Thanks to a tip from 'c n', these uber cheap battery grips orignally posted in this article: http://cheesycam.com/unusual-new-battery-grips-for-550d-t2i/ seem to have a slight upgrade. Originally the unit was super cheap, mainly because it still used very old battery types from the T1i. Now these sub $35.00 550D Battery grips are using the proper LE-E8 battery fit, and appears to have a slight cosmetic upgrade too. Maybe threw out the old junk and now selling an entirely new product. Either way, it's the standard model now, but looks like they kept the pricing at under $35.00 bucks (no batteries). You can find more information by clicking here: BATTERY GRIP FOR CANON EOS 550D /Rebel T2i SLR BG-E8
Shop for Aftermarket 550D Battery Grip
[Update] If the link above doesn't return any results, they sold out very quickly. Here's an updated link shared by a few readers.
Battery Grip for Canon 550D T2i with Batteries
Matias
What bout this one? It looks the same but has an LCD built in and a remote and two batteries...
https://cgi.ebay.com:80/B6K-LCD-battery-Grip-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T2i-550D-LP-E8-/270652817847?pt=Batteries_Chargers&hash=item3f042a41b7&autoredirect=off
xlerate
This is the one I got on Amazon: High Capacity Battery Pack / Vertical Grip + 2 LP-E8 Batteries for Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR Camera
High Capacity Battery Pack / Vertical Grip + 2 LP-E8 Batteries for Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR Camera
$58.49 shipped.
The fit is great, it also has the 6AA adapter.
The batteries came full charged and I tested them individually without the grip.
I can't be happier with the product.
I was surprised, when I went into Micro Center and saw the Canon OEM Grip for $250+
moe
post link again for this product thx.......
Torben Scharling
Yah, I just recieved this one: Battery Grip F Canon EOS Rebel T2i 550D DSLR +2 Battery
includes 2 batteries. Recommended indeed.
Walk
I've got one for my T2i. It fits snug, feels good, looks good AND it also comes with a double AA adapter in case you really find yourself in a fix with batteries.
Definitely recommended.
Emm
Post authorThe old one had an infrared receiver built in. These new pictures (and the fact that they state this uses the correct batteries), leads me to believe this is just an entirely new unit.
Olphus
How can you tell the difference between the older and the new with slight cosmetic upgrade grip?