Installation, commissioning:
According sticker on the package is the battery grip for EOS 550D, it can, however, easily be mounted on the 600D. This requires - as in other models also common - the original battery cover be removed (no tools required), these can be stored conveniently in the battery grip, so that it is again ready directly at a possibly remove the handle. The handle is simply attached via a knurled screw to the tripod socket of the bodysuits, sits well and also includes flush. Without further action, the camera now has two lithium batteries is ready - to use the camera controls (shutter release,, zoom function and AV button) mus a sliding switch on the handle to "On" are pushed - labeled a bit unfortunate, because it is not about the Turning on the power or the power supply for the camera is, but it is merely a key lock.
Operation:
Mechanical resolved unfavorably in my opinion is the battery compartment which - seen from behind - is opened on the left side with a bit fiddly herauszuklappendem small handle and then the battery holder can be completely pushed out to the left. No engagement during insertion - the tray needs to be printed manually and locked by means of 90 ° rotation to the handle. Also the grip is based on forward so far that the mounting of a EF 70-200 is no longer on the lens clamp with quick release plate is possible - in the open state of the rear-facing lever abuts the battery grip.
Now, the controls function as you would expect, the use in portrait mode is substantially simplified - some have to be careful not to touch the controls of the timer.
Timer - with a reason to buy this handle, but it saves the extra Connecting a separate interval timer for time-lapse photography. Those who expect more combinable programs will be disappointed - a delay time ("DELAY") from 1s to nearly 10h adjustable (until then but should the battery but no longer be good for too many pictures without Live View) to the Inter case sequence starts, this ( "INTVL") set in the same period. Then the number of intervals ("N") of 1-999 (unendlcih there is not, the timer starts at 0 not easy!) And the item "Long", which indicates the duration of the trigger pulse. Again, you must enter at least 1 second otherwise the timer does not start - at the point I have several tests needed to the device for the first time to get up and running - otherwise the operation is self-explanatory. May be useful as the "LONG-function" in Bulb setting the camera for long exposures even sending a short pulse with setting 0 would be appropriate.
Conclusion:
For the price absolutely recommended and therefore, despite some minor criticisms also five star. The timer function expands the possibilities with no extra device, double battery life, remote shutter release if required and better handling for a vertically recordings.
Meike Professional Battery Grip with LCD Timer & infrared trigger for Canon EOS 650D, 600D, 550D as the BG-E8 + 2 x LP-E8 replica batteries
