Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS R5
The Canon EOS R5 is an absolute powerhouse, but between that 45MP sensor and its 8K video capabilities, it is notoriously thirsty for power. If you have ever been mid-shoot only to see that flashing red battery icon, you know the frustration. A battery grip doesn’t just double your runtime; it transforms the ergonomics for vertical portraits. While the official Canon BG-R10 is our top recommendation for its seamless weather sealing, several third-party alternatives offer incredible value for photographers on a tighter budget.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Best Battery Grip for Canon EOS R5: Detailed Reviews
Canon BG-R10 View on Amazon View on B&H
When you are shooting with a body as expensive as the R5, it usually makes sense to stick with the official Canon BG-R10. I find the texture of this grip to be a perfect match for the camera body, making it feel like a single, cohesive unit rather than an add-on. It holds two LP-E6NH batteries, which is essential if you’re taking advantage of the high-speed 20fps electronic shutter. The build quality is exceptional, featuring the same level of weather and dust resistance as the R5 itself. My favorite part is the joystick placement; it mirrors the one on the back of the camera perfectly, so your muscle memory doesn’t fail you when switching to portrait orientation. The only real drawback is the premium price tag, but for pros who shoot in the rain or dusty environments, that piece of mind is worth every penny.
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Neewer BG-R10 Replacement View on Amazon View on B&H
If you can’t justify the cost of the Canon OEM grip, the Neewer version is an incredible alternative. I’ve used Neewer grips for years across various systems, and their R5 version is one of their best. It offers the same dual-battery capacity and vertical controls, including the shutter button and multi-controller joystick. What sets this apart for me is the included 2.4G wireless remote, which allows for shutter release from up to 100 meters away—perfect for wildlife or family group shots where you want to be in the frame. While the plastic feels slightly less “dense” than the Canon version and the weather sealing isn’t as robust, the electronic communication with the R5 is flawless. You’ll still see individual battery percentages in the menu. It’s the sweet spot for someone who needs the ergonomics and power without the professional price markup.
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Mcoplus BG-R10 View on Amazon View on B&H
The Mcoplus BG-R10 is for the photographer who just wants more “grip” and longer battery life without any frills. It’s significantly cheaper than any other option on this list, making it accessible for hobbyists. Despite the low price, it still supports two LP-E6NH/LP-E6N batteries and provides the standard vertical shutter, main dial, and AF point selection. You should be aware that the button feedback is a little “clickier” and less refined than the OEM Canon grip, and I wouldn’t trust it in a downpour. However, if you’re shooting in a studio or on a sunny day and just want to avoid changing batteries every hour, this gets the job done. It’s an honest, no-nonsense piece of gear that solves the R5’s power issue for the price of a couple of memory cards. It’s surprisingly lightweight, too, which some might prefer over the heavier pro grips.
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Vello BG-C18 View on Amazon View on B&H
Vello has built a reputation for creating third-party accessories that feel like they should be OEM. The BG-C18 for the R5 and R6 is a testament to that. It feels incredibly solid in the hand, with a rubberized grip that provides excellent friction even if your hands are sweating during a high-pressure shoot. One thing I’ve noticed is that the mounting screw on the Vello is particularly robust, ensuring there is zero “wiggle” between the grip and the camera body—a common issue with cheaper clones. It handles the higher voltage of the LP-E6NH batteries perfectly, ensuring you get the full 12fps mechanical burst rate. While it sits at a higher price point than Neewer, the build quality and button tactile response are noticeably closer to Canon’s standards. It’s the perfect compromise for the professional who wants OEM quality without the full OEM price tag.
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JJC BG-R10 View on Amazon View on B&H
JJC is a staple in the camera accessory world, and their take on the R5 grip is very reliable. What I like about the JJC version is the attention to the “lip” of the grip; it’s shaped in a way that provides a very secure hold for those with larger hands. If you find the R5 body alone a bit cramped, this grip will be a revelation. It features a tripod socket on the bottom that is perfectly centered with the lens axis, which is a small detail that landscape photographers will appreciate for panoramic stitching. It communicates battery data effectively, so you won’t get any “non-genuine battery” warnings from your Canon firmware. While the buttons are a bit louder than the Canon version, they are well-spaced and easy to find by touch alone while your eye is pressed to the viewfinder.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery Grip for Canon R5
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon BG-R10 | Working Pros | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Neewer BG-R10 | Enthusiasts | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Mcoplus BG-R10 | Budget Seekers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Vello BG-C18 | Studio/Events | ★★★★★ | Check |
| JJC BG-R10 | Travelers | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a battery grip stop my Canon R5 from overheating during 8K video?
While a battery grip doesn’t add active cooling, it does move the heat-generating batteries further away from the camera’s main processor and sensor. Many users find that using a grip slightly extends recording times because the internal heat dissipation is marginally improved. However, for serious 8K work, you’ll still need to manage ambient temperatures or use external recording solutions, as the grip isn’t a magic fix for the R5’s thermal limits.
Can I charge the batteries inside the grip via the camera’s USB-C port?
Yes, but there is a catch. You can charge batteries inside both the Canon OEM grip and most high-quality third-party grips using the camera’s USB-C port, but you must use a Power Delivery (PD) compatible charger and a high-wattage USB-C to USB-C cable. Note that the camera usually charges the batteries one at a time, and it will only charge when the camera power switch is in the ‘OFF’ position.
Do I need to use two batteries for the grip to work?
No, you don’t. The grip will function perfectly fine with just one LP-E6NH or LP-E6N battery installed in either slot. This is useful if you’re waiting for a second battery to charge but still want the ergonomic benefits of the vertical shutter and controls. However, to see the full benefits of doubled shooting time and higher burst rates, having two “H” series batteries is highly recommended.
Does the grip add significant weight to the R5 setup?
A battery grip adds about 290g (without batteries) to your setup. When you add two LP-E6NH batteries, you’re looking at roughly 450-500g of additional weight. While this sounds like a lot, many photographers find that it actually balances the camera better when using heavy “L” series RF lenses, like the RF 28-70mm f/2 or the RF 70-200mm f/2.8, making the overall kit feel more stable.
Are third-party grips safe for my camera’s electronics?
For the most part, yes. Brands like Neewer, Vello, and JJC have been making grips for decades. The main risk with very cheap “no-name” grips is poor tolerances that could potentially stress the camera’s battery pins or cause intermittent power cuts. To be safe, I always recommend sticking to well-reviewed brands like the ones on this list, which have a proven track record of electronic compatibility with Canon’s firmware.
Final Verdict
For professional photographers whose livelihood depends on their gear surviving harsh conditions, the Canon BG-R10 is the only choice. However, I truly believe that 90% of R5 users will be perfectly satisfied with the Neewer or Vello alternatives. They offer the same ergonomic benefits and battery life extension for a fraction of the cost, leaving you with more money to spend on what really matters: high-quality RF glass.