> Is the genuine Canon BG-E20 worth the premium for the peace of mind and weather sealing, or is there a specific third-party brand that you’ve found to be just as reliable for professional work? Just catching up on this thread. Respectfully, I'd suggest a different approach. Get the Meike MK-5D4 Pro Battery Grip with Remote Control for Canon 5D Mark IV. In my experience, it's basically identical to the OEM version for a fraction of the cost. I mean, I've been shooting weddings for a while and the build quality holds up really well. The buttons feel solid and I haven't had any "phantom drain" issues over the years. Plus, you can use the saved cash for extra Canon LP-E6N Lithium-Ion Batteries. If you're worried about rain, maybe? just get a dedicated cover. I think? it's the better play for budget and value overall. gl!

oh man, I totally feel u on the wrist strain. That 70-200mm is a total beast to lug around all day. Honestly, for pro work like weddings, I highkey recommend just biting the bullet on the Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip. I actually tried a cheaper Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV once to save some cash, but it was a mistake. The joystick felt super mushy compared to the body, and it gave me that 'phantom drain' issue where my batteries were dead by morning. Ngl, it felt like a toy compared to the magnesium alloy of the 5D IV. Plus, if youre out in the rain, the genuine Canon one has the proper weather sealing. You dont want your expensive body fried cuz of a cheap handle, right? The official one is basically tank-proof and the buttons feel identical to the camera itself. For professional peace of mind, its worth the premium. anyway, hope that helps! peace

Came here to say the same thing lol. Great minds think alike I guess.

Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.

Noted!

Late to the party but I totally get the struggle!! I went through this last year when I started doing more double-header wedding weekends. Background wise, the 5D series is built like a tank, so adding a grip is about maintaining that weather sealing integrity. Basically, those gaskets are what keep the moisture out, and third-party ones often skip the rubber seals to save on costs. It’s all about the tolerances... if the fit isn't perfect, you lose that protection. Just sharing my experience: I actually tried a cheaper alternative brand because I thought the same thing as you. But man, during a humid shoot, my camera started acting up and the joystick felt sooo mushy. Since then, I’ve found that sticking with the official Canon stuff is just better for peace of mind. If you’re doing pro work, definitely go with the manufacturer brand, you wont regret it! It feels amazing!!

Building on the earlier suggestion, I am in the exact same boat with my kit. I have been shooting with the 5D IV for years and honestly, the image quality is still top tier, but the weight with the glass is killing my wrist too. After a twelve hour wedding day, my forearm is basically shot. I have been looking at options because I really need that vertical shutter button and better weight distribution. I am kinda hesitant to pull the trigger on anything yet tho. I think I read on another forum that the communication pins on some of these grips can wear down faster than the ones on the camera body itself? Not sure if that is actually true but someone told me it can cause the camera to stop recognizing the batteries mid-shoot. IIRC there was also some talk about the magnesium alloy body of the camera expanding at a different rate than the plastic on the cheaper grips during high temps, which might affect the weather seal. I am satisfied with the camera performance but this grip dilemma is definitely a tricky one to solve without spending a fortune.