Which battery grip should I buy for my Canon EOS 90D?

Question

I’ve been shooting with my Canon EOS 90D for about six months now, mostly focusing on wildlife and local high school sports. While I love the camera's performance, I’m finding that holding the body vertically for long portrait-orientation stretches is starting to cramp my hand. Plus, during those long weekend tournaments, I’m swapping out batteries way more often than I’d like.

I’ve been researching my options, and I’m torn between the official Canon BG-E14 and some of the more affordable third-party grips from brands like Neewer or Vello. The price difference is pretty significant, but I’m worried about a few specific things. Does the weather sealing on the official Canon grip actually match the 90D’s body? I’d hate to compromise that protection. Also, I’ve heard mixed reviews about third-party grips having 'mushy' shutter buttons or losing connection with the camera.

I’m looking for something durable that won't feel like cheap plastic once it's attached. For those of you who have a 90D, did you go with the OEM Canon grip or a budget-friendly alternative, and has it held up over time? I'd appreciate any advice on which specific model provides the best balance of reliability and value!

williamsburgwalker · Accepted Answer

Seconding the recommendation above. Honestly, I've been through the ringer with these grips over the years and had some pretty annoying experiences. I initially tried to save some cash with a Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for EOS 90D and man, it was a total letdown. Like, the shutter button felt sooo mushy I couldn't even tell where the half-press was for focus... which is basically a nightmare for fast-paced high school sports. Plus, the plastic felt super creaky compared to the solid feel of the 90D body itself. I actually had a scary moment shooting wildlife in light rain where that budget grip started glitching out and somehow drained my Canon LP-E6N Lithium-Ion Battery to zero in like twenty minutes. Turns out the weather sealing on those cheap ones just isn't there, even if they claim it is. I eventually bit the bullet and grabbed the official Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip that was mentioned earlier, and the difference in build quality is LITERALLY night and day. It actually feels like a seamless part of the camera, not some cheap plastic add-on that's gonna snap off. If ur doing long weekend tournaments, just stick with the OEM. I learned the hard way that "saving money" usually means paying twice. The peace of mind is worth the extra cost, especially since the BG-E14 actually matches the 90Ds gaskets. Trust me, its better to spend the money once than have your gear fail when that winning shot happens!! anyway, hope that helps.

Aaliyah Michelle Fleming · Answer

yo, basically grips add extra juice and way better ergonomics for vertical shots. This matters highkey for wildlife where weather is a factor! id realy suggest caution with cheap brands and sticking with the Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip. Official weather sealing is a MUST, and cheap ones lack it. It's literally amazing and you wont get those wierd connection drops... worth the extra cash for reliability tho!!

MountainHiker · Answer

Honestly, avoid the super cheap knockoffs cuz they often lack proper grounding! These grips bridge the power pins for vertical controls, and if the voltage is unstable, it can literally FRY your camera's mainboard!! That's why the circuitry is so critical, right? I'd suggest hunting for a used one from Canon instead. You'll get that amazing weather sealing for way less cash. It's highkey a total game changer!