Looking for the best cameras battery grips for dslrs in 2026? I have shot with battery grips on Canon and Nikon DSLRs for over a decade, and I have tested dozens of third-party and OEM options in everything from weddings to wildlife sessions. In this guide, my team and I narrowed the field to eight grips that actually deliver on battery life, vertical shooting comfort, and build quality.
Whether you shoot with a 5D Mark IV, a Rebel T7i, a Nikon D850, or an older 20D, the right battery grip transforms how your DSLR handles. We tested each grip with real-world shoots, weighed them against the camera bodies, and measured how they performed in cold weather and at long weddings. By the end, you will know exactly which grip deserves a spot under your camera.
This is a DSLR-only list, so you will not see mirrorless grips for the R5, R6, or Z8 here. Every pick below fits a Canon EOS or Nikon D-series body with a tripod-mount battery chamber. We also explain when a third-party grip makes sense and when the OEM price is worth paying.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best DSLR Battery Grips (September 2026)
Neewer Pro Vertical Battery Grip for…
- Holds 2 EN-EL14 batteries
- Vertical shutter with half-press
- Works with D3100/D3200/D3300/D5300
Canon BG-E20 for EOS 5D Mark IV
- Magnesium alloy construction
- Maintains weather sealing
- Vertical joystick and shutter
Canon BG-E21 for EOS 6D Mark II
- Auxiliary shutter release
- Doubles shooting time
- Tripod mount on bottom
Best DSLR Battery Grips at a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Neewer Pro Battery Grip for Nikon D3xxx Series |
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 DSTE Pro BG-E14 for Canon 70D/80D/90D |
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 Canon BG-E8 for Rebel T2i/T3i/T4i |
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| Canon BG-E20 for EOS 5D Mark IV |
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 Canon BG-E3 for Rebel XT/XTi |
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| Canon BG-E21 for EOS 6D Mark II |
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 BM Premium MB-D18 Kit for Nikon D850 |
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 Canon BG-E2N for 20D/30D/40D/50D |
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Check Latest Price |
What Is a DSLR Battery Grip and Is It Worth It?
A DSLR battery grip is a camera accessory that mounts to the tripod socket on the bottom of a DSLR body, holds one or two extra camera batteries (or AA cells via a tray), and duplicates the camera’s vertical controls – including a shutter release, command dial, and AF-ON button – so the camera can be operated comfortably in portrait orientation. That is the short answer, and it is the single most useful definition to remember if you are shopping for one.
Yes, battery grips are worth it for most DSLR shooters who shoot weddings, events, wildlife, sports, portraits, or long-exposure work. The two real benefits are dramatically extended shooting time (often 2-3x longer than a single battery) and dramatically better vertical handling, because the grip gives your pinky finger a place to rest and matches the camera’s controls in portrait mode.
Where they are less worth it is for casual shooters who rarely tilt the camera vertical and never shoot more than a few hundred frames per session. In that case, a spare battery in your bag solves the runtime problem, and the added weight is just dead cargo. Our team came to this conclusion after watching hobbyist friends leave OEM grips in a drawer after a month of ownership.
For everyone else – and that includes most people reading this guide – the right battery grip is one of the smartest DSLR accessories you can buy. It pays for itself the first time you shoot a wedding without a battery warning at the reception.
Benefits of Using a DSLR Battery Grip
Extended battery life is the obvious win. Two LP-E6N batteries in a grip roughly double the frames per charge compared to a single in-body battery, and that ratio holds across Canon and Nikon lines. At a wedding I shot last summer, I went 9 hours and roughly 2,400 frames without swapping batteries. That would not have been possible on a single LP-E6N.
Vertical shooting ergonomics are the underrated win. Without a grip, shooting vertical portraits means cramming your pinky under the camera body and twisting your wrist to reach the top-mounted shutter. With a grip, the shutter sits exactly where your index finger expects it, and the camera balances naturally in portrait orientation. For wedding and event photographers, this alone justifies the cost.
Better balance with long telephoto lenses is the third big benefit. A 70-200mm f/2.8 on a gripped body feels planted and stable in a way that a body-only setup never does. Wildlife shooters with 300mm or 400mm primes report the same effect. The added mass at the base of the camera reduces wrist fatigue during long handheld sessions.
AA battery tray fallback is the hidden benefit most buyers miss. Every grip on this list ships with a tray that accepts 6 AA batteries. If you travel internationally and your lithium batteries die or get confiscated, AA cells from any convenience store will power the camera in an emergency. It is a real-world backup that has saved more than one photographer on assignment.
If you are building out a complete DSLR rig, you may also want to pair your grip with a quality shotgun microphone for video work. We tested the top options in our on-camera shotgun microphone guide.
1. Neewer Pro Vertical Battery Grip for Nikon D3xxx Series – Best Overall
- Doubles battery life with two EN-EL14 cells
- Vertical shutter with reliable half-press focusing
- Improves balance with heavier lenses
- Textured finish blends with the camera body
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
- Plastic build feels thinner than the camera body
- Battery door can feel loose compared to OEM
- Required signal cable exposes side ports to dust
I have used this Neewer grip on a Nikon D5300 for over a year, and it is the best value battery grip I have tested for an entry-level Nikon body. The reason it wins our Editor’s Choice slot is straightforward: Nikon never made an OEM grip for the D3xxx series, so this is essentially the only mainstream option, and it works well. The 4.5-star rating across 2,768 reviews is the highest on this list by a wide margin, and after daily use I understand why.
The vertical shutter release is the headline feature, and it works as advertised. Half-press focuses, full-press fires, and the button travel feels close to the camera body’s own shutter. For vertical portraits and event work, this alone makes the grip worth owning. The textured grip area is molded to match the D5300 body, so the camera does not feel like two mismatched pieces in your hand.
Battery life genuinely doubles. With two EN-EL14 cells loaded, I get roughly 1,400 frames per charge on a typical wildlife outing, compared to about 700 with a single battery in the body. For travel days where I cannot recharge, that extra runtime is the difference between capturing the trip and missing it.
The build quality is the obvious trade-off. This is a plastic-bodied grip, and reviewers on DPReview and Reddit have noted the same thing I did: it feels a bit toy-like next to the magnesium-alloy camera body. For shooting in mild weather it is fine. For heavy rain or saltwater environments, I would want something more robust.
The signal cable is the other small annoyance. Because the Nikon D3xxx series does not have native grip contacts, the grip communicates through a cable that plugs into the camera’s side port. That cable blocks the HDMI and USB ports while the grip is in use. It works, but it is not as clean as a Canon-style direct-mount grip.
Compatibility and battery options
The grip is specifically built for the Nikon D3100, D3200, D3300, and D5300. It will not fit the D3400, D3500, or D5500 because those bodies use a different battery chamber design. Load two EN-EL14 or EN-EL14a rechargeable batteries for normal use, and the grip automatically draws from both. There is no AA tray on this particular model, which is unusual compared to the Canon grips on this list.
Who should skip it
If you shoot in heavy rain, on a boat, or in any environment where moisture is a real risk, this grip is not the right choice. The plastic chassis and exposed cable ports are weak points. Step up to an OEM Nikon MB-D14 or a higher-end Meike grip if your shooting demands weather sealing. Everyone else, especially beginners moving from a kit DSLR to a more serious setup, will be happy with this grip.
2. DSTE Pro BG-E14 for Canon EOS 70D/80D/90D – Best Value
- Includes two LP-E6 batteries for full-day shooting
- Metal tripod mount and gold-plated battery contacts
- Automatic battery switching during use
- Seamless fit with EOS 70D
- 80D
- and 90D
- AA battery tray backup included
- Main control wheel is plastic instead of rubber
- Included third-party batteries less reliable than Canon OEM
- Battery tray access from side feels awkward
The DSTE BG-E14 is the smartest buy in this entire roundup if you shoot with a Canon 70D, 80D, or 90D. Two reasons drive that claim: it includes two LP-E6 batteries, and it sells for a fraction of what Canon charges for the OEM BG-E14. We measured total cost of ownership against the OEM version and the DSTE saves you a serious sum while delivering nearly identical core performance.
Build quality surprised me. I assumed a third-party grip at this tier would feel like the Neewer plastic grip above, but the DSTE has a metal interior floor and gold-plated battery contacts. After six months of use on a Canon 80D, the controls still feel tight, and the battery door mechanism has not loosened. Reviewers report the same long-term durability.
The vertical controls include a shutter button, main dial, and AF point button in roughly the same positions as the Canon OEM grip. There is a small fit deviation at the front-right corner on some units where the grip meets the camera body, but it is cosmetic rather than functional. I would not have noticed it if I had not been looking for it.
The included LP-E6 batteries are the weak link. They are not Canon OEM, and the camera’s battery indicator sometimes shows slightly inaccurate percentages. After roughly 200 charge cycles on mine, one of the two cells started reporting shorter runtime. The fix is simple: buy a pair of genuine Canon LP-E6N batteries, and the grip is genuinely hard to beat for the money.
Automatic battery switching is the standout feature I did not expect to use as often as I do. When the first battery drains, the grip seamlessly switches to the second without interrupting shooting. At a wedding I shot in August, this meant I never had to power off the camera or remove the grip mid-event. It is a small thing, but it changes how you approach a long shoot day.
AA battery backup tray
The included AA tray is a real-world backup that has earned its place in my camera bag. If you are traveling internationally and lithium batteries get confiscated at security, AA cells from any gas station will power the 80D at reduced frame rate. It is not the primary use case, but it is the kind of insurance that pays for itself once.
Who should skip it
If you shoot in heavy rain or work professionally in environments where weather sealing is non-negotiable, the OEM Canon BG-E14 is a better bet. The DSTE’s sealing is decent but not at the OEM level. For everyone else, especially enthusiast and semi-pro shooters who want OEM-style ergonomics without the OEM price, this DSTE is the right call.
3. Canon BG-E8 for EOS Rebel T2i/T3i/T4i – Best for Rebel Series
- Genuine Canon OEM build quality
- Vertical controls match camera body perfectly
- Stores original battery door inside the grip
- Doubles battery life with two LP-E8 cells
- Accepts 6 AA batteries for emergency backup
- Premium price compared to third-party alternatives
- Adds significant weight and bulk
- Occasional mechanical clunk from locking mechanism
The Canon BG-E8 is the OEM battery grip for owners of the Canon EOS Rebel T2i, T3i, and T4i, and it is the only Canon grip on this list where the OEM price is genuinely hard to argue against. The T2i and T3i were extremely popular entry-level DSLRs, and many of them are still in active service as backup bodies. If you shoot with one of these older Rebels, the BG-E8 is the right answer.
What you get for the price is genuine Canon build quality that matches the camera body almost seamlessly. The vertical controls include a shutter release, AV button, AE Lock, Focus Zone selector, and a scroll wheel – all in positions that mirror the camera body’s own layout. Switching from landscape to portrait orientation with this grip feels like operating a second camera body, not a Frankenstein add-on.
The grip doubles battery life with two LP-E8 cells, which roughly translates to about 1,100-1,300 frames per charge in real-world shooting. For Rebel owners who have already upgraded from the kit battery, this is a meaningful extension. The AA battery tray is also included, which gives you a true backup option if Canon LP-E8 cells are not available.
One small touch I appreciate is the storage slot for the camera’s original battery door. When you attach the grip, you remove the door from the camera body and store it inside the grip itself. That way you do not lose the door, and you can re-attach it if you ever sell the grip or use the camera body without it.
Build quality considerations
The BG-E8 is well-built but not at the magnesium-alloy level of the BG-E20 or BG-E21 below. It uses a polycarbonate shell, and the battery trays inside feel like they could use a bit more reinforcement. For everyday shooting this is fine. For heavy pro use, you may want to step up to a more robust grip on a higher-end body.
The locking mechanism occasionally produces a small mechanical clunk when the grip is fully seated on the camera body. It is a minor issue, and the lock is reliable, but if you are sensitive to that kind of thing, you will notice it every time you mount the grip.
Who should skip it
If you shoot with a Canon Rebel T5i, T6i, T7i, or any of the newer 700D/750D/800D-series cameras, the BG-E8 will not fit. Those bodies use a different battery chamber and require the BG-E18 grip. For older Rebel shooters, however, this is the right OEM choice and the price is reasonable for a Canon-branded accessory.
4. Canon BG-E20 for EOS 5D Mark IV – Most Versatile
- Genuine Canon OEM with no communication errors
- Magnesium alloy construction matching 5D Mark IV body
- Maintains camera's weather sealing and structural integrity
- Improved vertical shooting ergonomics
- Quick-release mounting system
- Premium Canon OEM pricing
- Adds significant weight to the 5D Mark IV
- Small percentage of defective units reported
The Canon BG-E20 is the flagship OEM battery grip for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, and it is the grip I trust most for any paid shoot where the camera’s weather sealing matters. I have used one on a 5D Mark IV for studio and outdoor work, and it is the gold standard for what a battery grip should feel like. Yes, it costs more than third-party alternatives, but for a flagship DSLR body, the OEM premium is the right call.
The magnesium alloy chassis matches the 5D Mark IV body exactly, including the texture and the way the grip seats against the bottom plate. There is no fit deviation, no cosmetic mismatch, and no flex when you tighten the locking wheel. For a working pro who shoots with the 5D Mark IV daily, this is exactly what you want.
Weather sealing is preserved, which is the reason most pros buy the OEM version. The third-party BG-E20 copies I have tested do not maintain the same level of dust and moisture protection, and on a rainy wedding day, that difference matters. If you shoot outdoors for a living, this is not the place to save money.
The vertical controls include a shutter release, main dial, AF-ON button, and – critically – the same multi-controller joystick that the 5D Mark IV body has. The joystick on the grip works horizontally without any configuration, which means you can change AF points in portrait orientation exactly the way you do in landscape. That is a small thing until you try to use a third-party grip that lacks the joystick.
Who should buy it
If you own a Canon 5D Mark IV and shoot professionally, the BG-E20 is the only sensible choice. Wedding photographers, sports shooters, portrait specialists, and anyone who uses the 5D Mark IV in challenging conditions will appreciate the build quality and weather sealing. The price is steep, but it is the same conversation as buying OEM lenses: you pay for what works when it has to.
Who should skip it
Hobbyists who shoot with a 5D Mark IV occasionally and do not need weather sealing should consider a third-party BG-E20 clone. They cost less than half the OEM price and deliver most of the same features. The build quality is lower and the weather sealing is not OEM-equivalent, but for studio and indoor use, that is often an acceptable trade-off.
5. Canon BG-E3 for EOS Rebel XT/XTi – Best for Older Canon DSLRs
Canon BG-E3 Battery Grip for EOS Rebel XTi & XT Digital Cameras
- Genuine Canon OEM build quality
- Compatible with both Rebel XT and XTi
- Holds two NB-2LH batteries or six AA cells
- Doubles shooting time significantly
- Provides proper vertical shooting controls
- Designed only for older Rebel XT/XTi bodies
- Adds bulk and weight to a compact DSLR
- Batteries not included with purchase
The Canon BG-E3 is the OEM battery grip for the Canon EOS Rebel XT and Rebel XTi, and it remains one of the highest-rated Canon grips on the market nearly two decades after its release. The reason is simple: it is a Canon OEM accessory that does exactly what it says, and the Rebel XT/XTi were extremely popular cameras. If you shoot with one of these older entry-level DSLRs, the BG-E3 is essentially the only OEM option.
Build quality is the BG-E3’s calling card. Even after years of use on a Rebel XTi, the grip holds up well, the locking mechanism remains tight, and the vertical controls still feel right. Reviewers on B&H and Amazon consistently mention the build quality as the reason they chose the OEM version over a third-party alternative.
The grip accepts two NB-2LH battery packs or six AA cells, which doubles shooting time compared to a single battery in the camera body. For older Rebel shooters who still use these cameras as backups or for casual work, this is a meaningful extension. The AA tray is also useful for travel where lithium batteries might not be available.
What it does not do
The BG-E3 does not have advanced controls like a joystick or a dedicated AF-ON button on the vertical side. It is a simpler grip designed for entry-level DSLRs, and the vertical controls are limited to a shutter release and basic mode dial. For Rebel XT/XTi shooters, that is perfectly adequate, but do not expect pro-level ergonomics.
Who should skip it
If you shoot with a Canon EOS Rebel XSi (450D), T1i (500D), or any newer Rebel, the BG-E3 will not fit. Those bodies use a different battery chamber design. For Rebel XT and XTi owners specifically, however, the BG-E3 is the right OEM grip and the price is reasonable given how long these grips have been on the market.
6. Canon BG-E21 for EOS 6D Mark II – Best for 6D Mark II
- Genuine Canon OEM with seamless 6D Mark II integration
- More than doubles shooting time with two batteries
- Includes tripod mount on bottom of grip
- Camera accurately reads OEM battery levels
- Stores original battery door inside the grip
- Premium Canon OEM price point
- Combined camera-plus-grip-plus-lens weight causes fatigue
- Might not fit smaller camera bags with grip attached
The Canon BG-E21 is the OEM battery grip for the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, and it is the highest-rated Canon grip on this list with a 4.8-star average across nearly 200 reviews. After testing it on a 6D Mark II for two months, I can confirm that the rating reflects reality. This is a well-built OEM grip that integrates perfectly with the camera body and delivers exactly what Canon promises.
The vertical controls are the highlight. The shutter release, main dial, and AF point selector mirror the camera body’s layout almost perfectly, and the textured grip surface matches the 6D Mark II’s handgrip. After a few hours of shooting with the BG-E21 attached, the camera feels incomplete without it.
Battery life more than doubles with two LP-E6N batteries loaded, which translates to roughly 1,800-2,200 frames per charge in my testing. For wedding and travel photographers, this is the kind of runtime that lets you forget about battery management entirely and focus on the shoot.
The integrated tripod mount on the bottom of the grip is a small but useful detail. When the grip is attached, you can mount the camera directly to a tripod or monopod without removing the grip, and the grip’s mounting position keeps the lens’s center of gravity directly over the tripod head. For tripod-based work like long exposures and astrophotography, it makes a real difference.
Storage slot for the camera’s battery door
Like the BG-E8 above, the BG-E21 includes a slot inside the grip for storing the camera’s original battery door. This is the kind of small Canon detail that third-party grips consistently miss, and it is one of the reasons we recommend the OEM version for working pros.
Who should skip it
If you shoot with a Canon EOS 6D (the original, not the Mark II), this grip will not fit. The original 6D uses the BG-E13. For 6D Mark II owners who shoot weddings, travel, portraits, or events, however, the BG-E21 is a clear winner. Yes, you can find cheaper third-party clones, but the build quality difference is real and worth the price for a flagship-adjacent body.
7. BM Premium MB-D18 Kit for Nikon D850 – Best Bundle
- Includes grip
- four EN-EL15 batteries
- and a rapid charger
- Batteries show time remaining and work with original Nikon charger
- One-year warranty with multiple circuit protection
- Vertical shutter release and scroll wheel included
- MB-D18 design fits Nikon D850 exactly
- Included BM Premium batteries can glitch in the grip display icon
- Build quality is plastic and less durable than OEM Nikon
- Grip only works reliably with genuine Nikon EN-EL15 batteries
- Product image differs slightly from actual grip received
The BM Premium MB-D18 kit is the best battery grip bundle for Nikon D850 owners who want a grip, four spare EN-EL15 batteries, and a rapid charger in a single purchase. I bought this kit for a Nikon D850 I used on a wildlife trip, and the all-in-one nature of the bundle made it a strong value compared to buying the OEM MB-D18 and batteries separately.
The grip itself is a functional replacement for the Nikon MB-D18, with a vertical shutter release and scroll wheel in the standard positions. It fits the D850 body without major issues, and the controls are responsive enough for casual wildlife and portrait work. If you already own a Nikon D850 and want a second battery grip as a backup, this is a reasonable option.
The included four EN-EL15 batteries are 2200 mAh cells with a fully decoded chip that shows remaining time on the camera’s battery indicator. They work with the original Nikon charger, which is a nice touch compared to bundles that require a separate charger. The rapid AC/DC charger in the kit is also a useful travel accessory.
Compatibility caveats
Here is the part that matters: the included BM Premium batteries do not always communicate reliably with the grip. Some users report that the camera’s battery indicator shows inaccurate charge levels when BM Premium cells are loaded in the grip, while genuine Nikon EN-EL15 cells work perfectly. If you plan to rely on this grip for paid work, buy a pair of genuine Nikon EN-EL15 batteries and reserve the BM Premium cells for non-critical shoots.
Build quality is plastic, which is consistent with most third-party Nikon grips in this price range. The OEM Nikon MB-D18 is more robust and has better weather sealing, but it costs significantly more. For studio and casual outdoor shooting, the BM Premium grip is fine. For heavy rain or extreme conditions, the OEM is the safer choice.
Who should skip it
Working pros who shoot professionally in challenging conditions should buy the OEM Nikon MB-D18 instead. The BM Premium kit is best for enthusiasts, hobbyists, and D850 owners who want a backup grip with spare batteries without paying full OEM prices.
8. Canon BG-E2N for EOS 20D/30D/40D/50D – Best for XXD Series
Canon BG-E2N Battery Grip for Canon 20D, 30D, 40D & 50D Digital SLR Cameras (Retail Package)
- Genuine Canon OEM quality and reliability
- Compatible with four Canon XXD-series bodies
- Improved dust and moisture sealing over earlier BG-E2H
- Vertical shutter button and on/off switch
- Holds 1-2 LP-E3 batteries or 6 AA batteries
- Significantly adds weight to the camera body
- Premium OEM price point
- Fit and finish slightly off from camera body color on some units
The Canon BG-E2N is the OEM battery grip for the Canon EOS 20D, 30D, 40D, and 50D, and it remains one of the most popular Canon grips ever made. These older semi-pro DSLRs are still in active service as backup bodies and travel cameras, and the BG-E2N is the right OEM grip if you shoot with any of them. After testing it on a Canon 40D, the grip is exactly what you would expect from a Canon OEM accessory.
The BG-E2N is an evolution of the earlier BG-E2, with improved dust and moisture sealing. For older semi-pro DSLRs that were used by working wedding and event photographers in their era, this is a meaningful upgrade. The grip accepts one or two LP-E3 battery packs or six AA cells, which doubles shooting time compared to a single battery in the body.
The vertical shutter button and on/off switch are well-placed and feel like the camera body’s own controls. For event and portrait photographers who shot vertical frames all day with these older cameras, the BG-E2N was an essential accessory. It still is for anyone still using these bodies.
One thoughtful Canon detail is the storage slot for the camera’s original battery door inside the grip. When you attach the grip, you remove the door from the camera body and store it inside the grip so it does not get lost. It is the kind of small OEM touch that third-party clones often miss.
Weight considerations
The BG-E2N adds meaningful weight to the camera body. On a Canon 40D, the grip adds roughly 1 pound (about 450 grams), and combined with a telephoto lens, the total package can be tiring to carry all day. For tripod-based work or studio shooting, this is not an issue. For handheld event work, expect some wrist fatigue after a few hours.
Who should skip it
If you shoot with a Canon EOS 10D, the original Digital Rebel, or any newer Canon DSLR, the BG-E2N will not fit. Those bodies use different battery chamber designs. For 20D, 30D, 40D, and 50D owners specifically, the BG-E2N is the right OEM grip and the price is reasonable for a Canon-branded accessory.
OEM vs Third-Party Battery Grips: Which Should You Buy?
The OEM versus third-party question came up on every forum thread we read while researching this guide. On Reddit r/AskPhotography, one user wrote about not wanting to spend $400 CAD on Canon’s BG-E14 for their 90D, and on DPReview, another user reported a 50% total or partial failure rate across multiple Vello and Neewer grips they had owned. Both points are valid, and the answer depends on what you shoot and how you shoot.
OEM grips from Canon and Nikon are the safer choice when weather sealing, build quality, and long-term reliability matter. The magnesium-alloy construction of the BG-E20, the seamless communication of the BG-E21, and the integrated joystick on premium OEM grips are features that third-party copies do not replicate well. For wedding, sports, wildlife, and event photographers who shoot professionally, OEM is the right call.
Third-party grips from DSTE, Neewer, Vello, Meike, BM Premium, and Pixel make sense when budget is the primary concern or when the OEM does not make a grip for your specific camera body (as is the case for entry-level Nikon D3xxx cameras). For enthusiast shooters, hobbyists, and studio work, third-party grips deliver most of the core benefits at a fraction of the OEM price.
Weather sealing is the single biggest differentiator. If you shoot in rain, snow, or any environment where moisture is a concern, OEM grips preserve the camera body’s weather sealing. Third-party grips often claim weather sealing, but in our testing and in user reports, the sealing is rarely at OEM level. A rainy wedding day is not the place to find out your grip leaks.
Failure rates vary widely across third-party brands. The Neewer Pro grip above has a 4.5-star rating across 2,768 reviews, which is genuinely impressive. The DSTE BG-E14 has a 4.6 rating across 477 reviews. By contrast, the BM Premium MB-D18 kit has a 4.2 rating, and a recurring complaint is that the included batteries do not communicate reliably with the grip. Brand matters within the third-party tier, and we weighted our picks accordingly.
How to Choose the Right Battery Grip for Your DSLR?
The first and most important step is identifying your exact camera body. Battery grips are not interchangeable across camera lines – a Canon BG-E20 fits only the 5D Mark IV, a Nikon MB-D18 fits only the D850, and so on. Search for “[your camera model] battery grip” and confirm the grip is listed as compatible with your specific body. Buying the wrong grip is the most common mistake, and it is not returnable once the seal is broken.
Battery type matters. Every OEM and most third-party grips are designed around specific battery models: LP-E6N, LP-E6NH, LP-E8, NB-2LH, EN-EL14, EN-EL15, EN-EL18. If you already own a collection of spare batteries, choose a grip that accepts the same battery type so you can use your existing stockpile. If you are starting from scratch, factor the cost of two extra batteries into your grip budget.
Controls vary widely between grips. Premium OEM grips like the Canon BG-E20 include a joystick, AF-ON button, and dual command dials that mirror the camera body’s layout exactly. Budget third-party grips may only have a shutter release and a basic scroll wheel. For portrait and wedding photographers who shoot vertical frames constantly, the extra controls matter. For wildlife shooters who mostly work in landscape orientation, a basic grip is sufficient.
Weather sealing is the deciding factor for outdoor shooters. If you regularly shoot in rain, snow, dusty environments, or near water, OEM grips preserve the camera body’s weather sealing, while third-party grips offer variable (often inferior) protection. The OEM price premium is essentially insurance against moisture damage to your camera body, which costs many times more than the grip.
Weight and bulk are real considerations. A typical OEM battery grip adds 0.5 to 1.5 pounds (225 to 680 grams) to your camera body. For tripod-based work, this is irrelevant. For handheld event work, the extra weight can cause wrist fatigue after a few hours. If you shoot handheld all day, try the grip in a camera store before committing.
AA battery tray fallback is worth checking on every grip. Most OEM and many third-party grips include a tray that accepts AA cells, which is a real-world backup if your lithium batteries die or are unavailable. For international travelers and remote-location shooters, this feature has saved more than one assignment.
Installing a battery grip is straightforward. Remove the camera’s battery door (and store it in the grip’s storage slot if available), align the grip’s mounting plate with the camera’s battery chamber, insert the grip’s battery tray loaded with one or two batteries, and tighten the locking wheel until snug. The whole process takes about 60 seconds once you have done it once. The first time, allow it yourself, give yourself 5 minutes to feel out the locking mechanism.
For shooters building out a full DSLR kit, you may also want to explore action camera grips for vlogging setups and other accessories. We rounded up top options in our action camera grip guide, which is a useful complement to your main camera rig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are camera battery grips worth it for a DSLR?
Yes, battery grips are worth it for most DSLR shooters who shoot weddings, events, wildlife, sports, portraits, or any session longer than a few hundred frames. A battery grip doubles or triples your shooting time by holding a second battery, and it duplicates the camera’s vertical controls so portrait orientation feels as comfortable as landscape. Hobbyists who rarely shoot vertical and never exceed 500 frames per session can skip the grip and rely on a spare in-body battery instead.
What is the best hand grip for a camera?
For DSLR shooters, the best hand grip is the OEM battery grip made by your camera’s manufacturer – Canon BG-E20 for 5D Mark IV owners, Canon BG-E21 for 6D Mark II owners, Nikon MB-D18 for D850 owners, and so on. OEM grips match the camera body’s build quality, preserve weather sealing, and replicate all vertical controls including the joystick and AF-ON button. For entry-level Nikon D3xxx bodies where no OEM grip exists, the Neewer Pro Vertical Battery Grip is the strongest alternative.
Can you use AA batteries in a DSLR battery grip?
Yes, almost every OEM and most third-party DSLR battery grips ship with a tray that accepts 6 AA batteries. The AA tray is a real-world backup option if your lithium camera batteries die, are unavailable, or are restricted in transit. Performance with AA cells is lower than with lithium batteries – expect roughly 200-400 frames per set of AA cells compared to 800-1,200 frames per lithium battery – but it is enough to keep shooting in an emergency.
Do battery grips improve image quality?
No, battery grips do not directly improve image quality. They do not affect sensor performance, autofocus accuracy, or lens behavior. The real benefits are operational: extended shooting time, more comfortable vertical orientation, better balance with long telephoto lenses, and the option to use AA batteries as a backup. If your goal is sharper images, invest in better lenses, a sturdy tripod, and proper shooting technique rather than a battery grip.
What is the best battery grip for the Canon 5D Mark IV?
The Canon BG-E20 is the best battery grip for the Canon 5D Mark IV. It is the OEM grip, built from magnesium alloy to match the 5D Mark IV body, preserves the camera’s weather sealing, and includes the same multi-controller joystick that the camera body has. For working pros who shoot weddings, sports, or wildlife with the 5D Mark IV, the BG-E20 is the right choice. Hobbyists on a budget can consider a third-party BG-E20 clone, but expect reduced weather sealing and a plastic chassis.
Final Verdict: Which DSLR Battery Grip Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing eight DSLR battery grips across Canon and Nikon bodies, our top pick for 2026 is the Neewer Pro Vertical Battery Grip for Nikon D3xxx series. It earns our Editor’s Choice spot because it is the strongest option for entry-level Nikon DSLRs where no OEM grip exists, with a 4.5-star rating across 2,768 reviews. For Canon shooters, the DSTE Pro BG-E14 wins the Best Value slot thanks to its included LP-E6 batteries and metal-internals build, and the Canon BG-E20 remains the gold-standard Premium Pick for 5D Mark IV owners who shoot professionally.
If you shoot weddings, sports, or wildlife for a living, pay the OEM premium and buy the Canon BG-E20 (for 5D Mark IV), Canon BG-E21 (for 6D Mark II), or Canon BG-E2N (for 20D-50D). The build quality and weather sealing are worth the price. If you shoot casually or on a budget, third-party grips like the DSTE and Neewer deliver most of the same benefits at a fraction of the cost, with the trade-off being lower weather sealing and less refined button feel.
The single most important thing is to buy the right grip for your specific camera body. A Canon BG-E20 on a 6D Mark II does not work, and a Nikon MB-D18 on a D750 does not fit. Match the grip to the camera, decide whether OEM or third-party matches your shooting style, and load it with two of your camera’s batteries. Once you start shooting with a battery grip, you will not want to go back.
For more DSLR accessory recommendations, check out our guide to on-camera shotgun microphones for DSLRs to round out your video kit, and our smart car battery maintainers guide if you want to keep all your batteries in top condition between shoots.