Before I give advice, I'm curious about one thing: what's ur actual budget limit here? Like, are we trying to stay under $50 or is something around $100 okay? Also, are you already using third-party batteries or sticking with the official Canon LP-E6N Lithium-Ion Battery? I ask because some of those cheap grips get reallyyy glitchy with battery communication... idk why, maybe it's the chips, but they dont always show the accurate power levels. Honestly, I've had a pretty disappointing experience with the super budget stuff like the Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 6D Mark II. I thought I was being smart saving money, but the buttons felt kinda mushy after a few months in the damp air and the 'sealing' was basically non-existent. For waterfall shots where there's constant spray, that's highkey a risk for your camera body if moisture gets into the battery compartment. But yeah, like the first reply mentioned, the official Canon BG-E21 Battery Grip is the standard choice, even though it's definitely overpriced at $180 retail. It's frustrating cuz youre basically paying for the brand, but the gaskets are actually legit. If you're on a budget, you might look at the Vello BG-C16 Battery Grip for Canon 6D Mark II which is usually around $80 and feels a bit more solid. Another tip is checking for a used Canon one; I've seen them for under $100 lately! But if you can clarify how 'wet' those shoots actually get, I can tell you if the third-party risk is worth it. Peace!

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, if you're highkey worried about moisture during those sunrise treks, sticking with the Canon BG-E21 Battery Grip mentioned earlier is the smartest move. Third-party units like the Vello BG-C16 Battery Grip for Canon 6D Mark II are great for saving money, but they usually lack the proper weather seals you need for misty landscapes. Practical tips to save cash:
* Buy the official grip used! You can find a mint Canon BG-E21 Battery Grip for way less than retail on reputable gear sites like MPB or KEH.
* Upgrade to the Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery. It has higher capacity than the older versions and handles the cold significantly better. I've been sooo happy with my used OEM setup. It works well, feels solid, and ngl, the peace of mind is worth it when things get damp. gl!

Tbh I’ve spent way too much time looking into the market for these because I couldn't wrap my head around the huge price gap. From a practical perspective, it basically comes down to how the different brands handle the "marriage" between the grip and the camera body. Here is what I found when comparing the different tiers:
* Manufacturing Tolerances: A lot of the generic brands use thinner plastic that flexes when you're locked onto a tripod for long exposures. That flex can actually break the weather seal contact even if there's a gasket.
* Contact Points: Something like the Meike MK-6DRII Battery Grip is a popular budget choice, but I’ve read they use cheaper alloys for the pins which can corrode way faster in misty conditions.
* Parasitic Drain: A huge issue in user reports is "phantom drain" where the third-party chips keep the camera's communication bus active even when the power is off. If you're doing long exposures in the cold, that drain is a total dealbreaker. I'm not 100% sure if the Vivitar Battery Grip for Canon 6D Mark II is much better with actual weather seals, but usually, the budget stuff skips the internal gaskets to save on costs. It’s a bit of a gamble tho if you're really out in the damp.

hey! so i actually just got into this too and honestly, i went with the Canon BG-E21 Battery Grip for my 6D Mark II. i was pretty worried about the weather sealing like you mentioned... i dont wanna risk my camera in the mist just to save a few bucks lol. the build is super solid and definitely worth the peace of mind for landscape stuff. hope that helps!

Been using this for years, no complaints

Late to the party but man, I feel this frustration in my soul. I've spent years hiking through damp woods just to have my battery level jump around like crazy because of the cold. It's the absolute worst feeling when you're lined up for a perfect long exposure and the camera just blinks empty for no reason.

• Honestly, I'm not 100% sure if the internal gaskets on the expensive ones are actually better, or if we're all just paying for a logo. I think I heard someone say the third-party factories use the same molds, but IIRC, the actual rubber compound is where they save money.
• I've actually resorted to DIY weatherproofing because I'm so fed up with worrying. I've tried wrapping the whole grip joint in heavy-duty gaffer tape before heading out into the mist. It looks like a total mess but it makes me feel a bit safer when things get damp.
• Not sure if it's true, but someone told me the official ones have better drainage channels inside. I've never had the guts to take mine apart to check though... too scared I'd break something and be out even more cash.

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