Targus TG-BG350 Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT/ XTi

Targus Battrey Grip- Not too good~~~

Strengths: Price is the main plus as it's $40 less expensive than the OEM Canon version.

Weakness: Rubber is affixed with low adhesive glue- it peels off! Small screws into plastic bosses and crack easily.

Many users who like the idea of backing up their "pro" cams with the newer smaller DSLR's may find themselves considering the optional grips on the market. Of course there are original OEM grips and some aftermarket grips as found on eABY and those sold on several photo websites. I came across a EOS Rebel XT/XTi compatible grip by Targus sold at B&H. It seems to be a Chinese copy of the Canon...
Read Full Review

Many users who like the idea of backing up their "pro" cams with the newer smaller DSLR's may find themselves considering the optional grips on the market. Of course there are original OEM grips and some aftermarket grips as found on eABY and those sold on several photo websites. I came across a EOS Rebel XT/XTi compatible grip by Targus sold at B&H. It seems to be a Chinese copy of the Canon grip and seemed like a better buy at $99 as opposed to the $139 Canon version. Having spent thousands already on photo gear, I opted for the cheaper Targus unit as I didn't see a reason to spend the extra $40 for what seemed to be the same type of product.
Well after arriving home with my new XTi and Targus grip I noticed the power light on the camera wasn't working right- it was dropping the power intermittently. I initially thought it was the XTi and was about to box it up for a return to B&H. I replaced the battery arrangement back to the stock setup and noticed the power was working correctly- this of course lead me to believe the Targus grip was the culprit and the Canon camera was fine. After some careful examining I noticed the Targus plate where the tripod screw mounts the grip to the camera was loose and I thought a simple tightening was in order to get everything back to normal. It turned out every screw was loose because the plastic tabs they screw into were broken- every one of them!! The Targus unit seems to have a fatal flaw in this setup. Even if a user get's one that isn't broken- it's a matter of time before that plate rips the screws out of the plastic threaded area.....beware the Targus Battery Grip....it's far too fragile and dosn't seem to be worth the $40 savings......as for me- I'll be getting a new Canon grip tomorrow AM.......sometimes it just pays to spend a little more for the "real" thing- and in this case- the OEM is the better deal!

Note: I'm sure some here may be using the Targus unit with success- and it will work initially- the problem is if the grip unit gets a sharp bang or if it is removed a few times it seems only a matter of time before the unit strips the plastic bosses that hold the tripod screw onto the XT/XTi bodies. Just a bit too much pressure on the screws and it will surely strip those screws out.....I'm not sure how well the Canon unit is made but after a search on several threads revealed others having problems with their "aftermarket" grips- I think it's a safe bet to use a genuine Canon unit.

By the way- if anyone has a Targus unit they can't return, I think if you "super-glue" the plate on and screw the grip gently onto the body- it should work fine.

I hope this info helps anyone considering these after-market units......this was just my experience with the Targus unit but I thought I'd post my experience for those considering them.

By stevenunez - Nov 26, 2006

Very disappointed

Strengths: 2 batteries vs 1 Easy installation

Weakness: Cheap construction Buttons do not always respond to being pressed adhesive holding the rubber grip was letting go even before using

I was so excited to get the grip for my XTi. I was really looking forward to increasing the grip length on my XTi. But from the moment I opened the box I was disappointed. The rubber grip on the extension wasn't affixed to the plastic. I just assume the machine that built it probably just didn't press it down. So I pressed it down and installed the grip. Installation was extremely smooth. Next...
Read Full Review

I was so excited to get the grip for my XTi. I was really looking forward to increasing the grip length on my XTi. But from the moment I opened the box I was disappointed. The rubber grip on the extension wasn't affixed to the plastic. I just assume the machine that built it probably just didn't press it down. So I pressed it down and installed the grip. Installation was extremely smooth. Next after installing I found I didn't like how the grip made the camera so bulky. I figured its okay I will get used to it, but never got that chance. The next day I pick up the camera and notice the rubber is not affixed to the plastic again. So now I am pointing to process control on the adhesive being used. Anyhow at that point I knew the grip would be going back. I still needed to decide if I was going to order another one or not, so I proceeded to use the grip and found the buttons being pressed on the added grip do not always register with the camera. That was the last straw. I proceeded to repackage the grip and return it. I don't know if I will order a knock off again if I can even bring myself to purchasing another grip.

By daryldarly - Nov 5, 2006

Targus TG-BG350 Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT/ XTi

Strengths: Looked okay out of the box - is this Targus the same as Targus computer products and bags?????

Weakness: Rubber grip started pealing immediately now after a few uses the XTi tells me that the battery pack needs to be charged and the camera does not work.

Each battery works in the camera and shows 75% life but without a full charge in the batteries the unit will not allow the camera to function. Now I'm stuck between reseller, manufacturer and battery company for who is at fault - I should have bought the Canon model........

By anonymous; - Nov 14, 2006