BG-E1 Battery Pack/ Portrait Grip

The only time I use the BG-E1 is with my 300/4 IS because the image stabilization tends to drain batteries after extended use. The BG-E1 holds two batteries which doubles the battery life. The extra battery and battery pack adds quite a bit of extra weight, although you can use the BG-E1 with only one battery if you want. The battery cover on the 300D (Digital Rebel) is removable and stores inside a special compartment of the BG-E1. The extra weight tends to counter balance a longer heavier lens, like my EF 300/4 IS. It also gives a larger surface to grip when holding a larger/heavier lens. An extra shutter release and other controls come with the BG-E1. These controls are available at your finger tips when used in portrait mode. This is nice but not essential in my opinion. When I want to travel light when vacationing with normal lenses, I simply remove the battery pack. A single battery is plenty with non-I.S. lenses. To see some shots done with my EF300/4 IS and BG-E1, see my Gallery at: http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/8092