16/02/2026 8:17 am
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EF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
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Hey everyone! I’ve been a loyal user of the Canon 80D for a couple of years now, and I recently decided to pick up the 90D to have a solid two-camera setup for my weekend event photography. One thing I’m noticing, especially during long wedding shoots or back-to-back portrait sessions, is that my hand gets pretty cramped when shooting vertically for hours. Plus, having to swap out LP-E6N batteries in the middle of a ceremony is always a bit nerve-wracking, so I'm definitely in the market for some reliable battery grips.
Since the 80D and 90D are basically siblings when it comes to body dimensions, I know they both technically use the same grip model. I’ve been doing some research, but I’m feeling a bit torn. I know the official Canon BG-E14 is the "gold standard," but let’s be real—the price tag for the OEM version is pretty steep, especially if I'm looking to buy two of them to keep my gear consistent.
I’ve seen plenty of third-party alternatives from brands like Neewer, Vello, and Vivitar at a fraction of the cost, but I have a few concerns. Specifically, I’ve heard that some of the cheaper grips have a "mushy" shutter button feel that doesn't quite match the tactile click of the camera body. I'm also worried about the weather sealing; I often shoot outdoors in misty conditions and I don't want a third-party grip to be the "weak link" that lets moisture into the battery compartment. Another thing I've noticed mentioned in forums is that some grips have trouble communicating with the 90D's updated firmware, leading to incorrect battery percentage readings.
I’m looking for a balance between build quality and value. Have any of you found a third-party grip that actually rivals the Canon BG-E14 in terms of durability and button response, or is it really worth it to just bite the bullet and pay the premium for the official Canon brand to ensure my 90D and 80D stay protected and functional?
5 Answers
12
16/02/2026 8:30 am
totally agree... Ngl, the 90D firmware is super picky with battery comms. in my experience, cheap clones lack legit weather sealing, which is a huge risk for weddings. is it really worth saving a few bucks? Honestly, just look for a used Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip for EOS 70D, 80D, and 90D. the Vello BG-C10 Battery Grip for Canon 70D, 80D, and 90D is okay, but OEM is much safer. peace!
11
16/02/2026 9:00 am
Respectfully, I'd consider another option. The Vello BG-C9 Battery Grip for Canon 70D, 80D, and 90D is a reliable choice that beats cheap clones and rivals the Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip for less.
2
16/02/2026 8:17 am
sooo i totally get the struggle. shooting weddings without a grip is basically asking for carpal tunnel... but ngl, i've been pretty burned by going the cheap route before. unfortunately, some of these third-party options just dont cut it when ur reputation is on the line. here's how they stack up based on my gear bag: **Option A: Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip**
* **Pros:** it’s the gold standard for a reason. weather sealing is top-tier and the buttons feel EXACTLY like the camera body. * **Cons:** that price tag is literally insane. it hurts to buy two. **Option B: Vello BG-C9 Battery Grip for Canon 70D, 80D, and 90D**
* **Pros:** way more affordable and feels better than the super budget brands.
* **Cons:** had issues with battery readings on my Canon EOS 90D. it's so nerve-wracking when the display flickers 'low battery' even with fresh Canon LP-E6N Lithium-Ion Battery packs in there. **Option C: Neewer Battery Grip for Canon EOS 70D/80D/90D**
* **Pros:** ridiculously cheap.
* **Cons:** honestly, stay away. the shutter is super mushy and i had one literally fall apart - like the screw mechanism jammed - after a particularly long weekend. plus, zero confidence in the weather sealing. **Best Choice:**
seriously, just bite the bullet and get the Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip. i know it sucks spending that much, but the peace of mind during a ceremony is worth it. i’ve tried to love the alternatives, but they’ve all let me down eventually. **TL;DR:** go with the OEM Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip. third-party options like the Vello BG-C9 Battery Grip for Canon 70D, 80D, and 90D are okay for casual portraits, but they’re way too unreliable for serious wedding work. gl! 👍
1
16/02/2026 9:20 pm
Same setup here, love it
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18/02/2026 7:04 pm
Honestly, I’m always looking for ways to save money, but I’m super cautious about anything that touches the main battery pins on my 90D. I’ve actually spent more time "servicing" my cheap grips than actually shooting with them sometimes!!! I tried a Meike MK-80D Battery Grip a while back and felt like I had to do a bit of DIY work just to feel safe taking it out in the humidity. If you do decide to go the self-service route to save cash, here is what I’ve learned:
* Keep some isopropyl alcohol and Q-tips in your bag. A lot of those firmware errors or battery drain issues are basically just poor contact points on the cheaper connectors.
* I've actually used a tiny bit of dielectric grease on the pins (very carefully!) to help with the connection and prevent moisture from causing shorts, but it’s a bit risky maybe? It’s definitely a DIY enthusiast's struggle... do you spend the time maintaining a budget option or just pay the premium for the peace of mind? Not 100% sure if the stress is worth the $100 saved, tbh.
