Customer Reviews

Targus TG-BGXTI Battery Grip for Canon Rebel XT/XTi

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I got this product from Amazon's promotional offer for only $26.99. I enjoy the transaction. It is very compatible with Canon Reble XTI just as designed exclusively for the camera. It's easy to instal and use. I won't worry about the battery being used up during the trip with two packs of 2LH batteries in the grip and 6 AA batteries for back up (for emergency only). With the battery grip the camera looks more professional and solid especially with the L-lenses on the camera. The camera is heavier than without the grip to avoid motion when taking pictures. The vertical shutter button is very convenient to use. The best thing is that the price is only 1/4 of the Canon original counterpart. I strongly recommend it.

After finding several good reviews for this item I decided to try it out myself. This grip is fantastic for the money! The grip has no wobble when mounted, and all the controls work with no hassle. The rubber grip is actually more positive than the one on the camera, felling very snug and comfortable. The wheel and shutter release don't feel quite as positive as the ones on the camera, but not in any way that will cause issues. I highly recommend this product.

This battery grip is just as good as the original canon without the high price. Made very solid. Very happy with purchase and will always shop Targus products first.

At first I was thrilled with this grip, it is a huge asset for the xti, especially for people with large hands. The controls on the grip all are easy to use and while they do not have the same feel as the built in controls it is not difficult to get used to them. In particular the shutter button is softer than the build in one. It is slightly heavy, but the added comfort of the larger grip more than make up for it. These things considered, for the price, it would be a 5 star review. However, after 3 uses (each 10+ hour wedding shoots) the scroll button on the grip signaled the xti as if it were constantly scrolling to one direction. Obviously this makes it useless unless you are shooting automatic which I never do. I took out the batteries and it was temporarily fixed, however, after 20 min the same thing occurred. If the grip functioned properly 100% of the time, it would be a 7-8 star product for the price, however since it broke after only a couple weeks, with no abuse whatsoever (never dropped, etc, never taken of the camera unnecessarily) I am forced to give this 1 star...

I read other reviews and still got the battery handle anyway. I figure, for the price I can live without the mid-press for refocus and still gain the ability to use dual Li-ion for longer shooting time or AA batteries in case of an emergency.

To my surpise there is a re-focus mode on this battery handle. You need to press the shutter button on the battery handle softly, it is there. This is a good alternative to the other third party battery handles that are out there.

I hope you find this as a gem as I did among many of the accessories for the Canon Camera.

Enjoy.

I purchased this grip for the luxury of having extended shooting time as battery drain is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves! I had previously looked at this grip at Wal-Mart who sells it for $100!!!!!!!!!! I've had a amazing service with Amazon and the $30 price tag couldn't be beat so I took the plunge! The grip mounts VERY securely to the base of the camera and can be adjusted from the front or back if it comes loose. There is a slot on the portion of the grip that is inserted into the battery area that holds the battery door to prevent loss or breakage. I found that to be a VERY helpful addition because I'm known for losing small items such as the battery cover. I seriously suggest this product for anyone who uses their XT for more than just a few casual shots here and there. It's a great product and you can't beat the price!

This unit works as advertised, but sometimes I need to reseat the batters. Same problem with the camera though. Worth the low cost.

Though I do not have the genuine Canon version of this battery grip, I don't think it would be much different from this Targus version except for having "Canon" name on it. This battery grip gives the controls that Canon one does.

Attaching the battery grip makes this tiny camera little more comfortable to hold and provides little room for the pinky. It will make taking portrait little easier.

Three cons:

1) The shutter button has different/not so firm touch compared to the shutter button on the camera.

2) On/off switch is little shaky.

3) The rubber part on the grip is not solidly attached. It seems to be coming off.

But overall, these cons should be overlooked. This product does what it is supposed to at a great price. Almost $100 cheaper than the genuine Canon version.

Unpackaged the grip, inserted my two Canon batteries in the unit and attached the unit. No problemo. Unit has worked flawlessly.
The combination of the camera and grip adds to the overall weight of the unit, but I guess thats to be expected.
So far I haven't found anything negative, except that it would be nice if the unit had strap attached, much like a camcorder.
For the price I paid, this is a good deal.

Reason 1 - Bigger is better.
If you're into a larger, heavier camera, this battery grip will do it for you. Just take the door off your XT/350D/Digital-N, take the old battery out and screw this baby on. Your camera just gained about 1.25 inches in height and a larger grip surface as well as a lower center of gravity. This means if you have big hands like I do, this camera is more stable, feels less toy-like and is no longer awkward in portrait mode. Have an external flash? The added grip area in the right place makes portrait mode practical - before it was almost painful to hold the camera on its side, I almost wanted to hold the camera by the flash instead.

Reason 2 - New features.
The battery grip now gives you duplicate buttons and wheels for your right thumb/forefinger to manipulate while in portrait mode. The buttons/wheel are not as well made as the ones on the camera body or original battery grip. That's what you get when you don't spend $75 more for the original Canon grip. Same features at 79% OFF? I'm sold.

Reason 3 - 2 LiON Batteries on tap.
Now, you do have to provide the batteries, but having the 2nd one already sharing the load means instead of getting 200-250 pics (about 2GB in RAW) and really long flash recycle times, you get almost double the pics and faster flash pics. In fact, let's be honest, we take more pics nowadays bcs we just delete the lousy ones when we review. Taking home 250 pics for review on the computer means about 350-400 field pictures without erasing any. You need more battery life, and a battery grip gives it to you.

Reason 4 - Battery backup.
You never have enough batteries, that's why I keep 6-12 AA batteries in my case just in case. The battery grip comes with a cradle that allows you to use them. They take years to self discharge, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Reason 5 (75) - It's $20.
Really, why spend more, 4.75 times more, for the same features? Bragging rights? That little Canon logo in front? Maybe. Go ahead, buy the Canon Flash, Canon batteries, heck why not pick up a couple of Canon L lenses while you're at it. The reason is simple, it's the same reason you still use the XT/350D/Digital-N in the first place. It takes does the job, so why spend more? Most of the other non-Canon alternatives are more expensive than this Targus.

So get it. You'll be glad you did.