Recommended battery grips for a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV?

Question

Does anyone have a solid recommendation for a 5D Mark IV battery grip that wont break the bank but also doesnt feel like it's gonna snap in half? I've been a pro photographer for ages and usually I just carry spares in my pocket but I have a huge 12-hour wedding gig coming up in Seattle next month and my wrists are already killing me thinking about those vertical shots.

Ive looked at the official BG-E20 but spending 250 bucks feels wrong. I tried a third party one years ago on my old 7D and it kept losing connection which was a nightmare. Is there a middle ground for around 100 bucks that has a decent joystick and wont fail on me mid-ceremony?

lincoln.greene · Accepted Answer

I've relied on the Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV for several seasons now and it's a reliable middle ground. It usually costs around 90 dollars and handles vertical shooting well without the connection issues found in cheaper clones. The joystick is tactile and responsive, making it a solid alternative to the expensive Canon version for those grueling 12-hour wedding days.

canarsiecoast · Answer

I would suggest considering these two alternatives for your wedding gig:

Meike MK-5D4 Pro Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV: Good build quality for the price. The joystick functions well, tho it lacks the tactile OEM feel.

Vivitar VIV-PG-5D4 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV: Very budget-friendly. Just be careful with the mounting screw as it needs to be extremely tight to maintain a solid connection. Make sure to test those seals before working in that Seattle moisture...

lincolncenterlove · Answer

I used to be a total purist with my 5D Mark IV because I was terrified of third-party communication pins shorting out the motherboard. But then I did this grueling 14-hour marathon shoot and realized my hand was basically a claw... The switch to a mid-range grip I heard about on a tech forum worked out well and I have been pretty satisfied with the balance. IIRC, the main thing to watch for is whether the grip uses gold-plated contacts or just cheap copper that oxidizes. A few things I checked:

Weather sealing gaskets around the battery door

Weighted feel to offset heavy L-series lenses

A joystick that doesnt feel mushy Im not entirely sure if the manufacturing quality is consistent across all the newer batches, but finding one with decent internal shielding makes a huge difference. It beats carrying loose batteries in your pockets all day while trying to stay mobile during a ceremony.