which accessory to get

So I have some eBay bucks that I have to use. Its not really that much but, its enough to buy one of the accessories that I have been considering getting. So I figure since I can essentially get one for free, I should, but which one.

Here's the options that Ive found that fall at around the value of my eBay bucks and I can therefore get for no cost to me:

• Battery Grip (Ive been wanting one for a while because I hate doing vertical shots since I'm not nearly as steady holding it that way)
• Better Beamer (help me get those wildlife shots Ive been missing due to low light)
• Black Rapid Camera strap (I do a lot of hiking with my camera so anything making it easier to carry is good)
• Cheap wireless flash trigger (I've been wanting to start doing some off camera flash work, but don't do it enough yet to justify spending a lot of money in this area)

I generally shoot wildlife and landscape style shots, but trying to get into other things too(hence the flash trigger). I need opinions since I don't know which one to get. I'm sure I will eventually get all of them, but for now, its just the one.

Thanks

Hi, of these options I would go for the grip. It's simply the most useful one in my opinion. My second choice would be the radio trigger, but for me it wouldn't be nearly as useful as a grip. (And I'm personally not interested in the other two.)

Regarding the grip, my opinion is that it makes shooting more comfortable regardless of orientation. The downside, obviously, is a bigger and heavier package to carry between shots.

Good luck with your decision!

Of those options, I'd go with the Blackrapid strap. Getting the weight of a camera+lens off your neck and onto your shoulder while maintaining the ability to quickly raise the camera into position for a shot - priceless.

+1 on the Blackrapid and John's comments. That is what I would pick up first.

+2 on the black rapid strap.

+3 Blackrapid.

+4 black rapid. You will never leave home without it.

What's the budget? Grips are up over $100, I got my Better Beamer for only $30 or so from B+H. It's useful enough for fill-flash when shooting birds with bright sky behind, but don't expect wonders (I still haven't practised with it enough though).
Haven't tried the black rapids, but that's next on my list too...

wow sounds like the black rapid strap is the winner. I had been leaning towards the grip but this will make me reconsider.

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Originally Posted by Dr Croubie

What's the budget? Grips are up over $100, I got my Better Beamer for only $30 or so from B+H. It's useful enough for fill-flash when shooting birds with bright sky behind, but don't expect wonders (I still haven't practised with it enough though).
Haven't tried the black rapids, but that's next on my list too...

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Grips are usually a lot but I found some on ebay for much less, that's the only reason they are on my list.

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Originally Posted by nvitalephotography

I had been leaning towards the grip but this will make me reconsider.

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What camera are you buying a grip for? I might be selling one soon.

Dave.

There are also third party grips that you can buy relatively reasonably. "Vello" makes some pretty solid grips that are almost indistinguishable from their Canon counterparts and most cost between $60-$75.

for a 50D
yeah there are some third party ones on ebay that look just like canon's for around $35-40.

Its not like any of this costs much and normally I would be more inclined to get a number of these items, but since I just bought another 100-400mm L to replace the one that went for a swim, funds limit me to what I can get for no cost to me at the moment.

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Originally Posted by nvitalephotography

Its not like any of this costs much and normally I would be more inclined to get a number of these items, but since I just bought another 100-400mm L to replace the one that went for a swim, funds limit me to what I can get for no cost to me at the moment.

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The BR strap, connected to the tripod foot, will make carrying that 100-400mm much more comfortable, IMO.

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Originally Posted by neuroanatomist

The BR strap, connected to the tripod foot, will make carrying that 100-400mm much more comfortable, IMO.

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And it will help keep Nick from droping another one in the swamp

I've got a Canon bg-e2 I'm trying to sell. I could let it go for around what you're asking holler if you are interested

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Originally Posted by HDNitehawk

And it will help keep Nick from droping another one in the swamp

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That is a major selling point for me.

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Originally Posted by nvitalephotography

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Originally Posted by HDNitehawk

And it will help keep Nick from droping another one in the swamp

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That is a major selling point for me.

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If your lens isn't attached to the camera...Black Rapid or not, you would lose one of them either way. Sometimes it's less expensive to lose the lens IMO:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

If your lens isn't attached to the camera...Black Rapid or not, you would lose one of them either way. Sometimes it's less expensive to lose the lens IMO:rolleyes:

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in the situation in which I did lose my lens. I was holding the camera and must have pushed the release button on accident. So if I had a strap on the lens, it wouldn't have fallen and my hands were on the body. But I can see how it could happen either way...and in my case, the camera body is the much cheaper part.

Well accidents happen, but it is a bummer that yours costs so much. To be honest I won't place bets on what happens if the lens is attached to a strap and falls of the camera. In the heat of the moment you might lose grip on your camera as well. I wouldn't buy a different strap for this reason. It's no guarantee. And I bet you'll be much more careful handling the camera nowadays.

I personally don't like having a camera hanging around me on a strap. I only have the neckstrap attached for the times I feel I need more safety or at places where I might need my hands to get out fast;) Normally I just carry it in my right hand. That's why I would vote for a batterygrip over a strap.

I bought a BR 4 strap , I find it extremely convenient.
my camera now hangs by my side while I walk the dog.

The 100-400 was no problem, I found heavier the lens the nicer it rests by your side. a light lens on the camera (like my efs 55-250) tends to bounce as you walk

No experience with the grip.. but I think there's a reason the ebay grips are under $100 including battery , I'm a pessimist and would save for genuine grip despite ridiculous higher price.

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

Normally I just carry it in my right hand. That's why I would vote for a batterygrip over a strap.

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Is that because the grip provides the lower attachment for the E1 hand strap? If so, it's no longer an issue, sort of... The E1 has been replaced by the E2, which comes with a lug which attaches to the tripod socket.

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Originally Posted by neuroanatomist

Is that because the grip provides the lower attachment for the E1 hand strap? If so, it's no longer an issue, sort of... The E1 has been replaced by the E2, which comes with a lug which attaches to the tripod socket.

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No I just use the normal neckstrap. I think I don't really like having the camera around my neck or hanging anywhere. I like it the most to carry a lens by the tripod collars. However I don't really have lenses that need it:p I have thought about the handstrap, but am not convinced about that either.
I only use the neckstrap if I need to climb a tree for example and I need both hands. But maybe it's all because I don't have the larger lenses? Good possibility.

Couldn't someone just buy a screw to attach to the tripod socket and attach the original Canon neckstrap to it? Or even buy the genuine BR screw and make a DIY strap?

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Originally Posted by Sheiky

Couldn't someone just buy a screw to attach to the tripod socket and attach the original Canon neckstrap to it? Or even buy the genuine BR screw and make a DIY strap?

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This is kind of what I've been thinking. And might look into, I feel like making a strap like that wouldn't be that hard and could be done for way less $.

If you get a good deal on the BR get one. I got mine with a discount on amazon and it was fantastic. Expensive still but well worth the money. I think if you get one and attach the camera to it, you'll have much more faith in it than anything knocked up yourself.

The BR would be my recommendation for the above reason. YOu can even lock it in place behind your back for climbing ladders and trees etc.

Anybody ever check out Carry Speed Straps? They look just like BR. But cheaper. And there newest design looks better to me than a BR