Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip
(Canon 40D and 50D Battery GRip)

Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip


The Canon BG-E2 Battery Grip is a cool accessory for discriminating photographers that seek extra shooting power, improved control when shooting vertically, and more balance when shooting with heavier lenses.

The BG-E2N was introduced into the market along with the EOS 40D. The E2N has the added advantage of a weatherproof seal to the battery compartment. If your battery grip has Direct fit that means that the battery packs are inserted into the battery grip without having to use a magazine tray.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE BG-E2N

  • The battery grip weighs about 5/8 pound (290g) without any batteries and adds about 2 inches to the height of your Canon camera.
  • Battery power is doubled when two fully charge batteries are used (duh).
  • The BGM-E2  Battery Grip Magazine can be used instead with 6 AA batteries.

Bg-e2 and bg-e2n camera compatibility

Both the BG-E2 and the BG-E2N, work with the following Canon digital cameras:

THE CANON 20D -   8.2 MP, 1.8 inch screen, Digic 2 Processor, IS0-3200, 1/2 stop increments

THE CANON 30D -   8.2 MP, 2.5 inch screen, Digic 2 Processor, ISO-3200, 1/3 stop increments

THE CANON 40D - 10.1 MP, 3.0 inch screen, Digic 3 processor, ISO-3200, 1/3 stop increments  

THE CANON 50D -15.0 MP, 3.0 inch screen, Digic 4 processor, ISO-12,800, 1/3 stop increments

Here's a table on battery grip compatibility that includes the BG-E2 and BG-E2N battery grips

BG-E2 CompatibilityTable of Canon Camera Grip Compatibility

The Canon BG-E2N is the new and improved version of the BG-E2 with a new material around the battery compartment door that seals out water and dust.

This battery grip uses the BGM-E2 Magazine and BP-511, 511A, 512, and 514 batteries. Canon also made the WFT-E3/E3A wireless battery grip for transmitting your images to a nearby computer wirelessly or through a USB port..

 It did not have the battery stalk for insertion into the bottom of the camera (see the photo below) and did not provide extra battery life.

This accessory also gives your remote control shooting capabilities, change camera setting and allows remote live view.  How cool is that?

Canon Wireless Battery Grip WFT-E3/E3A

Critics say the downside of using a professional accessory like the Canon BG-E2 battery grip is the extra size and weight.  For some these characteristics are a bonus.  

If you are a minimalist backpacker at times then this would be a valid reason not to use one.  

If your camera bag is absolutely stuffed, then you might have to settle for a second battery instead. As is true with a lot of situations like this, it's a matter of personal choice and money for most photographers.

HOW TO INSTALL THE CANON BG-E2 and E2N BATTERY GRIP

You remove the existing battery compartment door by first fully opening it and gently sliding it horizontally away from your DLSR.

You new grip slides into the battery compartment for a snug fit.

You complete the installation by screwing the thumb screw into the bottom tripod socket on your camera. The BG-E2 and BG-E2N both have the tripod adapter threads on the bottom of the grip to mount the combined camera/grip to your tripod or monopod.

FINAL COMMENT ON THIS CANON GRIP

If you own a Canon 20D, 30D, 40D, or 50D, the Canon BG-E2N Battery Grip is one of those Canon camera accessories that is worthy of consideration. This is especially true if you like to shoot a lot of vertical compositions or if you do long photography sessions. Happy Shooting!


Other Canon gear:            Best Canon Speedlites            Canon Rebel Accessories





Author Bruce Lovelace
Bruce Lovelace Signature

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr  Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

Canon Geek on Google My Business


You might like these









Recent Articles

  1. Beginner Macro Lens for Canon. Comparison-Helpful Guide To Best Choice

    Dec 10, 24 05:09 PM

    macro lens for beginners
    Beginning macro shooters, you want to find the best macro lens for Canon to start with. Here is what you need to know in this simple beginners guide

    Read More

  2. Which Canon 24-70mm Lens is The Best For You? Side by Side Comparison

    Dec 09, 24 06:46 PM

    Which canon 24-70 is best
    There are 3 Canon 24-70 lenses, but which is right for you? Side by side comparison to help you determined which Canon 24-70mm lens is the best one for you.

    Read More

  3. Best Canon Lens For Landscape Photography. 7 Landscape Lenses Compared

    Dec 09, 24 01:51 PM

    Canon lenses for landscapes
    You want to know how to choose the best landscape lens to use with your Canon camera. Best Canon Lens For Landscape Photography in 2023, 2024, and beyond

    Read More

  4. What Is The Canon 17mm Tilt Shift Lens Used For. Pluses and Minuses.

    Dec 08, 24 09:59 AM

    Canon EF 17mm f/4 L TS-E tilt shift lens
    Also called a Perspective Control lens, what is the canon 17mm tilt shift lens used for

    Read More

  5. 10 Powerful Canon Lens Accessories You Should Know About. Best Choices

    Dec 07, 24 01:57 PM

    77mm Filter for Canon 70-200 Lenses
    Some you can live without and some are must-have Canon lens accessories for your new Canon DSLR camera

    Read More


Sign up for a monthly update

Enter Your E-mail Address
Enter Your First Name
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Canon Geek Newsletter.