EOS R7 Battery Grip

[ScottDean]

Will there be a battery grip for the EOS R7?

[Tronhard]

No, Canon does not make one - which is a real disappointment.

[shadowsports]

@ScottDean,

Will also add to Trevor's reply.  Canon normally releases BG's with a new body on the body's release date.  If a body gets released and no BG is announced (at the same time), you won't get a BG for that particular body.  Its unfortunate (for the R7) as Trevor pointed out.  

[ebiggs1]

" If a body gets released and no BG is announced (at the same time), you won't get a BG for that particular body."

It would be a rare deed in fact if they did come out with one after release but that may not limit third party makers form contrapting one. And, if they do, it is one I would not attempt to use on my new R7 body.

[NateInMaine]

The battery grip is critical for my success with the Canon cameras. I have five cameras for school portraits, and two cameras for weddings/high-end portraiture. Every camera MUST have a battery grip to ensure I don't run short on battery power.

This is based on more than 45 years as a newspaper shooter and volume-portrait photographer.

There is nothing worse than running out of battery power in the middle of an event. Yes, you can drop everything and switch batteries . . . BUT . . . I actually use off-camera flash for all photographs, with the camera mounted to a flash bracket. I have to set everything down to swap batteries. The battery grip negates that hassle.

However, I now have a battery grip for my R7. I purchased a used BG-E2 grip, removed the insert that fits up into the camera battery compartment, and fitted to the R7 with thin rubber to keep the grip from rotating. I was able to modify the BG-E2 battery holder area to fit the current battery for the R7. Granted, the battery in the grip is not connected to the camera body, but I at least have a battery in hand when needed.

AND I have a camera that I can actually hold in my hand when photographing sports. 

I'm disappointed at this odd decision on the part of Canon.

[Waddizzle]

There is more to it than just making an electrical connection.  

Camera bodies use a battery grip by alternating between using one battery and then the other battery.  This causes the two batteries to drain at roughy the same rate.  

The switching between one battery is performed by the camera firmware.  Since the R7 was released without a battery grip, then I doubt if the firmware has the smarts to know how to use a battery grip.

Be careful that you do not damage your new camera.  It may not be covered by warranty.

[ebiggs1]

"This is based on more than 45 years as a newspaper shooter and volume-portrait photographer."

Although the R7 is a nice camera it is not a professional level model. It sounds like you need to be in the pro level gear models. They are designed to use the accessories that a full time pro photographer needs. The average person that buys an R7 does not want or care if there is a battery grip or not.

[NateInMaine]

Thank you for this reminder! Thankfully, this "battery grip" just amounts to an extension of the body. The battery still is inserted directly into the camera itself. The second battery is carried in the add-on grip. To swap batteries, I loosed the grip, swivel it off the battery cover, and exchange batteries.

[Tronhard]

If one looks at the overall specs of the R7, I would argue that it is not a pro-level APS-C camera, as the 7D series was. Included in the that is the fact the camera is not weather sealed, nor does it have a native battery grip.  There are 3rd party grips available, and you use them at your own risk.  Still, if you have jury rigged something, I hope it works for you.

[ebiggs1]

"The battery grip is critical for my success with the Canon cameras. I have five cameras for school portraits, and two cameras for weddings/high-end portraiture. Every camera MUST have a battery grip to ensure I don't run short on battery power. This is based on more than 45 years as a newspaper shooter and volume-portrait photographer."

Been there done that but I am in my 50th+ year. That is why you buy 1 series cameras and/or in the new world an R3. I have never run out of battery on my 1 series but if you do a swap is mere seconds away. Outdoor graduations are the worst especially the ones on hot days.