Battery grip question.

[Dawn B]

Im wanting to buy a BG-2EN grip for my 40D, but I do NOT need extra battery power, I want it for better handling for portrait work etc.. Can anyone tell me if I HAVE to buy a second battery or can it work on just the one?

Dawn.

[matt_wright]

Im 99% sure it will work with just one battery! My Grip for the 450d (BG-E5) works with just one battery!

Matt

[Jayst84]

Will be fine with just the one.

[odd jim]

No, you can just put the battery you already have in it. You can add another if you want but you dont have to.

I'm assuming its the same set up as the BG-E3 I have for my 400D though (which I'm sure it is!).

[Dawn B]

Thanks folks for the speedy replies, much appreciated and helped me no end.

[Jambo_84]

Is it safe to mix batteries? ie an official Canon one with a third party one or is it best to use 2 3rd party ones together?

[Gonetae]

I hope it's safe, I've got 2 Canon batteries and 2 third party ones and tend just to mix and match the closest ones to hand. :thumbs:

[markta]

I've used a Canon and Hahnel battery in my grip at the same time, with no problems..

[albion]

Bought two "third party" batteries from 7 day shop.com
cheap as chips and almost identical to Canon.
Use both together...no problems.:thumbs:

[Col_M]

I just have 1 battery in my BG-E4 and it works fine.

I have a handful of 3rd party batteries on the way though, for the price they go for you might as well get some as they're only about £6 a pop from 7dayshop. You may not need the extra battery life but having spares would be handy.

[Dawn B]

Thanks all. I got one from Jessops a couple hours ago. They dont do "internet price matches" any more, but I did get them to knock £10 off with a bit of moaning!!

Seems to work fine, suppose Ill have to find somewhere to go now to test it!! Might also look up those cheaper batteries you mention, thanks for that too. :)