Get a Grip on DSLR Battery Grips!

Today I'm discussing what a DSLR battery grip is, plus the advantages and disadvantages! Do you use a battery grip? Why or why not?

Hi! I’m SnapChick. My channel is about photography as an art form and as a lifestyle, with a healthy dose of technology thrown in! I post new videos every week so subscribe here on YouTube, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+, and join in on the conversation!

[Bigalsphotography]

I have a 3rd party grip I use and leave on my Nikon D5200 since I use that camera mainly for time-lapse and video (gives it a nice long run time) plus it helps me hold it since my hands are bigger. I have another 3rd party grip for my Nikon D800 that I use depending on the situation.

[Lakefilms]

Sadly all of my off brands have eventually failed, but the nikons just keep going. An investment yes, but worth it especially if you plan on heavy usage.

[FlowersynALT]

I have a 3rd party grip for my 6D and it's perfect since I always shoot portrait and it's much more of a comfortable feel while shooting

[jeanmccaffrey]

I have a Neewer Grip for my Canon t5i and I love it....it helps my hand shake..it only cost about $30.00..came with a battery also!

[dunnymonster]

I purchased the official Nikon OEM grip for my D7200 ( this grip also fits the D7100) and I am glad I stumped up the extra cash for it over a 3rd party cheaper option. I have seen too many poor reviews of the 3rd party versions to risk using it on my camera. My advise to anybody is save a bit longer and get the official grip, you'll be glad you did.

[allanthompson]

Excellent video Snap Chick. I'm new to photography and the grip seemed a logical move. You mentioned some very goods points about weight balance that I've not seen / heard mentioned in other videos so that was a nice breath of fresh air so to speak, with new information. Lots of useful info.

[AlexSilvaCastillo]

I use a Canon 5D Mk III with grip. I just love to use it with the grip! As you said in the video, the controls while shooting on vertical orientation are just there where I need them, and it really helps balancing the camera.

[Beckkerable]

Hi Lee, I use the Pentax battery grip for the K-1 Mark II and I love it. Carrying the camera with the main grip or with the additional one … It works fantastically - no strap needed. And for vertical shooting the additional release button is extremely comfortable - as you mentioned already. Finally: Six eneloops in the battery grip but the (brand) rechargeable battery in the camera itself remains.

[gerryandersen]

I do have a third party grip for my Nikon D7200 and I love it. I have a Vello BG-N11 that sells on Amazon new for $69.00. I got mine used but almost new for $35. It has all the functions of the original Nikon MB-D15. I shoot a lot of sports and portrait photography with long lens and it makes the camera more versatile and easier to handle.

[dbkfrogkaty]

When I got my first DSLR, a Pentax K10D, I was fortunate to find a used OEM grip for it at my local camera shop. It was half the price and came with a battery. When I got my second DSLR, a Pentax K-5II, I bought the OEM grip for it as well only this time paid full price. I totally believe in having the grip for my cameras. The extended battery life, the portrait mode grip with extra controls are the main reasons for me to have one. The K10D grip even has a slot for an extra SD card the remote control. Very handy.

[agentbl]

I have a Vello third party battery grip for my Canon 80D. I chose this one because I was on a budget. I've had it for over three years now and I'm happy to have it on my camera. Mine costed less than $100.

[bernhardloose]

I have one on my 7D Mark II and love it for all the reasons you mentioned.

[TheRocketdrone]

I love the grips for my canon bodies and use them primarily when I'm going to be out all day like at an air show so I don't have to worry about battery power. The AA tray also saved the day one time when I forgot to charge up my batteries before I went to an air show. I have tried a 3rd party grip on a d7000 but decided to stick with first party after the grip bugged out the camera so that it wouldn't write to SD card while the grip was attached.

[markeggers]

I have an OEM grip for my Pentax K-3 II. The grip is helpful when shooting portraits, long sessions, and with big glass. If I need to go light I can remove the grip. Something I could not do with my old Nikon D2x.

[HafAdalar]

I have one for my Canon 5D3. The weight doesn't bother me, it's lighter than my M4 (not a Leica) that I carried full time at my previous job. I really like the bigger grip and the secondary controls. But the size is a minor issue when putting it into my camera bag. I find comfort in knowing that I can use AA batteries as a back-up, especially when travelling. Also, two batteries lasts all day for me, so I don't have to worry about changing batteries in dusty environments.

[CFProton]

Bought the Meike battery grip for my Nikon D7100, it was low cost and works perfectly. It takes one battery in the grip and another in the camera. I can select from the Nikon menu whether I want to use the battery in the camera or the grip first. Because I have large hands the grip makes handling my camera a lot easier.

[jarradjames]

I use my grip all the time for work and just shooting pictures for fun. I pretty much use it always. With the d800 the extra battery allows the shutter to close faster so a battery grip is essential for sports photography action shots.

[CypherKicks]

Great video, thank you. I'm looking to get a battery grip for my Nikon D7100. Can you please point me in the right direction to look for a great 3 party option? Thanks again.

[CFster]

I have the Vello grip for my D7200. I use it primarily for basketball shooting in portrait orientation. The camera is actually easier to hold in this orientation with grip than regular landscape. The Vello grip is a virtual duplicate of the Nikon grip in appearance and functionality. I hope they come out with one for the upcoming D500 (ordered), as I don't want to spend $400 on the Nikon version.

[mndancer]

I got the battery grip for my D90 the first day. Mounted it, and it still attached to the camera. Gives me balance to the camera, regardless of lens I use.