david vt Loc: Vermont

This, for me, is the reason. I shoot sports about 60% in portrait orientation, so being able to keep my right hand in a more neutral position, sometimes for 20 minutes at a time, is much less taxing. The grip also feels like it gives me more stability in my hands.

One advantage not mentioned is the advantage of better ergonomics if you are left-eye dominant (which I am) and use BBF, again in the portrait orientation. It is hard enough having my right thumb in my right eye “normally”, but it added even more discomfort in portrait (without the grip), that thumb ends up pushed against my forehead - really awkward. (Before others comment - yes I know I could move BBF to another button, but a) the thumb feels more natural and b) the AF/AE button on my grip is same relative position as the body, so allows for good muscle memory. The other buttons I would move to would put my hands back over my head in portrait orientation as they are not replicated on the grip.)

While I have the grip, I actually only shoot with the battery in that, leaving out the one in the body itself. Thus far, starting with a charged battery, I not run out of power in a typical sports shoot at my amateur level (knock on wood). In my D7200 grip, the a battery change would be about 30 seconds, and I don’t need the extra weight. the long lens is enough!

Xpatch Loc: New York, Antigua, GT.

I want a light eig so I use X100v. I think it’s easier to slip an extra battery in my pocket than vcarry a grip. It can be more stable but for me I’d rather go light. They are a good accessory, though

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

I have had many many digital cameras and I have never used a grip. The closest was my Canon 1DSII which came with built in grip, so not an option. My Canon 6DII came with a grip which I never used and gave away. I carry extra charged batteries in my camera bag which have always done the job. Why have extra weight?

kvanhook Loc: Oriental, NC

I used mine without batteries most of the time. It helped me hold the camera body better. Felt more secure in my hand.

RoswellAlien

Have them but seldom use them. However, when overseas, I take them (with the AA insert) because in a worst case scenario with charging problems, the local general store is going to have AAs. May be junk and not last long, but they’re better than nothing. (Been there, done That).

ltj123 Loc: NW Wisconsin

All the time. Have had one on all prior and current Canon DSLRs. Find weight helps steady shooting, extra surfaces a plus for handling. Downside is weight, this for some an issue, but at 70 years old I can and still carry current 6d2 with grip on hikes etc and have no issues...

Blair Shaw Jr Loc: Dunnellon,Florida

No....I don't shoot enough to even justify having one and the extra weight would be a drag on this old fart if I ever thought I could.

I just carry a spare battery on long days and that does the trick for me. Travel light.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

When I purchased my Canon 5D Mark II, I purchased a Canon battery grip. It looked cool and saved me the time for switching out batteries. But, I rarely used it because it’s larger size made it difficult to put in my camera bag. When I purchased my Canon 5D Mark IV, the battery grip came in the box. I used it occasional times to obtain multiple photos for events like celebrations or other get togethers.

My one major issue was protecting the pins on the extension part that extends into the battery slot when not in use. I jury-rigged a solution. Using the plastic cap, I used plastic ties and attached some rubber bands. When the battery grip is not in use, the rubber bands keep the cap in place.

Happy Shooting!

Canon 5D Mark IV with detached battery grip

(Download)

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

I use grips on all my gear T3, 7DMKII, 6DMKII. I shoot sports and they keep me powered for all the action. The grips help when shooting ice hockey, the cold kills the batteries. I shoot from the bench and it sure is cold there. Plus if I shoot a player in the vertical position it makes holding camera easier. It doesn't add that much more weight to the gear either. If OEM the prices are fairly high, you can purchase off brand too if you wish.

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

I use them all the time, makes handling the camera a lot easier all the time. Plus added battery life.

(Download)


(Download)

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I got a battery grip for my Canon Rebel at one time. By the time I retired the camera and got a Pentax camera a couple of years later, I had already ‘retired’ the grip. I hold my camera with two hands - with a telephoto lens that means right hand on body and left on lens - so ‘balance’ is not a thing for me - a large body is inconvenient in my bag and generally of no value. When I rotate to a vertical position normally, the shutter ends up on the lower right, so the grip is of no advantage to me there. I don’t normally have a battery capacity issue. So, in general, I found no advantage to using a grip.

KLambar Loc: New Jersey

I have them on both of my cameras. I am able to grip the camera much better and like that I don't have to carry extra batteries while out for the day.

Chris

I agree, the main advantage for me is the counter weight for long lenses also

Rokko Loc: Minneapolis

I used a batter grip for a while. For me the main advantage was that the camera was easier to hold, especially portrait orientation. I rarely shot enough that the extra battery was important. Spare batteries were easy to switch out.

NJphotodoc Loc: Now in the First State

I've used grips on my DSLRS since my D5000. Now I use a grip on my D7200. Yes it adds weight but it makes handling my camera that much easier and also provides me with extended battery capacity on long shoots where I need extra power.