23/03/2026 10:40 am
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So I've been shooting sports with my 7D Mark II for like five years now and never had an issue until yesterday. My cheapo Neewer grip basically had a meltdown mid-game and the vertical shutter just died on me. It got super warm near the battery door too which is kinda scary and now I'm worried it'll fry the camera body. I'm leaving for a birding trip to the Everglades in less than two weeks and I really need a reliable replacement because shooting birds in flight without that vertical grip is a total nightmare for my wrists. I'd love the official BG-E16 but they are so pricey. Are there any reliable third-party ones that actually have decent weather sealing or should I just suck it up and find a used OEM one on eBay?
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23/03/2026 10:41 am
That melting situation sounds terrifying! Safety is everything when youre out in the field. Tbh here is how I would handle this to save money:
- Buy a used Canon BG-E16 Battery Grip for EOS 7D Mark II from a seller like MPB. It is fantastic and reliable!
- Or get the Vello BG-C12 Battery Grip for Canon 7D Mark II. Its an amazing alternative with better quality control than cheap brands!
12
23/03/2026 11:05 am
Like someone mentioned, that heat issue is a massive red flag. I actually had a similar experience years ago where a cheap grip shorted the internal communication pins on my body... I had to send the whole thing in for a motherboard replacement. It was a nightmare, honestly. Since you are heading to the Everglades, you might want to consider the technical trade-offs of these alternatives:
This is usually the most stable third-party choice because it uses higher grade copper contacts for better conductivity. The fit is solid, though the shutter button feels a bit clicky compared to the native one.
It is a decent budget pick that handles the weight well, but be careful because it lacks any real weather gaskets. Basically, be careful with that humidity. I would suggest making sure your battery door is totally clean before heading out... those Everglades birds wont wait for gear failure.
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23/03/2026 11:25 am
Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.
