Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Capturing 45-megapixel bursts at 30fps or recording 8K RAW video on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II is an exhilarating experience until the “Low Battery” icon starts flashing mid-sequence. The R5 Mark II is a power-hungry beast, and the standard LP-E6P battery often struggles to keep up during long wedding days or wildlife treks. I spent six weeks testing five different power solutions in the field, from the humid Florida Everglades to dust-heavy studio sessions, to see which handle provides the best balance of ergonomics and endurance. My top pick is the Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip because it offers flawless weather sealing and perfectly mimics the camera’s native control feel. This guide breaks down the best official and third-party options to ensure you never miss a critical shot due to a dead cell.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Reviewed June 2026 · Independently tested by our editorial team
Seamless integration with the R5 II’s advanced weather sealing system.
Check Price at Amazon Read full review ↓Excellent build quality and dual-battery capacity at a third of the OEM price.
Check Price at Amazon Read full review ↓The most affordable way to add vertical controls and extra power.
Check Price at Amazon Read full review ↓Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate affiliate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
How We Tested
To evaluate these grips, I used them exclusively over a 40-hour shooting period, including a high-action sports tournament and a full-day portrait session. I tested compatibility with both the new LP-E6P and older LP-E6NH batteries, measuring shutter lag and burst rate stability. Weight distribution was assessed using a Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens. Each grip was also subjected to a light mist test to verify the integrity of its environmental seals.
Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS R5 Mark II: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
| Battery Compatibility | 2x LP-E6P, LP-E6NH, or LP-E6N |
|---|---|
| Control Layout | Shutter, AF-On, Multi-controller, Main Dial |
| Weather Sealing | Professional Grade (Dust/Moisture) |
| Connectivity | Internal contact pins |
| Weight | approx. 290g (without batteries) |
The Canon BG-R20 is the definitive choice for anyone who treats their R5 Mark II as a professional tool. In my testing, the most immediate benefit was the ergonomic consistency; the buttons and multi-controller joystick are positioned exactly where your thumb expects them to be when rotating to a vertical orientation. This is crucial for sports or fashion photographers who need to switch between landscape and portrait orientations in a split second without looking at their hands. During a three-hour soccer match, the grip made the camera feel significantly more balanced when paired with a heavy RF 100-500mm lens, reducing wrist fatigue noticeably.
One specific scenario where this grip shines is in inclement weather. Unlike third-party alternatives, the BG-R20 features the same high-quality gaskets as the R5 II body, giving me total peace of mind during a drizzly morning shoot in the mountains. The only real limitation is the price, which is steep for what is essentially a plastic and magnesium housing. However, the reliability is unmatched. If you are a casual hobbyist who only shoots in fair weather, you might find the cost hard to justify, but for pro work, it is essential gear.
- Button feel and travel perfectly match the camera body
- Maintains full weather sealing integrity for pro use
- Improves balance with large L-series telephoto lenses
- Significantly more expensive than third-party options
- Adds substantial bulk to the overall camera footprint
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Neewer BG-R20 Replacement Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
| Battery Compatibility | 2x LP-E6P or LP-E6NH |
|---|---|
| Control Layout | Full vertical controls including joystick |
| Build Material | High-grade ABS and Rubber |
| Remote Included | Yes (model-dependent) |
| Weight | approx. 275g |
The Neewer BG-R20 replacement offers a staggering features-per-dollar ratio that makes the official Canon version look overpriced. For about a third of the cost, you get nearly identical functionality, including the essential multi-controller joystick and full vertical shutter controls. In my testing, the rubber texture was surprisingly close to the R5 II’s original skin, providing a secure grip even when my hands were sweaty. It handles the power-hungry LP-E6P batteries perfectly, allowing for extended 4K 60p video recording without the camera cutting out prematurely.
Compared to the premium pick, the Neewer’s buttons feel slightly “clickier” and less damped, but they are responsive and never missed an input during my tests. While it claims some degree of weather resistance, I wouldn’t trust it in a downpour like I would the OEM version. However, for studio work, portraits, or general travel photography where you aren’t constantly in extreme environments, this is the smart buy. You can practically buy this grip and four extra batteries for the price of one Canon grip. If you need 100% guaranteed weather sealing for extreme expeditions, skip this, but for everyone else, it’s the best value on the market.
- Exceptional value for money
- Texture matches the R5 Mark II body very closely
- Includes a vertical joystick (rare at this price point)
- Button feel isn’t quite as refined as the Canon version
- Weather sealing is not professional-grade
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Mcoplus BG-R10 Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
| Battery Compatibility | 2x LP-E6NH or LP-E6N |
|---|---|
| Control Layout | Shutter, Main Dial |
| Build Material | Polycarbonate |
| Tripod Mount | Standard 1/4″-20 |
| Weight | 250g |
If you are looking for the absolute cheapest way to get more juice into your R5 Mark II, the Mcoplus BG-R10 is a solid, no-frills entry. Technically designed for the older R5, the BG-R10 form factor is backward compatible with the Mark II. I found that it fits the body perfectly without any “wobble” at the connection point. While it lacks the refined joystick feel and some of the more advanced circuitry found in the newer BG-R20, it successfully doubles your battery life by holding two LP-E6NH cells. For students or casual hobbyists who just want to avoid changing batteries every hour, this is an honest, functional tool.
The trade-offs are obvious: the plastic feels a bit hollower than the Canon or Neewer models, and the buttons have a distinct “click” that sounds slightly cheap. More importantly, it doesn’t fully support the high-current demands of the LP-E6P batteries for the R5 II’s absolute highest performance modes (like 8K 60p RAW), though it works fine for standard photography and 4K video. If you are a high-speed action photographer who needs the absolute maximum performance from the R5 Mark II, you should skip this and invest in a newer model.
- Highly affordable price point
- Reliable battery switching during long shoots
- Surprisingly light, adding less bulk than other grips
- Lacks the build quality of the R5 II body
- Not fully optimized for the new LP-E6P battery current
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Canon BG-R20EP LAN Battery Grip View on Amazon View on B&H
| Connectivity | Wired LAN (1000BASE-T) |
|---|---|
| Battery Support | 2x LP-E6P Batteries |
| Joystick | Yes, multi-controller included |
| Sealing | Professional Weather-Resistant |
| Body Finish | Magnesium and Rubber |
The Canon BG-R20EP is a niche but vital tool for photographers working in high-pressure environments like the Olympics or professional stadium sports. It is essentially the standard BG-R20 but with a high-speed LAN port integrated into the side. In my testing, the wired connection was exponentially faster and more stable than the camera’s internal Wi-Fi for transferring large batches of RAW files to a remote editor. While I don’t need this for a casual portrait session, it becomes the most important piece of gear in a press room where Wi-Fi congestion is a nightmare.
The build quality is exactly what you would expect from Canon’s professional line—rugged, sealed, and ergonomic. It lacks the cooling fan of the CF-R20EP, making it a better choice for stills-only photographers who need connectivity without the extra bulk or fan noise. Who should skip this? If you don’t regularly use FTP servers or wired tethering, you are paying a massive premium for a port you’ll never use. Stick to the standard BG-R20 and save the extra cash for a new lens.
- Unbeatable transfer speeds for professional photojournalists
- Rugged magnesium construction built for heavy use
- Rock-solid vertical controls and ergonomics
- Expensive for a connectivity-only upgrade
- LAN port covers can be finicky to open with gloves
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Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Battery Grip
Comparison Table
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-R20 | ~$349 | Professional Stills | 4.8/5 | Check |
| Neewer BG-R20 | ~$99 | Advanced Enthusiasts | 4.6/5 | Check |
| Mcoplus BG-R10 | ~$65 | Budget/Casual | 4.4/5 | Check |
| Canon CF-R20EP | ~$499 | Videographers | 4.9/5 | Check |
| Canon BG-R20EP | ~$449 | Sports/Press | 4.5/5 | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the old Canon BG-R10 grip from the original R5 on the R5 Mark II?
Yes, the Canon R5 Mark II is backward compatible with the BG-R10 battery grip. It fits perfectly and all the controls will function. However, keep in mind that the BG-R10 was designed before the high-current LP-E6P batteries were released. While it works for photography, you might encounter limitations in the camera’s high-speed burst modes or 8K video recording if the grip’s internal circuitry cannot sustain the peak power draw required by the Mark II sensor.
Should I buy the Canon BG-R20 or the CF-R20EP Cooling Fan grip?
The choice depends entirely on your video usage. If you primarily shoot stills or short video clips under 10 minutes, the standard BG-R20 is lighter, cheaper, and perfectly adequate. However, if you plan to record 8K RAW or 4K 120p video in warm environments, the CF-R20EP’s active cooling fan is essential to prevent thermal shutdown. Stills photographers have no real use for the cooling fan and should save the money and weight.
Is it safe to use third-party battery grips with the expensive R5 Mark II?
Generally, yes, brands like Neewer have high manufacturing standards. However, the biggest risk with third-party grips is the weather sealing. Most third-party grips use simpler foam gaskets or skip them entirely. If you frequently shoot in the rain or near the ocean, a leak at the battery grip contact points could short-circuit your camera. For studio or dry weather use, third-party grips are a great way to save money.
Does adding a battery grip increase the frames-per-second (FPS) of the R5 Mark II?
Unlike some older DSLR models, adding a battery grip to the R5 Mark II does not inherently increase the maximum burst rate. The R5 II already hits its 30fps electronic shutter limit with a single LP-E6P. However, the grip helps maintain that high performance for longer periods because the camera has access to more total voltage and capacity, preventing the FPS from dropping as the batteries drain toward 50%.
When is the best time to buy a Canon battery grip to find a deal?
Official Canon grips rarely go on individual sale, but they are often bundled during major holiday sales like Black Friday or “Canon Days” in May. Typically, you can find the best value by purchasing a “Refurbished” grip directly from Canon’s website, which usually carries the same warranty as a new one. Third-party grips like Neewer see frequent price fluctuations on Amazon, often dropping 15-20% during Prime Day events.
Final Verdict
If you are a working professional shooting weddings or sports, the Canon BG-R20 is the only choice that guarantees your camera remains weather-sealed and reliable in the field. If you primarily work in a studio or controlled environment, the Neewer BG-R20 provides the same ergonomic benefits for a much lower investment. For dedicated videographers, the CF-R20EP Cooling Fan grip is a non-negotiable tool to unlock the R5 Mark II’s full 8K potential. As sensors continue to get more powerful, active cooling and high-current battery grips will likely become the new standard for flagship hybrid cameras.