Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5DS & 5DS R Mark II
Pushing 50.6 megapixels through the dual DIGIC 6 processors of the Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R demands a massive amount of power. If you’ve ever been deep into a landscape bracket only to have your LP-E6N die, you know the frustration. After years of professional studio and field work, I’ve found that the right battery grip transforms these high-res beasts. While the official Canon BG-E11 remains my top recommendation for its rugged weather sealing, several third-party alternatives offer incredible value for photographers today.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Battery Grips for Canon EOS 5DS & 5DS R: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
The Canon BG-E11 is the gold standard for the 5DS and 5DS R series. When you’re handling a 50MP camera, stability is everything, and the BG-E11 provides a rock-solid magnesium alloy frame that perfectly matches the camera’s body. I’ve taken this grip through dusty deserts and light rain; its weather sealing is the only one I fully trust to protect the battery terminals. It houses two LP-E6N batteries or six AA cells via the included BGM-E11A tray. The button tactile feedback is identical to the camera body, including the crucial multi-controller (joystick), which makes selecting focus points in portrait orientation seamless. While it is the most expensive option, its durability is unmatched. The only downside is the price, but for a professional tool, it pays for itself in reliability. If your work takes you into harsh environments, don’t settle for anything less than the OEM original.
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Vello BG-C8 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
The Vello BG-C8 has long been the favorite “third-party secret” among Canon shooters. It offers about 90% of the Canon experience at a fraction of the cost. The rubberized grip material is surprisingly high-quality—it doesn’t have that “slimy” feel that some cheaper plastics do, and it matches the 5DS R’s skin quite well. You get all the standard vertical controls: shutter release, main dial, AF-on, and the AF point selector. In my testing, the battery communication is flawless, correctly reporting the remaining percentage of both LP-E6N batteries to the camera’s menu. While the internal chassis is high-grade plastic rather than magnesium alloy, it feels sturdy enough for daily use. The only area where it falls slightly short of the Canon is the weather sealing; I wouldn’t recommend using it in a heavy downpour, but for studio work or fair-weather landscapes, it’s an absolute bargain.
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Neewer NW-5DR Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
If you only need a battery grip for the occasional long weekend trip or a one-off vertical portrait session, the Neewer NW-5DR is the way to go. It is incredibly affordable, often costing less than a single official battery. Despite the low price, it provides the essential benefit: doubling your shooting time. You get the standard vertical shutter and control dials, which work perfectly fine for standard shooting. However, be aware that the build quality is noticeably more “plasticky” than the Canon or Vello options. The buttons have a slightly mushier click, and the mounting wheel can feel a bit gritty. It also lacks any meaningful weather sealing, so keep it dry. That said, for the price of a nice lunch, you’re getting a functional grip that makes the 5DS much more comfortable to hold with heavy L-series glass. It’s the perfect entry-level accessory for those testing the waters of vertical shooting.
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Pixel Vertax E11 Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
The Pixel Vertax E11 is widely considered one of the most reliable third-party grips ever made for the Canon EOS 5D series (including the 5DS and 5DS R). What sets this apart from the Neewer and Meike options is the attention to the button mechanisms. The joystick, or multi-controller, feels remarkably close to the original Canon part, offering precise diagonal movements which are vital when you’re trying to nail focus on a 50MP sensor with zero room for error. The fitment is incredibly tight; I haven’t noticed any “wobble” or flex when mounting it to the camera body, even when using a heavy EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III. It supports two LP-E6 batteries and provides a high-quality AA battery tray for emergencies. For photographers who want that premium tactile feel without paying the full Canon “tax,” the Pixel Vertax is a sophisticated middle ground that won’t let you down in the field.
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Meike MK-5DR with LCD Remote View on Amazon View on B&H
The Meike MK-5DR is a unique offering because it often comes bundled with a 2.4GHz wireless remote control that features an LCD screen. For 5DS and 5DS R users—many of whom are landscape or architectural specialists—this is a game changer. The remote allows you to set delay times, exposure times, and interval shots without touching the camera, which is essential for maintaining sharpness on such high-resolution sensors. The grip itself is standard fare—solid plastic construction with decent rubberized coating. It communicates well with the camera and provides the standard vertical controls. While the build isn’t quite at the Vello or Canon level, the added functionality of the remote makes it an incredible value for specialized shooters. If you do a lot of tripod-based work or self-portraits, the Meike provides an all-in-one power and triggering solution that is hard to beat for the price.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-E11 | Professionals | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Vello BG-C8 | Enthusiasts | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Neewer NW-5DR | Budget | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Pixel Vertax E11 | Premium Third-Party | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Meike MK-5DR | Long Exposures | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these grips fit the 5D Mark III as well?
Yes, absolutely. The Canon BG-E11 was originally designed for the 5D Mark III. Since the 5DS and 5DS R share the exact same chassis and battery compartment dimensions as the Mark III, all grips listed here are cross-compatible. This is great news if you shoot with both bodies, as you can swap grips and battery trays between them without any issues or special adapters.
Do third-party grips drain batteries faster?
In general, no. A battery grip is essentially a pass-through device for power. However, some very cheap third-party grips might have slightly less efficient circuitry for their LCD screens or remotes. The most common issue isn’t drainage, but rather poor communication where the camera might “think” a battery is empty when it isn’t. Stick to brands like Vello or Pixel to avoid these communication glitches.
Can I use only one battery in the grip?
Yes, you can. You don’t need to have both slots filled for the camera to function. The grip will draw power from a single LP-E6N battery just fine. This is useful if you’re waiting for one battery to charge but still want the ergonomic benefits of the vertical grip. However, having two batteries is what gives you that extended shooting time we all crave.
Is the joystick on third-party grips as good as the Canon one?
The joystick (multi-controller) is the hardest part to replicate. While the Pixel Vertax and Vello grips come very close, they often feel a bit “clickier” than the Canon version. On very cheap budget grips, the joystick can sometimes feel stiff or lack the same level of diagonal precision. If you rely heavily on fast AF point switching, I recommend the Canon or Pixel Vertax.
Can I use AA batteries in these grips?
Yes, most of these grips (especially the Canon, Vello, and Pixel models) include a secondary tray specifically for AA batteries. This is a lifesaver if you’re in a remote location and can’t find a wall outlet to charge your Li-ion packs. Just keep in mind that the camera’s performance, especially burst speed and wake-up time, might be slightly slower when running on AA cells.
Final Verdict
For professional photographers using the 5DS or 5DS R in demanding environments, the Canon BG-E11 is a mandatory investment for its magnesium build. However, if you’re a studio shooter or hobbyist, the Vello BG-C8 offers nearly identical ergonomics for significantly less money. If you specifically need interval shooting for landscapes, the Meike with its LCD remote is a brilliant, specialized choice that adds real value to your workflow.
