Buying on Ebay Advice

[kamikaze_productions]

I'm looking to pick up a battery grip for my canon 5d mk2 (yes a happy proud new owner! lol)...why would anyone buy a battery grip for $300 if they could get it on ebay for $40? What should I watch out for with regard to off-brand camera gear?

Thanks for the help!

[freybear3]

I buy alot of my equipment off ebay.

Be careful for off brands in batteries and memory cards, everything else your fine with.

Bags, lenses, lights, etc.... are all good for off brands. Just make sure its compatible

[OsmosisStudios]

[QUOTE=kamikaze_productions;1199865.why would anyone buy a battery grip for $300 if they could get it on ebay for $40? [/QUOTE]

It may not work properly, likely wont have the same build, and isnt supported by the manufacturer. If your camera stops working for some reason they can turn around and blame the off-brand grip,denying you warranty service.

(and for those of us with mild OCD, the branded ones MATCH)

[kamikaze_productions]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

It may not work properly, likely wont have the same build, and isnt supported by the manufacturer. If your camera stops working for some reason they can turn around and blame the off-brand grip,denying you warranty service.

(and for those of us with mild OCD, the branded ones MATCH)

lol ok that warranty issue is good to know! haha i have a little mild OCD and want my camera to look all the same too! thanks

[kamikaze_productions]

Originally Posted by freybear3

I buy alot of my equipment off ebay.

Be careful for off brands in batteries and memory cards, everything else your fine with.

Bags, lenses, lights, etc.... are all good for off brands. Just make sure its compatible

i dont buy off brand memory cards but i do buy off brand batteries...why do the batteries matter? i know i purchased some that dont register with the cam so i can't tell their charge level but besides that they work fine. should i be worried?

[kirbinster]

I would be careful buying used gear on eBay, but new off brand stuff you are probably fine. I bought a Zeikos grip for my Nikon D700 and it is just as good a Nikon version that a friend has at cents on the dollar.

[kamikaze_productions]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

I would be careful buying used gear on eBay, but new off brand stuff you are probably fine. I bought a Zeikos grip for my Nikon D700 and it is just as good a Nikon version that a friend has at cents on the dollar.

thanks thats good to know....any idea on if batteries matter?

[JFSanders]

Sorry, I am with Moose Peterson on this. Mostly due to the fact that I would be apoplectic if I lost a photograph or a camera to substandard accessories. And even though name brand stuff is heavy on the mark up they still have to cut corners somewhere to make stuff cheaper. Ever seen a Li-ion battery short out? It isn't pretty. And a fried camera would send me into orbit. I just can't take the gamble. And I despise flea bay worse than craigslist.

[fantasmic2tek]

Try this link it is for a Bower battery grip. Amazon.com: Bower Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera: Camera & Photo I got one for my Canon 20d. Altough I go mine from B&H Photo.