The Canon BG-E8 Battery Grip holds up to (2) LP-E8 battery packs simultaneously to effectively double your shooting power, plus the grip includes a holder to use (6) AA batteries. In addition, the grip includes a vertical shutter release and a mode wheel to provide access to all of the camera functions and make shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally.
WILLIAM O. from Calif City, CA on October 21, 2012:
I hve to say that you guys have put back a smile on my face that has been missing for about a year. I had a Rebel XT Lariat that litterally burned up inside, and photography has been something that meant a lot to mem and when this happened, I was really "down in the dumps". I can't tell you how miserable I was. I am really under a lot of financial problems right now, and my wife"s nieces affecting me, ao they got together and got enough money for me to have my dreams come true and bought the new T3i camera and the BG-E8 Battery grip for me. I cried at first, but now I have the biggest smile on my face. That camera and I are always together now, and I hope for a long time. I am 74 years old and feel like a kid again.