20D power pack

[graham catley]

Can someone explain what are the real advantages of having a 20D power pack--it seems to a novice that it simply takes 2 batteries and adds considerable weight to the camera in order that you only have to change a battery half as often--as you can still only use rechargeables in it I am struggling to see why it is of any great use---I assume that extra power does not make anything on the camera work quicker, writing to the card etc

[kennygee]

Graham

My preference is simply to carry a spare battery. I must say I don't think I've ever had to resort to the spare when I have gone out with a fully charged battery.

[postcardcv]

The battery grip also adds a second shutter release (and a few other controls) which makes shooting portrait much more comfortabe - I use one with my 350D and have found it much nicer to use (both landscape and portrait) with the grip.

The power is not supplied to the camera in any different way, so the grip will not alter the performance, purely the handling. I'm not sure if it's the case with the 20D grip, but the one for the 350D can be used with 6xAA batteries, which could be handy...

[CannOffice]

I use a 300D and have a battery pack for it - It almost never gets used. With compatible batteries at just £9.99 for 2 from 7dayshop.com I can carry plenty of power with much less weight. Battery pack is great in the Studio for portraits.

Same battery fits 20D.

[tom tams]

I once asked a mate of mine why he bought a camera grip for his 10D, his reply was, it makes the camera look good on his 500mm lens

Tom

[jdj]

I've used a grip since the days of my late-lamented EOS5, and that one didn't even have extra battery space. So, here is the view from a fan of grips.

A grip improves a camera's handling. It gives space for all four fingers on the front right of the camera and gives proper balance when a larger lens is in place. Once you fit one you can see that the camera was designed with the extra lower space and it was removed, not that the grip was an add-on to an already complete camera. The handling in portrait (upright) position is incomparable, not only for the extra buttons but also because there is something to hold on to with your right hand. Any extra weight (there is very little) is more than countered by the improved handling.

[Scott67]

I have one on my 20d, complete with extra battery too.

I have shot about 50 Weddings in the last six years (Film and Digital) and believe me you dont want your batteries running out....ever !!!
Even when you think your prepared with spares etc !!!!

Not sure if modern digital Cameras have a higher battery drain than comparable film cameras but there's an awful lot of electrickery going on in there.

Also I seem to remember an article about IS ( Image stabilized ) Lenses using up a fair bit of power too, so if your out all day with your 100-400 IS then perhaps the improved handling with the grip together with that second battery makes it worthwhile

just my 2p worth

[Boy George]

I have an EOS 20D and 100-400 IS Zoom and go with the view that carrying a spare battery is the answer and wonder why I spent hard-earned cash on the battery grip, which adds bulk and weight and really does nothing for me whatsoever.

Adrian

[squirrelman]

I agree with postcardcv and jdj totally. I have the 20D with the 100-400 zoom. I have always used grips on all my film cameras as well. For me it just makes the camera that much easier to handle. It helps counter balance the weight of the long lens and feels good in my hand. I can really get a grip and hold onto the camera.

[Gary Jenkins]

I use a 20D with battery grip attached and do agree with postcardcv about the benefits of having a shutter release when shooting portraits.It also makes the camera a bit more comfortable to handle.I too have a 100-400mm IS and also find I can hand hold the camera with my 500mm IS lens on at a push before it gets to heavy.Add to that obviously the extra battery gives you longer before you have to recharge

Gary

[Pluvius]

I have the battery grip and I reckon the camera is better balanced with it.

[hollis_f]

I have the battery grip and I reckon the camera is better balanced with it.
I find the 20D a bit too small for my hands. I thought that the battery grip might improve things, but it just made it worse. It's because the normal groove on the 20D doesn't extend through the battery grip. So my ring finger has nowhere to go.

Luckily, I tried a friend's battery grip and didn't have to splurge out on one for myself.

As for the extended battery life - a single battery lasts for at least a day's shooting. So I see no need for any more life.