Product Description

The dedicated L-shaped Battery Grip BG-E3 accommodates two NB-2LH battery packs - just the thing for long outdoor shoots while supporting six AA-size batteries.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 0211B001
• Dimensions: 3.30" h x 4.80" w x 5.80" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

• Designed specially for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Camera and Rebel XTI
• Holds up to two Canon NB-2LH battery packs or six AA batteries
• Doubles shooting length time
• Provides excellent vertical shooting control

From the Manufacturer
The Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip is designed specially for the EOS Digital Rebel XT camera. The BG-E3 holds up to two NB-2LH battery packs or six AA batteries to offer double-length shooting time. The vertical shutter release makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. This grip provides additional controls for easier vertical shooting including shutter release, AE lock/FE lock, index/reduce button, main dial, AF-frame-select button, and the aperture/exposure compensation button.

Customer Reviews

Almost Necessary for Large Hands
This is a well-made accessory that makes the Rebel XT or XTi very comfortable to hold, either horizontally, or especially, vertically. Several camera controls are replicated on the grip (shutter release, AE lock button, AF point selector, AE compensation, and command dial) for ease in shooting vertical formats.
I'm used to the Digital Rebel, which fits my hand almost perfectly. I found the Rebel XT to be a bit too small. It felt OK with a 50mm 1.4 lens, but I found it hard to hold steady with a 70-200mm f/4 "L" zoom, or with a Canon 420EX flash attached. The battery grip adds extra room for holding the camera, and helps balance the lens or external flash by moving the center of gravity down and towards your hand, making the combination much more comfortable to hold and steady.
The grip works great with two NB-2LH batteries. I was more intrigued with its ability to use 6 AA batteries. Canon advises this option is for "emergency use" but after reading the supplied literature, the explanation for this worrisome statement became clear: Canon expects fewer shots from 6 AAs than from 2 NB-2LH batteries. You may try different types of AA batteries. I have found that the BG-E3 provides very good results with Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries. These batteries have long shelf life and maintain adequate voltage longer than most other AA rechargeable batteries. I also have used Energizer disposable lithium batteries with no problems.
I plan to leave the battery grip on my camera all of the time. I probably will use it most with two NB-2LH batteries, but like having the option of using the included AA battery holder, when necessary.

An actual must have accessory
When I bought the XT, I had pre-ordered it like so many other people, which meant I hadn't had a chance to test it out before it arrived from Amazon. I knew it was a small camera based on the reviews and size descriptions but I didn't REALLY know until I got it in my hands! It felt alright in my hands, but I knew it could be better once I got the battery grip, and I am so glad I did.

The grip is great for extended battery life since it takes two of the lithium Canon batteries. As for the battery life itself, I shot an ENTIRE wedding, the bride getting ready, the pre ceremony shots, the actual ceremony, the post ceremony formal group shots, the entire reception, and the battery level never came on low. And you can imagine how often I had to use my 420EX flash! There was enough battery to last the car trip back while I looked at each picture on the cameras LCD screen, over 700+. That, in it of itself, is worth the purchase. To be able to have the peace of mind that you can just keep shooting and shooting and not have to worry about running out of juice is a godsend.

The added weight is great too. The camera feels more secure in my hands, especially when I have my telephoto lens on it.

I love the vertical shooting as well, I don't have to compromise my hand positions just because I am shooting vertically, because there is a shutter button on the bottom along with aperture & shutter length controls.

This really is one of those 'must have' accessories that if you are buying the camera, you might as well go ahead and buy this too, along with a few extra batteries. I can't say anything bad about it! If you were thinking of skipping over the XT because of the smallness, ask your camera shop to fit it with this grip and give it a shot, its a great camera and with a great grip, you can't go wrong!

You can use one battery only and reduce the weight.
Others said everything I need to say, but this is something they missed. In most situations, you don't really need two batteries. It is good that you can use only one battery for this grip. It is a feature, not a bug. Enjoy yours.