Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

Yes and Yes ;) Without the grip, my D7100 just seems to small in my hands.

BTW - I did opt for the OEM Nikon grip as well and not a cheap knockoff :)

Newer grip on my D7100 caused battery drain and activity light to light at odd times when camera was just sitting, OEM grip is rock solid, no drain and no activity light when there is nothing going on. Expensive yes, but works perfectly.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Yes and yes. I have relatively small hands, but with a T3i I much prefer the balance and additional heft of the camera with a battery grip.

My wife has a T2i, I got her a grip along with it based on my own preferences and she's never even tried it. I think it is a very personal thing.

Perhaps for me it relates back to my film camera days with a Russian Zenit E which was pretty hefty, a Canon AE-1 which wasn't, and then a Canon T90 which was affectionately known as "The Tank". I just prefer a slightly heavier camera, and the additional bulk makes it easier for me to get a more stable shooting stance. If tripod stability is an issue, then the grip is easily removed, but I have never found that to be a problem with anything except long lenses, when I mount the lens, not the camera, on the tripod anyway. Handheld, the bigger and longer then lens the more I prefer the additional mass of the camera with the grip attached. This also relates to mirror less cameras for me. They may be technically excellent, but I don't like the feel of them.

Unsolicited additional comments related to power usage and other considerations.

I do however find the additional battery life a big advantage, especially for video or live view usage which tends to eat batteries very fast. I have never used the AA battery holder, never even taken it anywhere with me, but it's nice to know that it is available if I'm going somewhere where it could be required.

I use Magic Lantern on my T3i. It adds a significant number of features that I find useful, some of which only work in the energy sucking Live View mode such as focus peaking and so on. I use some adapted Canon FD lenses, including a Canon FDn 500mm reflex lens. The use of LiveView combined with the additional functionality of Magic Lantern gives me 'mirror less camera-like' focusing aids that are very useful with a lens that has a fixed aperture (f/8.0), a very thin DOF and is a total bitch to focus with an equivalent 35mm field of view of an 800mm lens. The additional battery life is useful with that.

For video, if indoors with a tripod and appropriate circumstances, I use an AC power supply if possible.

In summary, I like the tactile feel and mass of the battery grips, and when power consumption is an issue, I prefer not having to think about it any more than necessary. On the other hand, I do not generally find that weight is an issue, as some on UHH do.

Finally, since I consider the grip to be part of the camera, I bought the more expensive Canon grips rather than cheaper third party alternatives. My thinking was that I wanted the grip and the camera to feel identical from a tactile texture perspective as well as things like build quality and other considerations. Since I use it all the time the additional cost wasn't really a consideration.

Good luck, I hope some of this is helpful.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Newer, or Neewer?

I would guess you are naming a brand/distributor of third party accessories rather than an age related thing....

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

:D Good catch... I swear I typed NEEWER, but auto correct must have changed spelling on me :)

Rongnongno Loc: FL

If you read the answer I gave I address that issue too.

I mentioned why I used one before and why I do not anymore.

I also address the handling under 2) even I was not concerned by it so, before you make a comment on a comment read carefully.

The answer is complete and legitimate:

Used it for power (reasons)
Not use anymore (reasons)
Did not use it for ergonomics

You did not like my answer? Tough.

Paul D Loc: Rhode Island

I have a grip for my D7000 and D600. They are the cheaper knockoffs because I didn't feel the OEM's were worth the price.
I find only one purpose behind the grip. If I am shooting the majority of photos in portrait mode, the grip is very helpful. I shoot a lot of sports and basketball and baseball (shooting the batter or pitcher only), will be done primarily in portrait mode.
The extra battery power is not a reason because, as others wrote, you can carry a spare in your pocket or bag.
There is extra weight and that works against a grip.
Other than shooting portrait the only other reason for a grip is to impres someone with your oversized camera.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Sorry Paul, but that is just your own personal opinion laced with a little prejudice and poor spelling.

Your views are as valid as the next person's, but for this particular person, I like a grip because of the extra weight, balance and feel, and I don't give a shit about impressing people! Grips serve a purpose for me, and the primary brand grip has value for me for a number of reasons.

I'm with Ron on this one. We each have a specific set of circumstances and evaluate things in different ways. I have come to different conclusions than Ron has, but I respect his reasoned viewpoint.

kitcar Loc: Liverpool.Merseyside. UK

The extra weight was not worth the so called convenience.
:thumbdown: :thumbdown: :thumbdown:

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Perhaps you would consider using quote reply. I have no problem if you disagree with me, but it isn't clear to whom you are responding.

Weight is a problem for some, but not for others, so can you clarify please?

BebuLamar

Nah! My film Nikon F5 has built in grip so it's OK. I use motor drive on my F3 and FM to get automatic film advance but not for the grip. On these they handle worse with the motor drive.

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

I tried one on me D300 and 70-200mm lens for shooting sports, but found the extra weight and bulk to be cumbersome. Now I shoot with a D800 without a grip. Like it better.

travisdeland Loc: deland, FL

I use a grip on my 70D when doing video. Sometimes, having the second battery is nice protection during a prolonged shoot. Since the camera is tripod mounted, the extra weight is of no concern. For still shooting I carry extra batteries in OPTECH battery holsters

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I use a battery grip on my T1i. It supports portrait position use and holds two batteries. I have four batteries and have not had to use the AA battery option yet. I also have the hand strap which GREATLY reduces hand fatigue. I can carry it for a long time with one hand even though it weighs a little more.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Yes , I have big hands and they make the camera fit better.

Impressionist

On a long shoot the added flexibility plus extra capacity help. Weight distribution is good on my Sony A77ll and A77.