Customer Reviews

Canon BG-E4 Battery Grip for EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera (Retail Package)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am really quite glad I got the grip along with my 5D. It is everything the camera is - sturdy, functional and works flawlessly. The extra battery life has already proven useful on an extended shoot.

The one downside is that it shares another trait with the camera - the price. I'm not sure that this grip is worth $100 more than the one I previously had for the digital rebel. Regardless, I would still purchase the grip again.

All the other 5 star reviews are correct. But, there's a hidden bonus that Canon is not sdvertising and no one has mentioned. A significent aid to holding and carrying the 40d is Canon's Hand Strap E-1. This aid is basically for right handers but can not be used on the 40d (or XTi either without Canon BG-E3) without the BG-E4. The battery pack has the necessary strap attchment anchor point on the right/bottom side of the battery pack and that, along with the right side camera strap anchor point on the 40d body, allows you to use the hand strap. I find the hand strap a real help when carrying the camera with one hand.

If you need a battery grip for your 5D, this is about the only choice. There may be some cheap knock-offs floating around out there, but I haven't seen one.

The problem I have with this product is that it feels flimsy and cheaply constructed. It's way over-priced. Functionally I've had no problems, but to be honest, I don't leave it on the camera and it sits most of the time. I've read reports of owners having minor troubles with the grips causing the camera to behave improperly, but I haven't experienced this. Get it if you need it, but it's not really a necessity of life if you own a 5D.

Careful - this item, if purchased from Ace Digital Club does not come with a US warranty. Same unit but no US warranty.

If not from Ace Digital Club, check with the provider before purchase.

This is a must have if you are a simi or pro shooter. It gives you the power to shoot from am to pm. Very cool is the hidden holder for the battery door you remove so you dont lose it.With this you also have a extra button to shoot vertical, nice.

This grip makes the camera much more balanced and easier to hold onto.

I use this with my 5D and have had no problems with it. This is pretty much a must have if you make a living taking pictures. It might be a touch expensive but, how much would it cost me to lose a shot because my power is low?
So, spend the money, use the grip and get back to work.

As a beach wedding photographer, using the Canon 5D as my primary camera, a double battery grip is essential - no more changing batteries when you least expect it! The full frame sensor requires more power than my back up Canon 30D. Recently, my original 3 year old BG E4 battery grip started draining both batteries in the grip with just about 100-120 shots being taken - causing me to change batteries half way through a wedding ceremony! This was absolutely not acceptable! I replaced older batteries with new ones and the same thing happened the next wedding the following week. I checked message boards to see what other photographers might have encountered - everyone blamed it on the batteries or flash heads - I even wondered if my flash bracket was causing overheating. I wondered if my camera was just overheating? After method of elimination and no time to spare between my next wedding, I ordered a new Canon battery grip from Amazon and swapped out battery grips. Aah, problem solved. Turned out there is a circuit board inside the battery grip that can go bad. I sent the grip off to Canon for repair - costing me $50 (includes shipping). Meanwhile, Amazon saved the day, I ordered from Amazon at the beginning of the week and by Thursday,the product was in hand - one day before my Friday wedding - no problems since - thanks Amazon!

Warning: The BG-E4 may not be for everyone. It will be a pain to lug around all day with it attached to a 5D.

Battery grips completes a camera without a built in vertical shutter release button. I have it on a 5D mated to a light weight Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens.

I've had MB-12's on Nikon FE's, an MB-10 on a Nikon F90x, and a BG-E3 on a Canon Digital Rebel XT. All were necessary tools for me. The BG-E4 is no different. It's heavy at 2 pounds. But, without it, my vertically oriented photos lack a level of steadiness which affects composition.

Also, the BG-E4 is manufactured with magnesium alloy. That's why you pay more for the Canon grip.

What can I say, works great like it was designed to. Can't compare to the generic units out there but why would you skimp on a battery grip when you just spent $2500 on a camera like the 5d at the risk of a generic grip shorting out your camera and Canon won't warrant it.