For years, I’ve photographed with a battery grip on my cameras. It not feels “regular” to carry my digicam with out one! However why do I insist on having a battery grip, and what advantages does it convey?
What does a battery grip do?
Whereas a battery grip extends your digicam, permitting you so as to add in a second battery, there’s actually fairly a bit extra that it does. It typically has just a few buttons on it, in addition to a shutter button, that you should utilize for vertical capturing.
That is tremendous useful if you end up switching forwards and backwards between horizontal and vertical orientations.
Relying on the grip you go along with, you possibly can customise the buttons to carry out further features, or mirror the buttons in your digicam.
Third-party vs. OEM
Traditionally, I’ve gone with OEM merchandise, so long as I can afford them. However with the Sony a7 Mark III, that grip is mighty costly! I used to be supplied a third-party Vello grip in trade for a overview, which is greater than $250 cheaper.
And I’ve to say — I’m blissful I went with it.
Whilst you can inform it’s not the OEM model — there’s no Sony emblem on it and the buttons don’t have C1 or C2 written in white (as a substitute being embedded as part of the button). However it does what it’s purported to do — lengthen my battery life and assist me shoot vertically. And it affords the very same performance and button structure because the OEM model.
Positive, it’s not excellent. The rubber on the battery grip doesn’t match completely to the a7 Mark III (it’s a bit softer and never as textured). The shutter button appears to require barely extra push to take an image. However it’s one thing you will get used to in minutes. The standard is nice, and it actually rivals the OEM model.
Do you have to get a grip?
In the event you’re like me, and also you {photograph} numerous occasions, then positively. Portrait photographers — that is for you, too.
However grips have their downsides, too. They clearly add to the majority of your digicam, generally not becoming inside your favourite backpack that effectively. And, clearly, it provides a little bit of weight to your setup.
For me, although, the advantages outweigh any potential negatives. Having a battery grip means I can {photograph} sooner and be extra environment friendly whereas on photoshoots.
Because of Cathy Seaver for the photographs!
