[ggeorge11]

Another yes vote, I bought a 3rd party grip, with 2 extra batteries, and have not regretted it yet. It makes it easier to hold, and having the extra juice, just in case is nice.

[snostorm]

Hi kamayok3,

It's really a matter of personal preference. I'm in the apparent minority, and don't particularly like BGs. I'd gotten one for the K10/K20 and used it once. Did not bother to buy one for the K-7/K-5.

I use a grip strap 100% of the time, and using the camera/BG in portrait orientation disallows using the strap for security. I shoot 300mm+ lenses 95%+ of the time, and don't like carrying the extra bulk of the BG, and an extra battery in my pocket and monitoring # of shots allows me to change batteries before the original in the body depletes to the point of being bothersome. Since a battery change takes only a couple of seconds, it's not really a handicap for extended shoots. I've never quite understood the "balance with larger lenses" thing, so adding more weight to the total body/lens package has never made sense to me. And then there's the extra cost. . .

As I said, a personal preference thing. . .

Scott

[CRPhoto]

Anyone with a comparison picture of the K5 with/without the grip? Does it integrate as nicely as with the K20D? thanks

[SpecialK]

Have a grip on the K20D.

But, no way am I spending $250 for a K-5 grip that does not even hold the remote.

I might buy the knock off for $99 to have a spot for my pinkie, but that's it.

[bkpix]

Why would I add weight and bulk to a camera I like because it's light and compact?

Have never understood the "balance" business.

If you want to look like a photojournalist, get a D3 or 1D. I prefer to be mistaken for a tourist.

[ve2vfd]

I use the grip mostly because I find the K5 too small for my hands... I find I have a much more comfortable and steady hold on the camera with the grip on.

Pat

[Talisker]

I would say yes.
I ran without one for a couple of weeks after getting my K5 (it was a reconditioned body, so I wanted to be sure it was fine before I spent more on it!)
Without the grip I found the K5 a little uncomfortable - my little finger was floating about underneath, and the whole thing left my wrist aching. (I don't have particularly large hands, but don't get wrist-ache with A K20D + grip!)
Hugely more comfortable with the grip. Held vertically its now the most comfortable camera I've ever held, with the possible exception of my Bronica 645RF.
If you need to go lightweight you can always take it off!

[D4rknezz]

I dont use one . I have a smaller hands, and I use a strap. In terms of needing the extra batteries, I bought a second battery and the two of them lasted me for last weekend wedding shooting, some 1000 frames, and i was barely into the second battery.

I think it depends on how comfortable are you with holding the K5 as is.

[JeffJS]

Hi all,

I might need some opinions regarding the need of battery grip on my K5.

Now, the question is with or without battery grip on K5?

Thanks.

With.

[kamayok3]

Thanks a lot for all opinions. Actually I got a big hand. But I used to hold my K100DS without grip for almost 3 years. So, without the grip actually is not a problem for me even shooting in vertical. I also found out with the grip my K5 became heavier when travel long distance.

But sometimes I am also doing astrophotography works. Need more juice in the field.

Now I am confused.

[raphtze]

+1 with grip. i shoot with 28-70 f/2.8 and 80-200mm f/2.8. makes vertical shots a lot tastier. also you can put *two* batteries--one in the body, and one in the grip. i prioritize battery usage to be grip first, body 2nd. i'm a big fella too....so the camera with grip is still pretty small.

[hjb981]

Thanks a lot for all opinions. Actually I got a big hand. But I used to hold my K100DS without grip for almost 3 years. So, without the grip actually is not a problem for me even shooting in vertical. I also found out with the grip my K5 became heavier when travel long distance.

But sometimes I am also doing astrophotography works. Need more juice in the field.

Now I am confused.

You could of course just buy a few spare batteries if you need longer run-time...

[planedriver]

YES YES YES +1 vote for the grip!

even with the grip it is small...compared to..anything (don't want to jump into anything like K-5 vs. anything)

..small but very comfortable!!!

Andras

[sjwaldron]

I certainly think you should own a grip for the K-5. I use mine around 60% of the time, although there are times where I prefer the smallest size possible (say with the K-5 and 40mm f2.8 lens).

[Francis]

+1 on the grip, also with AAs.