Invest in a battery grip to give your Canon some extra
juice when you’re out and about, and improve its ergonomics
Things to look out for…
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All the battery grips we tested had the option of using two
Li-ion camera batteries or six AA batteries instead. This means that, even if
you’re shooting in remote locations, you can find replacement AA batteries
easily.
·
With the long nights, it’s the perfect time for taking long-exposure
photographs. You’ll quickly discover your battery is thoroughly drained after
an hour or so of long exposures, but a battery grip doubles your shooting time.
·
Each battery grip is created to fit the internal workings of
different EOS models; we tested grips for the 7D, but they’re all available in
a range of fittings. Some Canon cameras share the basic shape and battery type,
so a grip built for the 450D will also fit the 500D, for example.
·
Adding a grip to your camera will give you similar ergonomics to
the Canon EOS-1D pro range. Not only does it make it easier to shoot in
portrait format, with the addition of a second shutter button, but your focus
and exposure buttons are within easy reach, too.
·
Your flashgun also eats through batteries. Instead of carrying
spares, consider a Quantum Turbo SC ($745). This will power your flash for 400
full-power shots or thousands in TTL/automatic mode.
Opteka Battery Pack Grip
This plastic-and-rubber battery grip is a good budget
choice. Fitting it to the 7D is easy and secure, as the tripod pin attaches
smoothly to the base of the camera. All the buttons, including the vertical
shutter release, are well-placed but are a little awkward. The AA battery
holder didn’t feel flimsy when removing batteries, but the compartment was hard
to open due to the lack of spring-loading.
Opteka Battery
Pack Grip
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Verdict
·
Price: $50 ·
For: Rubber/plastic body; easy to fit; good battery holder;
cheap ·
Against: Stiff buttons; awkward to use; hard-to-open
compartment
|
Canon BG-E7
Mimicking the look and feel of the 7D, this Canon grip fits
like a dream. It’s a little bulkier and heavier than some, but the rubber
detailing gives a strong hold in all weather conditions. Fitting two Li-ion
batteries is easy and the holder for six AAs slides in smoothly. As with all
battery grips on test, there’s space to fit your SLR’s removed battery door next
to the connection pins for safe keeping.
Canon BG-E7
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Verdict
·
Price: $160 ·
For: Canon feel; easy-to-store battery door; smooth battery
fitting ·
Against: Expensive; bulky and heavy; difficult for smaller
hands
|
Hähnel HC-7D Pro
Hähnel’s grip also comes with an infrared controller for
remote shooting. This grip is the lightest on test, due to its plastic-only
body, but the smooth plastic doesn’t feel as secure in the hand as the other
rubber/plastic combo grips. The shutter and function buttons are easy to use,
and fitting two Li-ion batteries or six AAs is simple. The battery connections
are good and strong.
Hähnel HC-7D Pro
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Verdict
·
Price: $125 ·
For: Infrared controller; lightweight; good battery connections ·
Against: Plastic only; doesn’t feel as secure as other grips
|
Ansmann Battery Grip C-7 Pro
This grip’s rugged rubber-and-plastic build gives a firm
holdand ergonomic features – such as a raised bump on the front to help spread
and fit your fingers to the grip – make itcomfortable. The shutter and function
buttons are easy to find, even with your eye to the viewfinder. Fitting two
Li-ion batteries is effortless, but its AA battery magazine tends to catch on
the internal pegs of the grip.
Ansmann Battery
Grip C-7 Pro
|
Verdict
·
Price: $100 ·
For: Ergonomic; comfortable; good build quality; excellent
power ·
Against: AA battery magazine catches internally; quite
expensive
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