An alternative that does not need to hide.

The Delamax battery grip fits and works perfectly on the Canon EOS 550D. I run him alternately with two original Canon LP-E8 and two replicas (White W-Can LP-E8). So far I have found no problems in using.

The camera is in spite of the extra weight of no less than two Canon LP-E8 or six AA batteries still very well balanced plus weight of the handle. It has at least feel that the handling per se is still slightly better than without a handle.

The, the original modeled on the camera, structuring of the grips has in any position (horizontal or vertical) a comfortable and safe feeling while holding. The shutter button, the shutter speed so as aperture size can be conveniently operated with the index finger as in landscape format in portrait orientation as well.

The tactile feedback of the keys and the behavior of the dial are perfect and even after extensive use not "worn" or the like.

To prevent accidental operation of the buttons on the battery grip, they can be deactivated very rapidly over the ON / OFF switch. The power is thereby not interrupted (as one might assume yes).

Very useful in "emergency situations" is of course that one replacement magazine for six AA batteries (or batteries) is available, which can be bought on the fly at any gas station.

In addition to the battery grip is recommended a wrist strap, for example, the Canon E-1 or as a (really good) alternative Delamax the 3-point leather wrist strap. The compatibility of both hand straps I've tested.

At the bottom of the handle you can of course as usual mount a quick connector for a tripod.

Basically, I have to say that I just in (portrait) vertical shooting not want to miss a battery grip, because you can simply work faster and more effectively.

All in all, you could tell when you first configure that you hold here a quality product in hands, who does not need to hide behind the original.

Therefore I see no practical reason why one should spend almost three times the original Canon BG-E8 except you value in the warranty period to the manufacturer "recommended" use of original accessories. My camera is, in spite of the use of this replica, not yet risen or the like in flames; o)