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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List Price: Category: Digital Camera See more product details |
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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: GREAT product and much cheaper than the Canon version
Summary: 5 Stars
Even after reading the mixed reviews, I decided to go ahead with my purchase of the Opteka grip and batteries and I have not regretted it once. At nearly half the price of the Canon version and WITH two batteries (both with more power than the battery shipped w/ my XTi), I have been very pleased!!! Yes, the shutter release on the grip is a little "mushy" as people have mentioned. However, don't be fooled, the click for the auto-focus is just as nice as the camera's shutter release. It's AFTER that point that it feels a little mushy. However, I kinda like it, because you don't press the shutter release, you actually squeeze it. The only time it's been even remotely an issue is when I was doing action shots of kids. It's a little awkward to hold it down for continuous shooting. But, using it is SOOO much more comfortable for portrait shots.
I really didn't like the feel of my XTi when I bought it. Now I love it!!!
Customer Review: Completes XTi
Summary: 5 Stars
XTi's are light and somewhat small. I didn't realize how awkward XTi's are ergonomically, but this battery pack grip improves the ergonomics and the feel of my XTi. I have the bettery pack and grip on all of the time now. For this price, opteka includes two batteries and an insert for using AA batteries. So, the battery power I have is seemingly endless. On my recent trip to Russia, I didn't have easy access to recharge the batteries. However, armed with the battery that came with the camera, battery pack grip (2 batteries), and a battery pack grip insert (for rechargeable AA batteries), I shot on average 400-500 shots for many, many days (so long I can't even remember).
My XTi feels so much better with this battery pack grip attached, and I know I have enough fire power to shoot for days without recharge, if I have to. At about half of the cost of the Canon brand battery pack grip, I am even happier with this purchase.
Customer Review: Great accessory
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this hoping that the extra battery would extend my shooting time. I was frustrated with my P&S camera that ate through AA batteries like crazy. Brand new Alkalines would last maybe 20-30 pictures. Anyway, having 2 batteries loaded into this thing gave me 5 to 6 hundred pictures before I had to recharge. Needless to say I'm really happy with it. There is a tactile difference in the way the button feels when taking pictures as compared to the button on the camera, but after using a few times, you forget about it. I highly recommend this product. I haven't tried the Canon manufactured version of this, but this Opteka product is great.
The only complaint I have is that I can't find a multiple battery charger! I have to charge each battery individually or purchase an additional charger for each additional battery to be able to charge them all at the same time....
Customer Review: Tad bit disappointed. Expected more from such great reviews.
Summary: 3 Stars
I've read so many reviews on how great this item is and for the cost. Personally, I didn't buy this item for the batteries. I bought it for the grip.
Pros:
Built close to Canon grip.
Nice to have slip resistant grip.
Extra batteries area always nice to have.
Cons:
Controls (wheel+buttons) feel like their going to break if I use them.
Buttons work, intermittently. One doesn't even work at all.
Price. If all you want is to beef up your camera body, you can buy a similar item for half the cost of the Opteka.
I've never owned a true Canon grip so I am basing my review off the camera body controls. Honesly, I wouldn't buy this again. Yeah, I've fattened my body but the controls are nearly worthless. I don't use them anyways so I can't complain too much. But hey, at least I won't run out of batteries =)
Customer Review: Nice Grip, Nice quality, Low Price, No Regrets
Summary: 4 Stars
Just received my battery grip today so I've only fired a few shots using it.
Negatives: The shutter release is quite a bit more "soft" than I had expected, but I dont expect to use it all that often. The rubber grip inlay has some bubbling along the edges and I'm sure its only a matter of time before it starts to peel, though a little super glue will take care of that.
I haven't had a chance to charge the 2 additional batteries yet so I cant speak to their ability.
Positives: Great price, cant imagine paying $40-50 more basically just to have the Canon label on it. Great fit to the camera, no gaps or misalignments. Dramatic improvement in the overall feel of the camera. I finally have a place to comfortably place my pinky finger.
The Positives far outweigh the minor imperfections, cant go wrong with this one.