Canon 7D Battery Grip vs Third Party
Apr 28, 2014 10:27:46 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
I have a battery grip for my D-7100. I have removed it because I really don't benefit from it. If I was to shoot a wedding or a similar event I might re-attach it. I just don't have battery problems. Good luck.
Basil wrote:
I am considering buying a battery grip for my 7D. ... (show quote)
Apr 28, 2014 10:39:41 #
My own personal findings:
After looking at and comparing several BG's for Pentax, Canon, and Nikon over a couple year time span, in both factory and aftermarket makes, it seems that the aftermarket will generally work except for one thing. Quality.
The factory makes sure all things work and the quality is top notch. The aftermarket just copies and sells the unit. Some are great, some have problems. The after market must use a "more brittle" plastic since I had one crack pretty easily. One even had contact springs inside not line up until I bent them.
It's your choice. Good from the git-go or hope for the best.
After looking at and comparing several BG's for Pentax, Canon, and Nikon over a couple year time span, in both factory and aftermarket makes, it seems that the aftermarket will generally work except for one thing. Quality.
The factory makes sure all things work and the quality is top notch. The aftermarket just copies and sells the unit. Some are great, some have problems. The after market must use a "more brittle" plastic since I had one crack pretty easily. One even had contact springs inside not line up until I bent them.
It's your choice. Good from the git-go or hope for the best.
Apr 28, 2014 10:41:39 #
Basil wrote:
I am considering buying a battery grip for my 7D. ... (show quote)
When I had my Canon 60D I bought a Canon battery grip and in about 6 months the rubber on the grip started to lift off. So when I bought my 7D two years ago I bought a third party grip and have not had one bit of trouble with it, I also put a third party grip on my 6D. I like the way the grip balances the camera out and as I have large hands it makes handling the camera that much easier. I don't know how much difference there is in quality in jobber grips but I never go for the cheapest. Hope this helps.
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Apr 28, 2014 10:44:33 #
Psergel wrote:
I like the way the grip feels on my 6D but I almost never used the buttons and dials and, as you say, the battery life of the single battery in the camera (with a spare in my pocket) has been more than adequate.
If I could get a light weight "dummy" grip I think I'd be happy.
As it is I took the grip off of my camera and so it's been for several weeks.
If I could get a light weight "dummy" grip I think I'd be happy.
As it is I took the grip off of my camera and so it's been for several weeks.
If this is the case put the grip back on but leave the batteries out of it. I don't like the feel of them so never use one, but have looked at them. It seams that most of the weight comes from the extra batteries in the grip.
Another suggestion I am going to make is if you use a battery grip Keep your camera battery door handy. Most cameras have a micro switch in them that the door trips when you shut the battery door. These cameras will not operate if this door is not shut. To see if your camera is this way just open the battery door and see if your camera comes on. Most won't.
A problem with grips is the tiny piece that trips that switch breaks and then your camera wont come on. If this happens just remove the grip and put the original door back on and normally you will be good to go. However, if you are out and you don't have that door with you..........
Jim D
Apr 28, 2014 10:54:34 #
Why wouldn't the L-bracket work? The 3rd party grip isn't any larger or doesn't have an odd sized mounting screw hole.
Apr 28, 2014 11:37:16 #
oldtool2 wrote:
I am going to play devils advocate here. Most tha... (show quote)
I am in the minority. I use the grip for the battery life. Shooting events I do not want to run into a dead battery. Could cost me an important picture. This is why I now shoot wih a Quantum TRIO wit a TURBO 3 power pack. 1,100 non stop full power shots. Plus it works great.
I also like the feel. I am pretty active. So the weight does not bother me.
Apr 28, 2014 13:06:43 #
Bobbee wrote:
I am in the minority. I use the grip for the battery life. Shooting events I do not want to run into a dead battery. Could cost me an important picture. This is why I now shoot wih a Quantum TRIO wit a TURBO 3 power pack. 1,100 non stop full power shots. Plus it works great.
I also like the feel. I am pretty active. So the weight does not bother me.
I also like the feel. I am pretty active. So the weight does not bother me.
To each their own, we all do not have the same size hands. I also agree that some cameras can be rough on batteries! I owned a 50D that ate batteries for breakfast! That is why I now keep a charger in my truck. The newer the camera, the newer the battery type, the longer the life. My 7D and 60D get good battery life. On my 7D I can normally feel up two 16 gig cards before I change my battery, and it will still have some life to it. That is a lot of shooting by any standard. Shooting in continuous at 8 fps is a lot of clicks, and it does not take long to do when shooting BIF's on a busy day.
Jim D
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Apr 28, 2014 13:07:05 #
I've used both on Canon cameras. The third-party units usually worked fine but did have a flimsier bottom than the Canon units. They will 'flex' a little (and the aiming point will change) when on a tripod with a slightly heavy lens. IF you do this kind of shooting much you might want to consider it.
Apr 28, 2014 13:22:31 #
I have gripped all of my Canon cameras. But, depending on where I'm going, and what I'm going to shoot makes me decide if I'm going to use the grip or not. Depends if I'm going to shoot portraits, street photos, or wildlife. I like the feel of a grip, but mostly I use the buttons, and vertical shutter button. The two grips for the 7D, and 6D use the same battery, so carrying a spare is easy. But, the 50D uses a different battery, and if not aware when shifting batteries, you can get in trouble. All 3 of my grips are either Meike, or Zeikos, and all work fine, and feel great in my hands. I tried a Canon grip at the store, and really didn't like the way it felt, nor the build quality, for the money. That was just recently when I bought my 6D.
Apr 28, 2014 15:37:37 #
emendez3 wrote:
Why wouldn't the L-bracket work? The 3rd party grip isn't any larger or doesn't have an odd sized mounting screw hole.
I can't speak for every grip but I encountered several threads where third party and a 5d3 simply didn't work. I wouldn't be surprised if the L bracket was precisely made for the OEM and third party grips vary in design. I wasn't happy paying $275 for the OEM but an L bracket is essential for me and I'm not willing to gamble.
Apr 28, 2014 17:37:26 #
Before I paid $275 for a Canon grip for a 5DIII I would order a third party grip, and L bracket from a company like B&H, or Adorama, and talk directly to a sale rep on the floor, and be sure the third party fit the 5DIII. I know they will do this, because they did it for my 7D. You will save enough to pay for the L bracket and more. No gamble, and you'll have the facts. Should nothing fit when the box arrives, send it back for a full refund. Really no gamble.
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Apr 28, 2014 17:43:35 #
There was enough convincing evidence to recognize it was a mistake. Besides when I talked to the rep from RRS I knew it was a gamble..
L brackets manufactured for the 5D3 are designed for OEM. That's the short of it.
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=14176.0
I made an informed purchase here Bill.
L brackets manufactured for the 5D3 are designed for OEM. That's the short of it.
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=14176.0
I made an informed purchase here Bill.
Apr 28, 2014 20:01:40 #
I have been through several battery grips with various types of cameras. Subsequently, I have a decent amount of research credit on the topic and my advise is to bite down hard as you hand over your CC and purchase the Canon BG. Yes Canon suks and over prices their merchandise but it is very well designed/made.
If you don't mind the likelihood of aggravation and/or impromptu visits from Murphy then go for the cheapie.
If you don't mind the likelihood of aggravation and/or impromptu visits from Murphy then go for the cheapie.
Apr 28, 2014 20:47:56 #
Basil wrote:
I am considering buying a battery grip for my 7D. ... (show quote)
I have had my 7D for a while now. Bought it on the ADORAMA website look at several battery packs and I chose the ADORAMA Version and it has work out just fine.
You need to make your decision on your own research.
Best of Luck!
Apr 28, 2014 23:03:41 #
I have the Canon for my 7D and have had problems with it making electrical contact with the batteries once in a while. I have a Vello for my 5D III and it cost half as much and works as good if not better then the OEM Canon grip.
Basil wrote:
I am considering buying a battery grip for my 7D. ... (show quote)
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