Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I was a bit skeptical about buying an aftermarket battery grip for my new Canon EOS Rebel T2i (550D in other parts of the world), but since using it I have nothing but good things to say about this part.
I recently took a short vacation to Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota and had this grip installed for the entire three day trip. I took hundreds of photos and a lot of video. Note also that I'm not an 'old-school' photographer that likes to use the viewfinder but rather prefer to use 'Live View' screen mode which eats the batteries much more quickly. The batteries that came with the grip lasted for the first two days before running low. I had another set and was able to keep on shooting. I also like the included AA battery tray which gives you the option of powering the camera with six AA batteries (which could be a real life saver in a pinch!).
I would rate the feel, fit & finish and quality of this part to be on par with the camera itself. The plastic and grip are nearly identical to the camera. The controls function perfectly and make portrait position photos more comfortable than I've ever experienced. I have large hands and the comfort factor is the biggest reason that I purchased this to begin with as the normal landscape position is more comfortable as well.
Anyone who has picked up the T2i (550D) knows instantly that it's not a heavy camera and actually is a bit on the lightweight side. This grip with two batteries actually improves the balance by adding heft and size which can create a much better user experience.
The only thing I would caution is to consider buying the package with four batteries to allow for change-outs if you don't already have spares. That said, I highly recommend this product over the $170 OEM grip from Canon (which doesn't include extra batteries) and even if you don't have the spare batteries you can get by on AAs if you need to.
*Update - 11/10/2010
I've now been using this battery grip for about four months and still have nothing but good things to say. The rubberized 'grip' has held up well with no noticeable signs of wear. The battery life hasn't seemed to have diminished with time and use. There have been some negative comments by other users but I still stand by my original comments.
*Update - 4/12/2011
This part has continued to hold up well. The only thing I've noticed is that the printing on the grip by the buttons has worn somewhat as opposed to the printing on the camera itself which has held up with no noticeable wear. Clearly the manufacturing process at Meike is not up to the same level as it is at Canon. That said I have enjoyed flawless performance from this part and it hasn't left my camera since I received it. The batteries have held up equally well.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Battery Grip BG-E8 for Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i SLR Digital Camera + 2x LP-E8 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries
Includes TWO LP-E8 batteriesThis battery grip/holder is compatible with Canon EOS 550D/Rebel T2i SLR cameras. It has all the same functions as the original Canon BG-E8 battery grip. The grip has a built in vertical shutter release button, and can hold two LP-E8 lithium-ion battery packs, or six AA batteries using the included battery holder. Additionally, it supports features such as AE lock and FE lock, and retains access to the Index/Reduce button, main dial, AF-Point Select button, and Aperture/Exposure Compensation Buttons.Hold 6 AA batteries or 2 LP-E8 Li-ion batteries.Vertical shutter with half-press function. More comfortable vertical shooting.Professional edition with vertical-grip shutter-release button, main dial, AE-L button, Index/Reduce button and Exposure button.Tripod screw mount.Same functions as the original battery grip Canon BG-E5. High quality product with big discount from the original one.One Year WarrantySpecifications:Type:Battery grip for the CANON EOS 550D / Rebel T2iBattery pack LP-E8/6X AA BatteriesPower Switch:Camera's power switchColor:BlackDimensions:130x75x105mmWeight:Approx. 395g. (without batteries and battery magazine)
