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I have seen that Canon do battery grips for most, if not all of their DSLR Models, as do ebay with some other brands that are compatible, at a much lower price.

The question is : Are they worth it, really?

It takes 2 batteries. I could just flip the cover open, slide the battery into my pocket, replacing it with one, which would be cheaper and less weight, more bag space. So, battery wise, for amateur use, it doesn't really win any points there.

The other purpose is the fact it is a grip, which may or may not feel more comfortable to hold, also there is a standard 2 way (half press) shutter release on there, and other control buttons incorporated within the unit.

What are your views on them?

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

I have a battery grip on my Minolta Maxxum 7 film camera and it is worlds apart from the handling on my 450D for both balance and in terms of portrait shooting. That said, its a bit harder for fit in the bag, but the cons are definitely outweighed by the pros in my opinion.

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Canon EOS 5D MkII | Canon EOS 7D | Canon Digital Rebel XSi | EF 35mm f/1.4L | EF 50mm f/1.8 II | EF 85mm f/1.8 | EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM | EF 135mm f/2L | EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | 580EX II | LumoPro LP-120

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The Grips should only be compatible with the particular model or range, I would have thought, as there's control buttons on there, and the battery fittings change, for example the EOS 350D is a totally different fitting to the 500D. If yours is designed for one of those cameras mentioned, then it's bound to not fit the other.

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

If u r shooting in out of no where then battery grip is must.

not neccersarily, they only hold to batteries, and spare batteries use up less space in your bag.

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Canon EOS 500D
Lenses: EFS 18-55mm IS, EF 50mm F/1.8 II

I think their main use is to allow more easy photography in portrait orientation. If you do a lot of portrait, it will make things more comfortable, and may even be essential.

Although they can take two batteries, they work happily with one. The Canon ones at least also allow the use of AA batteries in a supplied caddy so you have another power source choice.

Personally for my style of photography, I didn't like the increase bulk and weight of them.

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Canon DSLRs: 7D, 5D2, 1D, 600D, 450D full spectrum, 300D IR mod
Lenses: EF 35/2, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, 135/2+SF, 28-80 V, 70-300L, 100-400L, TS-E 24/3.5L, MP-E 65, EF-S 15-85 IS
3rd party: Zeiss 2/50 makro, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300 f/2.8 OS, Celestron 1325/13
Tinies: Sony HX9V.

A battery grip is a must for my portrait work,I really don't have the same grip or comfort without it. For when I'm going out for street/landscape/cityscape/architecture photos,I take off the grip.

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
Visit my work here

poppo makes a good point about being able to use AA batteries.

Imagine you're out on a shoot when your battery/batteries run out. You might not be able to recharge them on location, but there maybe a shop close by where you can buy some AA batteries to finish your shooting.

I don't have a Battery Grip (yet) but it is on my wish list along with a flash and better quality lenses.

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Cheers,
Henry (onlinedrifter)

Cameras: Canon EOS 450D with Battery Grip | Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10
Lenses: EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS | EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Flash: Canon Speedlite 580EX II

The only stupid question is the question that is not asked.

I have a Battery Grip for my D90, and my D2H has a batterygrip built in. Main advantages are:

More juice without swapping batteries

More comfortable to hold

You look more professional

Downsides:

Heavy

Takes more space

You look more professional


Note hwo I listed Professional under both pro's and con's. Sometimes you want to stay under the radar

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

It makes the camera a lot more comfortable to hold, particularly if you're using professional grade (read: heavy) lenses like the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8. When you have a 1.3 kg lens stuck to your camera, you will appreciate the battery grip.

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PhilipGoh.com

I'm using a pro grade body, and lens, and have never wished for a grip. Even if I would get an increase in fps from 5fps to 7fps.

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I've upped my Iso, now up yours.
Nikon D700, Nikon D80, Micro Nikkor 105 f2.8 AI-S,Nikon 85mm 1.8D, Nikon 50mm 1.8D, Nikon 35mm F2D, Nikon 16-35 f4 VR, Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 AF-S, Nikon 70-200VRII, Nikon 70-300mm VR, 300mm f2.8 AI IF ED, SB-800, SB-900. Noiseware pro,NIK Dfine, Nik Colour Effex, Nik Sharpener Pro

Do you have large or small hands Greg?

Also, the lenses you have are, though "professional", not that heavy in comparison to the big guns? (except that 24-70)

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".

I use one with my 5DmkII, it helps balance out the camera with heavier or bigger lenses attached, it also adds protection to the camera prevents the base of the camera being bashed/chipped/scuffed.

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Mark Osborne
My life through an iPhone

Yeah, not small, but not big either. I suppose you could say I've got 'girlie' hands lol.

I don't have a 70-200, but I've shot events with the 24-70 before, and I always rest the weight of the lens in my left hand, so I don't really think I'd see such a difference. I don't shoot that many portrait orientated shots either so I don't think it would do me much good anyway. Besides, £270 for a grip, just doesn't seem like a worth while investment. I like less weight, not more, and if I'm only going to use it to get more fps, and a little bit better balance when I use the 24-70, then I'd rather put that money towards a new lens.

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I've upped my Iso, now up yours.
Nikon D700, Nikon D80, Micro Nikkor 105 f2.8 AI-S,Nikon 85mm 1.8D, Nikon 50mm 1.8D, Nikon 35mm F2D, Nikon 16-35 f4 VR, Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 AF-S, Nikon 70-200VRII, Nikon 70-300mm VR, 300mm f2.8 AI IF ED, SB-800, SB-900. Noiseware pro,NIK Dfine, Nik Colour Effex, Nik Sharpener Pro

Ah, and that's where we differ. When I hold my D90 without grip, my pinky finger always sticks out and sort of curls under the camera base. I also have to cramp my hand a bit when I review pictures. Some extra headroom helps there.

I'd assume this is less of an issue with the D700(/D300s) since it has a bigger body already.

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I take pictures so quickly, my highschool was "Continuous High".