All about Grips.

[MonicaBH]

I see that people have their cameras "gripped"... but I'm not really sure what it means necessarily.

I can conjure up some ideas, but would anyone care to enlighten me instead of letting my imagination run wild?

 

[Trever1t]

it's a unit that attaches to the bottom of your DSLR so that when taking shots in portrait orientation your handhold is more natural. Search google for it!

 

[Snakeguy101]

it is space for extra batteries and another set of controls to shoot more comfortably in the portrait orientation. I also like it because the weight adds stability when shooting and longer focal lengths.

 

[arcooke]

Grips can perform a number of functions. I have the Zeikos grip which lets you put in 2 batteries at once to double the shooting time, as all do. And, it also comes with a AA battery insert, so in case you're somewhere without a charger (camping, for example), you can use 6 AA batteries to power your camera. There are some grips with more electronic functions, like an interval timer for doing time-lapse. Most importantly though, the grip lets you comfortably hold your camera in portrait mode, and gives you a 2nd shutter button and 2 more control wheels (that function the same as the ones on your body).

I have the Zeikos, and absolutely love it. Outstanding quality for an aftermarket accessory, and almost 1/3rd the price of the Nikon brand. Looks and functions exactly the same.

Link to Zeikos: Amazon.com: Zeikos ZE-NBG90 Battery Power Grip for Nikon D80 & D90: Camera & Photo

The Satechi with interval timer: Amazon.com: Satechi LCD Timer Vertical Battery Grip for Nikon D80 and D90 with Remote Control: Camera & Photo

 

[Patrice]

Battery grips are handy when taking photos with portrait orientation but they do add weight. Some can feel a bit wobbly when mounted on a tripod with a heavy lens.

(I just don't get why some insist on pointing out their cameras are 'gripped' in their signatures. It's really nothing special, like saying your car has fog lights --- no big deal.)

 

[Davor]

I just got mine for the D90 and let me tell you, what a difference in comfort and weight balance. I know it will come is useful down the road.

 

[robb01]

I just ordered the Zeikos for my D90 last night, really like that you can use AA's, makes it handy

 

[y75stingray]

I would kill for a grip for my 5d markII its a pain to try and take good vertical shots without one! just another $275.00 to put twards this already ungodly expensive little toy.

 

[KmH]

A Nikon D200 with and without a grip:

The grip battery compartment, one of the 2 batteries it holds, and some of the vertical mode controls:

The other side of the grip and the other vertical mode controls including the extra shutter release:

 

[Juice]

I can bump out over 2000 RAWs on the 7D with the grip. The portrait orientation controls are extremely handy as well.

I haven't had to dip into the AA reserve, but that's a pretty cool feature. Grips are definitely worth it!

 

[Davor]

And, makes your friends jealous of how intimidating your camera is

 

[Buckster]

It's really nothing special, like saying your can has fog lights --- no big deal.

I think I just figured out why sitting is so uncomfortable lately...

 

[lyonsroar]

And, makes your friends jealous of how intimidating your camera is

true dat.
:lmao:

 

[Patrice]

It's really nothing special, like saying your can has fog lights --- no big deal.

I think I just figured out why sitting is so uncomfortable lately...

Meant 'car had fog lights'. But you are absolutely correct, fog lights on your CAN would make uncomfortable to sit.:x