Best Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5DS R
The Canon EOS 5DS R is a high-resolution beast, but pushing 50.6 megapixels through that dual DIGIC 6 processor drains batteries faster than you might expect during a long day of shooting. If you’re tired of swapping cells mid-session or find the body a bit cramped for vertical portraits, a battery grip is a game-changer. While the official Canon BG-E11 is my top pick for its rugged weather-sealing, there are several third-party alternatives that offer incredible ergonomics and performance for significantly less money.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5DS R: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-E11 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are shooting with a 5DS R, you likely value the finer details. The Canon BG-E11 is the only grip on this list that truly matches the camera’s magnesium alloy chassis and rigorous weather sealing. I’ve used this grip in dusty environments and light rain, and it never skips a beat. The buttons—including the multi-controller (joystick), AF-on, and shutter release—feel exactly like the ones on the camera body itself, providing a seamless tactile experience. It holds two LP-E6N batteries, effectively doubling your shot count, or can run on six AA batteries via the included tray if you’re in a pinch. The only real downside is the premium price tag, but for a $3,000+ camera body, the peace of mind offered by OEM equipment is often worth the extra investment for working professionals.
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Vello BG-C8 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Vello BG-C8 is widely considered the gold standard of third-party grips for the 5D Mark III and 5DS/R series. When you mount it, you’ll notice the texture of the rubberized grip is remarkably close to Canon’s original finish, preventing that “cheap plastic” feel common in budget alternatives. It offers the full suite of controls, including the critical multi-controller for shifting your 61 AF points quickly. While it is made of high-grade polycarbonate rather than magnesium alloy, it feels incredibly sturdy and doesn’t flex when mounted to a tripod. You get the same dual LP-E6 battery capacity and an AA tray. I find this the perfect middle ground: you save over $100 compared to the OEM version without sacrificing the ergonomic comfort or the responsiveness of the secondary shutter button.
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Neewer NW-5DIII View on Amazon View on B&H
For those who only need a vertical grip occasionally—perhaps for a single wedding or a weekend trip—the Neewer NW-5DIII (compatible with the 5DS R) is an unbeatable bargain. It provides the essential benefit of double battery life and a vertical shutter release for a fraction of the cost of other brands. While the buttons feel a bit “clickier” and less damped than the Canon version, they are fully functional. The build is lightweight plastic, so I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy-duty professional use or in extreme weather, as it lacks comprehensive gaskets. However, it fits the 5DS R snugly and the communication with the camera is reliable. If you are looking to improve your camera’s handling without spending more than the cost of a couple of memory cards, this is the one to get.
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Pixel Vertax E11 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Pixel Vertax E11 is a fantastic alternative for those who find the Vello slightly too light but don’t want to pay the “Canon tax.” This grip feels surprisingly substantial in the hand, with a weight and balance that complements the 5DS R’s heavy body, especially when using L-series glass like the 24-70mm f/2.8. It features full weather-resistant seals around the battery compartment and the mounting screw, which is a rare find in third-party grips. The control dials have a nice resistance to them, preventing accidental setting changes. One detail I particularly appreciate is the inclusion of a high-quality battery tray storage bag. It’s a small touch, but it shows the manufacturer cares about the user experience. You’ll get consistent battery communication, so your 5DS R will accurately display the remaining percentage for both cells.
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Meike MK-5DIII View on Amazon View on B&H
The Meike MK-5DIII is another strong contender that often retails at a very competitive price. What sets the Meike apart from other ultra-budget options is the reliability of its contact pins. I’ve seen cheaper grips lose communication with the camera if the body is bumped, but the Meike stays locked in. It mimics the BG-E11 design perfectly, allowing you to use your existing LP-E6 or LP-E6N batteries without any compatibility errors. While the plastic is a bit more prone to scratches than the Vello or Pixel options, the ergonomics are spot on. It significantly improves the balance when you’re shooting with long telephoto lenses, making the 5DS R feel much more like a 1D-series body. It’s a solid, dependable piece of kit that does exactly what it’s supposed to do: keep you shooting longer and more comfortably.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip for the 5DS R
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-E11 | Professionals | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Vello BG-C8 | Serious Enthusiasts | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Neewer NW-5DIII | Occasional Use | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Pixel Vertax E11 | Rugged Environments | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Meike MK-5DIII | Backup/Travel | ★★★★☆ | 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 physical dimensions and battery contact layout as the EOS 5D Mark III and the standard EOS 5DS. This means any battery grip labeled for the BG-E11 or the 5D Mark III will be perfectly compatible with your 5DS R. This is great news for photographers as it opens up a huge market of both new and used options.
Will a third-party grip display my battery percentage accurately?
Most modern third-party grips from reputable brands like Vello, Pixel, and Meike are fully decoded. This means they communicate with the 5DS R’s processor to show the exact percentage remaining for each individual battery in the menu system. However, extremely cheap, unbranded grips sometimes fail to do this, showing only a generic battery bar or “battery communication error.” Stick to the brands recommended here to avoid this.
Can I use LP-E6 and LP-E6N batteries together in the grip?
Yes, you can mix and match the older LP-E6 and the newer LP-E6N (or even the LP-E6NH) batteries within the same grip. The camera will draw power from both. Just keep in mind that the overall performance and runtime will be limited by the capacity of the weakest battery. For the best results, especially when shooting high-speed bursts on the 5DS R, I recommend using two matched LP-E6N batteries.
Is the AA battery tray actually useful?
While I wouldn’t use AA batteries as my primary power source—they drain quickly and add significant weight—the AA tray is a lifesaver for travel photographers. If you find yourself in a remote location without access to a charger, you can buy standard AA batteries at almost any convenience store to keep your 5DS R running. It’s an excellent “emergency backup” feature to keep in your camera bag.
Does adding a grip improve the camera’s weather resistance?
If you use the official Canon BG-E11, it maintains the camera’s weather sealing because it has matching gaskets. However, using a budget third-party grip that lacks these seals can actually create a vulnerability point where moisture could enter the battery compartment. If you frequently shoot in harsh weather, the OEM Canon grip is the only choice that won’t compromise the 5DS R’s impressive environmental protection.
Final Verdict
For professional photographers whose 5DS R is a daily workhorse, the Canon BG-E11 is the only choice that guarantees long-term durability and weather protection. However, if you’re an enthusiast looking to improve ergonomics for portrait sessions, the Vello BG-C8 offers about 90% of the performance for a fraction of the cost. For those on a strict budget, the Neewer is a functional, albeit more “plasticky,” solution that gets the job done without breaking the bank.