Next Time You Shop Digital Cameras, Get a Battery Grip

When you shop digital cameras, there are tons of tempting accessories to indulge in. A camera bag is a necessity, as you want to keep your new piece of machinery safe and sound. Lenses are a pricey add-on, but a must for anyone looking for variety in their shots. Filters, as we mentioned last week, are great for getting really varied, creative shots no matter what the lighting situation is like. Tripods are optimal for steady shots and portraits, but many can do without them because they’re a little heavy to lug around and aren’t really a necessity for the average photographer. Something that many people overlook when they shop digital cameras is a battery grip.

You don’t have to be a professional to benefit from a battery grip. The main benefit is more power and longer battery life. Two batteries mean you have to recharge half as much. Another benefit is the second shutter release button and setting dial, which can make portrait shooting a lot easier. Battery grips do add quite a bit of bulk to your camera. The weight can be a disadvantage if you’re not looking to carry around extra weight, but for some, it makes taking steady shots easier. The added weight really makes the camera sit in your hand allowing you to control any unwanted shake easier than you would with a lighter camera.