best aftermarket battery grip

The moment you pick up the Meike MK A9 Vertical Battery Grip, you’ll notice how comfortably it fits in your hand. That top-class rubber coating provides a solid, grippy feel—perfect for those long portrait shoots.

The grip extends your camera’s battery life significantly, so you can focus on capturing moments without constantly swapping batteries.

What really stands out is the support for the screen lock function and lock display mode. This means you can shoot vertically without worrying about accidental touches or screen changes.

Plus, the low-power LCD screen is a nice touch—no flickering or unnecessary drain while you’re working.

The built-in timer with options for delay, exposure, interval, and shot count is surprisingly versatile. It makes time-lapse and macro shots way easier, especially when you want precise control over each shot.

The grip also supports the NP-FZ100 lithium batteries, so you can use your existing ones without hassle.

The design is sleek, and the excellent rubber coating ensures a comfortable grip even during extended shooting sessions. It feels sturdy but not bulky, adding just enough weight to balance your Sony A9 or A7 series camera.

The buttons and dials are responsive, making adjustments quick and intuitive.

Overall, this grip feels like a natural upgrade—adding both comfort and functionality. Whether you’re shooting portraits or landscapes, it’s a reliable companion that enhances your camera’s capabilities.

There I was, crouched behind my camera on a chilly morning shoot, fumbling with my grip to stabilize my shot while trying not to drop my coffee. That’s when I finally attached the Wasabi Power BG-E14 to my Canon EOS 70D, and instantly, everything felt more solid in my hand.

The grip’s textured surface fits perfectly, giving me a confident grip even with cold fingers.

The build quality is surprisingly sturdy, with a metal hand strap mount that feels durable and secure. I appreciated how the main controls—like the command dial, AF point selection, and AE lock—are all within easy reach, making vertical shooting almost as comfortable as holding the camera normally.

The vertical shutter button worked smoothly, which is a game-changer during long shoots or when I need to switch orientations quickly.

Adding extra battery life was a relief during a full-day shoot. The grip requires additional batteries, but since I already had some Wasabi Power cells, swapping them out was seamless.

The grip added noticeable stability, especially when shooting at odd angles or with heavier lenses. Plus, the included 3-year warranty gave me peace of mind, knowing I can rely on it for the long haul.

Overall, this aftermarket grip feels like a solid upgrade—cost-effective yet packed with features that make shooting more comfortable and less hurried. Sure, it’s not OEM, but for the price, it offers impressive control and durability that rivals more expensive options.

As I unboxed the Canon Battery Grip BG-E20, I immediately noticed how solid and well-built it felt in my hands. The textured grip surface gives a confident hold, especially when you’re shooting for hours on end.

I was curious to see how it would change my shooting experience, so I popped it onto my EOS 5D Mark IV and started testing.

The first thing I appreciated was how seamlessly it integrated. The controls mimic the camera’s, making vertical shooting just as intuitive as horizontal.

The extra battery capacity is a real game-changer, especially during long shoots. I tested it with two LP-E6 batteries, and it gave me hours of uninterrupted power.

Handling became noticeably more comfortable. The grip’s ergonomics really do improve the feel, especially when holding the camera for extended periods.

Plus, the additional weight balances the camera nicely, reducing fatigue. Switching between portrait and landscape orientations is quick and smooth, thanks to the well-placed shutter button and dials.

Charging and swapping batteries was straightforward, and I liked that it supports the optional DC coupler for continuous power setups. The dimensions are just right—not bulky but substantial enough to feel sturdy.

I did notice that it adds some weight, which might be a concern for travel light.

Overall, this grip feels like a natural extension of the camera, boosting both battery life and comfort. It’s perfect for event photographers or anyone shooting high-volume sessions.

The build quality and added functionality make it worth the investment.

As I pick up the Canon BG-E7 battery grip for the first time, I immediately notice its solid, well-built weight in my hand. The textured grip surface feels secure and comfortable, making it easy to handle even during extended shoots.

It’s sleek, matching the EOS 7D’s rugged design perfectly, and the matte black finish resists fingerprints.

Sliding in the batteries is straightforward — the compartment door opens smoothly, and the space for two LP-E6 packs feels generous. The grip adds noticeable balance to the camera, especially when using larger lenses.

It feels like a natural extension of the body, transforming the camera into a more stable and comfortable tool for vertical shots.

Using the vertical shutter release is a game-changer. It’s positioned perfectly, mimicking the horizontal grip’s comfort, so you don’t feel awkward holding the camera sideways.

The other controls—main dial, AF point selection, and lock button—are easily accessible, making one-handed operation smooth and intuitive.

Switching between shooting modes or changing batteries takes only seconds, thanks to the clear design. The grip’s construction feels durable, built to withstand the rigors of outdoor shoots.

Plus, the option to use six AA batteries in emergencies offers peace of mind if your LP-E6s run out of juice.

Overall, this grip makes a noticeable difference in handling and shooting comfort. It’s a smart investment for anyone who spends hours shooting in portrait orientation or needs extra battery life.

It feels like a true upgrade that enhances the EOS 7D’s capabilities without adding bulk or complexity.

Right out of the box, the Vivitar MB-D18 feels solid in your hand, with a good weight that hints at durability without feeling bulky. The textured grip makes it easy to hold securely, even during long shoots.

As I attached it to my Nikon D850, I immediately appreciated how seamlessly it fit, almost like it was built for the camera.

The first thing I noticed was how well it doubles my shooting capacity. Slotting in a single EN-EL15 battery, I could shoot all day without worry.

Plus, the option to add an extra battery inside the grip is a game changer for extended sessions. The ability to use 8 AA batteries is convenient when you’re far from chargers or in a pinch.

Using the vertical shutter release feels natural, almost like another set of hands. The scroll wheel and buttons are responsive, making portrait shots a breeze.

Shooting vertically doesn’t feel awkward at all, and I found the grip added much-needed stability during handheld shots.

Extended use proved the grip’s comfort—no hand fatigue even after hours. The design is straightforward, and swapping batteries is quick, saving me time during busy shoots.

Overall, it really enhances the camera’s ergonomics and power capacity, especially for landscape or event photography.

While it’s a reliable and versatile addition, the AA battery option isn’t as efficient in terms of power longevity. Also, the grip adds some bulk, so it might feel a bit hefty for travel light.