooting.
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Peter K. Burian |
Hi Pamela, Yes, Canon loaned one to me when I was testing the EOS camera. It's not too big or heavy but why would you need one? I suppose for greater convenience when shooting verticals. (You could simply carry a second battery in your camera bag.) Dimensions (WxHxD) 0.5 x 3.8 x 2.8" With some Nikon cameras, you do get a faster framing speed when using a battery grip, but not with EOS. So, unless the greater convenience in vertical shooting - with the controls on the batter grip - is important, I would not buy this accessory. Peter www.peterkburian.com ... the grip includes a vertical shutter release and a mode wheel to provide access to all of the camera functions and make shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally.
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Kathryn Wesserling |
I love my battery grip. Its extra heft makes it easier to hold onto and to maneuver my 50D (it feels more balanced.) Having vertical shooting controls is a wonderful feature. The extra weight occasionally will cause a little more pain in my wrists (Rheumatoid Arthritis issues) at the end of a long shooting day. However, it's a trade-off I'm more than willing to accept. The only downside is that the charge lasts so long that I have to remind myself to re-charge both batteries prior to a planned day out with the camera -just in case! After having the grip for my Rebel, it was an automatic accessory to order with my new 50D. Never again without one.
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Frank Karycinski |
I have been using one on my Rebel Xsi for about two years. I continue to use it for the following reasons: 1. The convenience of having the extra battery life. The has been quite useful when I'm out shooting at a festival or event. 2. It makes the camera, and you, look more professional. People tend to get out of the way more than if I was using something less substantial, like a compact camera. 2. The ability to use the alternate shutter when photographing people without them knowing it. I can hold the camera low or even set it on a table and fire away, even when they're looking right at me. 3. The grip gives the camera additional weight which balances out the lightness of the body, especially when using longer lenses.
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Frank Karycinski |
I have been using one on my Rebel Xsi for about two years. I continue to use it for the following reasons: 1. The convenience of having the extra battery life. The has been quite useful when I'm out shooting at a festival or event. 2. It makes the camera, and you, look more professional. People tend to get out of the way more than if I was using something less substantial, like a compact camera. 3. The ability to use the alternate shutter when photographing people without them knowing it. I can hold the camera low or even set it on a table and fire away, even when they're looking right at me. 4. The grip gives the camera additional weight which balances out the lightness of the body, especially when using longer lenses.
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Bunny Snow |
There are so many more important ways to improve one's work or add to your camera accessories than using a battery grip, I suggest saving your money. I carry a couple extra charged batteries in my pocket and even when using a tripod, they don't take that long to replace in my camera. Plus, the only weight is the battery, not the added weight of the grip. If you haven't already, put your saved resources on a Really Right Stuff Quick-Release Camera Body L-Plates http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html Money saved on non essentials, means that there is more money for things that really make a difference in your work and pleasure.
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