Best Battery Grips for Canon EOS R
The Canon EOS R is a fantastic mirrorless pioneer, but if you’ve spent a full day shooting weddings or wildlife, you know the ergonomics can feel a bit cramped with larger RF glass. Battery life, while decent, often falls short during heavy 4K video sessions. I’ve tested various setups to find the perfect balance of stamina and handling. While the official Canon BG-E22 remains the gold standard for build quality, several third-party contenders offer surprising value for photographers on a budget.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Battery Grips for Canon EOS R: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-E22 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you make a living with your EOS R, the Canon BG-E22 is the only choice that truly matches the camera’s magnesium alloy durability. I find the integration here to be seamless; it doesn’t just feel like an add-on, but rather an extension of the chassis. It holds two LP-E6N (or LP-E6NH) batteries, effectively doubling your shot count. One standout feature is the PC terminal, which is a godsend for studio shooters who need to sync wired strobes. It also supports internal charging via the PD-E1 USB Power Adapter, which is incredibly convenient for travel. The weather sealing matches the EOS R body, giving you peace of mind in drizzly conditions. While it is significantly more expensive than third-party options, the tactile response of the shutter button and the AF-on controls are identical to the camera body, ensuring your muscle memory stays consistent during vertical shooting.
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Neewer NW-EOS R View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer has built a reputation for providing “good enough” gear at prices that make the official manufacturers sweat, and their EOS R grip is a prime example. The value proposition here is unbeatable. For a fraction of the Canon price, you get a grip that mimics the ergonomics well. In my experience, the rubberized texture is surprisingly close to the original, providing a secure hold for vertical portraits. A massive bonus is the included 2.4G wireless remote, which allows for shutter release from up to 100 meters away—perfect for long-exposure landscapes or group family photos where you want to be in the frame. While it lacks the heavy-duty weather sealing of the BG-E22 and the buttons feel a bit “clickier” (less dampened), it performs the core task of doubling battery life flawlessly. It’s the smart choice for enthusiasts who want the look and feel of a pro body without the pro price tag.
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Vello BG-C18 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Vello BG-C18 is a no-nonsense accessory for those who prioritize extra power over bells and whistles. If you frequently find yourself running out of juice during a shoot but can’t justify a $200+ accessory, this is your best bet. It features an alternate shutter release button, an AF-on button, and multi-function buttons for vertical operation. You’ll notice the build is primarily high-quality plastic rather than alloy, which actually makes it slightly lighter than the Canon version—a small win if you’re trying to keep your kit weight down. I’ve found that Vello grips tend to have slightly better quality control than the absolute cheapest “no-name” brands found on auction sites. The main limitation is the lack of weather sealing; I wouldn’t take this into a dust storm or heavy rain. However, for indoor events or fair-weather street photography, it provides exactly what you need: more grip and more shots.
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Meike MK-EOSR View on Amazon View on B&H
The Meike MK-EOSR occupies a unique space between the budget clones and the official Canon grip. What makes this a “premium” third-party choice is the sophistication of its wireless remote. Unlike simple trigger buttons, the Meike remote features a small LCD screen that allows you to set delay times, exposure times, and intervals for time-lapse photography without even touching the camera. For landscape photographers waiting for the perfect light, this is a game-changer. The grip itself feels incredibly sturdy, with a mounting screw that fits tightly without any of the “wobble” sometimes found in cheaper units. It mimics the dual-wheel control of the EOS R body quite well. While it still doesn’t offer the full weather sealing of the BG-E22, its feature set for interval shooting makes it a highly specialized tool that offers more functionality than the original Canon grip in specific scenarios.
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Vivitar Vertical Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
Vivitar is a classic name in photography, and their grip for the EOS R is a reliable, workhorse option. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it simply provides a solid vertical grip and space for two batteries. One thing you’ll notice immediately is the tactile response of the buttons. While some third-party grips can feel “mushy,” the Vivitar version has a distinct click that I find very helpful when wearing gloves during winter shoots. It fits the EOS R body snugly with no gaps, ensuring that the electronic contacts remain secure even during heavy movement. It’s an excellent choice if you have a secondary EOS R body and want a consistent grip feel across both cameras without spending hundreds of dollars. It balances well even when using heavier EF lenses via the mount adapter, helping to shift the center of gravity back toward your hand for better stability.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip for Canon EOS R
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-E22 | Pro Photographers | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer NW-EOS R | Best Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Vello BG-C18 | Budget Conscious | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Meike MK-EOSR | Remote/Time-lapse | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Vivitar PG-EOSR | Tactile Feel | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use LP-E6NH batteries in these grips?
Yes, all the grips listed for the Canon EOS R are compatible with LP-E6, LP-E6N, and the newer LP-E6NH batteries. The LP-E6NH offers slightly higher capacity and is fully supported. However, to utilize in-camera USB charging (if the grip/camera supports it), you generally need the “N” or “NH” versions, as the older LP-E6 batteries do not support charging via the camera’s USB circuitry.
Does adding a battery grip increase the frame rate of the EOS R?
Unlike some older DSLR models (like the EOS 7D Mark II), adding a battery grip to the Canon EOS R does not increase its maximum burst rate (frames per second). The grip primarily provides increased battery life and improved ergonomics for vertical shooting. The performance of the autofocus and the shutter speed remains identical whether you have the grip attached or not.
Is the Canon BG-E22 the only one with weather sealing?
Strictly speaking, yes. Canon designs the BG-E22 with rubber gaskets and seals specifically to match the EOS R’s weather-resistance standards. While some third-party brands claim “moisture resistance,” they rarely undergo the same rigorous testing. If you frequently shoot in rain, snow, or near the ocean where salt spray is a factor, the official Canon grip is the safest investment for your gear.
Can I charge the batteries while they are inside the grip?
Yes, but it depends on your power source. The Canon BG-E22 and some high-end clones allow you to charge the batteries via the camera’s USB-C port using a Power Delivery (PD) compatible charger, like the Canon PD-E1. Note that the camera must be turned off for the charging process to begin. Many budget grips do not have the internal circuitry to facilitate this efficiently, so check your specific model.
Do third-party grips display the battery percentage correctly?
Most modern third-party grips from reputable brands like Neewer, Vello, and Meike communicate well with the EOS R’s software, showing individual battery levels in the camera menu. However, very cheap, unbranded grips can sometimes struggle with this, occasionally causing the camera to display a “communication error” or fail to show an accurate percentage. Sticking with the brands recommended here usually avoids that frustration.
Final Verdict
For the professional who demands reliability in every environment, the Canon BG-E22 is worth the investment. It transforms the EOS R into a robust, balanced tool. However, if you’re an enthusiast shooter who primarily stays in fair weather, the Neewer or Meike options offer nearly identical performance and better features (like remote triggers) for a fraction of the cost. Always prioritize your shooting style and the weight of your most-used lenses when deciding.