Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip for Canon EOS 5D Mark II Review

Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip
In-Depth Review

The nice thing about Canon DSLRs without a built-in portrait/vertical grip (all non-1-Series bodies at this time) is that they are small and light. The big downside is that it is not comfortable to shoot in portrait/vertical orientation - especially for long periods of time. Thus, Canon makes Battery Grips for all of their non-1-Series batteries.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II with Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip and Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens

The Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip is designed specifically for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II as shown above with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM Lens mounted. To get the BG-E6 into the position shown, the LP-E6 Battery is removed from the 5D II and the battery door detaches. The BG-E6 slides up into the battery compartment and locks into place via the tripod socket screw seen on the BG-E6 just below the lens in the above image. The BG-E6 provides its own tripod adapter threads - this functionality is not lost.

The BG-E6 holds two Canon LP-E6 Batteries that deliver double the number of shots or video time from the 5D II. Alternatively, use 6 AA batteries in the included Canon BGM-E6 Battery Magazine shown below.

Canon Battery Magazine BGM-E6 for the Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip

Since the AA batteries are not chipped, the 5D II is not going to show you detailed battery information when using the BGM-E6. Though the BGM-E6 is a nice feature, I don't personally find it useful. Even if you only have one LP-E6 battery, the BG-E6 still functions fine. I suppose the AA option is nice for emergency purposes.

Back to the grip. The BG-E6 is very solidly built - it matches the 5D Mark II well. They share a magnesium alloy frame and the BG-E6 retains the sealed battery compartment.

Most of the controls present on the built-in 5D II grip are also found on the BG-E6 including Shutter-Release, Main Dial, AF Point Selection, AF/FE Lock and AF-ON. And, don't forget the power on/off button - every time I install a battery grip, I have to figure out why it doesn't work and then remember that the power button is shipped in the off position.

With the Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip installed, the 5D Mark II becomes at least as large as Canon's 1-Series bodies.

In use, the BG-E6 makes portrait/vertical shooting much easier and more comfortable. I can feel the difference in my arms and shoulder after even a moderately long shoot. And I can hold the camera in vertical orientation a little steadier in this position. I find the BG-E6 a little bulky and there is a slight amount of flex where the grip matches to the 5D II at the battery compartment, but overall, I think it is a very nice accessory.

Bringing you this site is my full-time job (typically 60-80 hours per week). Thus, I depend solely on the commissions received from you using the links on this site to make any purchase. I am grateful for your support! - Bryan

Can you help right now?

This site and my family depend on your support.
Please share this page!

Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!

Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip
Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip
Manufacturer ID: 3353B001
Last Updated: 2009-01-07
Share on Facebook! Share on X! Share on Pinterest! Email this page to a friend!
Can we stay in touch?Free Newsletter
Bryan Recommends Buying It Here
Any purchase made after using this link provides support for this site
Terms of Use, Privacy  |  © 2024 Rectangular Media, LLC  |  Bryan CarnathanPowered by Christ!