Best Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5DS R Mark II
Handling a 50.6-megapixel beast like the Canon EOS 5DS R requires more than just a steady hand; it demands superior ergonomics and extended power. When you’re mid-shoot, the last thing you want is a “Battery Low” warning or a cramped wrist from shooting vertical portraits. While the official Canon BG-E11 is my top recommendation for its rugged weather sealing, several third-party alternatives offer surprising reliability. In this guide, I’ll help you find the perfect grip to balance your high-resolution powerhouse.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Vertical Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5DS R Mark II: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are shooting with a high-resolution body like the 5DS R, you likely value precision and durability. The Canon BG-E11 is the only grip that truly matches the magnesium alloy build of the camera body. I’ve found that the shutter button tactility and the multi-controller (joystick) on this grip feel identical to the ones on the camera itself, which is vital for muscle memory during fast-paced shoots. It holds two LP-E6N batteries or six AA batteries via the included tray, effectively doubling your shot count—a necessity when that 50MP sensor is crunching through data. While it is significantly more expensive than third-party options, the peace of mind provided by its dust and water resistance is invaluable when you’re out in the elements. The only real drawback is the price, but for a professional-grade tool, it is a justified investment in reliability.
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Neewer BG-E11 Replacement View on Amazon View on B&H
Neewer has built a reputation for providing “good enough” gear at prices that seem too low to be true. In the case of their BG-E11 replacement, the value proposition is staggering. You get nearly all the functionality of the Canon original—vertical shutter release, main dial, and AF point selection—at roughly 20% of the cost. I’ve noticed that while the exterior is high-quality polycarbonate rather than magnesium, the rubberized grip surface matches the 5DS R texture quite well. It provides that extra “heft” which actually helps stabilize the camera when using heavy L-series glass. You’ll need to be more careful in heavy rain, as the sealing isn’t up to OEM standards, and the joystick can feel a bit “clickier” than the original. However, for most users who primarily shoot in controlled environments or fair weather, this is the smartest way to save money without sacrificing ergonomics.
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Vivitar VIV-PG-5DIII View on Amazon View on B&H
The Vivitar VIV-PG-5DIII is the “no-frills” workhorse of the group. If you’ve spent your entire gear budget on the 5DS R body and high-end lenses, this grip allows you to enjoy vertical shooting benefits without breaking the bank. It effectively doubles your battery life and provides a secondary shutter release for more comfortable portrait orientation. In my testing, the connection to the camera remains stable, and it recognizes both OEM and third-party batteries without errors. The limitations are mostly in the build; it feels noticeably more “plasticky” and lacks the refined dampening on the buttons found in the Vello or Canon models. However, it’s surprisingly light, which some photographers actually prefer for long days on their feet. If you just need a functional way to hold two batteries and don’t plan on subjecting your gear to extreme physical abuse, this Vivitar model gets the job done reliably.
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Vello BG-C8 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
The Vello BG-C8 occupies the perfect middle ground between the budget Neewer and the premium Canon. What sets the Vello apart is the quality of the internal electronics. I have used Vello grips for years, and they rarely suffer from the “battery drain” issues that sometimes plague cheaper third-party units. The buttons have a satisfying, deep travel that mimics the 5DS R’s own controls better than almost any other non-Canon grip. It also handles the high-speed communication required for the 5DS R’s advanced autofocus system without any lag. You’ll notice the mounting wheel is large and easy to operate even with gloves on, making it a great choice for cold-weather shooting. It feels “dense” and substantial in the hand, which helps balance out massive lenses like the 70-200mm f/2.8. If you want a grip that you can trust for years of service but can’t stomach the Canon price tag, the Vello is my personal favorite alternative.
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Meike MK-5DR with Remote View on Amazon View on B&H
The Meike MK-5DR offers a unique feature that none of the other grips on this list include: a dedicated 2.4GHz wireless remote control with a built-in LCD screen. For 5DS R owners, this is a game-changer. When you’re shooting at 50.6MP, even the slightest vibration from pressing the shutter button can blur your image. The Meike remote allows you to trigger the shutter from up to 100 meters away, or set up complex intervals for time-lapses and long exposures directly from the remote’s interface. The grip itself is solid and performs its primary duties well, though the battery door feels slightly less robust than the Vello. I find this kit exceptionally useful for architectural work where the camera is often placed in awkward positions or on a high tripod. It’s essentially two tools in one—a high-capacity battery grip and a professional intervalometer—making it a fantastic value for specialized photographers.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-E11 | Professional Reliability | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer BG-E11 | Everyday Value | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Vivitar VIV-PG-5DIII | Budget Shooting | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Vello BG-C8 | OEM Feel / Hobbyist | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Meike MK-5DR | Remote/Time-lapse | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these grips fit the original 5DS and 5D Mark III as well?
Yes, they absolutely will! The Canon EOS 5DS R shares the exact same chassis and battery compartment dimensions as the standard 5DS and the 5D Mark III. Any grip designed for the BG-E11 standard is cross-compatible across all three of these camera bodies. This is great news if you happen to own multiple bodies from this generation, as you can swap your grip and batteries between them without any compatibility issues or needing new trays.
Can I use a mix of one Canon battery and one third-party battery?
Technically, yes, but I generally advise against it. Using batteries with different ages, capacities, or discharge rates can sometimes confuse the camera’s power management system. While it won’t damage the camera, you might see inaccurate battery percentage readings. For the most reliable performance, especially when shooting high-resolution bursts on the 5DS R, it is best to use a matched pair of batteries that are in similar health and charged to the same level before starting.
Do third-party grips affect the weather sealing of my 5DS R?
Most third-party grips, like the Neewer or Vivitar, do not have the rubber gaskets found on the Canon BG-E11. While the grip itself might hold up, it won’t provide a sealed “mating surface” where it connects to the camera’s battery door. If you are shooting in a downpour, moisture could theoretically enter the battery compartment. If weather sealing is a deal-breaker for your style of photography, the genuine Canon BG-E11 is really the only safe choice.
Why does my camera say ‘Communication Error’ with a third-party grip?
This usually happens if the pins on the grip aren’t perfectly aligned with the contacts inside the camera’s battery well. First, try tightening the mounting wheel more firmly. If the error persists, clean the gold contacts on both the grip and the camera with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab. High-quality third-party options like Vello have better manufacturing tolerances, making these errors much rarer than on the ultra-cheap, “no-name” grips found on discount sites.
Does adding a battery grip increase the frames-per-second (FPS) rate?
Unlike some older Nikon models or the Canon EOS 1D series, adding a battery grip to the 5DS R does not increase its maximum burst rate. The 5DS R is hardware-limited to 5fps due to the massive amount of data being processed from the 50.6MP sensor. The grip’s primary benefits are strictly related to ergonomics, doubling the total number of shots you can take before swapping batteries, and providing a more stable platform for vertical shooting.
Final Verdict
For the professional whose income depends on their gear surviving a trek through the mud or a 12-hour wedding day, the Canon BG-E11 is the only logical choice. However, if you’re a studio enthusiast or an architectural photographer looking for extra stability and power, the Vello BG- C8 offers 95% of the performance for a fraction of the cost. If you simply need a cheap way to hold extra batteries, the Neewer won’t let you down for basic shooting.