Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS 6D Mark II
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a full-frame workhorse, but its slim body can feel unbalanced when paired with heavy L-series glass. If you have ever struggled with hand cramps during a long wedding shoot or run out of juice mid-sunset, a battery grip is your best friend. While the official Canon BG-E21 is our top pick for its weather-sealing, third-party options have come a long way. I have spent years testing these grips in the field to find the perfect balance of ergonomics and reliability.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS 6D Mark II: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-E21 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are shooting in unpredictable environments, the Canon BG-E21 is the only choice that truly matches the 6D Mark II’s weather-sealed build. Released alongside the camera in 2017, this grip is engineered to fit like a glove. I find the texture of the rubberized coating perfectly matches the camera body, providing a seamless tactile experience. It houses two LP-E6N batteries, effectively doubling your shot countβa necessity if you use Live View or video frequently. The buttons (shutter release, AF-ON, and dial) have that distinct “Canon click” that third-party options often lack. The biggest drawback is the price, which is significantly higher than alternatives. However, the peace of mind knowing your electronics are protected from a light drizzle is worth every penny. Note that it lacks a joystick, just like the 6DII body, which might take some getting used to if you’re coming from a 5D series.
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Neewer BG-E21 Replacement View on Amazon View on B&H
For the price of a couple of memory cards, the Neewer BG-E21 replacement offers about 90% of the functionality of the official version. It is an incredible value proposition for hobbyists who want the improved ergonomics of a vertical grip without the high investment. In my testing, the vertical shutter button is responsive, though it feels slightly more “mushy” than the Canon original. It communicates perfectly with the camera, accurately displaying battery percentages for both cells. The build is predominantly high-quality plastic, so while it feels sturdy enough for daily use, I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy-duty adventure photography where it might take a beating. It provides the same extra battery life and portrait-mode convenience at a fraction of the cost. If you primarily shoot indoors or in fair weather, this is the smartest way to upgrade your 6D Mark II setup.
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Mcoplus BG-E21 Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
The Mcoplus BG-E21 is a straightforward, no-frills battery grip that gets the job done for those on a shoestring budget. Despite its low price, it includes all the essential vertical controls: shutter release, main dial, and AF point selection. Youβll notice the plastic feels thinner than the Canon or Vello options, but it fits the 6D Mark II mount securely without any worrying wobbles. Iβve found that it works best with genuine Canon LP-E6N batteries, though it handles third-party batteries fine as well. The grip texture is slightly smoother than the camera body, so it doesn’t quite look “factory,” but the functionality is all there. If you’re a student just starting out or a casual shooter who only needs a grip once or twice a year for a special event, this is a very capable and honest piece of equipment that won’t let you down.
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Vello BG-C16 Vertical Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
Vello has built a reputation for creating high-end third-party accessories, and the BG-C16 for the 6D Mark II is no exception. It sits comfortably between the budget options and the official Canon grip in terms of both price and quality. What sets this apart is the precision of the manufacturing; the battery tray slides in smoothly without the “crunchiness” found in cheaper brands. The control dial has a satisfying, firm resistance that mimics the camera’s own top dial. I often recommend Vello to photographers who want professional reliability but can’t justify the OEM markup. It feels substantial in the hand and provides that critical extra surface area for your pinky finger to rest on, which dramatically improves stability when shooting with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. While it doesn’t claim the same level of weather sealing as the Canon, itβs a robust, well-engineered alternative that feels premium.
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Pixel BG-E21 with Remote View on Amazon View on B&H
The Pixel BG-E21 is a unique choice because many kits come bundled with a 2.4G wireless remote control. For landscape photographers or those who enjoy self-portraits, this is a massive bonus. The remote allows you to trigger the shutter, set delay times, and even manage long exposures without touching the camera, which is vital for preventing camera shake. The grip itself is solid and mirrors the 6D Mark II’s ergonomics well. You’ll find it incredibly useful for night photography where you might be standing away from the tripod to stay warm. The battery communication is reliable, and the overall fit is snug. While the remote adds a layer of complexity, the grip functions perfectly fine without it as a standard vertical controller. Itβs a versatile “two-in-one” tool that offers more functionality than the standard grips if you have a specific need for remote triggering.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-E21 | Professionals | β β β β β | Check |
| Neewer BG-E21 | Enthusiasts | β β β β β | Check |
| Mcoplus Grip | Budget Shooters | β β β β β | Check |
| Vello BG-C16 | Reliability | β β β β β | Check |
| Pixel with Remote | Landscapes | β β β β β | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the BG-E21 fit the original Canon 6D?
No, the BG-E21 is specifically designed for the EOS 6D Mark II. The original 6D uses the BG-E13 grip. The dimensions and pin layouts are different between the two generations, so they are not interchangeable. Always double-check your camera model before purchasing, as the Mark II is slightly more compact but has a different internal configuration than its predecessor.
Do I need two batteries for the grip to work?
No, the grip will function perfectly with just one LP-E6N battery. You can choose to use one or two; if you use two, the camera will drain them sequentially or simultaneously depending on the firmware, effectively doubling your shooting time. This is great if you want the ergonomics of the grip but only have one battery charged and ready to go.
Does the battery grip charge the batteries via USB?
Unlike some of the newer mirrorless Canon bodies (like the EOS R series), the 6D Mark II and the BG-E21 do not support internal USB charging. You will still need to remove the batteries from the grip and use the standard LC-E6 wall charger to juice them up. Some third-party grips claim to have USB ports, but these are often unreliable and not recommended.
Will using a third-party grip void my Canon warranty?
Technically, using a third-party accessory does not void your camera’s warranty unless the accessory itself causes direct damage to the camera. However, if a cheap grip shorts out your electronics, Canon may refuse to cover that specific repair. That is why I recommend sticking to reputable third-party brands like Vello or Neewer if you aren’t going with the official Canon OEM model.
Is the vertical shutter button as fast as the main one?
Yes, the vertical shutter button on the BG-E21 and most high-quality replacements is linked directly to the camera’s shutter system. There is no lag or delay. However, the “feel” or the “break” of the button might vary. The official Canon grip provides a two-stage feel (half-press to focus) that is identical to the main body, while cheaper grips can feel a bit clickier.
Final Verdict
For professional photographers whose livelihoods depend on their gear, the official Canon BG-E21 is the only logical choice due to its weather resistance. However, for the majority of 6D Mark II users, the Neewer or Vello options provide the same ergonomic benefits and battery life at a much more palatable price point. If you do a lot of tripod-based landscape work, the Pixel grip’s included remote is a fantastic value-add that shouldn’t be overlooked.