Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi & Rebel XT with 2 NB-2LH Batteries
by Opteka
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi & Rebel XT with 2 NB-2LH Batteries
Customer Review: Don't bother with the Canon grip, get this one!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the Opteka grip from Amazon/47th St. Photo after reading the reviews here, and wasn't at all disapointed.
The grip is solid, well-assembled, and matches the finish of my XTi very well. It arrived quickly, well-packed, and with everything as ordered. Attaching it is quick and easy, and it worked first time I put it on and everytime since -- it hasn't left my camera since I put it on.
The included 1800mAh batteries alone last considerably longer than the stock Canon battery -- with two of them in the grip, I just don't worry about running out of power. A week after getting the grip, I did an all-day Little League team/individual shoot; 450 little leagures, team pictures, buddy shots, etc. from 7AM to 6PM. With the two batteries charged the night before, I did well over 600 total shots, and at the end of the day my battery meter was still on full! And I still had the Canon OEM battery as backup.
I own a Canon 5D Mk. II as well as the XTi, and bought the Canon grip for that -- I see no advantages to the higher-priced Canon grip over the Opteka. I recommend it highly.
Customer Review: A good grip, but flawed from the beginning
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm one of those people that tends to buy the 'name brand' of things because from my experience the slightly higher cost seems to lead to higher quality and better customer service. Needless to say I was hesitant about buying anything other than Canon, but the raving reviews here convinced me otherwise.
I'm happy to say the grip is as everyone says: basically exactly the same as the canon version. As another reviewer mentioned, the button is a bit "mushy", but it works fine and for 1/2 the price and two extra batteries, I'll live with this minor shortcoming.
The 'flaw' I mention is the original design of the grip from the get go. It fits snuggly to the camera but having been a film photographer for many years, I'm used to a grip that seems to hug the camera body better and become a more integral piece of the body as a whole. I'm not sure that this really matters in the end but I have to say asthetically I am a bit disappointed. It would also seem to offer a bit more protection from the elements in this manner but who knows.
Overall, a worthy alternative to the canon version.
Customer Review: A necessary addition to the XT/XTi
Summary: 5 Stars
I originally put off buying the XTi because the smaller form factor from the Rebel meant that it was too small in my hands to use comfortably. I had to hold it like I was tea with the queen - with my pinkie finger sticking out in midair which isn't all that comfortable after a while. And there was no way that I was paying the OEM prices. I found the grip here, and picked up the XTi the same day.
With the grip and a hand strap, everything changes. Now I can comfortably hold it all day if I need to. And with the extra battery in the grip, you have the power to shoot all day too!
There are the little things that make this an exceptional product too. Personally, because I use the hand grip, I don't use the vertical shooting buttons, but they are a nice-to-have for sure. The tray for battery loading on the side and not the bottom is a nice touch also.
all in all, a great product, if you have the unfortunate combination of a teeny tiny XT or XTi and great, big hands, pick this up, it changes your whole shooting experience.
Customer Review: So far so good
Summary: 5 Stars
A huge reason I purchased the Canon Rebel XT was for it's small size as I'm typically out skiing, cycling, or partaking in some other outdoor adventure. I bought the Opteka grip w/ extra batteries for a couple reasons:
1)Occassionally I will actually take my car to get somewhere and this is when I realize the benefit of having the extra grip. It adds quite a bit of comfort to the small size of the Canon Rebel XT and has enough features to make it useful. Plus, it's super easy to remove the battery door and insert the grip into the camera
2)The extra batteries - originally I was just shopping for some extra batteries for my camera, but when I saw the price of this grip along with two extra batteries, coupled with some good reviews, I figured I would give the whole package a try as I knew everything would come in handy
So far so good. I don't think the cheap batteries hold a charge for as long as the Canon-brand ones, but to me the price is worth the sacrifice...at least so far.
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Customer Review: Own a Rebel Xti? GET THIS BATTERY GRIP!
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently purchased a Canon Rebel Xti and I have been keeping my eye on the Opteka Battery Grip. I heard nothing but great things about it plus, it came with 2 extra batteries so I thought I could not lose.
The battery grip makes a world of difference. The Xti seems a little awkward to hold specially if you have large hands. Once the grip was attached, I thought of why I did not get it when I first purchased my camera. Installation is way too easy. I charged the batteries in less than 2 hours and I was off to go. So far, I have gone about 2 weeks and the battery life meter is still showing full.
As far as the quality, I cannot compare it to the Canon grip because I have yet to see/feel one but from the other reviews I have read, there is little to no difference.
I read in one review that the vertical shutter button feels a little mushy. Not to me. It does the job in fact, all of the buttons on the grip to their job.
I absolutely recommend this product!