Best Battery Grips for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a legendary workhorse, but its appetite for power—especially when shooting 4K video or high-speed bursts—can leave you swapping batteries at the worst possible moments. I’ve spent years lugging this body through weddings and wildlife treks, and a battery grip is the single best ergonomic upgrade you can make. While the official Canon BG-E20 is my top recommendation for its indestructible build, there are fantastic third-party alternatives that offer vertical controls for a fraction of the price.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Battery Grips for Canon EOS 5D Mark IV: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-E20 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
If you make your living with a 5D Mark IV, the Canon BG-E20 is the only logical choice. I find the magnesium alloy frame provides a level of rigidity that third-party plastic grips simply can’t match, especially when you’re mounting heavy L-series glass like the 70-200mm f/2.8. It mirrors the camera’s weather sealing perfectly, which saved my kit during a particularly damp coastal shoot last spring. The vertical shutter button, multi-controller joystick, and AF-area selection button feel identical to the ones on the camera body, ensuring your muscle memory stays intact. It holds two LP-E6N batteries, doubling your shot count to roughly 1,800 frames. While it’s significantly more expensive than alternatives, the peace of mind knowing your power source won’t flex or fail during a mission-critical shoot is worth every penny. The only drawback is the added weight, which can be taxing during 12-hour wedding days.
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Neewer NW-5D4 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
The Neewer NW-5D4 is a masterclass in value. For about a fifth of the price of the OEM version, you get nearly all the same functionality. In my testing, the rubberized grip surface is surprisingly close to Canon’s own texture, providing a secure hold even when your hands get sweaty. It includes the full suite of vertical controls, including the joystick, which is usually the first thing to feel “cheap” on budget grips. However, on the Neewer, it’s responsive and tactile. You’ll notice it’s made of high-grade plastic rather than alloy, so it lacks that “tank-like” density, but it performs beautifully for everyday photography. It communicates battery data accurately to the camera, so you won’t get those annoying “incompatible battery” warnings. If you don’t frequently shoot in torrential downpours or harsh environments, the Neewer offers 90% of the performance for a fraction of the investment.
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Vivitar VIV-PG-5D4 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
If you’ve already stretched your budget to the limit on the 5D Mark IV body, the Vivitar VIV-PG-5D4 is your entry ticket to extended battery life. It’s a no-frills accessory that gets the job done. It holds two LP-E6/LP-E6N batteries and features a vertical shutter release and main dial. In practice, the buttons feel a bit more “clicky” and less damped than the Canon original, and the overall fit against the camera body has a tiny bit of play if you really torque it. However, for a casual portrait session where you just want better balance and more juice, it’s perfectly adequate. It lacks the joystick and advanced weather sealing, so it’s not meant for pro-level abuse. Think of this as a temporary solution or a backup grip that lives in your bag for emergencies. It’s honest about its limitations but delivers on its promise of extra power.
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Vello BG-C14 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
Vello has long been the gold standard for high-end third-party accessories, and the BG-C14 for the 5D Mark IV is no exception. This grip feels incredibly solid in the hand, bridging the gap between the budget Neewer and the premium Canon. The control layout is complete, including the critical AF-ON and multi-controller buttons. What I really appreciate is the smoothness of the mounting wheel; it cinches down tightly to the camera body with zero wiggle. The electronics are top-notch, ensuring that your camera correctly reads the “shutter count” and “recharge performance” of each battery in the menu system. While it doesn’t boast the same level of weather sealing as the Canon BG-E20, it’s built to much tighter tolerances than cheaper alternatives. For someone who wants professional features and reliability without the “Canon tax,” the Vello is a superb middle ground.
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Pixel BG-E20 Replacement View on Amazon View on B&H
The Pixel battery grip is another solid contender that often flies under the radar. It matches the 5D Mark IV’s aesthetics quite well, with a matte finish that doesn’t look out of place. The vertical shutter release has a nice two-stage feel, allowing you to focus and fire with confidence. I’ve found that Pixel grips tend to have very reliable internal wiring, which is crucial because cheap grips can sometimes cause the camera to “freeze” if the battery communication is interrupted. It lacks the magnesium alloy internals of the OEM version, but for studio work where the camera is mostly on a tripod or in a controlled environment, it’s a fantastic way to extend your shooting time. It handles both original Canon LP-E6N batteries and most third-party clones without issue. It’s a dependable, “set it and forget it” accessory for your gear bag.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-E20 | Professionals | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer NW-5D4 | Enthusiasts | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Vivitar VIV-PG-5D4 | Tight Budgets | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Vello BG-C14 | Semi-Pros | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Pixel BG-E20 | Studio Use | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use LP-E6 and LP-E6N batteries together?
Yes, you can mix and match the older LP-E6 and the newer LP-E6N (or LP-E6NH) batteries within the same grip. The 5D Mark IV will pull power from both, but keep in mind that the overall performance will be limited by the capacity and health of the weaker battery. For the best experience, especially when shooting video, using two identical LP-E6N batteries is recommended for consistent power delivery and more accurate menu reporting.
Does adding a battery grip increase the frame rate?
Unlike some older Nikon models or the Canon EOS 7D Mark II, the 5D Mark IV does not see a boost in continuous shooting speed (frames per second) when adding a battery grip. The primary benefits are strictly ergonomic, providing a better vertical grip and doubling the battery capacity. If you were hoping for a speed boost, you’ll still be capped at the native 7 fps regardless of the grip attached.
Is the Canon BG-E20 compatible with the 5D Mark III?
No, it is not. While the 5D Mark III and 5D Mark IV look very similar, the pin configurations and physical dimensions of the battery compartment changed slightly. The BG-E20 is specifically designed for the 5D Mark IV. If you own a 5D Mark III, you will need the BG-E11 grip. Always ensure you are buying the specific model for your camera version to avoid damaging the internal electronic contacts.
Do third-party grips drain the battery when the camera is off?
Some ultra-cheap third-party grips have been known to have “parasitic drain,” where they slowly leak power even when the camera is powered down. This is usually due to poor circuitry. Brands like Vello and Neewer have mostly solved this issue, but it’s always a good practice to check your battery levels if the camera has been sitting for weeks. If you notice significant drain, it’s a sign of a faulty grip.
Can I charge batteries through the grip via USB?
The Canon 5D Mark IV does not support in-camera or in-grip charging via USB. Regardless of which battery grip you choose, you will still need to remove the batteries and place them in an external wall charger (like the LC-E6). Some very specific third-party grips might offer a separate DC input, but these are rare and often unreliable. For the 5D Mark IV, traditional charging is the only standard way to go.
Final Verdict
For professional photographers whose 5D Mark IV is a daily tool, the Canon BG-E20 is a vital investment for its weather sealing and magnesium build. However, if you’re an enthusiast looking for better vertical handling and extra juice for a weekend shoot, the Neewer NW-5D4 offers incredible performance for the money. If you want a pro feel without the high price tag, the Vello BG-C14 is the perfect middle-ground choice for serious hobbyists.