Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti & Rebel XT

by Opteka

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• ASIN: B000EDB1II
• Item model number: OPT-BGXT
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (106 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 26, 2006

Product Description

Opteka is one of the world's leading producers of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future! The Opteka BP-XT has a built-in 2100 mAh battery. This provides an extremely extended shooting time. Vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. Compatible with Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT and XTi (350D & 400D).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

90 of 91 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another "must have" accessory, March 17, 2006

By 

ducrab "Steve" (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti & Rebel XT (Electronics)

Ever since I purchased my EOS 350D (Rebel XT) last summer, I have been trying to build the perfect "kit" for my camera. You know... lenses, remote, extra batteries, etc... but the one accessory that I neglected was a grip. I just couldn't see paying $150 for Canon's glorified battery holder since changing batteries was no big deal.

After joining several forums and reading more about the camera, It seemed that everyone recommended a grip as a "must have" item, much like the Canon 50mm f1.8 II lens (which I love!) But I still couldn't justify spending $150 on a grip when I could put that towards a lens.

Well, I came across the Opteka grip while reading a Canon forum and the $60 price was just too low to pass up. Yes, I was a bit skeptical and I still didn't think that I really *needed* one since the camera already felt comfortable in my hands (so I thought!) But for $60 it was now worth the gamble.

I ordered the Opteka grip from Amazon.com (it's actually $10 more expensive if you buy it directly from 47th Street Photo even though they're the ones selling it here) and it arrived a few days ago. My first reaction was the excellent build quality. The grip is "rubberized" so it has a nice feel to it. It fits the camera perfectly and is snug and tight. Once it's attached it looks like it's a part of the camera. I was pleasantly surprised.

Originally I was planning to use the grip only on those special occasions where I would need the extended run-time of two batteries, so I was actually trying to make a separate compartment for it in my bag. But once I started handling the camera with the grip attached, well, I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT! The grip makes the camera much easier to hold and gives your pinkie finger something to grab on to. The camera feels much more balanced and camera shake is greatly dimished for me. I took the grip off just to see if it was my imagination and suddenly the camera felt naked without it. I went from being a skeptic and "knowing" that I didn't really need this accessory to being a true believer! It really is a case of "ignorance is bliss" because had I known what I was missing... well... you get the idea!

If you own a Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D), listen to what the others have said about a grip. It truly is a "must have" item for this camera (so is the 50mm 1.8 II lens!) If you've been dragging your feet because of Canon's high price, then get the Opteka. It's inexpensive and is very nicely built (did I mention that it comes with an AA battery tray so you can use regular AA batteries in the event of an emergency?)

So, if you don't own a grip for your XT, I highly recommend that you stop what you're doing and buy one right now. You won't regret it.

57 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive BP-XT Review!!! ;), February 8, 2006

By 

C. Rebreg "TeamSpeed" (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti & Rebel XT (Electronics)

I just received mine today. I don't think it is the same exact mold as the OEM one, as I just had the factory one and recently sold it.

Here is my take on this Opteka grip:

1) The grip is rubberized but is of a coarser grain than the factory one. (+0)

2) The dual battery sled is actually tighter than the BG-E3, my BG-E3 had a little plan after it was latched into place, this one is very tight when closed. (+1)

3) The rotary dial is much looser, and does not have that hard well-defined click/click you get on the BG-E3 or on the camera itself. Actually makes changing settings easier in my opinion (+1)

4) The shutter button needs more pressure to push, almost uncomfortably so. Not really pleased with this. Others on dpreview have noticed this too. This is the sole reason I did not give 5 stars, the shutter button will be the most used button, and does not perform quite on par with the BG-E3 grip. (-1)

5) The grip does not marry up to the body as flush as the BG-E3 in my opinion. It seems to have a more defined gap between the camera and the grip, but not necessarily bad if you didn't know what the OEM grip looked like. (+0)

6) Price, well half of what you can get the BG-E3 new at, so excellent in this department. (+1)

7) No logo whatsoever, where the BG-E3 has the usual Canon and part description painted on the front lip. (+0)

8) Yes, it comes with the second AA cartridge. It also comes with directions, HOWEVER, if you want to buy an E-1 strap, the BG-E3 directions come with how to install the strap, not so with this grip's instructions, something to watch for. If this was to be the definitive aftermarket, they should have directions on how to put on the strap, since the E-1 does not come with any. (-1)

So, I find this grip has more pros than cons at half the price. I would say you are getting about 85% of the quality and perfection of the BG-E3 at 50% of the cost. Hope this helps folks decide!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great bang-for-the-buck!, May 2, 2006

By 

Randy Oostdyk - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti & Rebel XT (Electronics)

I won't even get into the merits of having a battery grip for your Rebel XT, aside from saying that it's a must-have accessory if you use the portrait orientation often!
Comparing this brand to Canon's BG-E3, it does look identical, branding aside. However, another reviewer said that they're functionally identical, which is not the case. The shutter button is much softer, and doesn't have a distinctive click when fully pressed, compared to the audible click on the Canon. Same goes for the On/Off switch, but that's easy to overlook. I'm pretty sure the I can get used to the tactile feel of the shutter button, but would prefer the Canon, all other things equal. But since Canon's costs more than twice as much, I think I would rather pocket the extra money and live with the soft shutter button.
Just don't be fooled into thinking that this is exactly the same as Canon's!