Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip Alternative
(Cheaper grip for Canon 5D Mark III)

You're looking to save money on a battery grip for you Canon 5D Mark III. Should you risk an alternative grip rather than using the original Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip for your Canon 5D Mark III?

You have lots of choices besides the grip that Canon makes. Canon loyalists will tell you you have to stick with Canon.

It's a topic frequently appearing on this web site.  It can be an emotional discussion for you. Whether to stay with the OEM (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER) or save money and go with a compatible accessory, made and distributed by another equipment manufacturer.

Spending a lot of time in forums and Canon camera review web sites gives you a different perspective. You can gather information, evaluate opinions of other photographers, and sprinkle in your own experiences on this issue.

I do this too. Not only for Canon battery grips, but also quite a few of the other choices we Canon camera shooters have available to us. It's a subject that I often consider for my own personal buying decisions as well as those buying choices for my readers.

The Canon-Made vs. Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip Alternative choice really comes down to only three major issues.

1. Weatherproofing

Is the improved weather resistant properties of the Canon enough to justify spending hundreds more?  

I think it is generally safe to say that photographers who spend thousands of dollars on a camera like the Canon 5D Mark III are going to do their best to prevent dust and water from their camera as best they can.

Don't get me wrong.  There is a benefit and value in a better quality of dust and moisture proofing.  It depends on what you shoot.  I do a fair amount of portrait photography at the beach where salt and sand are a big issue.

For the majority of photographers, the slight improvement in weather resistance may be insignificant.  Only underwater cameras and underwater housing provide the ultimate in weather proofing.

An even more important area to pay attention to with regards to contaminants and moisture is the lens mount, particularly when you are changing lenses during a shoot. When I am on the beach I simply don't change lenses. Period.  I use two cameras instead.

2. Look and Feel

Does the look and feel of weatherized magnesium alloy metal make enough of a difference to spend the extra money?  The alternatives are often made of a polycarbonate material.

The unique texture of the original Canon battery grip

I usually place more emphasis on function than appearance when it comes to camera equipment.  Battery grips don't have too much to do, but there is a real benefit to the great feel of a quality accessory in your hands.

They need to mount securely, provide power and communicate settings, and record changes to the camera without a breakdown. Both the OEM and alternative versions of battery grips add the functionality of added battery power.  

They also both provide convenient camera controls when shooting in a vertical orientation and the perceived value of a more balanced feel when shooting with long lenses.

3. Reliability and Function of your Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip Alternative

This is really the most important aspect of getting a Canon BG-e11 battery grip alternative.

You're likely considering a battery grip because you're a serious photographer. Even if you're not shooting as a pro to make money, you want full performance and functionality with your cameras and accessories.

Some of the alternatives have serious issues with durability and function. Your best option is to read a bunch of reviews and look at the ratings of each specific grip.

Back Side of Grip

23% of buyers give a only a 3 star rating or less

6% of buyers give a only a 3 star rating or less

I wasn't an Amazon geek when I started this web site. It evolved as a result of doing so much experimenting and research for this web site.

I discovered how big of a valuable research tool Amazon can be. You get subjective opinions compiled into objective data. The more reviews given on any one product means the more valid the ratings are.

It's human nature for dis-satisfied buyers to leave comments and reviews more often. When you come across a product with a real high percentage of positive reviews you know it's a winner!

I hope this post on alternatives for Canon BG E-11 battery grips was helpful for you.

Keep shooting with enthusiasm. Keep exploring like a child.

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr.   Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

Canon BG-E11 Box

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