Recommended Improvement for Canon EOS Rebel xT

soupman · #1 (**permalink**) 03-15-2008, 08:04 AM

I just wanted to share something with you...I how this is the right forum.

I recently purchased the Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for my camera. Wow, did that help the feel of the camera. The camera body always felt small in my hands. This new grip ($134) really made a difference. Now my little and ring finger have something to grip. The balance of the camera is much improved...especially when I mount a long lens. I guess that is a little spendy to make the camera feel better, but I am glad I did. One day I'll upgrade to a better camera, but in the mean time...this helps a lot.

But it did have some nice options like holding two Canon batteries instead of one. I have never exhausted the batteries with this grip and I have taken well over 1,000 photos since I installed it. Also, it has some cool features like a second shutter release on the grip so your index finger is comfortable when you are taking vertical (portrait) photos. Also, many of the controls are on the grip with an additional thumbwheel for adjusting the shutter and aperature.

The only downside I see is now it is a little more ackward on the tripod. I should upgrade to a stronger tripod mount.

RSStory · #2 (**permalink**) 03-15-2008, 08:13 AM

I have had the vertical grip on my cameras sinse the day I bought them for that same reason. I thought the 10D and now the 30D both felt small in my hands. The second battery is a great feature but I have the grip for the fell and weight of the camera.

I dont know what tripod and head you are using but if it feels unsteady at all then I would say a srtonger one would be in order

soupman · #3 (**permalink**) 03-15-2008, 09:16 AM

I going to look at tripods today. I was thinking about using the Net, but I think I need to see the tripod and feel it so I can have the confidence I need.

Thanks

r_fredrick_smith · #4 (**permalink**) 03-15-2008, 10:29 AM

Don't skimp on the tripod and head. A good tripod can be a professional caliber tool that will allow you to expand the range of your photography. But expect to pay $250 to $500 for the head and tripod. You may see some cheaper stuff, but you get what you pay for in the tripod arena. Be sure to get a head that has quick release plates and be sure to get two plates. Saves lots of time (and you'll lose one eventually).

Cheers,
rfs

soupman · #5 (**permalink**) 03-15-2008, 02:56 PM

I bought a Bogen Manfrotto 055X PRO B with an 804RC2 pan tilt head with quick release. The center column can be raised all the way up and then angled anywhere from straight up to horizontal. It is very heavty with foam grips on the legs. For me this is a huge upgrade from the typical tripod I purchased in the past. The tripod cost $167 and the head cost $69. At this point, that is enough for me.

Thanks for you comment...it pushed me enough to upgrade and I am sure I will be happy.