Reviews for Canon BG-E3 Camera Battery Grip

Canon BG-E3 Camera Battery Grip

Strengths: Extends battery life when used with multiple batteries, easier grip for both horizontal and vertical shooting

Weakness: Slightly pricey.

Just got the BG-E3 battery grip for the Rebel XT, and it performs exactly as described.

Comes with two cartridges, one that holds 6 AA batteries, and one that holds 2 NB2LH batteries.

It did improve the grip for me with the Rebel XT, but I would recommend that you try out the Rebel XT for a few shoots, before you decide whether or not you need to get the Vertical grip. To me, it is an improvement but not a necessity; my hands are average size. Consider how often you will shoot vertically, as the grip will help immensely if you do.

Also, it does add weight to the camera, which can be a pro or con. Good if you want to 'balance' out heavier lenses, but bad if you don't want to carry a heavier load all day long.

But, it does perform its advertised function, and is a great addition to a Rebel XT. Just consider the price/benefit before making this purchase, as it is not for everyone.

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BG-E3 the saving grace for the little Rebel XT

Strengths: Sturdy construction, adds much needed grip space and leverage when using heavy lenses, two batteries in grip last forever.

Weakness: None other than a vertical shutter release is now a "need" for my future cameras :)

I bought this grip after reading the complaints regarding the small hand grip size on the Rebel XT. I am 6'2" and have long, somewhat thin fingers, and I had read how one reviewer thought it was a whole different camera with the BG-E3 on it. I couldn't agree with him more!

I have been doing mostly wedding photography since I got my Rebel XT and the BG-E3 has been indispensible since so much of my shooting is in the portrait orientation. While the extra height the BG-E3 gives when shooting horizontal does offer some needed leverage for handling heavy lenses easier, the vertical grip is thick and meaty and very easy to hold. When I'm working a wedding or reception, I'm usually switching quickly between a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and a Sigma EX 70-200 f/2.8 lens. Neither of which is quite as heavy as their Canon L-series counterparts, but they are good sized chunks of glass, and the BG-E3 helps to stabilize shooting with these lenses significantly.

The few controls on the BG-E3 are just as easy to use as the analogous controls on the body. I've found that putting it on and taking it off is very easy and a fairly quick process since the battery door tucks in nicely along the contact arm that goes up inside the camera body.

I bought two third-party batteries that are rated for more MaH than the standard Canon battery and use them in the BG-E3. This has also been a great advantage as I am able to shoot a full wedding with pre- and post- pictures and at a 3-4 hour reception with the battery indicator only dropping to it's first "half-empty" indicator at the end of all that. The batteries are very easy to change and it comes with an adaptor to use 6 standard AA batteries, though I haven't used that option yet.

I strongly recommend this battery grip for any one that uses the heavier, high-speed "professional" lenses, to make the Rebel XT a very useful tool, and to anyone looking for better grip area and/or battery life and vertical shutter release. Once you try a vertical grip, you won't want to go back!

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Canon BG-E3 Camera Battery Grip

Strengths: Full vertical operation. Two power options.

Weakness: Build quality. Strange behavior with NiMH batteries.

The BG-E3 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder for the Canon EOS REBEL-XT Digital Camera serves two purposes
1. It lets you use the camera either with two lithium batteries or with 6 'regular' AA batteries. This significantly increases the number of pictures you can take without replacing batteries, and allows the use rechargeable AA batteries.
2. It lets you take pictures conveniently in vertical mode, with 5 of the camera's most useful buttons and 7 of its most useful functions duplicated on the vertical grip. An on/off switch lets you disable the grip, to avoid releasing the shutter by mistake.

In functionality, this is very similar to the vertical grips/boosters that come with professional Canon cameras such as the EOS-1. It is well designed ergonomically, and comes with two battery holder frames for use with both battery types (AA or NB-2LH). These frames were apparently designed to be as light as possible, and seem a bit fragile. Not a problem during use, but care should be taken when replacing batteries. I also noticed that when using rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, the camera's power level indicator claims the batteries are empty long before they really are. I don't know whether it's the grip's fault or the camera's, but it shortens the time you can shoot on this type of batteries without recharging.

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BG-E3 Battery Grip for Canon Digital Rebel XT

Strengths: Allows you to go twice as long before recharging batteries; great quality and fitment.

Weakness: None that I can see.

The BG-E3 is a fantastic accessory for the Digital Rebel XT for two reasons: 1) the additional size and weight eliminated the hand fatigue I was suffering from when taking a lot of shots because the camera is more balanced, and 2) the battery grip effectively doubles the number of shots you can take before having to recharge the batteries.

With the battery grip installed, the Digital Rebel XT definitely has a more professional-like feel. The rubber also has a "grippier" feel than that of the camera.

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Rebel XT Battery Grip BG-E3

Strengths: size, price, functionality

Weakness: none

This grip adds so much to my 350D! It makes it a lot easier to do side shots and it balances the camera when a heavy lens is being used. It is well worth the money.

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Great Accessory for the Rebel XT!

Strengths: Camera is now easier to hold. Extends battery power. Looks cool.

Weakness: Camera is bigger. May not fit in some camera bags. A little pricey.

The BG-E3 grip is a welcome addition to my Rebel XT. I have large hands, so holding the camera is much easier now. You can turn the camera vertical and take pictures with the shutter release that is on the grip. Installation was a breeze. Remove the battery door and screw the grip to the bottom of the camera. I got mine from Dell for $115.00. Great accessory.

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BG-E3 battery grip

Strengths: Awesome grip..give your hand a lot more stability Allow you to use 2 canon battery for extended life or 6 AA batteries. Great fitment.

Weakness: Added weight and bulk

I love this grip..If you havea 20D or Rebel XT, this is a must accessory. I can't imagine why Canon doens't include this as a standard (make more $$ for them by buying separately i guess). Get one and you won't regret it. It is a permanent part of the camera now.

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Make my XT looks like a Pro !!!

Strengths: - Solid body, firm rubber grip - Extra power of two lithium batteries - Support 6 AA batteries!!! Power on the go !!! - Extra weight for steady control of the camera

Weakness: - Might not fit the case if you have small case for XT

I was originally very satisfied with my rebel XT. The only downside is that it's too small for my hands. Then I found this battery grip which makes the camera a perfect fit to my hands. Also, I can smoothly change the positions from horizontal to vertical and still have a firm control of the camera. I have to change my carrying case due to the size of the camera, though. But, personally, I think it's truly worth it. One last thing, rebel XT + battery grip looks kinda like a 1Ds Mark II, which is pretty cool :)

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Canon BG-E3 Camera Battery Grip

Great product! makes taking vertical photos a breeze. Easy to attach and use. Expands use time by holding two battery packs. A must for anyone that is serious about digital photography.

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Must have accessory for Canon EOS 350D/Rebel XT

Strengths: Adds an extra battery for longer shooting time. Ability to use 6 AAs in an emergency. Adds vertical shutter button.

Weakness: Construction could be slightly better. Adds a bit of weight.

The BG-E3 in my opinion is a must have accessory for your 350D. It does more than just extend your shooting times. It adds a nice beefy vertical grip with shutter button, AF select and AE/FE lock. The greatest benefit of this grip is that it balances the body very well. I immediately discovered that could take much cleaner handheld shots at shutter speeds much lower than without. The extra weight acts as a pendulum to stabilize the camera and lens much better.

The added weight isn't too bad. I have a fairly hefty lens that I use quite often and the added weight isn't too much. I think the construction is decent, but could be a little better. After all this accessory is a tad pricey.

Overall, I highly recommend this product. Have I said that already?

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Add more professional features and battery life with...

Strengths: Doubles the number of batteries, and hence battery life. Provides complete controls in a vertical position. Attaches easily and stores the existing battery cover so you don't lose it.

Weakness: Adds some weight.

If you are looking to add battery capacity and especially if you are doing studio work, this is a great product. It does add some weight but I hike with it on a regular basis and haven't noticed it slowing me down.

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BG-E3 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder for EOS Digital...

Strengths: No strengths since Royal Camera never shipped it.

Weakness: Never received it.

I can not reciew something that Royal Camera never shipped to me. They accepted my order, took my money, and never sent me the item. It has been a month since I ordered it and they haven't responded to my last email of a week ago.

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Can't live without it

Strengths: Long days of shooting Ease of rotation for verticle shots Helpful extra controls Ability to use drugstore (AA) batteries Versatility

Weakness: Adds weight to camera, but the light weight of the XTi balances that out.

I can't live without it. The XTi is a great camera, but the increased versatility and extra battery life with the BG-E3 makes it indispensable. It also gives me the option of using the same batteries used with my flash (AA) when I have to go for a prolonged period of time and super heavy shooting days. On rare occasions, I've shot over 2,000 frames in a single day for some high action days (yes, I have an extended warranty on my cameras), and the ability to shove in 6 AA batteries is a lot less cumbersome and costly than having a dozen proprietary battery packs.

The three most important add-ons to my XTi have been the BG-3E, lots of memory cards, and a detachable flash.

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