Customer Reviews

Canon BG-ED3 Battery Grip For D-30

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Canon BG-ED3 battery grip is an accessory which depending on your shooting preferences, may provide features that are extremely useful. The device is compatible with Canon's D30, D60 and 10D model digital SLR cameras, and accommodates two BP-511 type batteries, providing power capacity for an extended period of time. BP-511 batteries are generally very long lasting, and having available the power of two batteries provides peace of mind for those who shoot for long hours, or frequently use the LCD display.

Very handy for some shooters is an auxiliary shutter button, located on the grip, and positioned to be used when the camera is held in the conventional vertical shooting position. The shutter button is activated by a recessed switch on the grip, and operates in a manner identical to the camera's shutter button.

Though it is relatively light, some may find the grip's additional weight objectionable. Others find the camera to be more balanced and easier to hold and handle, with the grip attached. Especially when a long or heavy lens is attached. Be advised that with the grip attached the space requirement in your camera bag or other carrying gear, will need to be increased a bit. Another "benefit" is purely esthetic, as some users feel the camera simply looks "better" with the grip attached. Secured primarily by a screw that threads into the tripod socket, the grip does have a tendency to loosen up with continued use, and just needs to be tightened occasionally.

With some other Canon camera systems, buying a battery pack grip could be justified for cost saving reasons. Using rechargeable batteries in the grip, eliminates the need to purchase non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Over time, one could save enough to pay for the cost of the grip. In this case, there is no such benefit, as these cameras only use rechargeable BP-511 type batteries. So unless the other features are useful to you, the BG-ED3 may not be a recommended purchase. It mainly depends on the kind of shooting you do, and perhaps the type of lenses you have.

If you use larger lenses, you'll probably want this just to balance the camera properly. And since larger lenses need more power to focus, and Image Stabilization drains the batteries more quickly, two batteries can come in handy. Most likely you'll have power for at least a full day of heavy shooting. Unfortunately, though the EOS-10D itself can take BP-512 batteries, this grip cannot - BP-511/511as or similarly-shaped batteries only. It can use different batteries in combination, even with different power ratings; it will first use the higher-charged battery, then drain them both equally. I use a Power 2000 1500mAh/7.4v together with my old BP-511 1100mAh/7.4v.

It comes with a little slot in the side of the shaft that can hold the camera's battery cover (which must be removed) or an extra CF card. Handy. And you get extra control buttons on the grip for taking pictures in a vertical orientation, and a switch to disable them.

The price is excessive, though. If it were priced similarly to the Rebel's grip, I'd give this five stars easily. At US$200, it's a much tougher call - it should still go on your wish lists, but at a much lower priority, depending on your purposes and equipment.

I have extremely large hands and simply cannot hand-hold a standard EOS 10D without the BG-ED3 battery grip. Without it, I cannot grip the camera with the little finger on my right hand, making the camera feel unbalanced. The front of the BG-ED3 grip rests neatly and comfortably in the heel of my left hand and provides support for the lower half of my right hand, making for very stable shooting in horizontal format. For vertical format shooting, Canon have neatly arranged the controls so that there is minimal difference in feel when shooting this way, again making steady shots much easier. It's ergonomically brilliant. The extra power provided by the second battery is really appreciated when you are shooting with flash. My battery grip lives on the camera and I will, like as not, never take it off. It's an essential piece of kit and I would not use an EOS 10D without it.

I have been using my Canon D60 with BG-ED3 battery/grip extender to take aerial photos from Cessna 172 aircraft as my husband (a licensed private pilot) flies. In the close quarters of the Cessna's front seat, the grip's button placement is especially appreciated, making vertical shooting much less stressful on my wrist. Further, the grip adds just enough weight to the camera to make it feel more balanced and solid in my hand -- an important element for any photography, but particularly so when in the air with minor turbulence. Aesthetically, the grip matches the Canon D60 and D30 cameras perfectly, looking exactly like an extension of the camera body itself. Solid, well-manufactured -- built to last.

The cost of the BG-ED3 battery grip seemed a little steep, compared to the Canon grip extender I used on my Canon EOS Rebel 2000 camera. However, if you're looking to add significant battery life, some more surface area for gripping the camera and convenient button/control placement for vertical photographs (portraits and other vertically-oriented subjects), this is a great buy!

I hesitated to buy the battery grip because I thought I didn't really need it and that it would make the camera too bulky. But it is a great accessory that is ALWAYS on my camera now.

I don't worry about battery power much anymore since there are always two inside.

And best of all, I can snap photos in the vertical orientation so much easier. It's seamless. In addition to having an additional shutter-button on the battery grip, there is a focus-point selector button.

Certainly worth having.

I used this thoughout camping trip in Sequoia's for six days. Never once did I worry about recharging. Attached to my D30 I went through a IMB 340 Minidisk and a small CF card without hint of the batteries running out of juice. I used some built in flash and reviewed some pictures but mostly tried to conserve power. I would recommend this to other canon users to hold two batteries and the additional use of a vertical shutter release and spot meter, etc.. buttons.

If you purchase a 10D, I consider this as a "must have" accessory. The portait position auxillary button and data wheel are lifesavers when you're popping out a lot of shots. The dual battery slots make for what seems like an unending amount of battery life. I can honestly say that I've never run out of battery life on an assignment when starting with a full charge. In between assignments I can go a couple of weeks of occasional use before I need to charge up even if I use the LCD a lot. It does add a bit of weight to the camera and may be considered bulky to some but having used motor drives on my SLR film cameras for years, the feel is completely natural to me and I wouldn't leave home without it.

I actually bought this before my D60 came in. Now that it is attached to my new camera, it will never be removed. Not only does it offer more battery power by holding a second battery, but more importantly to me, it makes thee camera much easier to handle, especially in vertical shooting by adding the necessary buttons within easy reach and a comfortable grip. Oh and for what it is worth, it looks cool on the camera too!

I have big hands and shoot a Canon 10D. This grip helps me handle the big lenses with ease.

I bought the battery grip in October, it worked fine until November. Now I have no idea how who to call for help.