Canon BG-E3 Camera Battery Grip

Just got the BG-E3 battery grip...

Strengths: Extends battery life when used with multiple batteries, easier grip for both horizontal and vertical shooting

Weakness: Slightly pricey.

Just got the BG-E3 battery grip for the Rebel XT, and it performs exactly as described. Comes with two cartridges, one that holds 6 AA batteries, and one that holds 2 NB2LH batteries. It did improve the grip for me with the Rebel XT, but I would recommend that you try out the Rebel XT for a few shoots, before you decide whether or not you need to get the Vertical grip. To me, it is an improvement...
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Just got the BG-E3 battery grip for the Rebel XT, and it performs exactly as described.

Comes with two cartridges, one that holds 6 AA batteries, and one that holds 2 NB2LH batteries.

It did improve the grip for me with the Rebel XT, but I would recommend that you try out the Rebel XT for a few shoots, before you decide whether or not you need to get the Vertical grip. To me, it is an improvement but not a necessity; my hands are average size. Consider how often you will shoot vertically, as the grip will help immensely if you do.

Also, it does add weight to the camera, which can be a pro or con. Good if you want to 'balance' out heavier lenses, but bad if you don't want to carry a heavier load all day long.

But, it does perform its advertised function, and is a great addition to a Rebel XT. Just consider the price/benefit before making this purchase, as it is not for everyone.

By alip - May 16, 2005

BG-E3 the saving grace for the little Rebel XT

Strengths: Sturdy construction, adds much needed grip space and leverage when using heavy lenses, two batteries in grip last forever.

Weakness: None other than a vertical shutter release is now a "need" for my future cameras :)

I bought this grip after reading the complaints regarding the small hand grip size on the Rebel XT. I am 6'2" and have long, somewhat thin fingers, and I had read how one reviewer thought it was a whole different camera with the BG-E3 on it. I couldn't agree with him more! I have been doing mostly wedding photography since I got my Rebel XT and the BG-E3 has been indispensible since so much of my...
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I bought this grip after reading the complaints regarding the small hand grip size on the Rebel XT. I am 6'2" and have long, somewhat thin fingers, and I had read how one reviewer thought it was a whole different camera with the BG-E3 on it. I couldn't agree with him more!

I have been doing mostly wedding photography since I got my Rebel XT and the BG-E3 has been indispensible since so much of my shooting is in the portrait orientation. While the extra height the BG-E3 gives when shooting horizontal does offer some needed leverage for handling heavy lenses easier, the vertical grip is thick and meaty and very easy to hold. When I'm working a wedding or reception, I'm usually switching quickly between a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 and a Sigma EX 70-200 f/2.8 lens. Neither of which is quite as heavy as their Canon L-series counterparts, but they are good sized chunks of glass, and the BG-E3 helps to stabilize shooting with these lenses significantly.

The few controls on the BG-E3 are just as easy to use as the analogous controls on the body. I've found that putting it on and taking it off is very easy and a fairly quick process since the battery door tucks in nicely along the contact arm that goes up inside the camera body.

I bought two third-party batteries that are rated for more MaH than the standard Canon battery and use them in the BG-E3. This has also been a great advantage as I am able to shoot a full wedding with pre- and post- pictures and at a 3-4 hour reception with the battery indicator only dropping to it's first "half-empty" indicator at the end of all that. The batteries are very easy to change and it comes with an adaptor to use 6 standard AA batteries, though I haven't used that option yet.

I strongly recommend this battery grip for any one that uses the heavier, high-speed "professional" lenses, to make the Rebel XT a very useful tool, and to anyone looking for better grip area and/or battery life and vertical shutter release. Once you try a vertical grip, you won't want to go back!

By abroken1 - Jul 22, 2005

The BG-E3 Vertical Grip/Battery...

Strengths: Full vertical operation. Two power options.

Weakness: Build quality. Strange behavior with NiMH batteries.

The BG-E3 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder for the Canon EOS REBEL-XT Digital Camera serves two purposes 1. It lets you use the camera either with two lithium batteries or with 6 'regular' AA batteries. This significantly increases the number of pictures you can take without replacing batteries, and allows the use rechargeable AA batteries. 2. It lets you take pictures conveniently in vertical mode,...
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The BG-E3 Vertical Grip/Battery Holder for the Canon EOS REBEL-XT Digital Camera serves two purposes
1. It lets you use the camera either with two lithium batteries or with 6 'regular' AA batteries. This significantly increases the number of pictures you can take without replacing batteries, and allows the use rechargeable AA batteries.
2. It lets you take pictures conveniently in vertical mode, with 5 of the camera's most useful buttons and 7 of its most useful functions duplicated on the vertical grip. An on/off switch lets you disable the grip, to avoid releasing the shutter by mistake.

In functionality, this is very similar to the vertical grips/boosters that come with professional Canon cameras such as the EOS-1. It is well designed ergonomically, and comes with two battery holder frames for use with both battery types (AA or NB-2LH). These frames were apparently designed to be as light as possible, and seem a bit fragile. Not a problem during use, but care should be taken when replacing batteries. I also noticed that when using rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, the camera's power level indicator claims the batteries are empty long before they really are. I don't know whether it's the grip's fault or the camera's, but it shortens the time you can shoot on this type of batteries without recharging.

By tuvik - May 22, 2005

BG-E3 Battery Grip for Canon Digital Rebel XT

Strengths: Allows you to go twice as long before recharging batteries; great quality and fitment.

Weakness: None that I can see.

The BG-E3 is a fantastic accessory for the Digital Rebel XT for two reasons: 1) the additional size and weight eliminated the hand fatigue I was suffering from when taking a lot of shots because the camera is more balanced, and 2) the battery grip effectively doubles the number of shots you can take before having to recharge the batteries. With the battery grip installed, the Digital Rebel XT...
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The BG-E3 is a fantastic accessory for the Digital Rebel XT for two reasons: 1) the additional size and weight eliminated the hand fatigue I was suffering from when taking a lot of shots because the camera is more balanced, and 2) the battery grip effectively doubles the number of shots you can take before having to recharge the batteries.

With the battery grip installed, the Digital Rebel XT definitely has a more professional-like feel. The rubber also has a "grippier" feel than that of the camera.

By qnguyenca - Dec 11, 2005

Rebel XT Battery Grip BG-E3

Strengths: size, price, functionality

Weakness: none

This grip adds so much to my 350D! It makes it a lot easier to do side shots and it balances the camera when a heavy lens is being used. It is well worth the money.

By PineappleDevil - Sep 23, 2005