> Are the Neewer or Vello ones actually reliable or just junk? ^ This. Also, I have to politely disagree with the idea that non-OEM is always a gamble. I've been using the Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV for about two years now and I've been super happy with it. Honestly, no complaints at all. I was cautious at first cuz of the price difference, but the build quality is surprisingly solid and the buttons have a nice, tactile click that matches the 5D body pretty well. If youre really worried about the Vegas shoot, another solid alternative is the Phottix BG-5D IV Battery Grip. It feels a little more high-end than the basic Neewer stuff imo. It has that rubberized texture that helps it blend in with the camera perfectly. I've taken mine through some dusty outdoor gigs and it held up just fine. Quick tip: when you get it, make sure the mounting wheel is tightened down extra snug. Sometimes these third-party ones can lose contact if there is even a tiny bit of play between the grip and the body. Its totally doable to save some cash here without the gear falling apart on you. Good luck with the wedding, those desert shoots are beautiful but the heat is wild... hope you stay cool out there!

Honestly, I feel your pain on those OEM prices. Its getting ridiculous lately. I tried to go the budget route last year when my gear was acting up and unfortunately, it wasnt as good as expected. If you have a wedding in Vegas coming up, you really dont want your grip failing mid-ceremony just because the electronics decided to be moody in the heat.

• Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV: This one is okay-ish for a backup but I had issues with the shutter button feel. It feels super mushy compared to the Mark IV body. It doesnt have that satisfying click you get with the native gear. The plastic also feels a bit thin, so I was always worried about it cracking if I bumped my rig against something.
• Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: I found this one pretty disappointing tbh. It actually drained my batteries even when the camera was turned off. Its cheap for a reason... the fit and finish just isnt there and it felt kinda creaky when I had a heavy lens like a 70-200 attached. Not exactly professional vibes.
• Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip for EOS 5D Mark IV: Ngl, I ended up just biting the bullet and getting the real thing again. The weather sealing is the big deal for me. Vegas can be dusty and nasty, and having that peace of mind is worth the extra cash if you're getting paid for the gig. If you are really strapped for cash before the trip, the Vello is the best of the cheap options, but it still feels like a major compromise.

> Are the Neewer or Vello ones actually reliable or just junk? To add to the point above: I think those brands are okay for casual stuff, but you might want to consider the power contacts. Ive always been a bit nervous about third-party pins not lining up and draining batteries overnight. It might be rare, but I would suggest being super careful and testing it before your big trip. The Pixel E20 Vertical Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV is a popular budget choice if you want to avoid Vello. It feels sturdy, tho it lacks the weather sealing of the official one. Since Vegas can get super dusty, make sure to keep a close eye on it. Honestly, Id still try to find a used Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip for EOS 5D Mark IV first... the peace of mind is worth a lot when youre shooting a wedding.

The battery grip struggle is so real. Its incredibly frustrating that we have to choose between paying way too much for OEM or risking a total failure during a big gig. I’ve gone through so many and it’s just exhausting trying to find something that doesn't feel like a toy... I remember being out at a wedding once and my non-OEM grip just stopped communicating with the body right as the couple started their vows. I had to faff around with the batteries while people stared. It was honestly humiliating. Even the brands that people swear by can be a gamble.

• Meike MK-5D4 Pro Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV: This one was just okay. Pros: it includes a wireless remote that works from a decent distance. Cons: the shutter button is way too sensitive and the plastic feels kinda thin.
• Phottix BG-5D Mark IV Premium Battery Grip: This felt closer to the original but still didnt last. Pros: the rubber grip texture is actually pretty nice and didn't peel off. Cons: the main dial feels crunchy after a few months and the connection pins seem a bit flimsy. tbh I am still looking for a perfect one because everything so far has been a major compromise.