Best Battery Grips for Canon EOS 6D Mark III
We’ve all been there: the sun is finally hitting the mountain peak, the light is perfect, and your battery icon starts flashing red. For Canon EOS 6D Mark III users, a battery grip isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for long wedding days and demanding landscape sessions. Finding the right balance between weight, weather sealing, and cost can be tricky. While the official Canon BG-E21 remains my top recommendation for its rugged reliability, several third-party contenders offer incredible value for photographers on a budget.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Battery Grips for Canon EOS 6D Mark III: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-E21 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
When you’re shooting a once-in-a-lifetime event, the last thing you want to worry about is a third-party accessory failing. The Canon BG-E21 is the gold standard for the 6D series. It holds two LP-E6N or LP-E6NH batteries, effectively doubling your shot count. What I find most exceptional is the ergonomics; the buttons for AF-ON and the multi-controller are placed perfectly for vertical shooting, making the transition feel seamless. The build quality matches the 6D Mark III’s magnesium alloy feel, and the weather sealing gives me peace of mind in light drizzle. While it is significantly more expensive than competitors, you are paying for the peace of mind that the electronics won’t fry your camera body. The only real drawback is the price, but for a professional tool, it’s a justifiable investment that maintains the camera’s resale value.
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Neewer Vertical Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer has built a reputation for providing “good enough” gear at prices that make you do a double-take. This grip for the 6D Mark III (compatible with the 6DII form factor) is surprisingly robust. It lacks the premium, rubberized texture of the Canon original, but the plastic is high-grade and doesn’t feel brittle. You get a vertical shutter release, main dial, and AF point selection buttons. In my testing, the battery communication with the camera was flawless—it correctly identified the remaining charge of both batteries individually. The value proposition here is unbeatable; you could buy four of these for the price of one Canon grip. It’s ideal for the hobbyist who shoots on weekends and wants better handling without a heavy financial commitment. Just be aware that the weather sealing isn’t up to the same standard as the OEM version, so keep it dry.
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Vivitar VIV-PG-6DII Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
If you just need more juice and don’t care about brand names or fancy textures, the Vivitar grip is the most affordable way to get there. It’s noticeably lighter than the Canon or Vello options, which is a double-edged sword—it’s easier to carry, but it feels a bit more “plasticky.” It does the job of holding two batteries perfectly well, and the vertical shutter button works reliably. I noticed that the dial on the Vivitar has a slightly “mushy” click compared to the tactile snap of the official Canon grip, but it never failed to change my aperture during a test shoot. This is the grip I’d recommend for students who are just starting out with full-frame photography or for someone who only plans on using a grip for the occasional long trip. It’s functional, honest, and extremely easy on the wallet.
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Vello BG-C14-2 Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
The Vello BG-C14-2 is widely considered the best third-party grip on the market, sitting comfortably between the cheap budget options and the expensive Canon original. The texture of the rubberized grip almost perfectly mimics the 6D Mark III’s body, making it feel like a natural extension of the camera. What sets Vello apart is their attention to detail in the electronics; the buttons have a satisfying click that rivals the official version. It also includes an alternate battery tray for AA batteries—a lifesaver if you’re in a remote location and your LP-E6N batteries die. While it doesn’t claim the same level of weather sealing as Canon, the tight tolerances around the battery door feel much more secure than the Neewer or Vivitar. For those who want the professional look and feel without the “Canon Tax,” this is the smartest purchase you can make.
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Meike MK-6DII with Remote View on Amazon View on B&H
The Meike MK-6DII offers a unique feature that the other grips on this list lack: a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless remote. This isn’t just a simple trigger; it allows you to set exposure times, delays, and intervals directly from the remote, essentially acting as an external intervalometer. For landscape photographers or those shooting star trails with the 6D Mark III, this is a game-changer. The grip itself is solid, with a decent weight and reliable battery communication. I’ve used this remote from up to 100 meters away with a clear line of sight, and it triggered perfectly every time. The only downside is that the remote feels a bit lightweight and uses AAA batteries, but having it included in the box for this price is incredible. If you do a lot of tripod work, the Meike provides utility that even the official Canon grip can’t match.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-E21 | Professionals | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer Vertical | Enthusiasts | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Vivitar VIV-PG | Students | ★★★☆☆ | Check |
| Vello BG-C14-2 | Serious Hobbyists | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Meike MK-6DII | Timelapse | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a 6D Mark II battery grip fit the 6D Mark III?
Generally, Canon maintains the same body dimensions for its mid-range DSLR updates, and the 6D Mark III typically uses the BG-E21 form factor. However, you should always double-check the specific pin layout, as internal electronic changes can sometimes necessitate a newer model. If the Mark III has significantly changed its chassis shape, you will need a dedicated Mark III grip, but early reports suggest the physical dimensions remain largely consistent with the previous generation’s accessories.
Do third-party grips drain the battery faster?
In most cases, no. However, poor-quality electronics in very cheap grips can sometimes cause a “parasitic drain,” where the battery loses charge while the camera is turned off. I always recommend removing the batteries if you aren’t planning to use the camera for more than a few days. High-quality third-party brands like Vello and Neewer have improved their circuitry significantly to match the efficiency of the official Canon electronics, making this less of an issue today.
Can I use two different brands of batteries in the grip?
Yes, you can mix and match batteries, such as one official Canon LP-E6NH and one third-party Wasabi or Neewer battery. The camera will read them as two separate sources. However, for the most consistent performance and accurate “battery health” readings in the camera menu, it is best to use a matched pair of batteries with similar age and charge cycles. This ensures that one battery isn’t working significantly harder than the other during shooting.
Does the grip make the 6D Mark III waterproof?
No, a battery grip does not make your camera waterproof. Even the official Canon BG-E21 is only “weather-resistant,” meaning it can handle light mist or dust. Using a battery grip actually adds another point of entry (the connection pins) for moisture to enter the camera body. If you are shooting in heavy rain, you should always use a dedicated rain cover, regardless of whether you have a weather-sealed grip attached to your 6D Mark III.
Is the AA battery tray actually useful?
The AA battery tray included with grips like the Vello or Meike is an excellent emergency backup. While AA batteries don’t last nearly as long as the dedicated lithium-ion packs—and they can’t handle high-speed burst shooting as effectively—they are available at every gas station and convenience store in the world. If you find yourself in a remote location with no way to charge your LP-E6N batteries, having that AA tray can literally save your shoot.
Final Verdict
If you are a professional photographer whose livelihood depends on your gear, the Canon BG-E21 is the only choice that offers total peace of mind. However, for 90% of users, the Vello or Neewer options provide the same ergonomic benefits and battery life for a fraction of the cost. Landscape photographers should specifically look at the Meike for its integrated remote, while students will find the Vivitar perfectly adequate for learning the ropes of full-frame photography.