To Grip or Not To Grip?

[Larawanista]

Just curious how many 7D users have battery grips and actually use it more than 50% of the time. I have an original Canon BG and since I purchased, it has been with my camera for about 60-70% of the time. The only times I remove it is when I want my gear to be lighter. But then again using a Blackrapid camera strap makes the weight more easy to bear hence since then I seem to not mind the weight anymore.

Don't you feel that the 7D seems more "balanced" with the battery grip specifically when using long/heavy lenses?
--
Noogy
"Photography is therapeutic."
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[kimvette]

I keep the grip on my 7D nearly 100% of the time. The increased mass helps reduce camera shake plus it's nice always having convenient controls for portrait orientation shots.
--
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[GregoryA]

I use battery grips on all of my cameras. I find that they balance better with large lenses and I like a large stable grip for my hands. I never take them off.

 

[Tom McElvy]

My grip (the actual Canon BG-E7) stays on my camera 100% of the time. Like you, I use the Black Rapid strap.

I cannot imagine using the camera without the grip!
--
Tom McElvy
Virginia Beach VA USA



==================
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[cambomj]

I have one and have found that I am using it much less than I did with my previous cameras - the ergonomics are just not good. The battery tray has forced the grip into a very boxy and uncomfortable shape and the AF toggle is unreachable from a vertical position..

Still, I do use it on long lenses and if I am doing extensive portrait session where it does balance the camera nicely. I just don't leave it on the camera as much as I would otherwise.

Just curious how many 7D users have battery grips and actually use it more than 50% of the time. I have an original Canon BG and since I purchased, it has been with my camera for about 60-70% of the time. The only times I remove it is when I want my gear to be lighter. But then again using a Blackrapid camera strap makes the weight more easy to bear hence since then I seem to not mind the weight anymore.

Don't you feel that the 7D seems more "balanced" with the battery grip specifically when using long/heavy lenses?
--
Noogy
"Photography is therapeutic."
http://www.pbase.com/joshcruzphotos

 

[Loren Charif]

I sometimes remove it for traveling, and to help it fit a bit more comfortably in my Velocity 8 bag, but basically, it's on the camera 99% of the time. Also occasionally when mounting on the tripod; it just seems top heavy.

That said, as my arthritis and back get worse, I may need to think about doing without. I do use a BR strap.

Loren
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[ESfishdoc]

Love the grip... it stays on the camera. I like the size and weight and bulk it adds... big plus for me.

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[Steven McGovern]

My battery grips are on my 7D and T1i 100% of the time.... I do a lot of outdoor portrait shots and the grips add 1) Battery life 2) Portrait orientation controls and 3) balance.

 

[Larawanista]

Does your smaller rebel feel sturdier with the battery grip on it? In my 400D it felt great. I tried one on my 550D, it does not feel like a natural extension of the body, like it does on the 7D.

--
Noogy
"Photography is therapeutic."
http://www.pbase.com/joshcruzphotos

 

[birdbrain]

I have 2 7D's and don't have either 'gripped', I like the feel of the 7D as it is personally. Even when using it with my 500 f4 I don't feel a need for a grip, and hand holding a bare 7D and a 100-400 f4.5/5.6 L IS is plenty heavy enough for me. I have three 7D batteries, one in each body and a spare which seems to work well for me. Recently went on holiday and took both bodies and the lenses I wanted with ease, no room for a grip. So for me if it had been a choice between 2nd body or a grip the 2nd body would have won hands down.
--
Phil

I wondered why the ball kept getting bigger, then it hit me.

 

[Jeff Peterman]

I've had a 10D, 20D, 40D, and now a 7D. I've never been tempted to add a grip to any of them. The body fits nicely into my hand without one, and I really don't want the extra weight/bulk. I've never had any problems switching between horizontal and portrait shots, or with the weight balance when I have the 70-200 f2.8L IS attached.

On the other hand, if you've always found the need to use a grip with your other bodies, you'll probably want one with the 7D.
--
Jeff Peterman

Any insults, implied anger, bad grammar and bad spelling, are entirely unintentionalal. Sorry.
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[Steven McGovern]

It did feel a little odd when I first got it, but after using it for over a year, I don't think I could go back to using it without the grip.

Especially the controls on the grip for portrait orientation... I use a bracket a lot and I wouldn't know what to do without the grip.

 

[Kokopelli_Rocks]

I have tried grips on my 10D years ago and on other xxDs and never liked the added size or weight. I am on the constant go with my cameras and like the current size. Maybe it is just my big hands, but I find the 7D to be the perfect size balances well with my big lenses.

One of the main reasons I have stayed away from 1Dx cameras is their size and weight. I would not mind some of their features, but not at the addition of added size. I move around a lot and love to take one or two cameras out with me and I really like keeping the cameras at a decent size.

I shoot with friends who love to grip their cameras and if it helps you shoot better then great. I personally find the 7D and the xxDs are a great size for me, I find the xxxD cameras to be too small for my comfort.

 

[woof woof]

Grips are for limp wristed whimps.

I'm a strong guy with a strong grip and I can hold my camera in any position I want to get the shot no matter what lens is fitted.

I don't need a grip.

Sorry... I just get a bit tired of people talking about size and weight and having big hands and needing a grip as if these things are proof that they're real men.

OMVHO grips are not required in most situations and only negatively add unnecessary bulk and weight. If they genuinely aid control, for example in portrait orientation, or add features I'm all for them but otherwise I think they're best left off.

 

[Larawanista]

Do you mean that for handheld shots or also when you are using a tripod?
--
Noogy
"Photography is therapeutic."
http://www.pbase.com/joshcruzphotos

 

[Jeff Peterman]

Do you mean that for handheld shots or also when you are using a tripod?

If this was in reply to my post - I don't have a grip, and have never felt the need for one for either hand-held shots or using a tripod.
--
Jeff Peterman

Any insults, implied anger, bad grammar and bad spelling, are entirely unintentionalal. Sorry.
http://www.pbase.com/jeffp25
http://www.jeffp25.smugmug.com

 

[JackM]

which is a lot of the time when shooting sports. otherwise if I'm not on a sports job or if I need portability I take that tumor off the camera. only dorks use tech gear they don't actually need.

it is faster to switch between horizontal and vertical orientation without the grip. the grip is only useful when you are going to be holding the camera vertically for several shots in a row. or if you absolutely positively cannot pause to change batteries.

 

[JackM]

which is a lot of the time when shooting sports. otherwise if I'm not on a sports job or if I need portability I take that tumor off the camera. only dorks use tech gear they don't actually need.

it is faster to switch between horizontal and vertical orientation without the grip. the grip is only useful when you are going to be holding the camera vertically for several shots in a row. or if you absolutely positively cannot pause to change batteries.

Actually I'll add that it is also useful for holding the camera up to your eye in horizontal orientation for extended period of time as well. The grip rests nicely against the butt of your left hand with your left hand fingers working the zoom ring.

But still, unless I am on location specifically for a shoot, I don't use the grip.

 

[Adrian Tung]

I use the joystick dial to change AF points constantly. The vertical grip doesn't help for my situation, and these days a single LP-E6 battery can last quite a long while so I stopped using grips.

Have no issues with heavy lenses (70-200/2.8 IS).

 

[ZAnton]

1. Well with portraits it's clear. If you shoot portraits, then it is very comfortable to hold the camera straight.

2. Nikon D700 users have limitations on burst rate without grip - I can understand them also.

3. Also grip allows use of AA batteries - better for travelling (far from electricity) and also NiMh accumulators don't die on frost in 10 minutes. (whereas Li-Ion do)

Otherwise - it looks like men are comparing the size of theit stuff. Whose is bigger, longer and heavier.
For longer battery life just buy 2-3 batteries.