Toronto Photography Meetup Group

So I decided to give this a shot and I'll let everyone know once I get it.

I just ordered this unit, http://www.bgrip.com/, and I think it looks pretty good. Only one retailer in Canada has it that I could find and they are located in Quebec. Cost about $111, which is a little cheaper than the Spider systems out there. I figure that its also a little more versitile than the Spider too.

Check em out and let me know what you think... I'd love to know your thoughts

B-grip Tutorial

Kinda looks like a fanny pack.

I don't like it. Holding the camera with a lever like that is asking for trouble and then you have the safety strap, if used, makes it a two step process to release. Sorry, I wouldn't buy it. I think the Spider Holster or Cotton Carrier is a better design if you want a similar rigging.

When I was looking at it, its more like holding it to a tripod mount, not really a lever.

The Spider is good, but its kinda moveable on a ball joint, if that makes sense.

You plan on going dancing with your camera .. j/k. Sure looks like it locks onto the tripod mount thingie using a lever.

heh heh
You never know

I was wondering about it too, cause the locking mechanism in the spider is a side locking lever... the Bgrip one looks spring loaded. I guess we'll see

The truth is Justin just wanted new toys to play with. Easier to explain a $100 B-grip to the wife than a $2k lens or a new set of Elinchromes.

hhmmm... I am quite intruiged by it... doesn't swing... like the changing lens concept... is it compatible though with a manfrotto plate..?

LOL it is a lot easier to explain

I'm not 100% sure as it says its a standard fit... only one way to really find out

Finally got a chance to watch the tutorial video. I'll stick with a Blackrapid strap.

I'm not abandoning my DIY BR strap either. I think it just depends on what scenario I'll use it under.

We'll see when it gets here

You know you'll still check it out when I have it with me

The B-Grip looks awesome for pick pockets or any thug looking for an easy payday.

ya, it would be tough to defend in rougher neighbourhoods

But they will see that you have a black belt (b-grip dojo) and leave you alone

It looks so geeky I will make fun of the person using it.

hah hah I'll go all kungfu fighting on you

super stylish

Got my Bgrip today

Sorry for the shaky photos... iphone doesn't have IS





I'll say right off the bat, its weird having the weight not on a shoulder or neck... I guess its out of habit, but I could definitely get used to this for shoots

Hey J,

Did you get a chance to try out the B-Grip? How well does it work with longer lenses (e.g. 70-200 or 300)? Is it possible to secure the mounting plate to the tripod mount on the lens?

I'm in the search for something better than the BR RS-5 I have - it's great with light loads, but when I have DSLR+battery pack+telephoto lens+TC on there, I get back pain after 3-4 hours of birding, due to the weight being all on one shoulder.

Thanks!
Sameer

I have tried it out and there is ample room for a longer lens. I don't have a 70-200 but I'm sure it would work fine. as for mounting it on the lens ring, I'm sure it would work too. Only draw back is the body would be up into the waist level, so sitting down may be more difficult since it would be more top heavy. Long lens and standing, I think it would be totally fine.

hey J__ , how about if the Camera has a Flash on it like a Canon 580EX II, is it awkwardly sticking out on the side? I'm wondering if that would pose a problem if you are in an event as there will be lots of people, might be a possibility that your flash be knocked off accidentally... much more if the camera grip is also installed....

ya definitely is a risk since in i think this type of system isn't good for everything.

the flash mounted on the hotshoe of a camera would be kinda tough. If you had a trigger, it wouldn't be a problem at all. I think again in this situation, total weight would be an issue. It can definitely support it, but in crowded spaces, it would be hard to manage.