Do I really need to invest in a Battery grip? I get asked this question quite often.
You might have seen those big, bulky things strapped to the bottom of a DSLR camera and wonder what exactly that thing is. Well, that is a battery grip and is very useful accessory to have and can be used in quite a few different photography scenarios.
Battery grips works exactly like its name suggests. It’s an extra accessory for your camera that you can purchase in any photography store and it provides more space for your battery and also provides a photographer with additional grip on the camera.
Some photographers consider battery grips as a novelty item. It isn’t really required all the time but they’re really great to have. If you are planning to buy a battery grip then the following are some points you need to consider:
1. Helpful with portrait shots
Sometimes they are also called portrait grip as in they sometimes include a second shutter which can be used to take portrait photographs. Normally, DSLRs are built to take landscape shots but in case you take more portrait photos, then investing in a battery grip is a no brainer.
2. Support base for your lens.
Battery grips also work as a counter balance to long and heavy lenses. Sometimes using a heavy lens on a lightweight camera can cause balancing issues. Adding an additional battery grip can take that weight off of your camera and make it easier for you to use.
3. Genuine Grips are widely available
There’s a ton of battery grips to choose from that are available in the market today, and can be bought according to your budget whatever that maybe. But, I would highly recommend to only buying a battery grip that you’re DSLR OEM recommends. Most of the OEMs have their own battery grips which are the first option you should consider and if the battery grip you need from your OEM is not available then always go for one that an expert recommends.
4. Extra Battery Power.
Last but not the least, a battery grip also provides you with extra battery storage. If you have a problem of your camera battery running out quickly then getting a battery grip might not only be economical but would also save you lot of time which you might spend in swapping dead batteries.
Despite, all the above points, buying a battery grips comes with its own tradeoffs. You need to make space for the grip in your camera bag as well as be prepared to carry that extra weight. But they also help as an extra battery when recharging is not a solution. So all in all, the positives of buying a battery grip certainly outweigh the negatives.
What about you? Do you own a Battery grip? What’s the biggest benefit you get from owning one? Leave a comment below and let me know.
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