Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS, XSi and T1i with 2 LP-E5 Batteries (3600 mAh Total)

Reviews of Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS, XSi and T1i with 2 LP-E5 Batteries (3600 mAh Total)

1.) One of the best accessories for your Canon Rebel XSi (450D)
Reviewed by: mutiny Queens, New York
Rating:
Many will tell you that the best accessory you can buy for your camera is a flash while some would say a remote. When it comes to battery grips, questions such as "would I really need the comfort to shoot in portrait for macro photography?" would come to mind. Often times, it's what deters us from buying a grip... the uncertainty of whether we will need it or not. Not sure which specific field in photography I'm getting myself into, I was hesitant. But after going to Hawaii for my honeymoon, it turns out that shooting comfortably in portrait for any type of photography was very important.

In this package, having two battery packs is just a bonus. Having an option to hold your camera in portrait position without getting a CTS (carpal tunnel) is the very reason why I bought one.

And so, my research for the ideal (or as close to perfect as possible) battery grip began. Everywhere I looked, reviews pointed to the Canon and the Opteka grips. The quality for both grips seemed to be unrivaled. Then there are others with LCD displays along with other fancy schmancy features. All their reviews seemed to conclude that crappy, thin plastic with plastic (non-rubber) grips couldn't compensate for the price or the features. The annoying play on the shutter button and scroll wheel was where many drew the line. So for me, it was Canon vs. Opteka.

Naturally, the next criteria was the price. After all, who doesn't want the cheapest of the best grips. While Canon's is well over the $100 mark, the Opteka which is said to be the closest to Canon-quality is only $65! As an added bonus, it includes two batteries for only $80 ! Not only are the two batteries included for only an additional $15, they are 1,800mAh as opposed to the 1,080mAh OEM battery. The next step didn't take much thought --I ordered one.

Upon receiving the item, I can tell you that the build is indeed very "OEM-like". Though I have never owned the Canon grip, it doesn't take a genius to compare the materials used on the grip to that of the camera body. It's no wonder people say it's no different from the Canon one. The grips are virtually cut from the same sheet of rubber. The thickness of the plastic also seems very much like the camera body. Aside from the Canon/model branding, there is probably no other difference. And to my surprise, the package also came with an extra battery pack for AA's! Let me say that no matter how professional of a photographer you are, two 1,800mAh batteries will last. Think how long your current OEM 1,080mAh battery lasts (provided that it was broken in properly). Now imagine how long two (not one, but TWO) 1,800mAh would last. But if for some reason you went on a vacation, you forgot to charge, forgot the wall charger, but happen to bring the AA battery pack, just buy six AA's and you're back in business. It's an unlikely situation but that extra option given to you just makes you feel that much more special when buying this product.

But back to the grip... the width is very wide compared to the XSi grip. Opteka's grip feels like a 50D as opposed to a 5D/1D, but it still makes your camera feel like a professional, full frame camera. The shutter button is placed perfectly and has zero play. The scroll wheel is a little shallow and tricky to turn but once again has no play whatsoever. Overall, the grip feels solid and well built. I have no regrets. I even keep the switch on the bottom grip on "ON" all the time so that I can shoot in portrait on the fly.

You won't regret this purchase.

2.) Great Addition to The XSi
Reviewed by: Complimented Chef San Antonio, TX
Rating:
Having been a long time owner of the Opteka Rebel XT grip, I figured I'd give this a shot to accompany my new EOS XSi. The grip has the same shape, feel, and functions as the Canon brand (at a fraction of the price), and I am pleased to report that the Opteka XSi grip has exceeded my expectations.

The grip offers primarily power management advantages along with improved camera handling options at the cost of some weight and bulk. With two of the standard rechargeable batteries in the grip, recycle times for the flash are noticeably quicker. It also adds the option of accepting AA batteries in a pinch.

The two LP-E5 batteries included with the grip are high-capacity and of good quality.

I would recommend this grip to a friend.



3.) Excellent alternative to the original Canon grip
Reviewed by: Valentyn Siniak Texas, USA
Rating:
I was hesitant for quite awhile, whether to get Canon original grip or Opteka's. Decided to give Opteka grip a shot. I literally loved it as soon as I mounted it on my XSi. Very good build quality, all the buttons and the wheel work great (actually I like the feel of Opteka wheel better than camera's). On the tripod it is absolutely solid. Long story short- every single aspect of it is screaming: Save money without quality compromise!

If you considering canon vs. opteka grip (as I did), think no longer! You've found it!

4.) Why Buy Canon?
Reviewed by: Technophobe Oklahoma City, OK
Rating:
The Opteka battery grip for the Canon 450D is a very good investment. Considering you are getting 2 decent batteries, it is almost like the grip is free. The grip is made from the same mold as the Canon but much, much cheaper. The installation is quick and easy. All the buttons are there and it makes the XSI DSLR "feel" much more substantial. Even the rubber-like texture really makes it like the real deal.
Get it, you won't regret it!


5.) Canon Clone has Quality and Value
Reviewed by: colmike Keller, TX
Rating:
The Opteka Battery Grip is nearly identical to the Canon Grip sans the Canon logo. In fact, I believe Opteka may manufacture this grip for Canon as an OEM? Whatever the relationship between Opteka and Canon, this Opteka battery grip is a wonderful value. For little more than the price of a Canon LP-E5 battery, you receive a high quality Opteka battery grip and two excellent 3600 mAh batteries. Now if I could just find a lens manufacturer that provided Canon "L" quality lens clones at a similar value.

6.) Don't Hesistate If You Are Considering!
Reviewed by: HarrisonRHW Wooster, OH
Rating:
I agree with everything said before. I began shopping for a battery grip for better battery life, more comfortable shooting when using a lens like a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, and finally because the XSi feels small in my hands. The Opteka battery grip fills all that and more. You can't beat the price, especially with two batteries that work great. I shopped around for comparisons of the Canon and Opteka grips, and the only complaints I found were about the shutter release being difficult to use and the batteries not working properly (but this was the battery grip for the XT/XTi). I have had neither of those issues so far, and visually, and structurally the only thing difference that is noticeable between this and a Canon battery grip for the XSi is the "Canon" logo.

For the price, I could not be happier, especially because - as one website put it, I have enough extra money to get a nice 50mm Prime Lens when compared to the Canon one. It feels absolutely great, especially if you have larger hands like I do and the XSi feel small in your hands. It also adds a bit of weight, which you would think would make a camera worse, but it makes it so much better to operate. If you are considering a battery grip for your XS/XSi and can't decide between this and the Canon - let me tell you again, the Opteka battery grip is the way to go.

7.) Transforms the XSI!!
Reviewed by: Jeremy
Rating:
Well I have been using this battery grip for about 2 weeks now and I am very impressed. I have shot over 1000 shots and the battery indicator still shows all the bars. I really think this grip has also improved my photography, just because now I take more portrait oriented shots. The weight is perfect; not too light and not too heavy. It is heavy enough to help keep it a little more steady than without it. As stated before the rotational dial does feel a little "mushy", but you will learn to get used to it real fast. Overall an A+ from me! And what a great price!

8.) MUCH cheaper than Canon Brand + Great Quality!
Reviewed by: K. Allen Columbia MO
Rating:
As of the time of this review this grip with batteries is about $130 less than the Canon brand grip and batteries. As others have pointed out the shutter dial doesn't have the same feel as the one on the camera, but it's not a problem - it works great just feels a little different. I'm really, really, glad that I didn't spend the extra money for the brand, this has been a great product.
That can't always be said, in a lot of cases it's better to go with Canon products, but for quality of this grip spend the savings towards a new lens, or some off camera lights.

9.) Perfect for the Canon T1i / 500D
Reviewed by: blog.evosia.com Los Angeles, CA USA
Rating:
Solidly built with a nice rubber grip, it fits the Canon T1i / 500D perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised at how well designed it was. With this grip you can either power your camera with 2 LP-E5 batteries or 6 AAs. Knowing that in a pinch I can run into any grocery store to get AA's is good peace of mind.

It will also run with just 1 LP-E5 battery. And if you have 2, they don't have to be equally charged.

As for the batteries themselves, they fit perfectly into the camera. They are labeled as 1800 mAh which, if accurate, is almost twice as much as the Canon's. The cells are made in Japan so I expect them to be pretty good quality.

The whole set's a bargain compared to the official Canon version. Highly recommended.

Update:
Just returned from a 5 day trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. I had 3 LP-E5 batteries and took this grip with me as a back up in case I run out of power and needed AAs. Well, I arrived on the first day of my trip, turned on my camera and found that somehow my original canon battery somehow discharged during the journey (I had just charged all my batteries before the trip.) Left with 2 fully charged batteries I made it through 3 days of shooting and, thanks to this grip, I picked up some AAs and made it through the final 2 days and never missed a shot. Highly recommended!

10.) Perfect fit for T1i/500D
Reviewed by: Tampa Dave
Rating:
Not much to add to the positives that have already been mentioned by others. It does fit the T1i nicely, works flawlessly, and looks very nice. It's amazing they exactly matched the grip texture to the T1i body texture. Nice job. Also, I was pleasantly surprised the extra batteries charged so quickly, 15-20 minutes each. The grip buttons work perfectly. The grip gives the camera system a nice solid feel and makes shooting much more comfortable. Looks great, works great, I'm happy.

11.) With Rebel XS? Yes!
Reviewed by: J. Ramirez
Rating:
I agonized over whether to buy this battery grip for my Rebel XS. I read a couple of reviews that were complaining about a mysterious glitch mounting the battery grip to the camera. But I couldn't resist the price, so I went for it. And... it works great!! I don't know what problems other reviewers were having, but mine mounted easily with no problems.
Bottom line, this battery grip lives up to the five star reviews here on Amazon. It feels sturdy, comfortable, and looks great on the camera. The two batteries included are awesome. Because of the lower price and good build, I highly recommend this product over the official Canon grip.

12.) Does the job flawlessly!
Reviewed by: Jo Portland, ME USA
Rating:
Despite the criticisms in some reviews about the quality (especially the covering material), I went with the advice some offered - just get it! I'm very pleased with it. I'm using it on my Canon Rebel xsi. It fits my hand well, all the functions work as they should, and it fits perfectly to the camera - everything is tight with no play or looseness anywhere. I do a lot of close-up photography and often shift to vertical alignment to frame a shot. The grip makes this much easier. The few portraits I've done were much easier because it's so easy to shoot vertically. For my ourooses it's perfect, and a great buy for the money. Unless you're a pro, giving your camera heavy use on a daily basis, I recommend you get this grip and put the mmoney you save towards that extra lens you've been wanting (don't we all).

13.) Excellent product to have for my Canon Rebel XS
Reviewed by: Daemon TX, USA
Rating:
The Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS & Digital Rebel XSi is a must have accessory for your DSLR. I got mine from Amazon and you can get one for $79.00 with 2 Opteka LP-E5 Batteries. I choose this over the Canon BG-E5 Battery Grip, mainly because of the price, the Canon BG-E5 cost between $140 to $220. The Opteka Batt Grip BG-RXs, uses the same factory and mold that Canon use for their BG-E5 Battery Grip. The BG-RXs holds 6 AA Batteries or 2 LP-E5 batteries which gives you exteremely extended shooting time. It comes with cartidge for both AA Batteries and LP-E5 Batteries. I love the vertical shutter release which makes shooting in vertical position quick and very comfortable. Another great feature of this grip is the button for AE lock, AF Point Selector, Aperture value, shutter and mail dial. The BG-RXs is compatible with both the Canon Rebel XSi and XS DSLR. I must admit, I'm impress with the performance, I'm using a Sigma APO DB 70-300mm AF which consumes a lot of battery power, but with the BG-RXs, this is a thing of the past. Sometimes when I go out to take pictures I can used up my 8gb Turbo A-Data SD Card / 500 + shots with RAW + Jpeg settings, without worry that I might run out of battery. I also carry with me a spare 6 Energizer NH15BP-4 ACCU 2500mAh Rechargeable AA Batteries (Four-pack)AA Batteries and the AA battery cartridge that came with my BG-RXs. Over all it an excellent addition to my DSLR Gear. If you are confuse whether to get the Canon BG-E5 or the Opteka BG-RXs Battery Grip, think no longer.



14.) Buy this now!
Reviewed by: The Pimento Midland, TX United States
Rating:
I've never had a real problem with battery life on my XS, but I went ahead and bought this battery grip for the 2 extra batteries, as well as the features it packs. The bottom shutter release, zoom buttons, and bottom tripod mount make this battery grip from Opteka a must-buy, even for amateur/hobbyist photographers.

The real stand-out features are the 2 batteries and the grip. Not having to worry about "did I charge my battery before I left" will never cross your mind again. The grip feels much more comfortable than the one on the XS.

If you've looked at this item multiple times and still haven't bought it, what are you waiting for? It's cheap, comes with 2 extra batteries, and it will make you look like a more "professional" photographer. Seriously, if you have this, and a telephoto lens, you'll be able to get into any major function. (Your mileage may vary. haha.)

15.) Great product!! Great value.
Reviewed by: Pinlifter54 Indianapolis, IN.
Rating:
This is a quality product that never comes off of my T1i. The battery power goes on and on and on. It really beefs up the T1i's frame and is very practical for portrait work. Why pay for the canon name on the same product?

16.) Great grip!
Reviewed by: robholio virginia beach,va
Rating:
This is great! Not only is this a good grip, it came with 2 batteries, all for less than the Canon grip with NO batteries. It has really transformed my Canon XSi. I would definitely recommend this!

17.) great addition for eos
Reviewed by: Norman Bergman wisconsin
Rating:
I LOVE IT! IT GIVES ME SOMETHING TO HOLD ONTO. THE XSI IS JUST A LITTLE TOO SMALL FOR MY HANDS. ALONG WITH THE GRIP YOU GET TWO MORE BATTERIES. FOR ME, THE EXTRA SIZE AND WEIGHT LETS ME KNOW I AM USING A CAMERA!

18.) highly recomended
Reviewed by: Travis Florida
Rating:
great, great product.
If you have a XSI you need this.

1-more comfortable grip.
2-sideways shooting
3-battery life is amazing. I shot about 2,000 photos on one charge.

The quality of the opteka is just as good as the canon, I used a friends xsi that had a canon battery grip. It's the exact same thing.

19.) Why buy Canon when you can get this?
Reviewed by: Brad Milwaukee, WI
Rating:
I recently purchased this vertical grip for my Canon T1i. All I can say is wow, what a great deal. Not only does this give the functionality of the vertical grip, but the weight and ability to shoot portraits more comfortably. An added plus is that it came with two LP-E5 batteries, that are 1800 mAh vs. the 1280 mAh that came with the camera. This grip is almost identical to the Canon version, except for the premium price. I looked at the Canon version, and the only difference besides the Name on it and price was the scroll wheel on the canon was a bit more like the camera's. This however is a small downside, since the rest of it is solid and great to use.

20.) Exceeded expectations.
Reviewed by: C. Adams Newark DE
Rating:
The Opteka grip is a sturdy well built option if you find that you are taking most of your shots in portrait framing. This grip has not been off my 1000D since its purchase. The Quality of the grip, and the higher capacity batteries this came with impressed me. I have purchased more Opteka products from 47th Street Photo since this purchase and would recommend this product and vendor to friends and family.

21.) Great value
Reviewed by: H. Nguyen
Rating:
This first one I received was defective, so there may be some quality control. However, the second one I received worked marvelously. Really long battery life. Makes my T1i feels really good. For the price, every T1i owner should get one. Yeah, the rotating dial feels a little cheap but it still works fine. You cant complain since this is a real bargain with two batteries.

22.) Excellent Aftermarket Battery Grip
Reviewed by: SLR Fan Michigan
Rating:
You can't beat this deal. The only difference I can see from the outside is the abscence of the CANON logo. The craftsmanship is excellent and the fit and function is perfect. The color matches my T1i camera including the rubber material.

The two LP-E5 batteries included with the grip are high-capacity and of good quality too.

I definitely recommend buying this Opteka grip to everyone.





23.) GREAT BUY!
Reviewed by: Chad M. Redling
Rating:
My inclination naturally is to buy the nicest things I can afford and sometimes not afford. And if I was made of money and had an XSi or T1i kicking around and wanted a battery grip I would have bought canon without a thought, and probably from a retail store. But I am not made of money and after receiving the product yesterday I can say I am not sorry for going third party.

After much reading. I too decided to go with the Optecka battery grip. What can I say that hasn't already been said? Not much. It is solid, the batteries are cheap and great, the AA's are perfect in a pinch, the buttons feel a little different than the canon buttons, it is made from the same factory and mold as the canon.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned and it may just be my ignorance, but the grip is much bulkier than I had thought it would be. It has a different fit than the camera grip. This was my first battery grip so I'm not sure why but I was expecting it to fit just like the camera's grip. it does not. It fits much more square in the hands than one would think, and that is fine. It's just a foreign feel. I'm sure I will get use to it very quickly.


All in all I am excited about the purchase and looking forward to using it the weekend at my friend's wedding.


24.) Never Taking It Off My Camera
Reviewed by: M. Banks
Rating:
A few minor quibbles first:
- The included batteries are advertised as 1800mAh but the ones I got were 1500mAh. However, they seem to last forever. Over the course of a month I took 1500 pictures on a single charge (I hardly ever use flash).
- The control wheel is not quite as good as the built in one but it still gets the job done.
- The camera and the grip are VERY subtly different shades of black but it is only apparent up close, under strong light.

That said, I doubt I will ever take this grip off my camera. I have large hands and my XSi just never felt as comfortable in my hands as my much larger EOS 1n film body. The XSi with the grid handles so much better in both horizontal and vertical format. It attaches to the body very securely with no looseness or wiggle whatsoever.

I'm sure that the Canon Grip is slightly better built but it costs significantly more and doesn't come with two extra batteries. If I had bought the Canon Grip and two LP-E5 batteries it would have cost over $200. The Opteka Grip is a great value and I can't think of any good reasons *not* to buy it.

25.) Great Canon XSI Combo!
Reviewed by: Bill W. Washington, D.C.
Rating:
This product is a no-brainer on a lot of fronts. Using on a Rebel XSI. Price is fantastic. Quality is high. Comes with two batteries that work in tandem to give you a huge power reserve over a single battery. And, if you are using a large and/or heavy lens like the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS it gives you a welcome extra part of the camera body to hold onto for a great feeling of extra security. Just buy it -- you'll love it.

26.) Great Grip.. ! Good Bundle....
Reviewed by: Bruno Freitas Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rating:
I must say that I was a bit skeptical on choosing the Opteka one, compared to the original CANON Grip, since I already owned one (at my REBEL XT)..

After a little bit of review searches over the internet, a lot of people saying that it was basically the same thing, without the CANON brand...

I got the Opteka grip and I am really satisfied with it. Price is good and it comes with 2 good bateries with it.
Hard to beat...

My only comment would go to the finish of the product, the rubber grip is acctually not properly fitted to the grip (as per photos which I added up to this review), to which I had to use SUPER Glue Gel to get it fully bonded to the grip, only a minor detail thing that could be a drawback only to someone looking for 101% perfection, but, the CANON one which I own did not have this issue, which I believe is mainly because of the material used.

Sure, I must also say that the rubber on the grip is actually REAL RUBBER ! Therefore, gives you a GREAT GRIP! Even better then the CANON one, which mimics the Rubber grip with some plastic Rugged feel.

Overall... I say ! Give it a 10..
No need to purchase the Canon one and pay twice as much !
This will definatelly be a perfect match, as I do not see me using just the camera without the grip.

Oh! And another thing I must say is how the Camera + Grip are quite lighter than my previous Rebel XT Bundle.

Go for it.

27.) Can't go wrong with this.
Reviewed by: M. Gong Orange County
Rating:
I don't write many reviews, only on products that I think will truly help all. I have a Canon T1i, my first DSLR, and I was really bothered by the grip not being long enough like a Canon 50D. I was ready to return the camera and buy a 50D because of the feel, but wanted to try this first. I can honestly say that if you have the same issue as me, this grip should help with it. I no longer have grip issues with the camera when I attached this. I have a Canon 70-200mm F/2.8 Lens and its a heavy beast, and with this grip, it makes handheld shooting a lot easier.
Secondly...battery life! With the stock battery, I could take about 300 pictures and the battery needed charging. After I added this grip with the two Opteka batteries it came with, I haven't needed to charge the battery in about two weeks and have snapped about 600 photos so far, AND the battery meter still shows full. If you are going on vacation, this might be a good choice because you probably will never need to charge your batteries. Only thing it will add bulk to the camera.
The one thing I don't like about it....is the dial on the grip. You know the one that lets you adjust the settings. It doesn't seem well built to me. Its hard to turn sometimes, its kinda sunken into,...it gets sticky sometimes. Minor as I don't shoot portrait style a lot, but just thought I mention it.

28.) A no-brainer upgrade!
Reviewed by: Kurtis M. Miller North Georgia USA
Rating:
Lets face it... the Canon Rebel series camera bodies are tiny! Adding a battery grip gives your camera a bunch more/needed real estate. It gives you a better grip on the camera, which I feel adds stability to help take care of some of the camera shake, as well as the beauty of adding a comfortable shutter button in portrait position.

I am glad I came across the Opteka battery grip line, a great alternative to the Canon grip. The typical reviews here of this grip pretty much explain my experience with it.

It comes with two batteries (Optekas version of Canons LP-E5 camera battery) and a charger. A 6AA adapter is included as well but I can't get past the convenience of using 2 batteries instead of fumbling with 6. The cartridge holding the batteries in the grip has a good securing latch that is only disengaged by a pulling out a lever and then twisting it. The on/off switch on the grip controls the buttons on the grip and not power to the camera (I keep it on at all times). I also keep a tripod quick release plate screwed into my grip with minimal effects.

I have noticed that one of my Opteka batteries will not seat right on occasion (reason for a small discount on "battery life") in the battery grip cartridge, which will result in a half battery charge indication (as if you are operating on only one battery in the grip... which you can do). I have concluded the connection problem is on the battery itself having shallower terminals than the other batteries I own, and not the grip. Defective battery?.. I am OK with it because Opteka batteries are so inexpensive.

I use my camera in rugged places for work and play, so I have put a good amount of stress on it. The grips rubber near the shutter release is pulling away and high-wear areas on the rubber are starting to get smooth... I still think this grip is a great deal that being said.

Just buy it already... and enjoy.

29.) One of my best additions.
Reviewed by: cydewaze USA
Rating:
I bought this grip to make the body of my Canon Rebel a better fit for my huge hands. I didn't really care about the additional set of controls for use when shooting in portrait orientation, but I find myself using them all the time now. I've owned the grip for close to three months, and I've done a lot of shooting, but am still on the original charge, so battery life seems really good. It definitely makes the camera body seem more substantial, and I really like having the option of going with the AAs in the event I can't recharge the Canon batteries.

Now I just need to pick up a charger that charges both batteries at once and I'll be set!

30.) Great Value
Reviewed by: Mean Drake India
Rating:
The grip is great quality. The finishing is excellent and it makes the camera look much more professional. It is in my opinion a very suitable to the costlier Canon grip and I recommend it wholeheartedly. The batteries seem to last forever and ease of portrait mode is fantastic.

31.) Club Photographer
Reviewed by: Frank.e Houston, tx
Rating:
So...simple put, THIS IS A GREAT ADDITION TO MY ARSENAL OF ACCESSORIES. i do photography at several night clubs and i take many pictures every night. this battery grip surpasses my expectations and is a perfect equivalent to the canon grip. i use it on my Canon T1i and its flawless. The best feature in my opinion is the ability to have a vertical shutter buttom which is mainly what i use for upclose portrait pictures.

5 STARS!

32.) Works fine with T1i
Reviewed by: spotz44 USA
Rating:
Nice low cost accessory for the Canon T1i, no issues encountered so far with grip or included batteries. Two batteries + grip does add extra weight to camera, but that is to be expected. For any newbies who are reading - You have to remove the battery compartment door for using this grip (or Canon's own grip). DO NOT MISPLACE THE DOOR while it's detached from the camera, keep it in a secure place inside your camera gadget bag!

33.) Buy opteka, not Canon
Reviewed by: Peanut Photography Birmingham, AL
Rating:
This is a great addition to the xsi. Buy the opteka. It's identical to the Canon at half the price. Take the money saved and buy the Canon 50mm 1.8 prime lens.

34.) Perfect fit, multi uses and balances my XSi
Reviewed by: Ted Nickerson Califronia
Rating:
I have the Canon XSi and the 28-135 lens. This lens makes the XSi imbalanced. With the Opteka Battery Pack Grip, the camera is not only balanced again but long lasting. I love attaching the grip for long shooting days and then taking it off for around the house.

35.) Battery Grip
Reviewed by: Kevin E. Whitehead
Rating:
This item is great. There is no point looking at any other battery grip. With the added advantage of the vertical controls,(which I use a lot), and a price you can't beat anywhere....this should be anyone's choice.

36.) Made for Canon
Reviewed by: T. Allen Brooklyn, NY
Rating:
This battery grip is great. I use it with my new Canon T1i and it seems just like part of the cameras' original design. It blends perfectly with the feel, look, and texture of my canon. Would definitely recommend this to someone who wants the look, feel, and style of a Canon grip, but at a much better price point.

37.) Great product !!!
Reviewed by: Mirro Chicago, IL USA
Rating:
When I was looking for a new grip I was considering the Canon brand. Then I found the Opteka one for much better price. The price pushed me towards this one. I have to say it was a good choice.

The grip works great!!! it is very comfortable and good quality. The battery life is great as well.

I highly recommend this product.

38.) Love Love Love this!!!
Reviewed by: TBal Rocklin, Ca
Rating:
If you dont have this...you must get this! The grip makes such a difference when you are using it for portraits! Love the vertical shutter release, it feels great in your hand! You cant beat the price!

39.) 5+ Stars
Reviewed by: deavod Chicago
Rating:
Well it's going to be hard to say something about Opteka that hasn't been said once or twice. I got this for my T1i and it fits perfectly. It looks and feels like it belongs on the camera. I put it on and haven't taken it off since. If you're reading this and you have any doubts about buying this battery grip just buy it!! Think of it this way - you get an adapter that will let you run AA batteries in a pinch. Isn't that worth the price?

40.) Highly pleased with my purchase.
Reviewed by: Sandi Hankins Lufkin, TX
Rating:
I bought the Opteka battery grip to use with my XSi and haven't had a single problem with it. The original camera battery door stores inside the clip so no worries about misplacing it. The batteries that came with the grip have worked flawlessly and I have absolutely no complaints. I would definately recommend this product!

41.) great addition to a Canon Rebel series
Reviewed by: Phillip Ward Petersburg, VA
Rating:
super long battery life with this thing. Opteka uses the same molds as the Canon grips, so form factor is indentical. Quality may be a little less than Canon, but considering you are paying half of what Canon charges, I can take the hit in quality. everything works great as it should. In addition to getting it a lot cheaper than the Canon brand, you also get two high capacity batteries.

42.) Great battery grip
Reviewed by: MR T R
Rating:
I received this battery grip as a gift today. Installation for me was a breeze and I had it on and working on the camera in a matter of minutes! It feels solid and has the overall same feel that the OEM grip provides. Overall I would say that this grip will make a huge difference in the pleasure of handling your camera.

43.) Excellent Accessory for Rebel XSi/450D
Reviewed by: Colonel Panic Bay Area, CA
Rating:
I have always favored battery pack extensions for my film SLRs, and so this was a natural. The XSi does not fit poorly in my hands, but being 6'3", with long fingers, the Opteka made it a better fit. The price compared to the OEM can't be beat, and the quality is very impressive. On the camera, one has a difficult time discerning that it is not OEM. While the unit and two sets of batteries of course adds weight, the heft & size in my hands is very comfortable. And the effectiveness of vertically oriented shooting is much improved. An excellent purchase.

44.) Really good grip!
Reviewed by: Jrley13 Texas, USA
Rating:
I love this grip! I never take it off at all, the battery that came with this lasted pretty long! I had forgotten to turn off my camera and about 3 days later it started to run out of juice, good lasting battery from a 3rd party. although the padding on the grip is starting to thin out on me, maybe due to the fact its being used a lot. Good item, must buy if you wanting to save money.

45.) Well worth the money
Reviewed by: Michael D. Matney Troy, IL United States
Rating:
I bought this grip for my Canon XS and absolutely love it. My Rebel XS is easier to handle and much more stable. The spare batteries hold their charge just as well as the Canon battery that came with my camera. I have been able to take over 800 photos and still not need to recharge the batteries. The construction quality is just as good as the Canon grips I have seen. Well worth the money.

46.) Opteka BG and Batteries - Great stuff
Reviewed by: Robert Hollander Toronto, ON Canada
Rating:
Battery Grip and 2 batteries came as described. I have used them now for over a month. No problems, and have not even opened the second battery as I have the OE Canon that I use along with the one received. The grip is usefull and very comfortable. The secondary controls are comfortable and usefull. Fully recommended product and supplier.

47.) Nice product at a nice price
Reviewed by: Scott S. Bostjancic Harrisburg, PA United States
Rating:
I ordered the Opteka grip instead of the Canon. The package that I ordered contained the charger and 2 rechargeable batteries. I used th egrip with my Rebel Xsi at a wedding. The batteries handled 500 shots without a challenge. My partner has the Canon grip (same set up) on a Rebel T1i. The grips are identical.
Highly recommended.

48.) Amateur photographer
Reviewed by: pablo PA
Rating:
I've used this grip/battery holder, and it has been a great investment.I just started shooting photo to start a business. I have it on a Canon T1i, and it's very comfortable and easy to manage when using different shooting positions. The rubber grip is also very useful and more comfortable than the Nikon D5000 camera. All the buttons and functions work great.

49.) Works just like the original ... for far less $$$
Reviewed by: Shankar Narayanan Ann Arbor, MI United States
Rating:
I am getting into the DSLR photography and bought the Canon XS. Throughly enjoying this camera. Even though I have not come to a situation where I was left stranded with an expired battery, I wanted to get a spare. Then I saw this grip. I have read from photo forums that a grip by itself is a great accessory that allows for better portrait mode (vertical) photo taking.

So, I took the plunge and ordered this. It arrived in just 2 days and I have been using it since yesterday. The batteries look just fine. The charged fully in less than 2 hrs. The grip looks sturdy and easily installed inside the battery compartment. It has all the necessary controls on the grip to enable vertical photo taking. I was used to turning the camera clockwise to take vertical shots without the grip. Now I have to turn the other way, which is taking some getting used to..

So far so good... If this craps out on me (which I doubt) I will be back to update this review..

50.) Everything Works and fits well.
Reviewed by: JNKing Minnesota
Rating:
With two batteries my camera goes a long time. Even shooting video.

Makes my Rebel look and feel like a big buck camera.

Very satisfied.

51.) Fantastic Accessory
Reviewed by: A. Muri
Rating:
Fits absolutely perfectly on an XSi, and looks very professional. Make shooting in portrait much more comfortable, and in general make the camera feel more secure. I checked the soldering job on the tray, and it was fine, so hopefully they fixed the problem that some others were having. I highly suggest this!

52.) Opteka ROCKS!
Reviewed by: Beau Stiles Idaho
Rating:
Delivered as promised. After using the batteries/grip for several events now, I am seriously impressed, from battery life to quality of construction and fit. A+ product and service.

53.) You'll fall in love with your camera all over again
Reviewed by: PHOTOSHOP WANNABE EXPERT SOUTH CAROLINA
Rating:
Every thing about this purchase was excellent. The grip is superb. The batteries have changed the way I shoot now. No longer concerned about the drain on the battery when doing video. Only wish the they had a grip for the T2i.

54.) great deal
Reviewed by: agypsy New York City
Rating:
i can't compare this to the Canon made grip but from what i can tell there doesn't seem to be any difference. it seems to be a perfect fit and the build quality is top notch. you would spend more than twice the price for the Canon brand.


***UPDATE***
i've owned this grip now for about 2 months. recently i discovered a couple of small screws were loose on the bottom of battery tray. there are a few small screws on the bottom that hold the bottom to the top half. i tried to torque down the 2 screws that were very loose and i found that they were stripped. so i just took them out completely so they don't fall into the camera. the other screws were fne but a bit loose so i tightened them all up.

otherwise the grip has been great and i don't regret the purchase. i just wanted to inform people that there is a chance of quality control not being the greatest.

55.) Excellent Grip for the T1i
Reviewed by: The Dude Abides
Rating:
This is an excellent, high quality battery grip. I had a similar Opteka grip for my XT that I absolutely loved. I purchased it last year for a trip to Italy and it has served me well with no issues. That's why I didn't hesitate to pick up this grip for my new T1i. So far, I am not disappointed. The build quality is excellent and the fit is perfect. I have never used the Canon grip, so I have no basis for comparison. I cannot imagine, however, that the Canon grip is worth the additional $70.

56.) Best Purchase Ever!!
Reviewed by: Lukas Good Stanley, Va USA
Rating:
As the title states in my opinion as far as accessories go getting this battery grip was the best and smartest decision I have made!!! When I first purchased my T1i the number one problem and one of the only ones I could say would be the ergonomics. Since i had very large hands my grip was always uncomfortable. So to remedy that I bought this grip. And what I got in return is amazing feel and comfort while shooting and also easier laid out button scheme. The best thing however was the amazing battery life!! With the two batteries fully charged it seems like I can go on shooting forever with no worries on the battery bar going down one notch!! The build quality on the grip is also very superb and the only thing I could complain about is possibly the shutter button at times feels "loose" but it works perfect. So to end this review basically if you need a better grip, more weight to your dslr, or tons of battery life this grip is for you!!

57.) Just Buy It!!!
Reviewed by: Asa R.
Rating:
So i have a canon eos rebel xs and i dont have enough money to upgrade to a better camera, but this just makes me look like a professional! I ordered it the Jul 8th, 2010 and it came the exact day that its said it should. I got the 2nd day air because im going to DC very soon and i needed it for that trip. It will prbably never come off my camera cuz i love it so much!! And if when i do upgrade i want the Canon T1i which is compatible with this grip sooo i so happy
! If your considering it and think its to cheap for good quality well its is very cheap in cost but the quality is exactly like the Canon brand battery grip but for 100$ less!!!! JUST FREAKING BUY IT!!!!!

58.) Solid Product, good price
Reviewed by: Richard Webster
Rating:
This battery pack looks and feels the same as the canon brand... Great value for a great product

59.) Great
Reviewed by: Suzy kentucky
Rating:
I once left home with my camera to take some pictures at an important event and realized that I had forgotten my batteries at home in the charger. Now, with the battery grip, not only can I extend shooting time with the two battery capability, I can use standard AA batteries in a pinch. Also helps to balance the camera when the big lense is attached.

60.) Great Value
Reviewed by: AB So. CA USA
Rating:
Very nice battery grip for my Rebel XSi! Much better price than some others I have seen here on Amazon. Batteries stay charged quite a while.

61.) WORKS AND LOOKS GREAT
Reviewed by: PeteNC
Rating:
Great fit and finish. Two batteries included thats a plus, haven't needed to recharge yet. Adds some more wieght, which gives the camera a better feel in your hands. I wouldn't want to hang it around my neck all day though.

62.) Reliable
Reviewed by: Nener
Rating:
I don't have much experience with battery packs, but I've found this one easy to use and very reliable. I don't have to stop to consider battery strength during wedding shoots and that is a HUGE relief.

63.) Excellant Product!
Reviewed by: S. Honnen Bartlett, TN
Rating:
I bought this as instead of the canon grip. Saved money and got a great product. I have already put close to 2000 shot through with the grip attached. The batteries included worked as the should. The battery life is unbelievable. All of the functions of the grip work as the should. I hooked mine into a Rebel XS. The directions were excellent, and I liked the storage for the camera's battery cover. The physical appearance is perfect. The line match up wonderfully. This grip give more hand room and a bit of balance if you have a large flash on top. I would highly recommend this grip.

64.) Awesome Grip Pack
Reviewed by: racquetballpimp
Rating:
For the money I dont think this grip pack can be beat. I have used it for a few weeks and have had no problems at all with it.

65.) Just What I Needed
Reviewed by: AllenH
Rating:
This product was everything I was looking for and more. Excellent quality for an affordable price. I especially like the rubber-like gripping material. It makes it a little better for holding without the fear of losing your grip. The batteries are extra long lasting. I have done numerous photo shoots and still haven't yet needed to recharge. I highly recommend this product.

66.) A must-have for serious shooters
Reviewed by: Killah=B
Rating:
I've owned my DSLR (Canon 1000D) for just over a year now, and finally added this to my kit. This is one of the best accessory purchases for my camera that I have made. I've noticed not only an improved grip in portrait shooting, but landscape as well. It is much easier overall to hold the camera steady with this grip attached. The duplicated controls are perfectly placed to make portrait shooting so much easier. The extra batteries are a bonus and the price is perfect.

I've only been using this for about a week, but I am so pleased with this purchase I had to take a minute to drop some props.

67.) A pleasant surprise
Reviewed by: LM Hubbard Baton Rouge, LA
Rating:
I am quite pleased. The unit works perfectly and I particularly like the feel of the grip when I use it for vertical shots.

68.) Opteka battery Grip for Canon Rebel XS
Reviewed by: Davey D
Rating:
Love, love, love this. This battery grip works fantastic! I haven't compared it side by side to a "Canon" battery grip but I don't see how the Canon could be any better. It has the shutter button as well as the other control buttons that are on the camera so there is no need to flip the camera to use them. The construction is very solid and feels good in the hand. The extra battery gives you so much more use time it's silly. I am charging my batteries much less than before. This grip also gives my Canon Rebel XS a much better feel, at least for me. It comes with two batteries so I now always have one extra charged battery on hand just in case. Haven't had to use it though.

This product is much cheaper than the Canon model and I don't see any reason to spend the extra money just so it says "Canon" on it. I highly recommend this item to anyone looking for a battery grip.

69.) Just as good as the original
Reviewed by: Alex
Rating:
I was worried about the quality and feel of this grip given the very low price (as it also comes with two batteries). Glad to say my fears were unfounded. The grip is just as good as the original from Canon, but a lot cheaper (and unbranded). The only downside is the control wheel. It's not as good as the one in the Canon grip as it feels "cheap". Aside from that, the grip is excellent, almost as if it were the Canon one without the brand and with another wheel.

Worth mentioning is that the two LP-E5 batteries included have a capacity of 1800 mAh each, giving you a total of 3600 mAh . The original canon LP-E5 battery has a capacity of 1080 mAh, so it's actually like having 3.5 canon batteries. How good they are? Well, after 2 weeks and hundreds of shots (with flash) and messing around with the camera the battery meter still shows full capacity.

Getting the grip and the two batteries (or three if you think Canon capacity) for less of the Canon grip alone is a great deal. Worth more than the cheap feel of the wheel in this grip for me. Definitely would buy another Opteka grip and highly recommend it. If you want perfect quality though, and don't mind shelling out the extra cash you can always get the Canon grip and a couple of these batteries.

Rated 4 stars just because the control wheel does feel cheap and it's the only thing from keeping this grip from "perfect".


70.) Awesome battery life, great grip
Reviewed by: D. Nguyen VA
Rating:
Great bang for the buck deal. The grip is really nice for the most part, I'd rate this closer to 4.5 than 4. It had a weird rubber odor that rubbed off on my hands when I first received it, but after using it for a while, the smell has gone away. The dial/buttons on the grip feel a little bit cheaper too, but they work flawlessly and that's all that really matters.

I've had this for over a month now, and I snap almost a thousand photos a week - it's still showing full battery life. For the price, you just can't beat this.

71.) Just what I expected!
Reviewed by: Photography & Designs Rhode Island, USA
Rating:
I've only had this for a few days, but it seems to be exactly the same as the Canon brand without it being branded! It connects perfectly to my camera in a very snug fit and feels really comfortable in my hands. The two extra batteries is a plus, but now I need to buy one more so I have another set of two while the first charges. I was tentative at first because the photo of the batteries reads only 1500mAh each but the set is advertised as 3600mAh. They came in as advertised at 1800mAh a piece!

The only thing I don't like about it is the locking latch for the battery holder is difficult to turn making it a chore to secure it shut. I'm afraid to be forceful with it because it's small and I don't want to break it. What can I say though, grip and two batteries for far less than just a grip from Canon...AWESOME deal! I would definitely buy it again.

***Update*** I figured out the trick to getting the locking latch to secure more easily. Wish I could update this to 5 stars now!

72.) Something for those fingers
Reviewed by: Wires Independence, KY United States
Rating:
First thing I noticed about my T1i was it cramped my hands, my pinky fingers had no where to go and there was not enough camera to "hang" my hands onto. The Opteka grip gives many more finger and hand placement options to counterweight those hefty lenses you put on the front...you do have hefty lenses right? I was killing the canon battery rapidly, the dual capacity and the included batteries is great for me, the AA cartridge a nice save if a bad chain of events happens to ya. You can get AA's anywhere ! I think someone should MAKE a battery grip that makes the camera wider as a full frame/body cam is...Canon wont cause thats what sells the big ones...I'd give much more for my T1i to feel like a 50D. This grip is so far a great bang for the buck !
The shutter button is even usefull in landscape mode if you are adjusting tripod controls and sneaking your hand to shutter button without scaring birds...stealthier to go to bottom of cam than top for shutter release...although a remote would be great ! Next purchase ?

73.) Excellent Product - no need to go more expensive
Reviewed by: -martini Michigan
Rating:
I use this on my Canon XSI. It is excellent. The grip is comfortable and the batteries last a long time. There is simply no need to spend more money.

The only 'issue' I ever had is that once in a blue moon (2 times over the past year and a half with regular use) the buttons to activate the shutter on my camera will not work. Typically both the buttons on the grip and the camera stay functional all the time. the only thing I need to do is switch this grip off and back on (1 second fix) and everything clears up.

It could be a glitch with the camera - I have never used any other grip on it. This is the only reason why I gave 4 stars instead of 5...

Great product, great price.


74.) Useful addition for smaller cameras
Reviewed by: JOCOMO Denmark
Rating:
My motivation for buying this grip was threefold - add substance to camera (Canon T1i), extend battery life and make portrait photography easier. All three have been achieved with this grip that so far has been just what I was looking for. On the whole, it's a great deal.

75.) Bigger than I thought but great!
Reviewed by: M. Minnaar Seattle, WA
Rating:
A battery grip with 2 extra batteries (and a AA battery tray) for this price is a no brainer. The batteries are 1800mAh vs the standard 1080mAh and you get 2! The battery grip is alot bigger than I thought. The control wheel next to the shutter release button is a little recessed and not as nice as the one on the actual camera. Other than that it's a great piece of equipment, especially for those longer trips or taking a lot of video with live view. Works perfect on my T1i. No issues.

76.) You want to make that XSi feel like the real deal? Buy this!
Reviewed by: Douglas W. Scroggins Davenport, Iowa
Rating:
Okay let me start by saying I was sure this review would not be a pretty one. I purchased my item and selected the 2 day air shipping option. I didn't get it till 7 days later and I wasn't very happy about it. I called 47th St. and they advised they ran out of the item and they would be sending it as soon as it arrived. Well they did send it 5 days after I ordered it. What can I say, life is as life is and I feel confident that keeping track of whats on hand versus whats not isn't an exact science so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. On to the item.
I affixed this puppy to my XSi and let me tell you it makes it feel like a 5D in my hands. I love not having to change the way I prefer to hold the camera when I go for a vertical shot, not to mention being able to adjust my focal point and aperture/shutter speed values at the same time. I have yet to get a full burn out of the batteries and probably never will since I refuse to do weddings. I do know through simple math that with the two batteries in the bay I will be able to get more than double the life that I currently get out of my old Canon battery which wasn't as powerful as the two that came with this bad boy. Lastly, I hated the way my lens would pull the camera downward when letting it hang from my next strap and with the added weight of this battery grip that is no longer a problem. The LCD screen rests flush against my body when I let it hang and it feels so much better. This will likely remain the best $80 in photography equipment I will spend on this camera, and I highly recommend it to anybody in debate. Just be willing to wait a few extra days if there out of stock. The customer service was pleasant on the phone though, contrary to other reviews. Thanks 47th St. crew!
Oh yeah, I gave this product a 4 cause the adjustment knob does not feel as solid as the one on my XSi. I feel confident that it will after a little breaking in though.

77.) Opteka battery pack grip
Reviewed by: nlg1963 SA, TX USA
Rating:
The product is made of plastic with rubberized applications on some areas for a non-slip grip which is important and it also complements my Canon EOS T1i. It is easy to hold horizontally and vertically, the grip comes with shutter, On/Off switch, aperture and F stop adjustment, AF point selection. All these feature I find it handy when taking a vertical shot. It made the camera look more professional, bulky and robust with 2 batteries. The added weight is manageable even with a medium range telephoto lens, 75-250mm EF-S IS. I like the convenience of not having to carry an extra battery knowing the two batteries will last long enough for the photo shoot.Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS, XSi and T1i with 2 LP-E5 Batteries (3600 mAh Total)

78.) Quite nice
Reviewed by: dnozzle Oregon
Rating:
Virtually identical to the OEM version of the grip. This grip is beefier on the bottom than I thought it would be, I have medium small hands and an Opteka hand strip on my rebel body AND a Manfrotto quick release plate, which tends to bulk up the grip even more when shooting in portrait orientation.

The battery quality seems okay, I shot several hundred in-studio product shots using both of the included batteries and the battery indicator on the camera never changed. Even so, if I'm away from my big bag I'm always going to make sure I am using OEM Canon batteries, just to be safe.

I have not yet used the AA Battery adapter, a nice option but I'm not sure I'd really take it with me when traveling since I prefer to take only what I absolutely need.

Overall I am very pleased with this grip and happy that I saved 50% of the money of the OEM version without giving up any apparent quality.

79.) Great great battery pack
Reviewed by: Mark DFW, TX
Rating:
I was worried about buying an offbrand grip for my Rebel XSI but am very glad I did. Saved quite a bit of money compared to the BG-E5 and I have essentially the same product, just missing the canon logo and the wheel next to the shutter isn't as comfortable as I'd like.

Makes my Rebel XSI so much more comfortable to use and hold, adds another heft/weight to make it feel more professional.



80.) Wow! What a difference on XSi
Reviewed by: R. Moreno Northern Califonia
Rating:
Ive never used a grip before so I can't compare to an OEM Canon grip or any other. My initial impression is simply "wow". Makes a huge difference in holdability and comfort. I have medium hands and the grip on the XSi never felt comfortable. I LOVE holding and using my camera now, especially in portrait orientation. Quality feels just as good as the XSi body. Rubber grip is even better. Would have given 5 stars but the latch for the battery tray protrudes jut a tad and feels a little delicate. Not sure how it will hold up over time. I just wish Opteka would add some more rubber on the grip on the right side where my right palm rest. Othetwise, i love it.

81.) A Fair Alternative
Reviewed by: Vince-IT
Rating:
I was initially skeptical of purchasing a third-party battery grip (with included batteries) as I was afraid of cheaper construction, or potential damage to my camera via melting batteries. I have yet to, and hopefully will not, experience this turn for the worse.

Otherwise, this fits perfectly on my Canon EOS Rebel XSi (450D) and--as other reviewers have claimed--uses the same molds as the official Canon-branded battery grips. However, I don't have one on hand to compare. The grip itself is quite satisfying to hold, and have found myself shooting vertically often as it is most comfortable to hold in my hands.

The two included batteries have lasted quite a while and are still on their first charge. You can use this battery grip with at least one battery pack, if not both. So if you don't need the two battery packs that is included with this, you can purchase the other listing for the battery grip itself. This battery grip also accepts AA batteries.

On the other hand, the construction quality is less than awesome, but not bad at all. The rubber grip is attached to the battery grip using adhesive, which collects dust and small debris in the crevices between the rubber and grip itself. The rubber itself has a strong rubbery smell to it and is quite noticeable upon use--especially since you're holding your camera up to your face while in use. You may or may not get used to this smell.

Overall, it works as advertised and is quite a deal with the included batteries. Would definitely recommend this product if you're on a budget or are looking to save a few bucks.

82.) Opteka battery Grip
Reviewed by: W. Rith Fresno, CA USA
Rating:
Nice battery grip for my canon xsi, but the rubber material on the grip arent align with the edges (defective on that part). So i put some crazy glue and it stay just fine. The two batteries that come with the grip is a plus. I dont have to worry about recharging the batteries as much. Everything is fucntional and worth for its price. I would give this grip a full 5 star if the quality on the handle grip is better. It is worth it if you want it for the looks, and the full comfort while youre holding it.

83.) Should Offer AC Adapter
Reviewed by: GlamourShot Philadelphia, PA USA
Rating:
I got the grip and it is all I had hoped it would be. Getting the 2 batteries along with the grip for that price can't be beat. It fits nicely. The grip is slightly bigger than the Xsi grip but the basic controls are duplicated on the grip. It provides a very solid feel and beefs up the camera. But forces me to mention, the camera is now too big to fit in my bag. My biggest gripe might be with Amazon. They should have offered an AC power adapter with their special combo deals because u have to buy that separately. I would have simply gotten it but now I have to order again.

84.) Debate between generic and OEM
Reviewed by: E. Luciano Chicago,IL
Rating:
it took me 4 weeks to decide whether to buy this grip or the Canon grip for my xsi. i ended up buying this grip because it was a lot cheaper. for $110 i now have 5 batteries with three chargers. i need more memory to be able to take the amount of pictures needed to drain the batteries! last week i photographed an event from Friday afternoon till Sunday Afternoon. i had to replace the batteries Saturday Night after taking about 1500 shots.
i had heard the main complaint about this battery grip is the wheel. i can live with it but it does feel a bit 'cheaper' than the xsi's wheel. if it stuck out a bit further i think it would be better but because it doesn't stick out as much as the xsi's it feels 'awkward' but it can be lived through because the grip is excellent. feels more durable than the xsi myself and it makes my camera feel more like a FF camera. it does get a bit tiring if you are not used to carrying it in your hand with a 580exii attached!!

85.) Solid product from Opteka
Reviewed by: M. Helbert Austin, Texas, USA
Rating:
I purchased this product to increase the shooting time on my Canon XSI and to increase the grip size of the camera over all. It has provided both with few issues or concerns. The value of the additional batteries and the grip far out way the minimumal concerns that I had about construction and finishing. The only draw back that I have found is the lack of an ISO control button on the grip. When you are learning to adjust this feature on the fly having to turn the camera back over to the traditional landscape grip to adjust the ISO settings is a pain. Other than that I'd recommend this grip to anyone looking for a great value.

86.) Got this for someone
Reviewed by: redpandaa
Rating:
I bought this for my boyfriend for his camera, he seems to like it well enough :] I have no personal experience with it but i know he has raved about the battery life and how it is great for taking portraits due to the extra shutter button.

87.) LOVE IT! (Except for two small problems...)
Reviewed by: Mark
Rating:
I absolutely love this product! It feels very well built and has nice grip on the rubber. Comes with 2 extra batteries each with more power than Canon's supplied one. (And don't forget that it can take AA batteries in a pinch!) My only gripe, and the reason I gave it a 4-star review, is that there is a button on the side that must be slid down and turned to unlock the battery door, as this is a nice convenience (that it locks instead of clips in), it's also extremely tough to get the latch on the side out without a knife or something else sharp to push/pull it at the same time. Maybe mine just sticks a little? Also I was very disappointed with the fact that it takes 2 batteries and not 3, being my first time buying a grip I assumed I could use the 2 they give you and my canon one, obviously not. But regardless it's still nice to have the two extra batteries.

88.) Be Careful! WARNING
Reviewed by: 2oakes Eaton Rapids, MI United States
Rating:
This is a wonderful grip - works real well and enhances the usability of the camera.

Mine was DOA, but experimentation showed that somehow the Li-battery tray was faulty as the AA tray worked fine.
As 47th Street won't pay return postage, I was determined to see if I could fix it, rather than pay and wait.

***WARNING***

(Photo in product image section at the top of the product page)

The soldering and placement of the circuit strips inside the tray is VERY poor. On mine, the positive and negative circuit strips were actually TOUCHING, shorting the batteries, potentially leading to equipment damage, or maybe even a fire. One bump and your camera could be toast.

I would recommend opening the tray (seven easy, but tiny screws) and checking, just in case. I slotted in some small pieces of electrical insulating tape between the strips to keep them apart. Don't worry, there is nothing in there that is easy to damage.

Apart from that, its great!

89.) Decent for the Price, but...
Reviewed by: Wood Hog Illinois
Rating:
I have an Opteka grip for my XT and that item seems to be more robust than this new part. Opteka seems to be cutting costs in material. So far, it works fine, but my guess is the battery insert latch will break at some point sooner than my other one. Decent item for the price, but quality is a bit dissapointing. As always, fast shipping from Amazon.

90.) dont know what to say about the description...
Reviewed by: tl honolulu, HI USA
Rating:
i bought this because the description shows opteka battery grip and two battery for a total of 3600mAh BUT what i got is vivitar brand battery grip and two battery that are 1500mAh each for a total of only 3000mAh. it MAY have to do with which seller you're buying it from but i didnt get the decribed items exactly.

91.) Spend the extra and buy the real product.
Reviewed by: George Walton
Rating:
It took weeks before the product was shiped. I called the store and the young man that answered the phone was out right rude. I will never use the store again. The batteries seems to hold a charge very well. The battery pack trim has begun to come off already. All other functions works to date.

92.) Started out as "wow", ended up as "do yourself a favor and skip it"
Reviewed by: B. Bergin
Rating:
Inital review (follow up a year later below):

First let me say I'm a skeptic. I really never like believing what I read unless I can read it in many different places. For product reviews I like to hear it from reasonably independent sources like magazines that test product. When I bought my first Canon DSLR in December 2005 I bought the Digital Rebel XT. I quickly found I was running out of battery life while shooting photos of my kid's ski team (downhill racing, often in 20°F or colder weather). I researched it and ended up buying Canon's battery grip and another Canon battery. I was and am absolutely satisfied with Canon's product. It's been VERY solid and reliable and has lasted through ~50,000 photos in just about 4 years.

I just upgraded to the new Canon T1i camera and knew I'd need another battery grip, but after remembering and confirming what the Canon grip costs when combined with additional Canon batteries [...]based on Amazon pricing today) and combined with the almost universal glowing reviews here I decided to give the Opteka a try.

While I've not had a chance to really hammer the batteries to see if they last as long as the Canon OEM, the grip itself is ABSOLUTELY perfect. Its look and feel is at least equal to the BG-E3 for the Rebel XT and the overall impression is the Opteka is a solidly built product well worth ANY T1i owner's consideration. I'll be dragging the T1i onto many ski slopes over the winter months and just can't afford to have a cheap imitation on my camera. The Opteka is certainly NOT a cheap imitation. Some have said this unit is made in the same factory as Canon's and while I don't see that mentioned on [...]site, I can certainly believe it given it's look, feel, and design.

The only thing that isn't good with this battery grip is the plastic covers the manual says are designed to prevent shorting of the batteries if the unit is stored out of the grip do not stay in place like the ones for the BG-E3 do. I'll just store it in a snack-size zip-lock bag to prevent that.

One other thing, the batteries that come with this do NOT come with protective covers so if you store them outside the grip you should take care not to short the contacts or get dirt on them. I'll just store them in separate snack-size zip-lock bags as well. Small price to pay for such a high quality product at such a fair price.

Finally, Opteka's site shows excellent prices on lenses and filters. At those prices, reflected here at Amazon, I think I may just give Opteka other chances to continue to prove to me they make great products at reasonable prices.

>>>>>>>>>>>> A year later <<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Well just about a year has past and I've been through 2 of these under warranty. The first had the tripod mount screw come loose from the grip making the use of a tripod impossible. 47th Street had me buy a new unit and send the old one back for credit. The 2nd unit came and two things are wrong. First, the fit/finish of the 2nd unit is NO WHERE near the quality of the first unit. The "glued" on rubber antislip sections were coming off when I took it out of the box. No amount of rubber cement would hold it in place.

Second, when the Opteka battery grip is in the "on" position (enabling the vertical camera controls) the camera's controls no longer work. I know they are supposed to work because 1) they work on the BG-E3 on a previous Canon worked, and 2) the original Opteka battery grip allowed them to work.

I decided to cut my losses and buy the Canon BG-E5. It is of much higher quality in both fit and finish AND both the grip's and camera body's controls work while the Canon grip is "on". Do youself a favour and buy the Canon grip. Yes, it's a bit more than double the price but in this case you get what you pay for. Granted I've only owned the Canon BG-E5 for a short time, but given my past experience with an almost 6 year old BG-E3 I expect the E5 to last as long. Multiple Optekas didn't make it past a year.

93.) cheap product
Reviewed by: R. Boone
Rating:
I received my Opteka Battery Grip for my Canon T1i and after only two days the battery compartment would not stay closed and the clip on the end of the battery compartment fell off and could not be reattached. I tried using the optional AA battery holder but I could not get it to snap into place even though the clip on that one was not broken. Additionally, the rubber covering was peeling off the bottom of the grip. All-in-all, a poorly constructed unit.

I turned right around and bought the Canon brand battery grip and have had no problems at all. You can tell right away that the Canon grip is a more substantially made unit. 47th Street Photo was accomadating and knocked $10 off the Canon grip. They didn't have the batteries in stock so, for all my trouble, told me to just keep the Opteka batteries but then didn't credit me for the batteries. Oh well.

After the inconvenience plus shipping costs, I would have been better off with the Canon brand to begin with. I would recommend avoiding this product. You really do get what you pay for...

94.) Broken in less than a month
Reviewed by: E. DEUGARTE Tucson, AZ
Rating:
I received this grip as a Christmas gift. The shutter release is already broken (not functioning)--January 16. Both battery cartridges (for LP-E5 and AA batteries respectively) seem very flimsy.

95.) badly designed
Reviewed by: Huy san francisco
Rating:
i just recieved the opteka battery grip for my Rebel XS. Maybe i got a bad one because even though the reviews all say this thing works great, it doesn't work. at all.

the problem is that Canon decided to install a switch in the battery compartment that turns off the camera when the battery compartment door is opened. Opteka build their battery grip with a tiny little notch that presses against this switch, since you have to remove the battery compartment door to install the grip.

however, due to poor quality control, the notch on my grip is too short and it will not press against said switch, thereby not allowing me to turn on the power on my Rebel XS, making this grip 100% useless. Great job Opteka!

Features of Opteka Battery Pack Grip / Vertical Shutter Release for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS, XSi and T1i with 2 LP-E5 Batteries (3600 mAh Total)

Opteka is proud to be allowed to use the same factory and mold as Canon uses for their BG-E5. Opteka is one of the world's leading producers of high-performance batteries and accessories. Opteka believes there is no limit to the potential of portable power, and as a company they will always strive to find innovative and efficient ways to power your life in the future! The Opteka BG-RXS holds 6 AA Batteries or 2 LP-E5 batteries. This provides a extremely extended shooting time. The vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally. Compatible with the Canon Digital Rebel XS, XSi, and T1i (450D, 500D & 1000D) SLR's only. This package includes 2 Opteka LP-E5 1800 mAh Batteries for Maximum shooting time.

1.) 2 Opteka Ultra-High Capacity 1800 mAh LP-E5 Batteries included;
2.) Vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontal;
3.) Buttons for AE lock, AF point selector, aperture value, shutter, and mail dial;
4.) Increases functionality and convenience;
5.) 1 Year warranty;

Package Height x Length x Width: 6.6 in. x 6.6 in. x 5.7 in.
Package Weight: 1.1 lbs.