Hey all,

I have been inspired by many-many great photogs here that has made me decide on upgrading on a few things. But before I make my trusty 20D my backup weapon I want to get a couple of things for it. I've heard and read a few things about the BG-E2 grip for the 20D and was wondering if anyone could tell me if it is true about getting the error99 when using this unit with the 20D. In order for me to suit this with the Canon E-1 strap, I wanted to know If I'm wasting money purchasing BG-E2. I want my back-up camera to be ready to go at anytime or shoot side by side with a soon to be MKII N or 5D.

My 20D has been great to me so I want to return the favor.

Thx for any advice on this matter.

Cheers,

Burt

I had the 20d a while back with the grip....didn't notice the error issue. I have the 30d as my back-up now and I have the grip on that. To tell you honestly, if I didn't already have the grip, I would not have purchased it. As my back-up or second camera, I NEVER run low on a battery (even if it didn't have the grip) and I am never using the vertical controls either...for me, it just adds extra weight to the camera. In my opinion as a back-up or second camera, you might be wasting your money- but that is just my perspective!

I too have never had the error... I started on the 20d and now have 2 on my 30ds. Love the grip... never run out of battery. Even after an eight hour wedding shoot. The batteries still last me a couple of days of portraits.

I **think** they redid the contacts on the BG-E2 grip after enough people complained. I use the new Opteka grips on both my 20Ds--I've had the err99 show up exactly twice in about 4000 frames. Once, no idea why, but loosening the grip enough to break the contact & then reattaching it did the trick. The second one happened when the tightening wheel had loosened just a tiny bit. Now I simply make sure the wheel is tight before I start a session, no further issues (I check it usually twice or so during weddings).

The bad news? Once you get used to shooting with a grip, you won't go back! I took mine off one day to lighten the load, and I actually was more sore afterwards. My hands are just used to having that extra room to hold the camera, and having the hand strap to help with the added weight of the 70-200!

I think the people with that specific problem are a small minority. I know several people who use 20Ds with grips without issue. The internet is great at magnifying complaints (not that that's a bad thing).

Thank you so much everyone. Your advice has been very helpful. I'm ready to dress this 20D up and give it a great big kiss.

Mahalo,

Burt

We use the grips on the 20D and 5D. I dont think I could shoot without the grip. Camera balances better, can shoot all weekend with both batteries installed. I have never seen the Err99 problem. Get the grip, works great with the hand strap as well.

Good enough for me, Thx Mike.

kind of funny - i just took mine off my camrea. i have a body with a grip, and one without. i've decided that my hands are too small, and i like the feel of it without the grip. i took it off the body to send the body in , and i decided not to put it back on.

my grip was 'fixed' because of problems early on - and it's never given me a problem. so if you are interested - it's for sale!
drop me a pm.


~robin