Product Details

• Brand: Canon

From the Manufacturer
The BG-ED3 combines the functions of a high-capacity battery pack with a verical grip. Its dedicated set of controls (shutter button, main dial, AE/FE Lock button , and AF frame-select button) allows you to take portait shots with the same ease as horizontal shots.

It can hold one or two BP-511 battery packs to provide approximately twice the shooting capacity of the camera alone. When used with the DC-Coupler DR-400 attached to a CA-PS400, it can draw directly from an AC power source.

Models:

• D60, D30, EOS 10D

Customer Reviews

Some find it indispensable . . .
The Canon BG-ED3 battery grip is an accessory which depending on your shooting preferences, may provide features that are extremely useful. The device is compatible with Canon's D30, D60 and 10D model digital SLR cameras, and accommodates two BP-511 type batteries, providing power capacity for an extended period of time. BP-511 batteries are generally very long lasting, and having available the power of two batteries provides peace of mind for those who shoot for long hours, or frequently use the LCD display.

Very handy for some shooters is an auxiliary shutter button, located on the grip, and positioned to be used when the camera is held in the conventional vertical shooting position. The shutter button is activated by a recessed switch on the grip, and operates in a manner identical to the camera's shutter button.

Though it is relatively light, some may find the grip's additional weight objectionable. Others find the camera to be more balanced and easier to hold and handle, with the grip attached. Especially when a long or heavy lens is attached. Be advised that with the grip attached the space requirement in your camera bag or other carrying gear, will need to be increased a bit. Another "benefit" is purely esthetic, as some users feel the camera simply looks "better" with the grip attached. Secured primarily by a screw that threads into the tripod socket, the grip does have a tendency to loosen up with continued use, and just needs to be tightened occasionally.

With some other Canon camera systems, buying a battery pack grip could be justified for cost saving reasons. Using rechargeable batteries in the grip, eliminates the need to purchase non-rechargeable lithium batteries. Over time, one could save enough to pay for the cost of the grip. In this case, there is no such benefit, as these cameras only use rechargeable BP-511 type batteries. So unless the other features are useful to you, the BG-ED3 may not be a recommended purchase. It mainly depends on the kind of shooting you do, and perhaps the type of lenses you have.

Does its job, but expensive and no BP-512s
If you use larger lenses, you'll probably want this just to balance the camera properly. And since larger lenses need more power to focus, and Image Stabilization drains the batteries more quickly, two batteries can come in handy. Most likely you'll have power for at least a full day of heavy shooting. Unfortunately, though the EOS-10D itself can take BP-512 batteries, this grip cannot - BP-511/511as or similarly-shaped batteries only. It can use different batteries in combination, even with different power ratings; it will first use the higher-charged battery, then drain them both equally. I use a Power 2000 1500mAh/7.4v together with my old BP-511 1100mAh/7.4v.

It comes with a little slot in the side of the shaft that can hold the camera's battery cover (which must be removed) or an extra CF card. Handy. And you get extra control buttons on the grip for taking pictures in a vertical orientation, and a switch to disable them.

The price is excessive, though. If it were priced similarly to the Rebel's grip, I'd give this five stars easily. At US$200, it's a much tougher call - it should still go on your wish lists, but at a much lower priority, depending on your purposes and equipment.

Essential kit.
I have extremely large hands and simply cannot hand-hold a standard EOS 10D without the BG-ED3 battery grip. Without it, I cannot grip the camera with the little finger on my right hand, making the camera feel unbalanced. The front of the BG-ED3 grip rests neatly and comfortably in the heel of my left hand and provides support for the lower half of my right hand, making for very stable shooting in horizontal format. For vertical format shooting, Canon have neatly arranged the controls so that there is minimal difference in feel when shooting this way, again making steady shots much easier. It's ergonomically brilliant. The extra power provided by the second battery is really appreciated when you are shooting with flash. My battery grip lives on the camera and I will, like as not, never take it off. It's an essential piece of kit and I would not use an EOS 10D without it.