Having the grip eliminated the shoulder soreness I used to get after a long wedding day from having to lift my arm and shoulder on verticals to activate the shutter button.....now i can have my arm down along my side as opposed to up in the air. The size and weight were negligible.
The grip comes with the AA holder and fills the entire space. I make sure to take the adaptor and AA's (for flash too) just in case I forget to charge/or 511's run down. I also take a 511 charger and charge one of them while the other is in the grip. I've liked having a grip since my AE1 and since I shoot alot of verticals (sports and outdoor portraits) I just don't want to go without one. I normally take the grip off when I go on a personal trip. It's obviously lighter, especially if I get to do some hiking.
Pro: + it balance the weight of 24-70mm or bigger lens
+ shoot vertically more comfortable
+ can shoot longer without changing battery, and able to use AA batt.
Con: - add more weight!!!!
Ive had grips on every camera other than P+S
the EOS 10s had a "weightless" grip - it just enlarged the right hand grip area. I liked it but longed for a Vertical grip with shutter release. When I moved to the A2e I got the grip and LOVED it. Got a grip with the 20D, 40D, 350D. I find the extra battery invaluable, and hate rotating my hand for verticals. So its "win win win" for me, to quote Michael Scott.
Bigger grip, more battery, better balance, vertical release...
I have only taken it off once, when I went on a trip overseas and wanted the camera to be a little more mobile. Which it maybe was a little lighter, I missed it greatly.
Otherwise, I got one with my old Elan 7NE, got one when I got my 20D and now the 5D. Can't go without. So much so I am probably going to get a 1D series next so the grip is integrated
it feels good on hand with both long lenses or short primes, but recently i decided not to get the grip when i upgraded to 40D coz its pain to carry all the time where 80% of the time i used my camera for travelling
I use three Eneloop low self-discharge arrays for camera. Never had a serious test against OEM BP-511a but my impression is an Eneloop array holds much better than one OEM BP-511a but slightly less than two.
The LSD batteries like Eneloop work better than traditional rechargeable since they hold juice well when not being used and are thus much practical for photographers. Besides they are cheap in price. In Costco they have 8X AA's, 4X AAA's, a traveler recharger and a couple of adapters in a package for just 20ish. For only $50 something you got two 6X arrays for camera and a 4X array for flash plush two recharger, which is also nice for interchange purpose.
baldieme wrote:
How does this work out for you?? How many shots can you get off one set of AA's with or without IS on??
So you guys who are using AA in the grip, they don't have problems with short life (like only 50 shots and it goes dead)? I've had that problem in the past using the 20D, but haven't tried it out with my 40D.
I have the grip and like it. I don't take it off unless I'm going on a very long hike and need to save weight. The one draw back for me is the added bulk and size when trying to "quick draw" the camera out of my bag and quickly dump the camera back into the bag; I have the Crumpler 7MDH (and Wickey and Cox). Aside from these two actions, the added size and weight are appreciated.
I used grip quite a bit with 20D and liked it quite a bit. After upgrading to 5D, I was missing the grip a lot, specially when a speedlight is attached. The camera didnt feel balanced. BUT, after getting the grip for 5D, I have to say, the extra wt made me take the grip off the body.
My suggestion, for your camera, try it and see if it works for your hands.
No that problem at all! Easily get hundreds, if not one thousand, shots for each fully charged array.
jchin wrote:
So you guys who are using AA in the grip, they don't have problems with short life (like only 50 shots and it goes dead)? I've had that problem in the past using the 20D, but haven't tried it out with my 40D.
I have the grip for my 40D and love it. I feel that I have a much more secure hold on my camera, better balance with heavier/longer lenses. I also find using 2 batteries at once really extends my shooting, also I have the luxury of AA battery backup in the field if I ever needed it.
I'm planning to get the 5D Mk2 when it comes out, to save money I considered NOT getting the grip, but I am sure I would regret the security and flexibility it would offer.
When they (anyone) make a proper grip for the 40/50D with an AF-On button then I'll get one.
Why should I have to switch the function of the AF-On/AEL button? The AF-On button is in a position that I'm used to now, what a pain to have to switch it just because Canon couldn't bother to make a proper grip.
One of the few gripes I have with the 40D vs some competing brands.
Sam tran wrote:
Pro: + it balance the weight of 24-70mm or bigger lens
+ shoot vertically more comfortable
+ can shoot longer without changing battery, and able to use AA batt.
Con: - add more weight!!!!
- add more bulk...need larger carrying case.
jchin wrote:
So you guys who are using AA in the grip, they don't have problems with short life (like only 50 shots and it goes dead)? I've had that problem in the past using the 20D, but haven't tried it out with my 40D.
Theres a technical recall for the 20D grip for exactly this problem.
I just got my 20D grip back and 2 days later my shutter failed
Yes, it's heavy on my 30D, but I've gotten used to it. I am a bigger guy though (6"2, 240 pounds and strong) so others might not have the same experience.
If nothing else, I have found I really appreciate it for shooting in portrait mode (vertical). Would I buy one again? Yes.
Also, on the vanity aspect, you do draw attention. Some like it; some don't. I don't really care about gawkers. I do, however, appreciate the way people will sometimes give you extra space to shoot in public because they think you somehow are "somebody."
Pros:
-Balances nicely with most lenses
-Comfortable vertical shooting
-Extended battery life
-The ability to use AA Batteries when needed
-Bigger grip for bigger hands
-Also, this is a big thing for me. The ability to attach a wrist strap on the camera.
