Yo! Honestly, I totally get it... the 90D is a beast but it's definitely a bit small for big hands during long birding sessions. I actually started with a cheaper third-party one, i think it was the Neewer NW-80D Battery Grip for Canon EOS 90D 80D 70D, but i ended up returning it cuz the buttons felt super mushy and i was constantly worried about it breaking if I got caught in the rain. For your situation, I would suggest just biting the bullet and getting the official Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip. I've been using it for about two years now and the build quality is SO much better. It basically feels like part of the camera. The texture matches perfectly and the shutter button has that nice, clicky feel you're looking for. Plus, it has the same weather sealing as the 90D, so you dont have to baby it during sports. TL;DR: Third-party grips work, but for sports/outdoors, the Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip is REALLY worth the extra cash for the weather sealing and better buttons. Good luck! 👍

Hmm, I've had a different experience! Respectfully, I'd suggest another option—dont pay the 'Canon tax' if youre looking for value. I've found the Pixel BG-E14 Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 70D 80D 90D is a fantastic, cost-effective alternative. * Tactile buttons (not mushy!)
* Solid weather gaskets
* Matches 90D texture Basically half the price but feels pro. Honestly, ur gear will be totally safe in light rain with this! Peace.

Just catching up! In my experience: - Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip: Best seals/dials.
- Vello BG-C9 Battery Grip for Canon 70D, 80D, and 90D: Budget choice, but risky. Dont risk ur 90D, go Canon!

Re: "Re: "👆 this"Been thinking about your dilemma. >..."

• Elmer is totally right! I’ve been shooting with the 90D for ages and honestly, I would never trust anything but the official Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip. When you're out in the elements, those seals are everything! To really solve the hand cramp and battery issue for those long sports shoots, check these out too:
• Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery - the extra capacity is amazing and it lasts way longer than the standard ones.
• Peak Design Clutch Camera Hand Strap - this is a total game changer for hand fatigue when youre switching orientations. Ngl, the tactile click on the Canon dials is just way more satisfying than the mushy third-party stuff. If you love your gear, just go for the real deal! You wont regret the extra cost once you feel how solid it is.

Great info, saved!

Re: "👆 this"

• Been thinking about your dilemma. > I’m a bit concerned that a cheaper grip might be a weak point if I get caught in a light drizzle. If you're worried about those seals, my go-to DIY strategy for gear is hunting down used OEM stuff. You get the pro-grade weather sealing of the Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip without paying full retail. I've taken apart a few grips in my time and third-party options like the Meike MK-80D Battery Grip for Canon 80D 90D are decent for the money, but they definitely cut corners on the internal gaskets. Usually, the spring tension in the battery door is a lot weaker too. Basically, the official grip has high-grade materials that match the 90D port perfectly. If you go third-party, just be aware that the communication between the grip and camera can glitch if those pins aren't perfectly aligned. It works. Just isnt as reliable. I'd personally prioritize a used Canon grip over a new cheap one for the peace of mind. Safety first.

👆 this