Unfortunately, the Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV disappointed me. It lacks proper magnesium alloy chassis specs, tho it definitely saves money compared to the official Canon grip.

Honestly, I wish I could say the budget options were worth it, but unfortunately my experience with the Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for 5D Mark IV was a huge letdown during a cold shoot last winter. The build quality just isnt there compared to the professional body of the 5D Mark IV, and I found the data communication between the grip and the camera to be super spotty which is not as good as expected for this price point. The technical downsides are pretty annoying when you're in the field:

• Weather sealing is basically non-existent on the knockoffs, whereas the official grip has actual gaskets to match your camera body.
• Shutter button tension feels mushy and lacks that distinct tactile two-stage click of the Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip.
• Electrical contact pins on the Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip for Canon 5D Mark IV sometimes caused random power cycles during high-speed bursts which is incredibly frustrating. It was really disappointing because I wanted to save money too, but the magnesium alloy chassis in the Canon version just handles the weight of heavy glass much better. If you're going to be out in Chicago weather, you really dont want your battery tray rattling or losing connection while you're trying to work. I would definitely recommend biting the bullet and getting the Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip so you dont have to worry about your gear failing mid-shoot. Let me know if you need more details on the pin layouts or anything else!

Regarding what #3 said about "Man, I am literally in the same boat..." - i totally get that frustration. If you're heading to Chicago for a real shoot, you really cant afford the gear to glitch out on you. Tbh, if the price of a new one is the main issue, the smartest budget move is skipping the cheap clones and looking at a used Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip. It is way more reliable than any budget knockoff and actually fits the body properly. Check these resources for a better deal:

• MPB (they verify the pins and connections before selling)
• KEH Camera (look for EX or EX+ condition)
• Local camera shop used bins If you absolutely must buy brand new and cheap, maybe look at the Meike MK-5D4 Battery Grip. It is slightly better than the Neewer in terms of the shutter button feel, but it still lacks the proper weather sealing of the original Canon gear. Honestly though, saving a few bucks isnt worth a failed shoot. Good luck with the Chicago project, sounds like a blast.

Man, I am literally in the same boat right now. Been hunting for a solid grip for my 5D Mark IV for a project coming up and keep hitting the same walls with these cheap options. Over the years Ive tried so many off-brand ones and honestly, half of them just end up rattling or losing connection halfway through a long shoot. It is super frustrating when you are trying to stay professional and your gear feels like a hollow toy in your hands.

• Just stick with Canon if you can swing the cost
• Look into some of the higher-tier third party brands instead of the bargain bin stuff
• Avoid anything that feels like thin plastic in the product shots I might just end up sucking it up and getting the official one because the peace of mind is worth the extra hundred bucks, ya know? Let me know what you end up doing tho, curious to see if you find a hidden gem.