Just wondering about battery grips...

[SnowflakeMama]

Hey Everyone,

I am looking into some new gear in the coming year, most likely a Canon 7D with the 15-85 IS lens, and am pricing out the things I may want to use with it in the future. Since I'm so new to photography I find it very difficult to distinguish between the goodies that I want, and the tools I actually need. I have been reading articles and posts regarding battery grips and I still can't decide which category they fall into.

It seems that most people who comment or write about them say one of two things:
"I see no need to add the extra weight, I'd rather just carry an extra battery"
OR
"I can't imagine shooting without one ever again, it's so comfortable and well worth the extra weight."

Unfortunately where I live it may not be possible for me to try one in person before purchasing unless I can find someone local who will let me check theirs out. (At this point I can't even get the 7D or lens locally, I'm having to purchase almost everything online.)

So... at the risk of inviting more of the aforementioned comments, I would like to ask this question... Who actually needs a battery grip?

If it helps at all I am a hobbyist, only beginning to get serious - but I am quite serious. I have never had a problem with battery power provided that I pay attention to how much power I've got left and shoot accordingly, but I can't really go by my previous experience since I've had babies as long as I've had my DSLR and the kids are just now old enough to allow me to spend more than an hour at a time taking pictures. Now that they are bigger, I plan to do as many 1/2 and full day trips as possible for the purpose of taking photos (and enjoy the scenery, of course! ) I do try not to preview my photos in the field, but as a newbie I rely a lot on the histogram and double-checking my settings. I have begun to play around with time lapse and long exposure, and I live in a northern climate with temperatures well below zero for several months of the year, which I know can have an effect battery life.

So... To battery grip? Or not to battery grip?

I welcome any and all advice, thoughts, tips, and opinions! Thanks in advance...

[PhotoRebel4]

I shoot with one and I guess I'd fall into the "I will always shoot with one" category. On the small bodied Rebel cameras like I shoot with, I think it's a must. The additional weight is a benefit as it helps steady the camera.

Just starting out, and with the larger 7D, I don't know if it would go on your NEED list. I'd say if you've got money left over for one, get it. But if not, don't worry about it. Try a friend's camera who uses one, see if you like, then maybe get one.

[Rentham]

I have all of my cameras gripped. As a wedding shooter having the extra battery is helpful, I don't want to be in a situation where I need to stop and change out batteries. However, the true advantage for me is the extra shutter button and controls when in portrait orientation. Once you have that it feels very awkward to shoot vertically without a grip. Well worth the cost and minor weight increase.

[zona5101]

grips make it easier to hold. vertical shutter release makes it easier to shoot vertically. I have my camera set up with back button focus so for verticals its imperative. Extra battery life is a real nice plus.

[OsmosisStudios]

I use a grip, but not for the extra battery: its all about ergonomics. The extra weight helps balance out heavier lenses and the vertical shutter and controls makes shooting portraits so much easier. The only time it comes out is when I'm on a tripod.

[Preeb]

Probably more important for battery life if you use the live view very much. On my 60D battery life is excellent. I have 2 batteries for it, and I've never come close to running out. If I don't use live view (i.e. I'm not doing any macros, which is what I use it for most often), I can get nearly 1000 photos on a fully charged battery. I don't know if the 7D will match that performance or not. I'm a large man (6'2") with pretty big (not huge) hands, and the 60D is plenty beefy for me without a grip added.

If I were you, I'd wait until you've used the camera for a while and see if you really need the grip. I see no logic in adding weight for no particular reason.

[ccting]

The grip on D5100 (entry-level) has only 1 extra control button - shutter. I need to switch back to the original on-camera buttons for aperture, iso etc.. so troublesome and confusing. And there is a need to wired the grip to the body.. which always cause problems when i tilt the lcd lens. I think grip is ergonomic for non-entry level camera. And when using grip, i can't use my YN603N trigger for triggering function.. I also can't use my cheap camera bracket.

I love grip because it enables the cheap AA batteries, but not for D5100. Grip addes weight improves my stability of handholding..
@Rick, 1000 photos for 1 battery !!!! I only get less than 300 !

That's one of many reasons i still dislike my D5100

I conclude my answer to your question: Who needs Grip?
a) The grip should support AA battery
b) The grip should provide you extra control button on aperture at least besides shutter button
c) The wire from grip to your body does not cause any problem to your tiltable lcd screens
d) Changing battery is a problem for you as you may miss critical moments (for me, this is not an issue for me)
e) You have bought other more important equipments (may be tripod, flash etc)
f) You take the risk of warantty void by using cheaper 3rd party grip
g) you always take vertical frame photo (e.g. portrait)
h) You don't use flash trigger that using the same jack on your camera body, unless you have device that can share the same jack.

In short, be mind the checklist if you are using entry-level camera before buying this stuff. In other words, if your camera model has original grip, then it is safe to buy one. Otherwise, you really need to go through this checklist. But no harm for you to buy one to play if you have extra money.. LOL

Another thing happens in my country (not other countries) is, grip adds reputation to camera owner as it makes a camera look more professional (bigger). I know this is very arguable statement.

"Once you have that it feels very awkward to shoot vertically without a grip" - not for all cameras. Some entry level cameras that are designed not the have grip are the opposite, i think..

Well, that's my perception and experts will validate my thoughts. Beware this is not an advice, just a sharing.

[Elmo]

As usual I am different. I have a grip somewhere but after using it for several months I took it off and have never thought about using it again. I was using two cameras one gripped and one not. I realized I preferred using the camera without the grip ( the same grip fit both bodies 30D and 40D and i tried it on both.)

[LewisCanon]

i use one 100% of the time, the extra battery is nice but i do it for the ergonomics... i prefer the bulkier frame of a big camera.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by ccting

The grip on D5100 (entry-level) has only 1 extra control button - shutter. I need to switch back to the original on-camera buttons for aperture, iso etc.. so troublesome and confusing. And there is a need to wired the grip to the body.. which always cause problems when i tilt the lcd lens. I think grip is ergonomic for non-entry level camera. And when using grip, i can't use my YN603N trigger for triggering function.. I also can't use my cheap camera bracket.

I love grip because it enables the cheap AA batteries, but not for D5100. Grip addes weight improves my stability of handholding..
@Rick, 1000 photos for 1 battery !!!! I only get less than 300 !

This is an issue you've explained several times, and every time you have I, and others, have told you that the problem is not with the camera, but with your inability to research. Many cameras, including Canon's Rebel line, have their own OEM grips that are designed to hold either regular LI-ION batteries or, in most cases, AAs. DOnt blame the concept of a grip on your experience (or lack thereof) with one that wasn't actually designed for your camera.