My 30D had the BG-E2, my 40D didn't for the first few months I had it, it just doesn't feel right to me, I have pretty big hands anyway (although I'm sure all men say that ;-) ) and the cameras just don't feel right without a grip, especially lenses you're intending to handhold which are relatively heavy (24-70)
I got a grip along with a 10D I bought used. It is kinda cool and feels solid in the hands and of course, it has the added advantage of having an extra battery available all the time if needed and also for portrait oriented shooting - with the extra buttons on the grip. But, having not used a grip ever before, I did not think I'd need it for my hobby-shooting. If I were shooting weddings and such, I'd probably get a grip (no pun intended).
It really depends on if you like the feel of it. I like my camera small and compact, but if I were a pro and use a camera 24 hours a day I might add a grip for more comfort.
Before moving to the 1D series I used a grip on all previous x0D bodies, in fact the grip rarely came off. I found with a big lens on, the grip improved the balance alot more and the bottom part of my hand was much more comfortable ie another way of saying - I have big hands.
I wasn't sure that I would like the grip for my 30D, but now that I have it, I hate taking it off. I definitely like the size and weight. I really only take it off when I go backpacking.
Alistair Watson wrote:
Before moving to the 1D series I used a grip on all previous x0D bodies, in fact the grip rarely came off. I found with a big lens on, the grip improved the balance alot more and the bottom part of my hand was much more comfortable ie another way of saying - I have big hands.
Well... I need to get a backup battery which led me to think about the grip. I've also been thinking about a move to a 1 series body and thought it might be a good idea to try a grip to see if I like the feel...
.....then I got sticker shock when I saw the total on the shopping cart and thought I'd ask.
I don't have a grip for my 40D, but I am seriously thinking about getting one. I just picked up a 70-200 2.8IS lens for the fall soccer season with the kiddies and this is a lot of weight to hold and feels somewhat awkward when shooting portrait orientation.
Having the grip would allow a more natural position for my right hand and I think would make it easier to hold and follow the action without thinking about where my fingers are positioned.
You can always get one from Buy&Sell here and try it out. If you don't like it, some other FMer will happily take it You lose nothing but a couple of bucks.
For me being able to use AA's is a big plus. When I realized AA's are almost the only batteries I used, I liquidated all BP-511a's, which almost recovered the cost for the grip.
I find the grips just add to much weight to the camera, and make the camera too big to fit into small camera bags. So I do not use the grips.
If I were taking a large number of portrait shots it might be worth adding the grip for that use. I do use my 5D grip on occasion for that exact purpose.
I find the grip on the 40D to have too much flex. The 5D grip is much better with the core being made of metal, not all plastic. The 5D grip fits much better and does not flex. But I carry my camera long distances hiking and taking nature shots. So the extra weight of the grip was not welcome.
I use L lenses that are not lightweight. Then adding the grip just made the camera too heavy to enjoy using.
Edited by abqnmusa on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:44 AM GMT
Hate the things. Big and bulky. For just a few quick verticals in the field, I'd rather leave my hand position the same, and just twist a little more, rather than loose time changing hand positions, and dealing with a slightly different feel on the controls. I also like to use the hand grip on my cameras, which makes changing hand positions an additional pain.
Maybe OK for guys that like to feel do a lot of verticals in a studio, or for guys who like to feel "Pro", but not for me. Used mine twice on the 30D, put it back in the box, and never touched it again. If I could trade my MK3 for a similar model without the built in grip, I'd do it in a heartbeat.
I had a grip on my old DRebel, and it was very nice. However, with the larger grip of my 30D, along with the weight, it balances very well as is. I haven't felt the need to get the grip for my 30D, and I thought for sure I would. It's now been a year and a half, and I still don't feel the need. The only time I miss it is if I'm working in portrait for a protracted period of time.
The grip can use two standard camera batteries or AA's? Do I need to buy anything else or is everything included? How many AA's fit and how long will they last? One regular camera battery usually makes it through the day and I have a backup 30D if the battery goes dead.
I have a couple weddings coming up and figured I'd better buy an additional backup battery... hence the questions/search.
xealot wrote:
For me being able to use AA's is a big plus. When I realized AA's are almost the only batteries I used, I liquidated all BP-511a's, which almost recovered the cost for the grip.
How does this work out for you?? How many shots can you get off one set of AA's with or without IS on??
I've had a grip both my 20D and my 40D. I like it better than without. Heavier yes, but feels more comfortable to me. Guess this is my way of preparing for a 1D-series body.
