I am toying with the idea of getting a Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for my Canon EOS 350D.
I am looking for the ability to keep my camera going for longer, as well for the ability to have a more comfortable grip when taking vertical shots (not sure if thats the right word!! You know, when you turn the camera sideways!! LOL!!).

Hopefully someone can help me out with their experiences. Will it be a waste of money? Should I just buy a spare battery and keep it in my pocket and change it when I need it? A little fiddly with gloves, but I am never usually in that much of a rush anyway! I do like the advantage of being able to use 6 x AA batteries as I can get these through work (sssshhh, mum's the word!!) plus also the idea of having a better grip in the vertical position when using my heavy Sigma 135 - 400mm.

Am relatively new to the site, but thought I would just add that the advice here is really good and I have learnt a lot already from you guys - without having to ask!! Thanks.

Advice enthusiastically welcomed!!

Jim

Welcome to the Forum Jim! Check out this thread (http://forums.photographyreview.com/showthread.php?t=17009) and you should find some good info on battery grips.

Thanks so much!

I shall look at the site in greater depth next time so as not to cover old ground!! Thank you for the link.

I can't help but be convinced to buy one now!!

Jim

I have one, it makes the camera so much bigger, but its a comfortable bigger. when using telephoto's, it levels out the weight difference, The vertical shots are way more comfortable, but leaving the on switch flipped up wastes power, so turn it on only when taking vertical shots. I think its the best upgrade besides an L glass for your 350D, grab it up, or try one out before hand at a photostore

I am toying with the idea of getting a Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for my Canon EOS 350D.
I am looking for the ability to keep my camera going for longer, as well for the ability to have a more comfortable grip when taking vertical shots (not sure if thats the right word!! You know, when you turn the camera sideways!! LOL!!).

Hopefully someone can help me out with their experiences. Will it be a waste of money? Should I just buy a spare battery and keep it in my pocket and change it when I need it? A little fiddly with gloves, but I am never usually in that much of a rush anyway! I do like the advantage of being able to use 6 x AA batteries as I can get these through work (sssshhh, mum's the word!!) plus also the idea of having a better grip in the vertical position when using my heavy Sigma 135 - 400mm.

Am relatively new to the site, but thought I would just add that the advice here is really good and I have learnt a lot already from you guys - without having to ask!! Thanks.

Advice enthusiastically welcomed!!

Jim

I have the battery grip for my D60 and I love it. I can't use my camera without it anymore. It feels like half a camera without it on. I makes the overall feel of the camera much sturdier, and yes, vertical shootong becomes much much eaiser.

I say go for it!

Vertical battery grips. Get one. ASAP. It's always the first accessory I've purchased for every Canon SLR and DSLR I've owned going all the way back the last 16 years. It doesn't add that much weight, and from a handling standpoint, it really makes it easier to shoot in fast action situations.

just found this baby, so I figured I'd share the wealth. Don't know if this is considered advertising, so delete if it is, but I just thought I'd clue everyone in on the great deal.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDB1II/ref=pd_sbs_e_4/104-6666369-5794301?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=502394

almost exactly the same as canon's, at half the price. And all the buttons are the same!