To Grip, or not to Grip. That is my question...

[unpopular]

I don't know if it has been mentioned yet or not, but one unexpected issue with a grip is that it makes your camera appear much more impressive and expensive. I've noticed that people tend to be a bit nervous around people carrying "professional" looking equipment (I don't really understand this, I'd think a pervert would be more likely to use something less conspicuous), and it may open you up to being a target for theft.

That said. I do like my grip, even without having bought a second battery yet.

 

[macpro88]

I prefer the grip as well on my 7D, I shoot quite a bit in portrait and the extra shutter button makes it way way way easier to shoot in portrait and to me makes the grip worth it. I feel naked when I take the grip off, and can't bring myself to shoot portrait gripless because of how awkward it feels lol

 

[12sndsgood]

I love my grip and was definatly worth the purchase. Soon after getting it because I had forgot to recharge the batteries because i "assumed" i had enough power left i was out on a shoot and was about to run out of batteries when I rememberd i could throw in some AA's and keep going. saved me that day.

 

[Dao]

The XTi I used to own, I have a Targus grip. Look great and works great. The button feel of the Targus grip is different from the one from Canon (I have the Canon grip for the 40D). I like the Canon button feel better.

For me, Canon digital Rebel series cameras feel better with the grip because of the added size. I agree the portrait shutter button is nice. As for the added battery life, I do not think I gain much since the fully charged battery last pretty long.

When I bought the 40D, I pick up a grip for it as well. However, due to the weight different, I prefer not to use it nowadays. In fact, the 40D grip just sit at home for more than a year now.

Now I have the 7D, I do not think I want to get a grip for it.

 

[Pardalle]

My grip have a extra usage to battery.

Grip makes your camera look cool.

 

[KmH]

Note that the professional grade DSLR's from all the major camera makers have a built-in vertical grip and second set of controls for use when the camera is held in the vertical framing mode.

 

[HughGuessWho101 16]

Judging from the number of people who write about their 'gripped' something ot other, it must be the coolness factor.

I depend more on the lens and the forthcomg pictures.

Has nothing to do with "the coolness factor". I gave my reasons for using them, as well as several others. I take it that you dont use one... therefore, those that do are just trying to be "cool", right?

 

[Stradawhovious]

What are the advantages to getting a battery grip? I can see that you will have extended battery use, but you'll also have added weight. I guess there is the coolness factor, of which I don't care, but what are the other reasons to get a grip?


On a side note, anyone have experience with the Targus grips? I can get one for my XT for $20, new (discontinued), with the AA adapter tray.
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You might get some information here.......

Maybe........

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/photography-beginners-forum/239883-grip-not-grip-question.html



But yes. Grip. It's the right thing to do, and you know it.

 

[Patrice]

Judging from the number of people who write about their 'gripped' something ot other, it must be the coolness factor.

Yeah Baby - cool. My camera is also lensed!

And guess what else - my truck is spare tired. How about that eh? (And a 'Go Fast' stripe besides!)



The multifunction battery pack from Nikon does add some additional versatility to my camera.

 

[orb9220]

Yep don't get the "you only grip to be or look coolness Pro crowd"? If it's not for you then fine. No need to make fun or demean the value of one if it is not for you. As if you ever saw me. Nothing would make me look Cool or Pro and I wouldn't even try.

But like mentioned have arthritic fingers and the grip helps with that. Also weakened wrists makes for an easier time for portrait shooting. And when shooting heavier zoom lenses helps balance setup and less forward tilt torque also creating stress on fingers and wrist.

It Is Not about looking Cool or Pro for me. It Is a necessary add-on for me.
.

 

[Joshonator]

Definitely grip. I find long lenses awkward to hold without it. Also allows me to use the hand-strap. Also being able to use AAs is extremely useful for me because I can sometimes be in the wild for a week without electricity. Not very important but I also find using the grips shutter button with a long lens on a tripod reduces vibrations when compared to using the normal shutter button, since the force is applied more to the camera base and horizontally.