How Does That Grab Ya, Baby...

Sorry about that. I was researching 1960s LP album cover art last night and got stuck on a Nancy Sinatra loop...

Lots of cameras have an accessory available for them that really does grab - the battery grip. It screws into the bottom of the camera case and passes electricity to the body and instructions on how to use it.

Some models have shutter buttons, function buttons, and front and back thumb and finger wheels to do the same aperture/shutter speed adjustments that you get on the right hand side of the camera body. But as the grip fits under the body, these controls lie at 90º to the regular ones.

So - whaddaya do with it, and why? You grab it and use it as the primary hold on the camera when it is in portrait orientation. You keep a second battery in it to extend your shooting time. You use it to straighten your wrist in this portrait orientation - no more numbing or pain as the camera pulls down on your nerves.

Do you look more professional when you use it? Perhaps, but remember one of the other ways to look professional is to dress well ( if you are a woman ) or badly ( if you are a man ). Also you look professional if you can actually take good pictures - but then you knew that.

Some grips don't have batteries in them - they just help with the ergonomics of the camera. You can test this out for yourself in the shop. Try holding the camera and a big lens sideways without the grip for 10 minutes straight. Then try the same test with the grip. If the ergonomics are improved you will not be tempted to say " Errrg " at the end of the time.

You must excuse me - I am wearing boots and they are apparently made for walking...