11/04/2026 5:31 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
RF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
3
Posts
4
Users
0
Reactions
21
Views
0
Does anyone know if the BG-R20 is actually worth the extra cash or should I look at some of the newer third-party options for the R5 Mark II? Ive been shooting with the original R5 for years and always used the Canon brand grip, but with the R5II being so power hungry during high-res video I really need the extra juice. Im heading to Iceland in three weeks for a landscape gig and I'm worried about the weather sealing on the cheaper knockoffs like Neewer or whatever else is popping up. Budget is around $400-500 but Id rather save if the build quality is there... just dont want my camera dying in the rain.
3 Answers
12
11/04/2026 5:31 am
If youre going to Iceland, please dont risk a third party grip on a body that expensive. The weather sealing on the Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip for EOS R5 Mark II is designed specifically to match the cameras gaskets. Honestly, I have seen too many cheap knockoffs fail when moisture gets into those sensitive pins. Iceland is basically a gear graveyard if you arent careful. Keep these points in mind:
- Third party grips often lack the proper thermal management required for the R5 Mark II high-speed video modes.
- The seal quality on brands like Neewer usually isnt true weatherproofing, just basic plastic overlap.
- If you need high speed networking, the Canon BG-R20EP Battery Grip with Ethernet is the only way to go for reliable data transfer. I would suggest sticking to the official Canon gear for this trip. Saving a couple hundred bucks isnt worth a fried mainboard in the rain. Be careful.
10
11/04/2026 6:15 am
Quick question for ya—are you doing mostly 8K RAW or just long exposures for the landscapes? The power draw for those new AI AF features is no joke. Tbh if you want to stretch your budget, snag a beefy PD-capable external like the Anker 737 Power Bank 140W 24000mAh to top off via the USB-C port. Ngl, it is a lifesaver when you are out in the cold and the internal cells start draining faster than usual.
1
11/04/2026 5:45 am
^ This. Also, remember the R5II needs the Canon LP-E6P Lithium-Ion Battery to unlock full video performance. Some third-party grips struggle with the new chips. If youre doing heavy video, the Canon CF-R20EP Cooling Fan Battery Grip is a great technical alternative for heat management. It is more expensive, but for high-res work, it pays off. For Icelands weather tho, you really want the official gaskets to keep the moisture out.
