Take Your Photography to the Next Level: How to Use Canon EOS 60D Battery Grip for Stunning Results

The Canon EOS 60D is a fantastic camera, but its battery life can sometimes feel like a bottleneck, especially during extended shooting sessions. This is where the Canon EOS 60D battery grip comes in. This accessory not only doubles your shooting time, but also adds a vertical grip, offering a more comfortable and ergonomic shooting experience. However, many photographers struggle to fully utilize the grip’s potential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to use Canon EOS 60D battery grip like a pro.

Understanding the Canon EOS 60D Battery Grip

The Canon EOS 60D battery grip is a specialized accessory designed to enhance your camera’s functionality and usability. Here’s what it offers:

• Extended Battery Life: The grip houses two LP-E8 batteries, doubling your shooting time. This is a game-changer for photographers who shoot for long periods or in remote locations.
• Vertical Shooting Comfort: The grip provides a natural and comfortable hold for vertical shooting, improving your stability and control.
• Enhanced Control: The grip features dedicated buttons and dials for shutter release, focus control, and other settings, making it easier to access key functions without having to reach for the camera body.
• Improved Ergonomics: The grip’s design makes the camera more balanced and easier to hold, especially with heavier lenses attached.

Installing the Battery Grip

Installing the Canon EOS 60D battery grip is a straightforward process:
1. Power Off: Turn off your Canon EOS 60D camera.
2. Open the Battery Compartment: Locate the battery compartment on the bottom of the camera and open it.
3. Remove the Battery: Take out the LP-E8 battery from the camera.
4. Align the Grip: Align the battery grip with the camera’s base, ensuring the contacts on both align perfectly.
5. Secure the Grip: Slide the grip onto the camera and secure it by turning the locking knob.
6. Insert Batteries: Insert two LP-E8 batteries into the grip’s compartment.
7. Power On: Turn on your camera to confirm the grip is installed correctly.

Mastering the Battery Grip’s Controls

The Canon EOS 60D battery grip features a set of dedicated controls that mirror those found on the camera body. Understanding these controls is essential for maximizing the grip’s potential:

• Shutter Release Button: The grip’s shutter release button provides an alternative to the camera body’s shutter button, particularly useful for vertical shooting.
• Focus Control Buttons: The grip’s focus control buttons allow you to switch between autofocus modes, select focus points, and magnify the image for precise focusing.
• AE Lock Button: This button locks the exposure settings, preventing unwanted changes in light conditions.
• Multi-Controller: The multi-controller allows you to navigate menus, select focus points, and adjust settings with ease.
• Exposure Compensation Dial: The grip’s exposure compensation dial provides quick and convenient adjustments to the exposure settings.
• Main Dial: The main dial is used for adjusting settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Utilizing the Grip for Vertical Shooting

The Canon EOS 60D battery grip is a game-changer for vertical shooting. Its ergonomic design provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to hold the camera steadily and capture sharp, well-composed images. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Switch to Vertical Orientation: Rotate the camera to a vertical position.
2. Use the Grip’s Controls: Utilize the grip’s dedicated controls for shutter release, focusing, and exposure adjustments, ensuring a comfortable and efficient workflow.
3. Maintain a Firm Grip: Keep a firm hold on the grip to minimize camera shake and ensure stability, especially when using a telephoto lens.
4. Experiment with Composition: The vertical orientation allows you to capture different perspectives and create unique compositions.

Optimizing Battery Life

While the Canon EOS 60D battery grip extends your shooting time, it’s still important to maximize battery life for extended outings. Here are some tips:

• Use Genuine Batteries: Always use genuine Canon LP-E8 batteries to avoid damage to the camera or grip.
• Charge Batteries Fully: Ensure your batteries are fully charged before heading out for a shoot.
• Turn Off Features: Disable unnecessary features like Wi-Fi, GPS, and live view to conserve battery power.
• Use Power Saving Modes: Utilize the camera’s power saving modes when not actively shooting.
• Carry Extra Batteries: Always pack extra batteries, especially for long shoots or when traveling.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Tips for Battery Grip Mastery

As you become more familiar with the Canon EOS 60D battery grip, here are some advanced tips to elevate your photography:

• Customize Button Functions: You can customize the functions of the grip’s buttons to suit your shooting style and preferences.
• Utilize the Grip for Macro Photography: The grip’s added stability and control are particularly beneficial for macro photography, allowing you to focus precisely and capture intricate details.
• Experiment with Different Shooting Techniques: The grip’s added weight and stability can be used to explore different shooting techniques like panning, long exposures, and time-lapse photography.

Time to Embrace the Power: A Final Word

The Canon EOS 60D battery grip is an indispensable tool for serious photographers. It not only extends your shooting time but also provides a more comfortable and ergonomic shooting experience, particularly for vertical shots. By understanding its features, mastering its controls, and utilizing it effectively, you can unlock the full potential of your Canon EOS 60D and take your photography to new heights.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use the battery grip with a different Canon EOS camera?
A: The Canon EOS 60D battery grip is specifically designed for the Canon EOS 60D camera. It may not be compatible with other Canon EOS models.
Q: How do I know if my battery grip is working properly?
A: You can check the battery grip‘s functionality by verifying that the grip’s controls respond correctly and that the batteries are charging and discharging properly.
Q: Can I use the battery grip with a flash unit?
A: Yes, you can use the battery grip with a flash unit. The grip features a hot shoe for attaching a flash unit.
Q: Is it necessary to use both batteries in the grip?
A: No, you can use just one battery in the grip, but this will only extend your shooting time by half.
Q: What are the benefits of using the battery grip for macro photography?
A: The battery grip‘s added stability and control make it easier to focus precisely and capture intricate details in macro photography.