Which battery grip works best for the Canon EOS 90D?

Question

I've been scouring the web for a battery grip for my 90D because I'm shooting my first solo wedding gig in Seattle next month and the thought of my camera dying mid-ceremony is giving me literal heart palpitations. I did some digging and obviously the Canon BG-E14 is the official one but man it is pricey for what it is. I saw a bunch of people on Reddit swearing by the Neewer and Vello brands as cheaper alternatives but then I read some horror stories about the battery indicator being totally wrong or the camera just shutting off because the connection pins arent lined up right. It's making me so nervous because I really need something reliable for this specific job.

Must have a vertical shutter that doesnt feel mushy

Budget is $120 max really

Needs to handle some light drizzle since it is Seattle

Accurate battery readouts on the screen

I dont want to spend $200 on the Canon brand one if the $60 Vello is basically the same thing but I also cant afford for the camera to glitch out when they're doing the rings. Is the official one actually better built or is it just the branding? Has anyone had a third party one fail on them during a long shoot? Im honestly lost...

ezra.boyd · Accepted Answer

> I really need something reliable for this specific job. ^ This. Also, if you are shooting a wedding in Seattle, you gotta think about the weather sealing. Most third-party grips like the cheaper ones dont have the rubber gaskets where it meets the camera body. In my experience, shooting in a drizzle with a non-sealed grip is just asking for a short circuit or a total lockup mid-ceremony. I have tried a bunch of these over the years and honestly, for a high-stakes gig, I wouldnt touch a cheap knockoff. The shutter button on the Vello BG-C9 Battery Grip for Canon 70D 80D and 90D is okay, but it doesnt have that distinct two-stage click like the official one. If you cant swing 200 bucks, look for a used Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip on a site like MPB or KEH. You can usually grab one for under 100 in mint condition. The battery communication is way more stable on the OEM hardware... just my two cents.

avery.bowman · Answer

Yo! First off, congrats on the solo wedding gig in Seattle! Thats absolutely amazing and honestly such a huge milestone!! I totally get the anxiety tho, weddings are high stakes and you definitely dont want gear failing when things get real. I have spent way too much time testing the tolerances and voltage communication on these things and there is a massive difference when you look at the technical specs!

Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip for EOS 70D 80D 90D: This is the gold standard for a reason. It has actual rubber gaskets for weather sealing which is huge for that Seattle mist! The shutter button is a tactile 2-stage switch that feels exactly like the camera body. No mushiness at all. Plus, it communicates perfectly with the internal chips so your battery percentages are 100% accurate.

Vello BG-C10 Battery Grip for Canon 70D 80D 90D: This is a fantastic budget option and fits your $120 limit easily. It is way better than the ultra-cheap brands, but just know it lacks the full weather sealing of the Canon. The shutter feel is pretty good, though a little clickier than the stock button.

Neewer Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 90D: I love a bargain, but the plastic is definitely thinner here. The tolerances on the connection pins can be slightly off which causes those disconnect issues you mentioned. If I were you, I would look for a used Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip for EOS 70D 80D 90D on a site like MPB or KEH. You can usually snag one for like $90 in mint condition. Since your 90D is weather-sealed, pairing it with a non-sealed grip for an outdoor wedding is just risky. Go for the official one used and you get the reliability you need for the big day!

daniel.richardson · Answer

I've been there too. The cheap one I tried was a total mess:it rattled constantlythe shutter jammed Returning it was the only option cuz I couldnt trust it anymore...