In my experience, you gotta stick with the Canon BG-E16 Battery Grip. check it:
- Weather sealing is HUGE for wildlife; it matches the camera's gaskets perfectly.
- Build is magnesium alloy, unlike the plasticky Vello BG-C12 Battery Grip for Canon 7D Mark II or Neewer ones.
- Vertical buttons feel snappy and reliable.
Honestly, third-party ones dont feel as solid... its highkey worth it for long shooting days. gl!

Seconding the recommendation above!! Tbh, the biggest technical win for the Canon BG-E16 Battery Grip is the tighter tolerances. Third-party options like the Vello BG-C12 Battery Grip for Canon 7D Mark II sometimes flex when you're using heavy wildlife lenses, which messes with the battery contacts. If you're shooting 10fps, you cant risk the power cutting out mid-burst. It's definitely the better long-term investment, basically a tank...

I totally agree with what everyone is saying about the official grip, especially for wildlife where ur probably out in the dirt or rain a lot!!! I was just looking at the market for these recently because I am also trying to beef up my 7D Mark II. I found a few other options like the Pixel Vertax E16 Battery Grip or the Vivitar Battery Grip for Canon 7D Mark II while doing my research. From what I can tell, the market is kind of weird right now for older DSLR gear like this. A lot of the cheap brands are just rebranded versions of the same thing? I noticed a few things during my search:

• The Pixel version seems to have slightly better seals than the Neewer one from what people say online
• Most third party grips dont actually use the magnesium alloy build like the Canon does
• Finding these brand new from reputable shops is getting harder since the mirrorless R series came out I am not 100% sure but does the Canon BG-E16 Battery Grip still come with the AA battery magazine tray? I think having that as a backup for long days in the woods would be a life saver if your rechargeable ones die? Honestly if I were you I would just keep refreshing used sites like mentioned before. Is there a specific budget you are trying to stay under???

This^ Also wanted to add my two cents. Seriously, I get the urge to save cash with the Vello BG-C12 Battery Grip for Canon 7D Mark II, but I've been burned before. Unfortunately, I had issues with a Neewer Battery Grip for Canon EOS 7D Mark II where the joystick felt mushy and it literally cut out during a high-speed burst... talk about a mood killer lol. Basically, you gotta look at the long-term value:
- **Go Used:** Honestly, check for used ones! I found a mint Canon BG-E16 Battery Grip for like $75 on eBay. It's way better than a new "cheap" one.
- **AA Tray:** The official one includes the Canon BGM-E16A Battery Magazine. Its a lifesaver in the field if ur Canon LP-E6N Lithium-Ion Battery packs die.
- **Pro Stability:** If ur doing vertical wildlife shots, pair it with a Kirk BL-7D2G L-Bracket for Canon 7D Mark II with BG-E16. It makes tripod work way faster. Dont risk ur 7DII's sealing for $40. peace!

Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.