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Battery grip: Sony or Vello
- Thread starter Photoderm
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DaFireMedic
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What Sony camera is this for? I have the Meike Battery grip for the a7iii. For the a7rii, I believe the Meike is identical to the Vello grip. There are several YouTube videos comparing third party grips with the Sony. It seems that there are some different materials used that may affect the feel, but not significantly.
Anyway, I don’t miss paying several hundred dollars more for the Sony. The Meike feels very good, comfortable to use, and all buttons and functions are very responsive. The look matches the camera very well, although I’m told the Sony does so even better. I’ve had no problems with it in the 2 months and 4000 or so images I’ve shot with it on.
And while I wasn’t having any problems ergonomically and initially bought the grip for the additional battery life and to give the camera a more professional look, I’ve found that I really like the feel with the battery grip on.
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RedValley
Well-known member
I have the Meike for my A7 1st generation and happy with it The only negative: when mounting on the tripod there is a slight feeling of flexing, considering it's a not too thick piece of plastic. Anyway I paid 5 or 6 times less than the Sony (I bought used) so I can't complain!
Kansas Ron
Senior Member
All mentioned grips are very good. I have used Vello on Canon, and the Meike on an A7iii without issue. I currently have an A9 with the Sony grip (package deal). There is a small difference with the Sony that is hard to describe, but is noticeable. You can't go wrong with any. Also, no one mentions that it provides some extra protection to the battery opening in the camera grip against moisture. Not making it waterproof, just a little better sealed.
RealCereal
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Yes they are
theoverratedphotog
Senior Member
I got mine on a 30% off. They are overpriced at full retail.
Dennis from Florida
Forum Enthusiast
Haven't used the Vello, but assuming it functions correctly I'd get that over the Sony for sure. Had the Sony for a month (sold after I rarely used it) but was never happy with how cheap it felt. It was similar in build to the no-name $60 grips I used to buy for my old dslrs. Compared to a proper OEM battery grip like the one for the D800s it paled in comparison. For what they're charging for it and how it actually feels I can't recommend it.
PWPhotography
Forum Pro
Difference in build quality, durability, not sure if any in performance (lag etc) on the buttons/knobs on the vertical bar.
Guess also a factor which camera you are going to attach? Sony grip is probably more suitable for A9 but less a factor for A7r III or A7 III.
I bought Sony grip around the same time of A9 purchase in discount then via Greentoe before any third party grips are available. It works great for me and I only attach it on A9.
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/55485085@N04/albums
Guess also a factor which camera you are going to attach? Sony grip is probably more suitable for A9 but less a factor for A7r III or A7 III.
I bought Sony grip around the same time of A9 purchase in discount then via Greentoe before any third party grips are available. It works great for me and I only attach it on A9.
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/55485085@N04/albums
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Jeff2013
Senior Member
I shoot multiple cameras and have purchased at least ten Meike and Vello (along with OEM) grips for Canon, Nikon and Sony camera’s, over the years.
For light duty use, the third party grips are probably fine. They are not built as robustly as OEM grips and do not have the solid tactile feel as OEM grips. I also found that they fail at a higher rate than OEM grips. I use sling straps and the attachment point integrity can be a little concerning.
Yes, the OEM grips are overpriced for what they are, so I buy used from Fred Miranda, etc. For me, the piece of mind makes the incremental cost worth it... plus, as an old Leica shooter, tactile feel is of some importance, to me.
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Jeff
Florida, USA
http://www.gr8photography.com
For light duty use, the third party grips are probably fine. They are not built as robustly as OEM grips and do not have the solid tactile feel as OEM grips. I also found that they fail at a higher rate than OEM grips. I use sling straps and the attachment point integrity can be a little concerning.
Yes, the OEM grips are overpriced for what they are, so I buy used from Fred Miranda, etc. For me, the piece of mind makes the incremental cost worth it... plus, as an old Leica shooter, tactile feel is of some importance, to me.
--
Jeff
Florida, USA
http://www.gr8photography.com
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Trek of Joy
Forum Enthusiast
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My Meike grip was permanently attached to my a7r2 through 40+ countries and it still looked/worked great when I sold it. The extra battery life was a must have for long shooting days. Had it on a sling strap the whole time, no issues at all.
I've since moved to the a73 and I can now get through a full day without swapping batteries. I have a 3rd party grip for my a73 on order and I expect it to be no different than my previous experience.
I've been using a 3d printed knockoff of the grip extension since my hand gets tired faster if there's nothing for my pinky to grab onto. The OEM price - even used on Fred Miranda - is just silly.
Chris
Stflbn
Senior Member
Personally, i've had trouble with any 3rd party grip I've purchased for either Fuji or Sony. Usually associated with the f-stop creeping up from lowest setting.
Set to 1.8 and next thing I know i'm shooting at 2.0 or 2.2. Move it back down and it would creep back up. 2 third party grips for Fuji and 2 for Sony.
Replaced grips with official grips and have never had the problem.
Set to 1.8 and next thing I know i'm shooting at 2.0 or 2.2. Move it back down and it would creep back up. 2 third party grips for Fuji and 2 for Sony.
Replaced grips with official grips and have never had the problem.
So I purchased the Vello, overall decent, fits well and feels pretty good.
One minor thing i dont like is the shutter button is not as responsive as the one on the a7iii, but this is to be expected for something so cheap.
One really annoying thing I am noticing is that the C1 button seems to randomly activate when I tilt the camera certain ways. When I lock the grip this still happens so I am wondering if it is an issue with how the grip interacts with the electronics in the battery bay of the sony in some way.
Anyone else notice this issue?
One minor thing i dont like is the shutter button is not as responsive as the one on the a7iii, but this is to be expected for something so cheap.
One really annoying thing I am noticing is that the C1 button seems to randomly activate when I tilt the camera certain ways. When I lock the grip this still happens so I am wondering if it is an issue with how the grip interacts with the electronics in the battery bay of the sony in some way.
Anyone else notice this issue?
M
MattPointZero
Guest
I tried to go cheap and bought the Meike - it had to go back and I replaced it with the Sony - there was no comparison and although the Sony grip is overpriced, over the life of the camera I think it is well worth it.
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