Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5DS R
The Canon EOS 5DS R is a landscape and studio powerhouse, but its massive 50.6-megapixel sensor and Dual DIGIC 6 processors are notoriously thirsty for power. If you’ve ever been deep into a high-stakes portrait session or a remote landscape shoot only to see that battery bar blink red, you know the frustration. A dedicated battery grip doesn’t just double your runtime; it balances the heavy body and provides essential vertical controls. My top recommendation is the Canon BG-E11 for its unmatched build quality.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5DS R: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-E11 View on Amazon View on B&H
When you are shooting with a high-resolution beast like the 5DS R, you shouldn’t compromise on the interface. The Canon BG-E11 is the gold standard, manufactured with the same magnesium alloy as the camera body itself. In my experience, the tactile feedback of the shutter button and the multi-controller (joystick) is identical to the camera’s native controls, which is vital for muscle memory during fast-paced shoots. It houses two LP-E6N batteries or six AA batteries via the included BGM-E11A tray. The weather sealing is the real clincher here; if you’re a landscape photographer chasing storms, this is the only grip that offers the peace of mind you need. While it carries a premium price tag, the seamless integration and durability make it a lifetime investment for your 5D-series bodies. The only drawback is the added weight, but it balances heavy L-series glass beautifully.
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Vello BG-C8 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Vello BG-C8 is widely considered the best third-party alternative to the OEM Canon grip. For about half the price, you get a remarkably sturdy piece of equipment that mimics the ergonomics of the 5DS R perfectly. The rubberized coating feels surprisingly similar to Canon’s own finish, providing a secure hold even when your hands are sweaty. It features a full suite of secondary controls, including the AF-on button and the main dial. While it lacks the full magnesium alloy internal frame of the BG-E11, the high-quality polycarbonate build is robust enough for regular professional use. I’ve found that the battery communication is flawless, correctly reporting remaining percentages for both slots. It’s an ideal choice for photographers who want the vertical handling benefits without the “Canon tax,” though it may feel slightly lighter and less “tank-like” than the original.
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Neewer NW-5DIII View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve spent most of your budget on high-quality lenses for your 5DS R, the Neewer NW-5DIII (compatible with the 5D Mark III and 5DS series) is a lifesaver. It is incredibly affordable, often costing less than a single OEM battery. Despite its low price, it gets the fundamental job done: it holds two LP-E6 batteries and provides a vertical shutter release. You’ll notice the plastic feels thinner and the buttons have a more “clicky,” less dampened feel than the premium options. There is no weather sealing here, so I wouldn’t recommend taking it into a rainforest or a dusty desert. However, for indoor studio work or casual weekend outings, it provides the extra battery life and ergonomic relief you need. It’s an honest, functional accessory that proves you don’t always need to spend hundreds to improve your camera’s handling.
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Canon BG-E11 (Renewed/New) View on Amazon View on B&H
For the professional whose 5DS R is a daily workhorse, the original Canon BG-E11 remains the definitive premium choice. The integration with the camera’s electronics is absolute, ensuring there are never any “shutter lag” issues or battery communication errors that can occasionally plague cheaper clones. The joystick (Multi-Controller) is particularly important for the 5DS R’s 61-point AF system; you need that precision to move your focus point quickly while shooting vertically. The weight of the BG-E11 actually helps dampen vibrations, which is a subtle but vital benefit when you’re trying to extract every bit of detail from that 50.6MP sensor. It’s built to survive years of heavy use, lens swaps, and tripod mounting. If your photography is your livelihood, the reliability of the OEM grip is worth every penny of the investment.
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Pixel Vertax E11 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Pixel Vertax E11 is a “hidden gem” in the world of battery grips. It occupies a space between the high-end Vello and the budget Neewer. What makes the Pixel stand out is its commitment to weather sealing—while not quite as robust as the Canon, it features gaskets around the battery door and buttons that provide a level of protection most third-party grips ignore. The shutter button has a nice two-stage feel, and the dial has a satisfying resistance. I’ve recommended this to many travel photographers who need to keep their 5DS R powered through long days in the field but want to save a little money for extra memory cards (which you’ll need for those huge RAW files!). It feels dense and well-assembled, lacking the “hollow” sound of cheaper alternatives. It’s a reliable, mid-range workhorse that won’t let you down.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip for Canon 5DS R
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-E11 | Professionals | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Vello BG-C8 | Best Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Neewer NW-5DIII | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Pixel Vertax E11 | Travel | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| DSTE BG-E11 | Backup | ★★★☆☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 5DS R use the same grip as the 5D Mark III?
Yes, the Canon EOS 5DS R shares the exact same body dimensions and battery compartment design as the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and the standard 5DS. This means any battery grip labeled for the BG-E11 or 5D Mark III will fit your 5DS R perfectly. This is great news because it means there is a wide variety of both OEM and third-party accessories available on the market for this specific body style.
Can I mix different battery brands in the grip?
While technically possible, it is highly recommended to use two batteries of the same age, brand, and charge level. Mixing a brand-new Canon LP-E6N with an old, third-party battery can cause uneven power drainage and potentially confuse the camera’s battery management system. For the best performance and most accurate “remaining life” readings on your 5DS R’s top LCD, try to use matched pairs whenever you are using the grip.
Will a battery grip make my camera shoot faster?
Unlike some high-end Nikon bodies, adding a battery grip to the Canon 5DS R does not increase the continuous shooting speed (frames per second). The 5DS R is limited by its massive file sizes and processor speed, not power delivery. However, the grip does allow for much longer shooting sessions and significantly improved ergonomics for vertical shooting, which can help you capture “the shot” more comfortably during long bursts.
Is it safe to use AA batteries in the grip?
Yes, it is perfectly safe as long as you use the specific AA battery tray (like the BGM-E11A) included with your grip. However, you should view AA batteries as an emergency backup rather than a primary power source. Six AA batteries will generally provide fewer shots than two LP-E6 lithium-ion packs and will significantly increase the weight of the grip. They are great for when you’re stuck without a charger.
Do third-party grips void my Canon warranty?
Using a third-party accessory generally does not void your camera’s warranty. However, if a faulty third-party grip causes electrical damage to the camera, Canon may refuse to cover that specific repair under warranty. This is why it is important to choose reputable third-party brands like Vello or Pixel, which have long histories of safe operation with Canon DSLRs, rather than the cheapest unbranded options found on auction sites.
Final Verdict
For the professional photographer whose 5DS R is a daily tool, the Canon BG-E11 is a mandatory investment for its durability. If you’re looking to balance cost with quality, the Vello BG-C8 offers about 90% of the performance for half the cost. Casual users who just want to avoid battery anxiety during a family event will find the Neewer perfectly adequate. Regardless of your choice, a grip is the single best ergonomic upgrade for this camera.