You may have no idea what a grip is if I tell you like that, offhand and out of context. But surely you have ever seen a camera with the air of a professional camera even without being one, bigger than the rest, apparently more robust and heavier.
What that camera probably has on it is a grip (grip, grip in English), which is nothing more than a grip with extra batteries so that you never stay lying in the middle of nowhere without the possibility of taking photos.
With this alone, you should sign your next purchase of a grip for your SLR ? but wait, there's still more, let's see it.
WHAT IS A GRIP?
A grip , as I have already told you, is a grip that is attached to your camera from the bottom and that, as a general rule, contains space for two batteries (although some models also include the option of adding AA batteries).
The grip not only gives you double the battery life, but also integrates some functions to be able to work from the same base of the grip or grip : focus and shutter button, dials for speed and exposure control, focus lock and exposure, etc.
ADVANTAGES OF A GRIP
When we talk about the advantages of using a grip, we are not only talking about the most obvious one and its main reason for being, which is charging extra batteries, there are many more reasons to get one:
- Improves the grip surface of the camera: For many photographers, the lack of grip on the cameras is a real problem, and makes the task of taking photos much less pleasant. For those of you with big hands or bodies that are too small or have a poor grip, a grip can change the way you take photos to something infinitely better.
- Improve the work in vertical format: when we talk about composition , we always recommend that you do not leave aside the compositions in vertical format, because it opens up a whole world of possibilities. (I confess that I personally love it; I use it a lot ? ).
If you are as fond of this format as I am, you will have already realized that the cameras are designed to always work horizontally. Well, thanks to the grip and its integrated functions (shutter release, etc.) you will turn your camera into one designed to work vertically. You will see how much more it is for you how to do it with the functions of the grip.
- Improves camera stability when working with long focal length lenses: Many cameras are unbalanced by the difference in weight between the lens and the camera body. The grip helps increase stability and balance between the two.
- Ideal for working on long exposures: if you like long exposure photography, you already know that it uses up a lot of battery. For this reason it is essential to take more than one battery to your outings and, if possible, well charged.
The grip not only allows you that essential extra but also, in the event that you run out of battery in the middle of a long exposure, the camera would not turn off but would automatically change the battery.
- Some models allow you to add AA batteries in addition to the batteries: Although your job as a photographer is to prepare well before leaving home (this includes taking the batteries fully charged), we don't always do it ? or we find ourselves in situations where that, for whatever reason, we run out of battery (long exposures, very cold environments, burst shooting, or simply very long days and many photos).
It is possible that with the two batteries of the grip you have more than enough. However, some models include an option that may be interesting, such as the possibility of adding AA batteries.
This would allow you to buy batteries almost anywhere on the planet and keep your camera running without having to wait for the battery to charge.
- Buttons and extra functions on the grip that allow you greater versatility when it comes to framing and composing your photographs.
IT'S NOT FOR YOU IF...
If you have bought the lightest camera on the market because you can't bear carrying weight, if what you are looking for is lightness and small size, if your thing is short excursions, you like to carry the camera in your pocket, it is possible that a grip may not be the most suitable accessory for you.
IT'S FOR YOU IF...
If you like solid bodies, with good grip, if you like to go out for long trips with your camera, long exposures and night photography, if the vertical format takes up more than half of your photographs or if you simply think you should give it an opportunity… I really recommend that you get a grip, I assure you that it will make your life much easier :-).
WHERE TO BUY
They are easy to find in specialized photography stores or online at Amazon. Just make sure that the model of your camera and the grip are compatible .
And since we know that many of you like to watch more than read and that you like to complement the information with videos, I bring you this explanatory video about the Erubbey Cantoral grip:
How about? Have you ever considered adding a grip to your photographic accessories ? It is possible that it seemed to you an accessory only reserved for photographers of war, professional fashion, or something like that.
