Reddit mentions: The best digital camera battery grips

T3i is good for its price, I still use one when I have to. It's great for the price range for sure, but in my opinion it's awful in low light. It works, but you have to jack the ISO up and it gets SUPER grainy if you aren't careful. But it would be really difficult for you to get a T3i ($500 like he said) and a GREAT lens for under $1k.

My favorite lens I own is the Tokina 16-28mm f2.8 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/735451-REG/Tokina_ATX168PROFXC_AT_X_16_28mm_F2_8_Pro.html) which almost lives on my T3i (primarily because I mostly do glidecam work with the Glidecam HD-2000, and this wide angle lens is perfect for it. Great glass and everything), but that lens is about $650, so that's over budget.

If you don't already have one, I'd definitely recommend grabbing a "Thrifty Fifty" for sure, which is a Canon 50mm f1.8 lens. They're super cheap, like $75-$100 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/canon-ef-50mm-f-1-8-ii-standard-lens-black/2473035.p?id=1218329521421&skuId=2473035), and with it being at an f1.8 it can let WAY more light in from just adjusting the aperture alone. But keep in mind with the t3i, it's not a full frame camera. So 50mm will REALLY be like 74mm (don't feel like looking up the actual focal length conversion from a cropped sensor to full frame, but that's close enough) so you'll have to be a little bit farther back from your subject for Mid-wider shots.

(Edit): Just saw where you'd said you want a shallow depth of field, that's exactly what you'll get with the 50mm. With the 1.4mm like /u/Sumpuran said, it obviously lets in even more light than the 1.8, and the DoF will be even more shallow. Just throwing out another cheaper option!

And with the leftover cash I'd definitely suggest buying a Battery Grip on Amazon for the T3i. You screw it on the bottom, and the batteries slide in on the side of the grip rather than coming off of the bottom of the camera, making it WAY easier to change out batteries (If for instance you're using something like a Glidecam HD2000 in my case, if I DIDNT have the battery grip changing batteries would be a massive hassle because I'd have to take the Glidecam plate off, then unscrew the screw holding the camera on that plate off, then change the battery, screw it all back in, THEN have to rebalance the Glidecam which all takes a ton of time. With the grip, I just slide the batteries out, and put 2 more in, slide it back and close it and Im good to go). The battery grips hold 2 batteries by the way, so you also get to go about twice as long before having to change your batteries out. And many of them you can find on Amazon come with 2+ batteries as part of a slight package deal. (http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Includes-Replacement-Batteries-Vertical/dp/B00B87BCGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409277819&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+t3i+battery+grip+kit)

Good choice! I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with it.

Apart from the extra battery packs, I found that the ergonomic grip really makes the camera a lot more comfortable for me, without adding too much to the size. I've heard good things about the Fotodiox grip, though I have an E-M10 mark II with the official Olympus grip myself. I wasn't planning on getting the grip, but when I tried it in the store I immediately noticed the difference.

I also got the Peak Design SlideLite and Cuff, because I wanted a more versatile camera strap. If you would like the option to switch between no strap, wrist strap, and neck strap/shoulder strap/sling strap as well, I would highly recommend it. Not an absolute requirement of course, the original string is fine too.

As for software, since I'm not a big fan of subscription models and I'm not a professional photographer, I tend to avoid Adobe products. If you're willing to invest a bit of effort to learn the software, Darktable and GIMP is a great and free combination, at least for amateur purposes. I've learned working with it from this course, but I imagine Youtube tutorials work just as well. If you're using Windows, RawTherapee is a good alternative to Darktable.

Good luck, have fun and enjoy your trip!

Amazon(+ grip)has them for cheaper, but if you know this one is of superior quality and has been taken care it may be worth it. Seems a slightly overpriced for a camera made in 2008, unless they throw in a lens. (and TBH the 4gb card is not worth much and sync cables, charger, battery are standard).

Unless you need the weather sealing of the 50D (i.e. heavy rain/snow/sand) you can go with something like a NEW T6 and get a lens or a NEW Nikon D3400 with lens

edit: I also want to point out while the stock lenses are good for most environments you might also want to save/get some additional lenses (used lenses are a great option).

There are several ways to do it, depending on how much you want to spend, how much storage capacity you need and how much rigging you want to do.

Here are a few options:

AC power pack - $130

On remote shoots, I use the dummy battery and a portable AC source like [this 24aH power pack (with built-in AC inverter)] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KLE88G2//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20). I've done it this way [since GH2 days] (http://www.hybridcamerarevolution.com/2011/02/no-solder-external-battery-solution-for.html) and it works.

Wooden Camera V mount plate with GH3/GH4/GH5 dummy battery included - $250 (plus the cost of the V mount battery)

Amazon charges for shipping and B&H is out of stock. You can [get it with free shipping from Adorama] (http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60286/51926/1036?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorama.com%2Fwc177600.html). A 10.4aH V-mount battery and charger will [cost you an additional $209] (https://www.amazon.com/Juicebox-Mount-Battery-Charger-Hours/dp/B01C3EFCWQ//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20).

Panasonic GH5 Battery Grip - $347.99

The other plug and play possibility is the [GH5 battery grip] (https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-LUMIX-Battery-black-DMW-BGGH5/dp/B01N7KU2HU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20). Sadly, this is a pretty expensive solution and only adds 3.7aH to your storage capacity.

Hope this is helpful and good luck finding the external power solution that best meets your needs!

I got the grip as well. Love it! I still shoot my Nikons still, but less and less now days. You are going to be very happy. I would also recommend the Meike Hand Grip it is very comfortable and has a built in Arca Swiss compatible plate built in.

My fiancé buys me neat (and cheap!) camera gear every year for christmas, so far I've gotten:

• Gary Fong Puffer $18.99 (a flash diffuser)
  
• Targus Battery Grip $25.98 (this is somewhat camera specific)
  
• Hot shoe spirit level $5 (this is cheap as hell and really cool!)
  
• Canon Monopod $34.95 (I have the Monopod 100 but it's no longer available. These are great for when a tripod is too bulky and sturdy enough to use as a light walking stick)
  
• Dolica Tripod $39.99 (Great prosumer tripod, not a pro tripod though)
  
• Lens cap keeper $1.91 (sticks to any lens cap and then attaches to the lens body to stop the lens cap from falling off)
  
  All of these things are pretty awesome for me, a serious hobbyist with a Nikon D5000 DSLR.
  
  Having said that, what I want for Christmas is:
  
  
• 52mm Neutral Density Filters ($31.99) and 62mm Neutral Density Filters ($42.99), these are the same set for both my lenses, they let you do longer exposures under brighter light conditions. I want them for a shoot in early December though so will probably buy them before that myself ;)
  
• A gradiated ND filter ($11.99), for the same reasons as above but only for one half of the exposure, with a gradient transition
  
• Panoramic Image tripod head ($16.95) for creating seamless panoramas
  
  Hopefully this helps!

I also have a Sony, the A7III but it shares the same body.

The grip's I'm talking about are not the battery grip kind but the Sony extended grip or the Meike version. I bought the Meike version and even though it added about .75" to the bottom dimension of the camera it improved the handholding considerably which IMO is more important then size for walking around.

Meike

Sony

The reason I suggest these is because I believe they both have the extra accessory mount screw hole on the bottom, and You could easily modify it or just tie it around and pinch it onto the camera to attach your strap.

If you are fairly handy too you could probably drill a hole in one of the trusses in bottom to slip the peak design strap dongle thing to if you dont like the idea of pinching it.


Overall though, I really like the Meike Grip, I had a similar situation as you where I'd leave the tripod mount on the bottom and it was uncomfortable to hold, so Id throw it in my backpack and lose it, with this grip I straight up don't need my tripod mount anymore which is nice, and I feel comfortable holding it sans straps because its much more comfortable.

It sure is. It's a little less ridiculous if you get one of those grip extenders for the bottom of the camera. The LA-EA4 is pretty magical as far as letting you use so many old lenses.

I don't really see why people are so into that particular lens, though - it's not awful but I feel like there are better longish zoom options. The 28-135, I think, is pretty deserving of its reputation though, at least for those of us who can't shell out crazy amounts of cash for a modern zoom. Especially combined with good correction profiles it really holds its own.

Use the LPE6s

AAs, even good ones like Eneloops, can't match the output of a dedicated DSLR battery. You'll probably get 75% the shots out of the best best fully charged NiMH batteries. Also, the LPE6s will likely hold up much better in the cold.

Might I also recommend STK's LPE6 batteries, they are amazing and incredibly cheap. I have found that they last longer than the standard Canon batteries (especially for 1/4 the cost!). In fact, since I just Amazon-ed it to link it for you, I bought a few more.

edit- that being said, they may not hold up as well year after year, but for $15 you will get your money's worth for sure.

I like the T3i and for the price I find it pretty awesome. The T4i's higher FPS is nice though, but the touch screen to me is more of a gimmick. I like the idea of the SL1, but if you start getting some larger lenses you'll find the weight a bit unbalanced.

If those are your choices, I'd go with a T4i. Now for some options. If you opt for the 18-55, you'll find your zoom somewhat limited, but you'll be under your budget of $800, and you can easily grab the 55-250mm for ~$300 later. However, if you spend a bit extra and get the T4i with the 18-135mm for ~$1,100, I think you'll be much happier.

Now for a few tips:

• Grab some extra batteries - Link
  
  
• A battery grip - Link
  
  
• A 50mm f/1.8 lens - Link

I have a Nikon D7000 and I was wondering if anyone had any good recommendations for a good battery grip thats a little more affordable than the Nikon brand one?

I've been looking at the Vivitar VIV PG D7000 but I can't that many reviews.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

1.) I'm not too sure - yes there are things like that but honestly I would just buy an external recorder and plug a mic into that - it will give you more versatility for anything else

2.) Yes - I personally don't have too much experience with the a6000 but it does overheat after around 20 minutes of recording but can be cooled down within a couple minutes. I personally think this is a huge factor as it's such an inconvenience. And living in Cali, it's hot all the time so it would probably overheat.

3) Yes there is a battery grip for the a6000 - Something the G7 does not have. For filming - I personally wouldn't use the battery grip as its just bulky, and just another thing making the camera bigger. But this can also be a good thing for others. If you're doing some type of short / corporate videos / interviews / I would just stick with some extra batteries instead.

EDIT: Battery Grip on Amazon

https://www.amazon.ca/Professinal-Vertical-Infrared-Batteries-Mirrorless/dp/B014QVDFJ6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483293895&sr=8-2&keywords=sony+a6000+battery+grip

It's as the others have mentioned, but I'd like to add that you can get a third-party one for half the price like this Meike. I bought one for my X-T10 and it's good quality. As a bonus, it's also a Arca-Swiss quick release plate if you have a compatible tripod. Only downside is that you'll have to keep the supplied allen wrench with you to take off the plate to change batteries.

I think the best quality and most useful products were the Neewer Battery Grip and some no-name Canon batteries from Amazon. The batteries are not quite as good as the original batteries, but for the price, they are great to throw in your bag as extras!

Neewer Batter Grip $19: http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Battery-Grip-Canon-Rebel/dp/B004UTQRHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367941647&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+grip+t2i

Batteries (x2) $6: http://www.amazon.com/LP-E8-Equivalent-Battery-Canon-Rebel/dp/B003CVLTCW/ref=pd_bxgy_p_img_y

I said one of many grip extenders. There are many options ranging from 15-60 dollars.

(was $50)
https://www.amazon.com/MK-X1EM-Bracket-A7MIII-a7RIII-Camera/dp/B07D36LPFW/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538874940&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=sony+a7iii+grip+extender

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Battery-Grip-VG-C3EM-for-Sony-Alpha-A7iii-A7Riii-and-A9-Digital-Camera/192671676735?hash=item2cdc20793f:g:7kYAAOSwV45buLhH

I use the L bracket grip extender. Two in one solution for landscape photographers. A Canon EOS-R will be much bigger when you add an L bracket, and the Canon EOS-R will have the not so hidden costs of having camera & video specs from 2014 at the retail price of $2,300, a bigger body that cannot be made smaller for smaller setups

https://www.amazon.com/AFVO-L-Bracket-Cameras-Removable-Extender/dp/B07FX42FJH/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1538874940&sr=8-2&keywords=sony+a7iii+grip+extender

When I do video work I prefer a much smaller and lighter camera for gimble work, same when I use my smaller MF Zeiss lenses or small 1.8 or f2 prime lenses when I want to travel light and small. When I use my huge 2.8 GM zoom lenses or huge 1.4 lenses, I use a battery grip or grip extender. Best of both worlds when you start off with a smaller camera.

Got the xt-20 two months. I love it. I primarily shoot street and I haven't enjoyed the act of using a camera this much in a while. You will still face some challenges of moving to a mirrorless system though - its not as fast as my Nikon. But that tradeoff is worth it for how compact, beautiful, and nimble this camera is. I also suggest buying a hand grip. If you have big hands, it will be hard holding it. Here's the one I got. The official one is 3x more expensive.

Believe it or not, the SX110 has treated me extremely well for previous astronomy pics. It has manual controls, including focusing, and with the CHDK hacks I've been able to take a time lapse using 64 second exposures (with dark frame subtraction), with an aperture f/2.8, at ISO 80. Doing it at ISO 80 means there is almost no noise, and the dark frame subtraction removes any hot pixels, yielding some pretty decent time lapses.

I am looking forward to doing some timelapses with the 7D. This Polaroid accessory seems to be really cool, and will hopefully yield some cool results with the 7D.

if your spending that much money for a UPS, you might as well look at something like a 3rd party battery grip like this http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Battery-Digital-Cameras-Package/dp/B000VUIXOO

Also it might be a good time to look into getting a battery-pack. I love these things! When I first got into photography, I only got one, not because I needed battery life, but because I thought it made the camera look better hahah.

Canon Version

I am interested in getting into photography and recently ordered my first camera. I bought a Canon T5i w/ EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens and a EF 75-300mm F/4-5.6 III Autofocus Telephoto Zoom Lens.

I am mainly interested in taking portraits, landscape and event photos. The events I work at are in everything from hotel ballrooms, private homes to convention spaces, almost always indoors with fairly dim lighting.

I've been trying to do some research on different equipment and gear that I would need, and came up with the following list. Is there anything that I don't need or a better alternative than I have listed? Is there anything I'm missing?

Thanks

"Nifty Fifty" Lens - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00X8MRBCW

Bag - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00CF5OGP8

Memory Card - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007NDL54C

Battery Grip - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0039VYN1Y

Speedlite 430 - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B010W2MAOO

Lightsphere - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01JPY41RO

Book 1 - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1446302172

Book 2 - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0134007913

GorillaPod - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002FGTWOC

Battery Charger - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00JHKSMJU

Extra Batteries - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00JHKSL28

I bought the official grip from Fuji (MHG-XT10), which was painfully expensive. It marries perfectly to the body, though, in terms of size, weight, materials, comfort - it makes a big difference in handling and looks great. At the time, the only other options I knew about were cheap looking plasticy grips off Ebay.

However, if I was buying a grip today, I would probably go for the recently released Meike XT20G, which looks to be a copy of the Fuji grip at less than half the price.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BH6Y6PV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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If you are interested in this, I would not hesitate to purchase this used at a discounted price. This adds just the right amount of weight and grip to make it more comfortable.

​

I often get asked if I have an "old school" film camera as a result of this addition, obviously from older folks.

I used to have Ciesta half case http://www.amazon.com/Ciesta-Genuine-Italian-Leather-Jacket/dp/B00II6HJ8O?ie=UTF8&keywords=sony%20a7%20half%20ciesta&qid=1465411877&ref_=sr_1_3&sr=8-3. It didn't have an opening for the battery so I ended up having to remove it every time I change battery which is pretty often for A7. Another thing I don't like about half case is that you cannot just pop it into the tripod easily. So after that I changed to using the L-place instead http://www.amazon.com/Neewer%C2%AE-Release-L-Plate-Arca-Swiss-Standard/dp/B00K1W0KJ8?ie=UTF8&keywords=sony%20a7%20l-bracket&qid=1465411783&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1. I removed the left side so I'm only using the bottom part because I hardly attach my camera vertically on a tripod. Using the tripod with the L-plate is much easier. It also gives me extra grip because a have freaky huge hands. For a compact bag, try Tenba Cooper 8. It's kinda expensive though but very durable and worth its price.

This is the one that I use. It helps because the body (pretty much all current mirrorless bodies actually) is vertically too short and the l-bracket adds just enough height to make it much more comfortable to hold.

I agree the em10-ii is worth consideration (the em10-iii seems pretty disappointing to me), but I think there are some cheap third party grips out there that seem to get decent reviews for the em10-iii.

Or awesome, depending on the review:

• http://atlphotographers.com/reviews/camera-accessories/zeikos-ze-cbg50-professional-battery-power-grip-for-canon-40d-50d-review/
  
  
• http://photo.net/nikon-camera-forum/00TeBz
  
  
• http://www.amazon.com/Zeikos-ZE-NBG300-Professional-Multi-Power-Nikon/product-reviews/B001T9N0RQ/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Try with a new battery, from what you said it looks like a battery issue. You can get something cheap like this:

https://www.amazon.com/STK-Battery-Cameras-BG-E14-BG-E13/dp/B005DEHVC8/ref=pd_sim_421_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005DEHVC8&pd_rd_r=XQT42DDY80PBP7ZV1FAB&pd_rd_w=h3ho4&pd_rd_wg=bBoDm&psc=1&refRID=XQT42DDY80PBP7ZV1FAB

Unanswered question from the previous megathread

Author /u/tienghost - (Permalink)

Hey, looking at this A7III vertical grip on Amazon and I also want an intervalometer for time lapse and long exposure. The description of this grip seems pretty bad, so I’m wondering if anybody can tell further than me if the included remote can act as an intervalometer for time lapse and long exposure. Thanks. Amazon.com Meike Vertical Grip

Hey, looking at this A7III vertical grip on Amazon and I also want an intervalometer for time lapse and long exposure. The description of this grip seems pretty bad, so I’m wondering if anybody can tell further than me if the included remote can act as an intervalometer for time lapse and long exposure. Thanks. Amazon.com Meike Vertical Grip

A few 3rd party battery grips sometimes come with this built in. That means a battery grip, longer life, and a intervalometer in one!

linky link

There's also a few for a cheaper price, too.

Depends on your offer, I suppose. :)

Full disclosure: It's third-party

i did try it and yes x-t30 feels small and i'm thinking to get a grip to it, something like this one

I initially thought the same thing, that the A7 was too small for my hands. However, I purchased an L bracket (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K1W0KJ8?keywords=A7%20l%20bracket&qid=1453505134&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1) that attaches to the camera and I seriously couldn't be happier. The L bracket adds an additional 3 tripod mounting screw holes, gets the length just long enough for me to get my pinky on it, and doesn't add much weight. I love using my camera now.

This is the one I got for myself when I started.

http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-BG-E8-Replacement-Battery-Cameras/dp/B004UTQRHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453787122&sr=8-1&keywords=T5i+grip

It's holding up well (9 months, traveled to Japan / China over the summer, shot tons of events with it too).

I doubt grips with lcds exist. Even less likely for the t3i. Just get a grip which suits the t3i. Should be the BG-E8 I believe, or you can get a knockoff version of it.

I'd personally get an oem grip for the peace of mind, it's only $120

$30-40 is not a lot for a grip.

Here is one for $25:

http://www.amazon.com/MENGS-X-T20-L-Shaped-Compatible-Arca-Swiss/dp/B07DW559SP/

Here is one for $50:

http://www.amazon.com/Meike-Aluminum-Release-Bracket-Fujifilm/dp/B0759MTK61/

The official one is $110:

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-Metal-Hand-Grip-X-T10/dp/B00Z17LR36/

I'm sort of going out on a limb with your issue on the camera being too small for your hands, but have you thought of getting a battery grip or it? It'll add size to the body size itself.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UTQRHW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

would this fit a regular canon T5 or does it need to be a T5i battery portait grip