The Canon Battery Grip - Is it worth adding for the extra expense?

If you own either a Canon EOS 400D, EOS 350 XTi, EOS 30D or the EOS 40D, you have probably either got or have considered adding an additional Canon battery grip.

Some forum posts that I have read state that they are a waste of money that could be better spent on a lens or other more useful accessories...I disagree, as do many other Canon users.

It all depends on 3 things really;

• Your disposable cash
• How much you use the camera and what for
• And the size of your hands

Also think about this. Why do most, if not all professional digital or film SLR's have the huge camera packs actually built into the body if they are a waste of money?

Once I had added the Canon battery grip BG-ED3, all was well in my world once more. I wondered why Canon didn't make the cameras with the grip already attached and then realised that there has to be more distinction between the "semi-pro" range and the professional cameras (plus it is a nifty marketing ploy I must admit).

The additional grip for me adds certain functionality that I just couldn't do without, the main one being the vertical shutter release and controls. When you are shooting heavily with little time to play around, it is nice and so less awkward to be able to throw the camera into a vertical "portrait" position and feel just at home as in "landscape" mode.

This was all emphasised even more when I upgraded to the EOS 20D which Canon had made even smaller. In my hands it felt almost like a toy so the Canon battery grip BG-E2 was fitted immediately. Once again, all was well.

The way I tend to carry a camera has changed too. I very rarely have it around my neck and use the strap to wrap around my wrist for security (from dropping as well as "snatch" theft). I tend to hold it by one of the grips, either the built in side grip or the added battery pack grip.

As you can see from this image, by adding the Canon battery grip, both grips become the same length, again making life just a little easier. Also, don't forget one very important point...what the grip is really for...adding extra battery power!

The additional life in your camera could be the difference between getting all the shots and just most of the shots...quite an important issue if you shoot weddings etc.

If you haven't tried your camera with a grip, give it a go or better still just buy one, you won't be disappointed and it will add to the resale value when you come to upgrade and lets face it, they look good too! The best prices I have found, and where I bought my grip for the EOS 20D was B and H. They have just about every accessory you can think of at the best prices, and they deliver on time too.