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.
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 Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip 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 Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip 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.
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 Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip 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.
Recommended Shopping Resources (Using these links to make your purchase supports this site)
Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip at B&H Photo
Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip at Adorama
Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip at Amazon.com
Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip at J&R
Find the best price on the Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip
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Canon BG-E6 Battery Grip at LensRentals.com
* If out of stock, ask the rental company if they can accommodate your need.
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