p.3 #1 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
According to B&H the base plate will be available on 6/29. What I find out is that the base plate costs $85 but the L-plate combo costs $200! That extra $115 for the side L piece is a lot.
p.3 #2 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
JimBuchanan wrote:
I also like the Sony Grip Extension, with the one caveat that it is lacking a Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail.
This piece has the dovetail and the Sony grip is set into it and secured with a longer captive screw. The assembly can be partially unscrewed to access the battery, just like the original. It also sits flat on a table with lens, albeit at an angle. Shown in bare aluminum before black paint or anodizing. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4240/35452609686_62bdfea522_z.jpg
p.3 #3 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
JimBuchanan wrote:
I also like the Sony Grip Extension, with the one caveat that it is lacking a Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail.
This piece has the dovetail and the Sony grip is set into it and secured with a longer captive screw. The assembly can be partially unscrewed to access the battery, just like the original. It also sits flat on a table with lens, albeit at an angle. Shown in bare aluminum before black paint or anodizing. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4240/35452609686_62bdfea522_z.jpg
p.3 #4 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
JimBuchanan wrote:
I also like the Sony Grip Extension, with the one caveat that it is lacking a Arca-Swiss compatible dovetail.
This piece has the dovetail and the Sony grip is set into it and secured with a longer captive screw. The assembly can be partially unscrewed to access the battery, just like the original. It also sits flat on a table with lens, albeit at an angle. Shown in bare aluminum before black paint or anodizing. https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4240/35452609686_62bdfea522_z.jpg
Jim...do you plan on making a short run of these and selling them? I'd be interested. If not....care to share the Solidworks file set or an IGES or STEP file for this? I haven't gotten my grip extension in yet and was thinking of drawing one up myself but I am a big believer in not re-inventing the wheel when something has been shown to work so well already.
p.3 #5 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
ironman1982 wrote:
Jim...do you plan on making a short run of these and selling them?
That is my intention, but my plate is rather full at the moment. I don't have any drawings yet, so I may go get a quote to have it setup.
The dilemma is whether to make the dovetail piece or a copy of the Sony grip with dovetail built in. The difference in production cost may be minor and that would save the expense of the Sony grip. I was also thinking of a strap slot in the lower edge of the grip.
p.3 #6 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
JimBuchanan wrote:
That is my intention, but my plate is rather full at the moment. I don't have any drawings yet, so I may go get a quote to have it setup.
The dilemma is whether to make the dovetail piece or a copy of the Sony grip with dovetail built in. The difference in production cost may be minor and that would save the expense of the Sony grip. I was also thinking of a strap slot in the lower edge of the grip.
I definitely like the latter option of the two....the less moving parts and pieces the better and the strap slot would be very nice addition as I love to use the spider straps on my D4 and current A7rii setup with the battery grip.
p.3 #7 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
I hate it and whoever came up with this design either does not use cameras or never uses a sling monopod or tripod or sets their camera down on a counter or table. I used mine about twice and I like the extra depth on the right side but you cannot set the camera down without it being lopsided and when you want to use a sling or harness that attaches to threaded tripod hole you have to remove it same with a monopod or tripod. I am blaming myself for not returning it when I quickly figured out it was a poor design.
The Camara plates that "overpriced RRS" sells are nice but not tall or thick enough. What is needed is one like Sony has but runs across the whole bottom and retains the mounting hole.
You might say something like a battery grip only a third or half as tall that is secure and keeps a solid threaded hole mount for some of the things I mentioned above.
p.3 #8 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
Sorry for bumping this thread, but I also like to share my experience with this grip extension.
I understand why some people hate it. It does block the battery door, you have to remove it to use a tripod and it's ridiculously expensive.
HOWEVER, even with these thoughts in mind I just had to buy it when trying it in the store for a moment. One simple reason: it feels amazing without adding much bulk. The bigger/heavier lenses feel so much better balanced now. Really, those of you that use such lenses handheld... consider giving this thing a try.
p.3 #12 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
I didn't go for the grip extension for reasons Jochen mentioned above. And I bought and tried out the regular battery grip but I ended up returning it . It is too bulky for my taste but YMMV. K-H. doesn't agree with me and understandably so. In my humble opinion, the best compromise is the RRS base plate. It adds the extension for your pinky and it enhances the grip-ability of the camera with the GM 100-400mm lens. It provides direct access to the battery compartment, it has an Arca-style bottom part for tripod usage, just in case, it allows the monitor to be fully extended (unlike the Chinese made version of the L-bracket for the A7r II) and it is compact. I bought just the base plate for $85 without the L-extension. I am impressed with the design and finish of this one.
p.3 #13 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
Yes it's very personal. I've never liked battery grips on any camera I've ever owned. It makes them heavier and a lot bigger in general.
I've used RRS plates and grips before and liked them... but they never gave me that same feel as this flawed Sony grip extension thingy.
I still can't believe Sony charges so much for it, but oh well. The ergonomics are fabulous. it really feels as part of the camera. It reminds me a bit of my Canon days, without the bulk.
Just my 2 cents. We all have our preferences.
p.3 #14 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
You don't have to remove it just loosen it slide the grip out of the way. Really for all the whining about it's a extra 3 seconds back and forth.
I have a L bracket from Kirk that I use when I know I'm on a tripod. For my trip this week to LA to shoot I have the extension grip on but on my table top B25 I just put a small plate ion it ready to go if I need it. I also carry a railing type clamp Jochenb wrote:
Sorry for bumping this thread, but I also like to share my experience with this grip extension.
I understand why some people hate it. It does block the battery door, you have to remove it to use a tripod and it's ridiculously expensive.
HOWEVER, even with these thoughts in mind I just had to buy it when trying it in the store for a moment. One simple reason: it feels amazing without adding much bulk. The bigger/heavier lenses feel so much better balanced now. Really, those of you that use such lenses handheld... consider giving this thing a try.
p.3 #15 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
I have a cheap $20 L-bracket for my A7RII and honestly it never came off of it.
It provides good support for heavier lenses and I don't have any issues with the LCD functionality.
Having said that, I just placed an order fro the Sony Grip Extension. Thanks for the reports.
p.3 #17 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
I have the A9 Sony grip extension I use when I use the Peak Design sling but when I use my Black Rapid Double I have to use the RSS on the A7rII and A9 and like all three. I do not like the way the A9 Sony being taller on one side makes it difficult to put the camers on a counter or flat surface. The A9 RSS comes with the allen wrench magnetically attached for removal to access the battery.
I know I will forget to have the allen wrench and run out of battery sometime with the A7rII but I make sure I leave with it at 100%.
Feel wise I guess the Sony grip I like more than RSS because of the pebble finish and being taller but the RSS despite being way over priced like most of their stuff give you just enough extra grip that the cameras feel better with heavier lenses.
p.3 #18 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
GMPhotography wrote:
You don't have to remove it just loosen it slide the grip out of the way. Really for all the whining about it's a extra 3 seconds back and forth.
I have a L bracket from Kirk that I use when I know I'm on a tripod. For my trip this week to LA to shoot I have the extension grip on but on my table top B25 I just put a small plate ion it ready to go if I need it. I also carry a railing type clamp
Guy, I looked into the Kirk L-bracket version but it doesn't have that extra extension under the grip itself, a feature that I really like. The Kirk plate just stops before the battery compartment. Used on a tripod it doesn't matter at all but if you hand hold the camera the extra nook where your pinky can rest and grip the camera more securely gives you, at least, it gives me a more secured feeling and a better grip of the camera.
The battery compartment door is now mounted under the sealed extension for easy access. A nifty design, I would say.
p.3 #19 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
trstahly wrote:
I have the A9 Sony grip extension I use when I use the Peak Design sling but when I use my Black Rapid Double I have to use the RSS on the A7rII and A9 and like all three. I do not like the way the A9 Sony being taller on one side makes it difficult to put the camers on a counter or flat surface. The A9 RSS comes with the allen wrench magnetically attached for removal to access the battery.
I know I will forget to have the allen wrench and run out of battery sometime with the A7rII but I make sure I leave with it at 100%.
Feel wise I guess the Sony grip I like more than RSS because of the pebble finish and being taller but the RSS despite being way over priced like most of their stuff give you just enough extra grip that the cameras feel better with heavier lenses....Show more →
Yes, there is a magnetic allen wrench included and it is tucked in on the back side (another nice touch, BTW) but you don't need that to remove the battery.... Unless I misunderstood your post here.
p.3 #20 · New Sony GP-X1EM Grip Extension (For A9, A7RII..)
AGeoJO wrote:
Guy, I looked into the Kirk L-bracket version but it doesn't have that extra extension under the grip itself, a feature that I really like. The Kirk plate just stops before the battery compartment. Used on a tripod it doesn't matter at all but if you hand hold the camera the extra nook where your pinky can rest and grip the camera more securely gives you, at least, it gives me a more secured feeling and a better grip of the camera.
The battery compartment door is now mounted under the sealed extension for easy access. A nifty design, I would say....Show more →
Honestly I hate the big bulkier ones that go all the way across the cam. I have no issues on tripod with the Kirk. Also the big one for me is I can adjust the bracket to give me more space for tethered work on the vertical bracket, it makes room for the cord.
. It is too bulky for my taste but YMMV. K-H. doesn't agree with me and understandably so. In my humble opinion, the best compromise is the RRS base plate. It adds the extension for your pinky and it enhances the grip-ability of the camera with the GM 100-400mm lens. It provides direct access to the battery compartment, it has an Arca-style bottom part for tripod usage, just in case, it allows the monitor to be fully extended (unlike the Chinese made version of the L-bracket for the A7r II) and it is compact. I bought just the base plate for $85 without the L-extension. I am impressed with the design and finish of this one. 
