Canon SLR Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Canon 30d’

Canon BG E4 Battery Grip for EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera

The Canon BG-E4 Battery Grip for the EOS 5D Digital SLR Camera adds a vertical shutter release to an already robust camera. This grip is compatible with up to two of Canon’s BP-511A battery packs or, alternatively, a set of six AA-size batteries, for increased shooting capacity and greater convenience when traveling. In addition, it features an AE/FE lock button, AF point selector, and a main dial to enable comfortable use of the camera when held vertically.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Canon battery grip for 5D
As a beach wedding photographer, using the Canon 5D as my primary camera, a double battery grip is essential – no more changing batteries when you least expect it! The full frame sensor requires more power than my back up Canon 30D. Recently, my original 3 year old BG E4 battery grip started draining both batteries in the grip with just about 100-120 shots being taken – causing me to change batteries half way through a wedding ceremony! This was absolutely not acceptable! I replaced older batteries with new ones and the same thing happened the next wedding the following week. I checked message boards to see what other photographers might have encountered – everyone blamed it on the batteries or flash heads – I even wondered if my flash bracket was causing overheating. I wondered if my camera was just overheating? After method of elimination and no time to spare between my next wedding, I ordered a new Canon battery grip from Amazon and swapped out battery grips. Aah, problem solved. Turned out there is a circuit board inside the battery grip that can go bad. I sent the grip off to Canon for repair – costing me $50 (includes shipping). Meanwhile, Amazon saved the day, I ordered from Amazon at the beginning of the week and by Thursday,the product was in hand – one day before my Friday wedding – no problems since – thanks Amazon!

5 Stars Heavy but necessary for steadier and quicker vertical photos
Warning: The BG-E4 may not be for everyone. It will be a pain to lug around all day with it attached to a 5D.

Battery grips completes a camera without a built in vertical shutter release button. I have it on a 5D mated to a light weight Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens.

I’ve had MB-12’s on Nikon FE’s, an MB-10 on a Nikon F90x, and a BG-E3 on a Canon Digital Rebel XT. All were necessary tools for me. The BG-E4 is no different. It’s heavy at 2 pounds. But, without it, my vertically oriented photos lack a level of steadiness which affects composition.

Also, the BG-E4 is manufactured with magnesium alloy. That’s why you pay more for the Canon grip.

5 Stars Love this!!!
This battery grip makes shooting for long periods of time (weddings) SO much easier and perfectly balances out the top-heavy feeling of a flash!

5 Stars Great grip
For the old 5D users who don’t have a battery grip, this accessory is well worth it. I shoot with 2 L series lenses which have an aperture of 2.8, this makes the camera very nose heavy. I use the grip to offset that nose heavy feel and to extend my shoot times.

Bulky, it is not so bad. Some users complain of its bulk, but hey the DSLR is way bulky already.

Build quality – I think the new generation of grips are made out of plastic. The old ones were made out of aluminum but overall, very sturdy. They probably use the same plastic used in polymer hand guns. Very tough.

The price difference between “New” and “used” in my case was about $50. So, I bought a new one.

5 Stars Long life and professional look
If you plan to be away from a charging outlet for a while like long photoshoots or days in the field like me then it would be wise to get a hold of one of these. Besides the extended battery life it offers, it also gives the camera a real professional look and feel. That extra shutter release and scroll where is also a welcomed benefit when shooting in portrait orientation. This is a good buy.

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Canon ACK E2 AC Power Adapter Kit for Canon 30D 40D 50D and 5D Digital SLR Cameras

Canon is a leader in professional business and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. By developing innovative, high-quality business solutions Canon makes it easy to create, manage, and share images and information better, faster, and more efficiently.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars It’s what canon Left OUT of the Kit
This is what Canon left out of the kit. Well, not really but it would have been nice to find one in the box. Though it’s really only good for stationary studio work.

But, that is exactly why I bought these adapter. I can leave Liveview running full time while I do product shots and never have to swap out batteries after a couple hours or so…I would say for me it’s worth it;s weight in gold. Just slips into your battery compartment and on the 40D the cord exits sort of out the front of the body. There is a small rubber flap I never noticed until I bought the adapter and had to figure out how it was going to work given the battery door…hehehe…turns out Canon was thinking ahead on this one.

I highly recommend this to anyone who shoots a lot of static studio product shots and needs Liveview. It will save you 2-3x it’s cost in the first year you use it since you won’t need extra BP511A batteries for your studio time. There is pretty much no strain on the camera from the adapter so you could, with a long enough extension cord and some nimble feet, move around a bit with the camera off the tripod.

5 Stars Great Idea!
I don’t have to worry about battery power when taking many photos at one time.

4 Stars Works as advertised
Plugged it in, worked like a charm. Could stand to be cheaper… if you can get a hold of a cheaper, reliable alternative, go for it.

4 Stars Canon Adapter Kit
Compareble cheap and high quality item. I also admire that Amozon delivered it on time. Thanks a lot.

5 Stars Power for indoor shoots that doesn’t fail
I use these adapter kits to power my cameras on indoor professional shoot sessions. They are reliable and easy to use in my Canon EOS digital cameras.

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