What are the best battery grips for Canon EOS 5D series?

Question

I've been using my Canon 5D Mark IV for a few months now, but I’m finding it a bit cramped during long portrait sessions. I’m definitely in the market for a battery grip to help with vertical shooting and to extend my shooting time without constantly swapping batteries. I’m torn between spending the extra cash on the official Canon BG-E20 or going with a more budget-friendly brand like Vello or Neewer. I've heard mixed reviews about third-party build quality and weather sealing. Does anyone have experience with these on the 5D series? Should I stick with the genuine Canon grip for reliability, or is there a third-party model that feels just as solid?

isabella.wells · Accepted Answer

Hey, i totally get the struggle with the 5D Mark IV feeling a bit small... I've been shooting with the 5D series for like forever now and honestly, you dont always need to drop huge cash on the official Canon gear. I'm actually really satisfied with the budget ones i've used!! Here's what I recommend based on my experience: * Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV - Honestly, this is the sweet spot. It's usually around $85 and the build quality is surprisingly good. The buttons feel clicky enough and I've never had it lose connection. * Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV - If ur really looking to save, this one is about $55. It's basically the cheapest way to get that vertical shutter, tho the plastic feels a little lighter than the Canon one... maybe just be careful with it?? * Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip for EOS 5D Mark IV - Only get this if u have $280 to blow or do lots of shoots in the rain. Personally, I'd go with the Vello, it's served me well for years and lowkey feels just as solid as the "real" thing... plus u save like $200!!! hope that helps!! gl with the portraits!! 👍

Willow · Answer

Yo, just saw this thread! Seriously, as someone who's shot like a million portraits with the 5D series, I totally get the struggle. If youre doing long sessions, a grip is basically MANDATORY... but you dont have to blow 300 bucks on the official Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip if you're smart about it!! Here's the technical breakdown for your situation: 1. Materials: The official Canon grip uses magnesium alloy and has legit weather sealing. Most budget ones like the Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV are polycarbonate. Unless youre shooting in a monsoon, the plastic is actually lighter and honestly fine for daily use... just dont drop it lol. 2. Contact Reliability: This is where it gets technical. Super cheap grips sometimes have issues with the contact pins not communicating battery data correctly to the 5D IV's processor. I've found that the Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV hits the absolute sweet spot. It feels way more solid than the super budget ones and the buttons have a nice tactile click. 3. Controls: Make sure you get one with the AF-area selection button!! Some older third-party designs skip that. The Vello BG-C14 has it and it's AMAZING for vertical shooting. I'd suggest the Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV. It's such good value and performs like 95% as well as the Canon for a fraction of the price. Plus, the extra space for your pinky finger is life-changing. gl! 👍

fidifinance · Answer

Seconded!