Top battery grip recommendations for the Canon EOS 90D?

Question

I’ve been shooting with my Canon EOS 90D for about six months now, and while I absolutely love the performance, I’m starting to feel the strain during longer portrait sessions. Lately, I’ve been using my heavy 70-200mm f/2.8 lens more often, and the camera body feels a bit unbalanced in my hands. I'm looking to add a battery grip to improve the ergonomics and, of course, double my shooting time for day-long events without constantly swapping out LP-E6N batteries.

I’m currently stuck between biting the bullet and getting the official Canon BG-E14 or going with a third-party option like Neewer or Vello to save some cash. My main concerns are the build quality and the responsiveness of the vertical shutter button and dials. I’ve heard some off-brand grips can feel a bit 'mushy' or have connectivity issues where the camera doesn't recognize the batteries properly. Since the 90D has decent weather sealing, I’d also love to know if any of the third-party grips hold up well in slightly dusty or damp conditions.

Does anyone have long-term experience with either the OEM version or a specific third-party grip that feels solid and reliable? I'd love to hear your recommendations on whether the price jump for the official Canon grip is actually worth it for the 90D!

DesertBloom · Accepted Answer

Yo, honestly your gonna love the extra balance with that heavy lens! Here's what I recommend: 1. Grab the Vello BG-C10 Battery Grip for Canon 70D, 80D, and 90D because it actually feels solid and isnt mushy like the super cheap brands.
2. It basically gives you the same performance for half the price of the official Canon version while staying reliable. gl!

Landon Michael Peterson · Answer

Ok so, for your situation, I would suggest sticking with the Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip if you can swing the price. I mean, Ive been shooting for a bit now and basically learned that third-party gear is highkey a gamble... seriously. Comparing the main options:
Option A: Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip
Pros: Perfect weather sealing that matches ur 90D, buttons feel crisp, and it highkey lasts forever.
Cons: It is sooo expensive for what it is lol. Option B: Vello BG-C9 Battery Grip for Canon 90D
Pros: Middle of the road price, build is actually okay.
Cons: Seal isnt as good as OEM, feels a bit 'plasticky' compared to the camera body. Option C: Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for Canon 90D
Pros: Literally dirt cheap.
Cons: Buttons feel lowkey mushy and it might not recognize ur Canon LP-E6N Lithium-Ion Battery every time. Honestly, since youre using that heavy Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, balance is everything. I tried a cheap grip once and it actually creaked under the weight of my big glass... kinda scary tbh! If you want that solid "one piece" feel, the OEM is worth the jump. Third-party grips might want to consider being babied more cuz they wont handle dust or dampness well. Do you think you'll be shooting in the rain much?? If not, the Vello is okay, but just make sure to check the pins. Good luck!

matthew.rivera · Answer

Just saw this thread and wanted to chime in. If you're lugging that 70-200mm f/2.8 around, you definitely need the extra grip space for your pinky. Honestly tho, the official Canon price is a bit of a joke for what you actually get. Ive used the Meike MK-80D Battery Grip for Canon EOS 90D for a couple years now and it holds up fine. Heres my setup:

Meike grip for the body.

Wasabi Power Battery 2-Pack and Dual Charger for LP-E6N to fill it.

Keep the AA tray loaded with Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA Rechargeable Batteries in your bag as a backup. The Meike buttons arent quite as premium as Canon but they definitely aren't mushy. If you ever feel like the connection is flickery, just clean the pins with some rubbing alcohol and you're good. Ngl, I've dropped mine once or twice and it's still ticking. Better to spend that extra cash on some glass or a nice strap tbh.