When to use a battery grip

[SpikeK6]

Hi

Just picked up my (new to me) second hand 50D tonight and been reading the manual and having a play.
The camera came with a canon battery grip and 4 batteries in total, so decided to attach it to the camera, and boy does it make the camera heavy.
I had the 400D before this and never had used a battery grip with it but on first impressions the 50D is a lot heavier than the 400D but with the grip it is considerably heavier.

My question is this, do you guys use the grip all the time or just in certain cercumstances?
Be interseting to know your thoughts on this.

Thanks

Spike

[MScotts]

My grip is fitted all the time Spike... If I need to use the camera whilst the (EN-EL3e) batteries are on charge I load the tray that takes the AA alkalines :thumbs:

[J4MIE_P]

Benefits: Vertical Shutter Release, Extra Battery, More Balanced with big lenses
Downsides: (Batteries take seconds to change so why hold too?), Weight, Unpractical in some situations.

Hope that helps :)

[wrx_dazza]

i use mine all the time too. makes shooting much more comfortable and balanced :)

[Kemble3]

Hi Spike

I had the 50D and I didn’t remove the grip at all. I never noticed the weight differential and found the whole ergonomics of the camera was far easier to operated. Shooting mainly portraits, the controls on the grip does make my life easier

[TheNissanMan]

Doesn't the battery grip increase the fps on some camera's or did I misread that somewhere?

[Graham_P_Clarke]

I have mine on all the time, even to the extent that I have just bought one for my second body.

I find that it makes thed body far more balanced, I use a 100 - 400 most of the time.

As to the increased fps I think that is only with some of the Nikons :gag:

[specialman]

My D200 had the grip on 24/7 - made it heavy but invaluable for portrait shooting and just helps comfort. You'll get used to it ;)

[Viper]

mine is always on the 20D

When I took it off to see what the camera felt like without it, I found I didnt have anywhere comfortable for my little finger to go like I do with the grip

[incapete]

I used to use a grip on my 400D as it gave me a better weight and feeling camera body - I actually find my 40D is good as it is so I don't bother with one.

The only thing I miss is the vertical shutter release but it's not a big deal!

[aligibbs]

I am split on a grip, mainly because with my 5dm2 it doesn't fit nicely in my bag (lowepro toploader) with the grip on. I need to get the new toploader AW- but currently holding out....

[stan the man]

i have the grip on all of the time...balances those longer lens like the 70-200 f/2.8 nicely :thumbs:

[Dogfish_magnet]

Stick it and leave it on - You will be surprised how quickly you become used to it, you'll get so used to it that if you take it off (i do this when using a tripod and a lens without a tripod foot) that the camera will feel small and awkward without it :).

[zoomspot]

Doesn't the battery grip increase the fps on some camera's or did I misread that somewhere?

Yes it does on some cameras.

I've had my D200 gripped since day one and never removed it. Great for portrait shooting. :)

[AB22 Easy Tiger]

I always have a grip on my 400D, the camera feels too small otherwise. I've never put one on my 50D or EOS 3 as they feel chunky (and heavy) enough without a grip.

[James105]

Had my 450D gripped ever since it was fitted. I find it much easier to handle a) from the size point of view and b) having the extra shutter button etc

[SpikeK6]

Thanks for all the replys.

Got it fitted and also fitted the 100-400 to the camera and been waliking round the house taking pics of anything it will focus on and yes you are all right, it does feel more balanced with the big lens on, going to leave it on and see how it goes.

So looking forward to the weekend now, looks like its going to be a real early morning for me on saturday and sunday lol,

Spike

[wookie6262]

I have bought a grip on all the cameras I have owned, both film and digital. I think the camera balance better paticularly with heavy glass and they are easier to hold. The weight is a pain but it is worth it.

[SpikeK6]

carriying on from the weight issues i went out today with the 50D gripped and my 100 400 lens and it felt ok, infact it felt great. Then i thought mmmm, I have quite a bit of money wrapped around my neck here I wonder if anyone has had a strap snap on them or the little lugsit attaches to give way.
I know this is just paranoier (spelling) kicking in but just wondered.

Spike

[Andy]

Sometimes you need the extra weight if you have a heavy lens on the front. It just equals it out.

[FHP]

I use my grip most of the time, especially in the studio or if I know i'll be shooting in portrait orientation a lot. Like you I upgraded from a 400D and noticed the weight difference of a bigger camera + grip - but I soon got used to it.

[Spiritflier]

All of my cameras have been gripped... right the way back to my old Olympus OM1n MD.

I can't shoot without one! :)

Si

[cymruchris]

Same here - old 400d and 40d both gripped - current 5d2 and 50d both gripped. A camera doesn't really feel like a camera to me without one..

Look that the top end EOS 1's - you don't get a choice with them - they are the size of a 40/50 with a grip just as they are... They're built that shape and size for a reason I guess :)

[Little John]

I fitted one to my 500D after owning it for 2 months useing without a grip and it felt miles better to use, I have occasionally taken it off as it won't fit in one of my bags gripped and I'm thinking about finding another small bag to fit it gripped.

[PsiFox]

Been using grips or motordrives as they used to be known in the pre digital era for over 30 years. They never come off (except for cleaning).

[Will B]

Grip all day long..........love it/them.

[2blue4u]

Screw it on and rip the knob off.

[SpikeK6]

Screw it on and rip the knob off.

ha ha like this!!

[desantnik]

My grip only comes off when I need to change/charge the other battery - bloody stupid Nikon design!

[fabs]

Grip on when using mid range or telephoto zooms as I find the balance better. Grip off when using short primes (ie, 28mm/50mm) as it feels unbalanced and looks very odd too.

[B1ts]

My canojn grips only come off to change batteries too, mind you they are wifi grips lol, but same as others here just leave it on, makes for much better handling.