Which battery grip should I get..

[Postman158]

Should I purchase the actual Canon battery grip for my T2i, or is it safe to purchase an ebay battery grip for about a half to a third of the price? Who has purchased what, and what is your experience? What do you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[KmH]

A vertical grip is a pretty simple piece of kit.

I shoot Nikon, but have used both Nikon and the less expensive 3rd party grips. I have had no problems with any of them, but have heard tell of more problems with 3rd party grips than with camera maker grips,

 

[Postman158]

Thanks so much. I'll make a decision when I hear of a little more input.

Thanks again!

 

[JClishe]

A word of advice, if your T2i has an AF-ON button, then look for a grip with one as well. Even if you don't use that button (back button focus) today, you may in the future. I've recently started using back button focus and I'm kinda hosed because the grip I bought awhile ago doesn't support it.

If you're T2i doesn't have an AF-ON button, then nevermind. Move along, nothing more to see here.

 

[Dao]

My Canon 40D has the Canon grip while the XTi has the Targus grip (XTi sold maybe .. 6 months to a year ago)
When I had both cameras at the same time, I noticed the following.

- The Targus grip for my XTi fits very well with the camera.
- It can do everything that the OEM one can.
- The build quality is not as good as the Canon 40D grip, but it is not bad either.
- The leather like rubber feel as good as my Canon 40D grip.
- It did not experience a single communication problem with the camera.

However,
- The button feel (when pressed) is not as good as the Canon 40D grip. The buttons on the Canon 40D grip feel just like those on the camera, while the Targus XTi grip feel different. (It functions the same, just feel different)

 

[Postman158]

Awesome, thanks! I've been doing a lot of research and most people are saying about the same thing. The aftermarket grips do just about the same good as the Canon specific grips. There are only slight differences in feel, from what I hear. I'm a complete DSLR beginner, so I'm not TOO worried about the slight feeling differences. Plus, I'll be saving $80-$100 bucks by buying the aftermarket grips. Thanks again everyone!