mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Well, it's possible the photo is of the older 7D grip. Check it out when it arrives to find out for sure.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I will, for sure.

dkguill Loc: Elkhart, IN

I just received my Vivitar Power Grip for the 7D Mk2. Recognizing that some people prefer the OEM brand of accessories, I have not yet been unhappy with 3rd party products that I tend to review carefully and choose based on recognized 3rd party brands.

It is too early to give this grip a review with flying colors, but I unpacked it, put in two Vivitar batteries that came with the grip as a package for an additional $20 over the $49.00 grip price, and turned the grip and camera on. It so far appears to work as advertised. It is true that there is no joystick on the grip but the other buttons work fine. I find that I can reach the joystick on the camera from the portrait position with my thumb, but it is a little bit of a stretch. Not an issue in my opinion. The unit has a 1 year warranty and thus far I'm pleased with my purchase and the sizable savings I received. I have used Vivitar batteries with good results on this camera earlier so I'm happy to have gotten two more at a very reasonable price.

I suppose that, if I was loaded with loot and wanted to show that I could afford the Canon branded version I would have bought that with confidence. I'm not loaded with loot and unless a problem develops that requires me to return the unit in the first year, I'm happy to have saved some of the money I do have with this decision.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I'm not loaded with loot either, but to me a bargain isn't really a bargain unless you get the same thing for less. Having spent $1500 already on my 7D Mark II, I will not buy an inexpensive $50 3rd party grip that lacks the build and functionality of the OEM model, and could potentiality have communication issues with this electronically sophisticated camera. Its a personal choice and I wish you luck with your decision.

dkguill Loc: Elkhart, IN

I understand your concerns and I can't fault you for taking the high road. My opinion is just that, like so many electronic devices, if there is something wrong it will most likely show up within the first few months. During that first year I'm confident that Vivitar will stand behind their product. If the unit falls apart after the warranty lapses, I'm only out $50 instead of over $200. Further, I don't anticipate using this grip all of the time. My previous experience has taught me that I tend to abandon the grip in many situations where longer battery life is not an issue and less weight or bulk is desirable. I'm happy to have the easy portrait configuration available with the grip, but I don't hate having to rotate the camera the old fashioned way either. I do appreciate your opinion and input.

Thanks for your good luck wishes. Barring a catastrophic failure I'm pretty sure I'll be pleased with the grip and the money I saved in my retired state of being.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

The grip arrived yesterday. It did not have all the functions of the OEM Canon grip (as was advertised on Amazon). In consideration of that fact, and that the Canon grip is constructed with a Magnesium frame as pointed out in this thread (and I confirmed with Canon), I sent the Vivitar back today without even putting it on my camera. I also ordered the Canon Battery Grip! I had several days to think about it and decided to go ahead and get the real deal.
I had the Vivitar for a couple of years with my first gen 7D and really had no problems, but I decided to go ahead and get the Canon with it's obviously better construction and with the focus point select joy stick (missing from the Vivitar).

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

I feel like its my fault you're spending more money then you planned.
:cry: But...I agree with your decision 100%!! :thumbup:

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Well, your post did get me thinking. As I said in my OP, I had a Vivitar with my original 7D for a couple of years and never had a single issue with it, so I was not overly concerned about this Vivitar's ability to communicate with the camera.

But after thinking about it for a few days and confirming with Canon that the OEM grip is indeed constructed as is the the 7D Mark II camera with a magnesium frame, I decided to go ahead and spend the extra money. Also, the Canon grip, as you correctly pointed out, has the AF point selection joy stick but the Vivitar grip does not (Under Features on the Amazon ad, it states the Vivitar grip has (and I quote) "Same functions as the original Canon battery grip."

Well, since it does not have the AF point selector then no, it doesn't have the same functions as the original Canon grip. That is simply false advertising.

I'm sure I would have been ok with the Vivitar grip, but I think in the long run I'll be even happier with the OEM Canon grip. Fortunately, Amazon has a very easy return policy.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Enjoy it and let us know how it works out. I'm planning on getting one later in the year as a Christmas gift to myself.

Elliott Design Loc: West Tennessee

Just read your last post, the OEM is a great choice. I use the Meike version, works fine for me, maybe not as sturdily built as the OEM, no problems as yet after three months. Has a joy stick button, and most of the other controls as on the back of the camera. It also has a 2.4 wireless remote, there are several on eBay for around $80.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

UPDATE: Well, the Vivitar Grip is on its way back to Amazon and my new OEM Canon Battery Grip arrived today. I took it to Old Town Albuquerque today for a day of shooting just to try it out (I honestly didn't need a battery gip for this short trip, but, well, you know how it is with a new toy). Having had a Vivitar with my 7D, I must say this Canon Grip for the 7D M2 is noticeably better build quality. Everything about it just "feels" better built! So far, everything works like a charm. This was quite a lot more than the Vivitar grip, but with its magnesium frame and additional controls, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be happy with this decision (barring unforeseen problems of course).

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Sounds great. Happy you're satisfied with the decision. Enjoy!