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External Flash or Battery Grip?
I'm still new to photography and I can't buy both right now so I'm wondering what everyone thinks I should invest in first? I personally don't like flash much but I'm used to having the built in flash which I feel ruins pictures and I know that externals can do a much better job once you know how to use them. I would like to get the grip mostly for portrait shots rather than longer battery life.
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AdamWillis' pick
Flash!!
Battery grip is mostly a gadget except for some specific needs while flash is an absolutely essential accessory. But you are right: the built-in flash is useless (unless you know how to use it as a fill flash in which case it may help sometimes).
For portraits, a flash is a zillion times more useful than a battery grip even in sunlight (provided that you learn how to use it right).
Battery grip is mostly a gadget except for some specific needs while flash is an absolutely essential accessory. But you are right: the built-in flash is useless (unless you know how to use it as a fill flash in which case it may help sometimes).
For portraits, a flash is a zillion times more useful than a battery grip even in sunlight (provided that you learn how to use it right).
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AdamWillis' pick
If you're a beginner to photography, I would suggest getting the external flash. While @redragon's advice is sound and if you can master natural light, your photos will be really good, the battery grip is more of a slightly advanced device to get since you'll be using the camera way more when you're better used to the camera.
Start out with the external flash so you can get an idea on how to use the light to your advantage to make your photos really shine. Sometimes finding the right lighting effect can be a bit tricky, at least IMO. The battery grip will be good to get after you've used the external flash. I frankly don't like using the built-in flash.
And it really depends on what you're going to be using the camera for. I do a lot of event photography so having natural light isn't necessarily my best case...plus you'll need to get fast lenses to take those photos. Start off with the external flash, then build your way up...you'll be happier you got it.
Start out with the external flash so you can get an idea on how to use the light to your advantage to make your photos really shine. Sometimes finding the right lighting effect can be a bit tricky, at least IMO. The battery grip will be good to get after you've used the external flash. I frankly don't like using the built-in flash.
And it really depends on what you're going to be using the camera for. I do a lot of event photography so having natural light isn't necessarily my best case...plus you'll need to get fast lenses to take those photos. Start off with the external flash, then build your way up...you'll be happier you got it.
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AdamWillis' pick
I am on the other side I guess, I use the external flash rarely as I like natural light quite alot.
On the other hand, I have the battery grip attached to the body all the time, it adds stability to the body when you have heavy lens in front, having 2nd shutter button is also a major +.
So my recommendation would be battery grip, you can live without external flash depending on what you are mainly shooting.
On the other hand, I have the battery grip attached to the body all the time, it adds stability to the body when you have heavy lens in front, having 2nd shutter button is also a major +.
So my recommendation would be battery grip, you can live without external flash depending on what you are mainly shooting.
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i also agree with an external flash. if you feel flash ruins your photos, then you're not using the flash properly. learn how to properly shoot with flash and you'll be satisfied with your results.
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Unless you're shooting a LOT of portrait-orientation photos, I have to think you'd get more benefit from the flash. The built-in flash is pretty weak and very close to the lens, which means that it's (a) going to produce more red-eye, and (b) more likely to be partially blocked by the lens hood, giving you some odd shadows.
That said, I bought the battery grip at the same time as the 7D, and it's never left the body. But I already had 3 flashes.
That said, I bought the battery grip at the same time as the 7D, and it's never left the body. But I already had 3 flashes.
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