7D Mark ii and Aftermarket Grips: Has anyone experienced any problems with their 7D Mark ii after installing an aftermarket grip?

ofwiah Loc: NC via MD

Has anyone experienced any problems with their 7D Mark ii after installing an aftermarket grip?

Basil Loc: New Mexico

ofwiah wrote:

Has anyone experienced any problems with their 7D Mark ii after installing an aftermarket grip?

After doing a good bit of research on after market grips, I ended up using a Vello grip for my previous Camera, a 7D (not Mark II) as it is a bit better built than some of the other brands. I used that for couple years and had no issues. When I upgraded to the 7D Mark II I also bought the Vello brand initially, but ended up sending it back and getting the Canon version because the Vello did not have the joy stick controller for AF point selection (Even though the advert on Amazon indicated it had "all the same controls as the OEM version).

You will find the Vello brand is a bit more expensive than some of the other brands, but still considerably cheaper than the Canon version. Having had both I felt the Vello was every bit as well built as the Canon.

What brand are you using?

ofwiah Loc: NC via MD

I am using the X-Pro series grip that I purchased from B&H. I had to send the first grip back to the manufacturer for replacement after my camera stopped working properly. I am know having focusing issues with the camera and I am beginning to wonder if it is the camera or the grip.

Basil wrote:

After doing a good bit of research on aftermarket ... (show quote)

Basil Loc: New Mexico

ofwiah wrote:

I am using the X-Pro series grip that I purchased from B&H. I had to send the first grip back to the manufacturer for replacement after my camera stopped working properly. I am know having focusing issues with the camera and I am beginning to wonder if it is the camera or the grip.

I did a search on there site for that grip but could not find it. Possibly they discontinued it? For the 7D II I only see the Canon version and Vello.
Do you only have focus issues when the grip is installed?

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Basil wrote:

After doing a good bit of research on after market... (show quote)

From a functional point of view, other then the joy stick, the Vello is probably a good product, although I don't have any personal experience with it. However with regard to your last statement about it being "every bit as well built as the Canon.", keep in mind that the Canon BG-E16 grip is constructed of magnesium alloy like the camera body. The Vello is not, which is probably part of the reason for the higher price of the OEM version.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

mwsilvers wrote:

From a functional point of view, other then the joy stick, the Vello is probably a good product, although I don't have any personal experience with it. However with regard to your last statement about it being "every bit as well built as the Canon.", keep in mind that the Canon BG-E16 grip is constructed of magnesium alloy like the camera body. The Vello is not, which is probably part of the reason for the higher price of the OEM version.

You're right, I had forgotten about the Canon being constructed with a magnesium frame like the Camera. I would like to revise my remarks to say that the fit and function (e.g. Feel of the buttons, etc) the Vello felt as solid as my Canon grip. I will say that had the Vello I first bought for my 7D Mark II had the joy stick to control AF points I would have kept it.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Basil wrote:

You're right, I had forgotten about the Canon being constructed with a magnesium frame like the Camera. I would like to revise my remarks to say that the fit and function (e.g. Feel of the buttons, etc) the Vello felt as solid as my Canon grip. I will say that had the Vello I first bought for my 7D Mark II had the joy stick to control AF points I would have kept it.

:thumbup:

jim quist Loc: Missouri

Before I bean using the 1d bodies I used grips on my cameras. I never had problems with them as long as I kept the contacts clean and they were screwed on tight. I met several photographers with third party grips that had one problem after another. We were shooting collegiate sports and putting a lot of clicks on the cameras, and not always in ideal weather conditions. it might be a different story if you shoot casually and in fair weather

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I have the Pro Master on my 7DII. The dealer included it as part of the kit when I bought my 7DII body.

At first I had a problem that sometimes it would not auto focus or trip the shutter.
Took it off, cleaned all contacts, inside and out. Carefully seated it back and made sure it was screwed on tight. Not a blip since.

Capn_Dave

When I purchased my MkII the only grip available was from Canon and Meike It was way less expensive than the Canon and the only other choice. It has a built in radio trigger, nice feature, and an intervalometer, but you don't really need that with the MKII. Works great, no problems I even hung a 600mm Canon lens mounted on the grips tripod mount to see how strong it was. It didn't break.
http://www.amazon.com/Meike-Camera-Battery-MK-7DR-II/dp/B00S61FBOK

ofwiah Loc: NC via MD

I would like to thank everyone for their replies. I will have to investigate my options.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

I have a Vello for my 5D III, but shortly after a year was up, it quit working. I was bummed. I would not recommend a Vello.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I use the Meike Grip on my 7d Mark II. I've never had a problem with it, and it never effected the camera in any way I could tell.

I would have thought you would have done some research on the products before asking the HGG.

B

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I'm have NO worries about mine. I bought the Canon grip.

ofwiah Loc: NC via MD

I've done research. I like to ask people that have used the product that I am asking about. If you have done any research you will find folks that have had problems with the Meike grip as well.

Bill Emmett wrote:

I use the Meike Grip on my 7d Mark II. I've never had a problem with it, and it never effected the camera in any way I could tell.

I would have thought you would have done some research on the products before asking the HGG.

B