Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for EOS Digital Rebel XT Camera

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.8 x 3.3 inches ; 15.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0007WK8LC
• Item model number: 0211B001
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (159 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip is designed specially for the EOS Digital Rebel XT camera. The BG-E3 holds up to two NB-2LH battery packs or six AA batteries to offer double-length shooting time. The vertical shutter release makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. This grip provides additional controls for easier vertical shooting including shutter release, AE lock/FE lock, index/reduce button, main dial, AF-frame-select button, and the aperture/exposure compensation button.

Product Description

The Canon BG-E3 battery grip holds two NB-2LH batteries or six AA type batteries in a tray. If two NB-2LH batteries are inserted, power is supplied simultaneously by both battery packs. If both NB-2LH packs are fully charged then the number of frames you can capture are doubled -- ~1200 pictures without flash or ~800 pictures if the flash is used 50% of the time. At colder temperature (32°F) that number drops to ~900 or ~700 if flash is used 50% of the time.The BG-E3 adds a portrait grip with a vertical shutter release complete with AE/FE-Lock button, AF point selector button, exposure compensation button and Main Dial.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

171 of 173 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost Necessary for Large Hands, May 20, 2005

By 

T. Clark "tomc" (AL United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for EOS Digital Rebel XT Camera (Electronics)

This is a well-made accessory that makes the Rebel XT or XTi very comfortable to hold, either horizontally, or especially, vertically. Several camera controls are replicated on the grip (shutter release, AE lock button, AF point selector, AE compensation, and command dial) for ease in shooting vertical formats.
I'm used to the Digital Rebel, which fits my hand almost perfectly. I found the Rebel XT to be a bit too small. It felt OK with a 50mm 1.4 lens, but I found it hard to hold steady with a 70-200mm f/4 "L" zoom, or with a Canon 420EX flash attached. The battery grip adds extra room for holding the camera, and helps balance the lens or external flash by moving the center of gravity down and towards your hand, making the combination much more comfortable to hold and steady.
The grip works great with two NB-2LH batteries. I was more intrigued with its ability to use 6 AA batteries. Canon advises this option is for "emergency use" but after reading the supplied literature, the explanation for this worrisome statement became clear: Canon expects fewer shots from 6 AAs than from 2 NB-2LH batteries. You may try different types of AA batteries. I have found that the BG-E3 provides very good results with Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries. These batteries have long shelf life and maintain adequate voltage longer than most other AA rechargeable batteries. I also have used Energizer disposable lithium batteries with no problems.
I plan to leave the battery grip on my camera all of the time. I probably will use it most with two NB-2LH batteries, but like having the option of using the included AA battery holder, when necessary.

81 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An actual must have accessory, July 11, 2005

By 

L. Wimberley (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for EOS Digital Rebel XT Camera (Electronics)

When I bought the XT, I had pre-ordered it like so many other people, which meant I hadn't had a chance to test it out before it arrived from Amazon. I knew it was a small camera based on the reviews and size descriptions but I didn't REALLY know until I got it in my hands! It felt alright in my hands, but I knew it could be better once I got the battery grip, and I am so glad I did.

The grip is great for extended battery life since it takes two of the lithium Canon batteries. As for the battery life itself, I shot an ENTIRE wedding, the bride getting ready, the pre ceremony shots, the actual ceremony, the post ceremony formal group shots, the entire reception, and the battery level never came on low. And you can imagine how often I had to use my 420EX flash! There was enough battery to last the car trip back while I looked at each picture on the cameras LCD screen, over 700+. That, in it of itself, is worth the purchase. To be able to have the peace of mind that you can just keep shooting and shooting and not have to worry about running out of juice is a godsend.

The added weight is great too. The camera feels more secure in my hands, especially when I have my telephoto lens on it.

I love the vertical shooting as well, I don't have to compromise my hand positions just because I am shooting vertically, because there is a shutter button on the bottom along with aperture & shutter length controls.

This really is one of those 'must have' accessories that if you are buying the camera, you might as well go ahead and buy this too, along with a few extra batteries. I can't say anything bad about it! If you were thinking of skipping over the XT because of the smallness, ask your camera shop to fit it with this grip and give it a shot, its a great camera and with a great grip, you can't go wrong!

63 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can use one battery only and reduce the weight., January 2, 2006

By 

Haibing Zhang (Arlington Heights, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for EOS Digital Rebel XT Camera (Electronics)

Others said everything I need to say, but this is something they missed. In most situations, you don't really need two batteries. It is good that you can use only one battery for this grip. It is a feature, not a bug. Enjoy yours.