What are the best vertical battery grip options for Canon EOS R5?

Question

So I've got a wedding gig coming up in two weeks and I'm finally pulling the trigger on a grip for my R5. I'm stuck between the official Canon BG-R10 and the Neewer version.

My logic was to just get the Canon for the peace of mind and weather sealing since I'm in the PNW and it might rain but man $350 is a lot to drop. The Neewer is like $80 on Amazon but I'm worried it's gonna feel like cheap plastic or the dials wont be as clicky. Is the extra $250 for the official one actually worth it or am I just overthinking the build quality? Any of you guys had the cheap third party ones fail on you mid-shoot?

Isabella · Accepted Answer

honestly dont risk it on a wedding shoot. especially not in the pnw where moisture is basically guaranteed. over the years ive tried plenty of third party options like the Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS R5 and while they might work fine for a hobbyist in a dry studio, the weather sealing is almost nonexistent compared to the real thing. when you are shooting a paid gig, reliability is everything. i have seen those cheaper grips throw communication errors or have the shutter button get mushy right when you need to nail a shot. the Canon BG-R10 Battery Grip has the proper seals and the dials actually match the feel of your r5. my quick tip is to check the used market at places like mpb or keh. you can usually find an official grip in excellent condition for way less than retail. better to spend an extra hundred bucks now than have a dead camera mid ceremony because of a cheap circuit board failing.

newyorkminute · Answer

Wow ok that changes things. Gonna have to rethink my approach now.