[kshapero]

Who uses the battery hand grip? Seems like a lot of extra weight. Is it worth it for use with a mid size zoom lens?

[Adam]

I think it makes the camera easier to hold with medium to large lenses, and the doubled battery life certainly comes in handy.

[ZeljkoS]

Additional shutter button in portrait orientation and an additional control wheel also comes handy.

[JimmyDranox]

If you have big hands, (you can catch a bascket ball with one hand), it's almost a necessity, whatever the lens.

[blackcloudbrew]

I wouldn't use my K20, K5, or K3 without one. They are worth the extra weight.

[Rudy]

And if you switch frequently between horizontal to vertical it is very comfortable to hold and fast to change. Example when i shot my sons Youth Soccer, and i am using a long lens with a ring on a monopod, i switch frequently depnding on the action. Since i have the grip for my K-3 i am enyoing the camera more. Even if i use a smaller lens without a ring like the 16-50, it is just easier to hold the camera on a more natural position. Weight has not being a issue since in this case i carry the K-3 on my black rapid shoulder strap. I waited a lot to buy the grip at a good price since it is not a must, but after i have it i enjoy it and use it a lot.

However, if i carry my K-30 with a 18-135 (light weight WR -- walk in the rain/travel light combo) i do not miss a grip because small size and low weight is the advantage of the K-30. Therefore i guess depends on the camera, lens, and how you use it.

[Docrwm]

Don't leave home without it, even when shooting limiteds.

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Last edited by Docrwm; 12-09-2014 at 11:59 AM.

[kshapero]

Don't leave home without it, even when shooting limiters.

What's a limiter?

[northcoastgreg]

I have found the grip absolutely essential when shooting, hand-held, with the DA* 300 and Tamron 70-200. It also helps with hand-held shooting in portrait orientation, regardless of size of lens being used.

[krebsy75]

Many of us shoot Pentax to minimize bulk and weight. The grip tends to defeat that purpose.

One thing I don't like is having to remove the grip to change the primary battery.

Having said all of that I wouldn't mind having one for telephoto stuff.

[bsamcash]

I use it because it makes me feel cooler. Only lame-oes use tiny cameras. Just ask the 1D users.

[Docrwm]

Many of us shoot Pentax to minimize bulk and weight. The grip tends to defeat that purpose.

One thing I don't like is having to remove the grip to change the primary battery.

Having said all of that I wouldn't mind having one for telephoto stuff.

I can do so very simply by removing the grip. However, if I don't have it and need it I'm out of luck. I find that for my shooting the grip really makes a very positive difference. I have large hands, often shoot long lenses, and routinely shoot in both portrait and landscape. I find that I miss more shots or have fewer keepers when trying to hold the camera from the top and shoot than when I have the grip and can hold it as normal but in the portrait orientation. All-in-all, I have to make a conscious decision to take the grip off the camera. When I want smaller I go with the K-01 or the Q most of the time.

[gaweidert]

My had fit the camera better so yes I like it and use it.

[kkoether]

I have BIG hands! XXL gloves are too small. Both my K-3 and K200D have grips that live on each body. The only time they come off is to change the main batteries.

[alexcam]

I have a K5 and two K10's. Only one K10 doesn't have the grip.
Guess which one feels the most awkward to shoot with?