So I took a chance on this one - thanks to the other good review, and I'm glad I did. The box it came in looks a bit dated and I was scared to open it. However once I did I was happy with the quality. I'm used to Nikon grips - so this is definitely lighter and less 'heavy duty' feeling (as all Canon gear is). However testing it out feels solid and I'm actually appreciating the lightweight of canon gear after I add all my accessories and spend all day with it.
So! I've shot three shoots with it - one an all day 13 hour event - outside, inside, dirty trains - steadicam mounted, monopod mounted, shoulderbrace mounted and plain hand-gripped and this performed flawlessly. It REALLY makes the camera much more useable as well I should mention - it's one of those must haves. I compared it with my friend's actual canon grip and the only difference I noticed was his has the rubber grip along the battery compartment back as well as the front.
That's a hugely minor thing tho - and other than that you really can't tell the difference. Solid-wise - usefulness-wise - etc. - it's the same. So I'd say based on a few days of solid use out of it i'm impressed.
Hope that helps! Zeikos ZE-CBG5DII Multi-Power Battery Pack for Canon 5D Mark II
I am not a professional by any means and don't have fancy ways to test this unit, but after 1 full night of shooting and 250 shots later, this unit was more than fine. Installation was easy with instructions. It feels good and solid. At hand, you have the same control as the Canon version and essentially the same features (Compartment to hold removed battery "door" from camera, for example).
I'll keep on testing and report any issues if it comes. Until then, you can assume that this will do the trick at half price of the canon branded version.
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UPDATE
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Couple of months later, the unit is till doing great!
PROS
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1. The price is unbeatable.
2. It looks so good on the camera (I haven't seen the Canon version, but it can't be much better than this)
3. It's designed perfectly...buttons in the right places! How sweet to have most of the important buttons repeated and placed perfectly on the battery grip.
4. Battery compartment is on the back, so you don't have to take it off the tripod to change batteries.
5. Accommodates two batteries for double the power (see my review of the generic battery replacement...you really should get two of them)
6. Comes with a well built tray that holds 6 AA batteries for when you're in a power pinch.
7. Build quality is EXCELLENT. The buttons press nice, the dials roll nice, the battery compartment is well built and the rubber grip is perfect! (I'm sorry but I just can't see how Canon could make it any better.)
CONS
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1. It's not Brand Name (if you can call this a CON) <--some people really have a problem with this. The only way you can tell it's generic is to look at the bottom (or base) of the grip...(the part that is always covered)
2. Resale value...since it's generic of course.
Conclusion
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I'm going to be blunt here, if you really are so petty that you have to get the 'brand name' version of this grip...I feel sorry for you. You're missing out on a great product that completely fulfills it's purpose flawlessly.
Save some money, or better yet, use the money you save to buy another flash card or some other gear you've been needing.
5 out of 5 and for good reason too!!
The Zeikos grip I purchased here is now on its way back to Amazon. In the past two days I tried it on my 5D II and compared it to the Canon grip closely. The craftsmanship and functionality, though not at the exact level of the Canon original (e.g. only the front was rubberized and had a more plasticky feel) would have been good enough to earn my high recommendation, had it not had the problem that caused the return. I don't know if it was just my bad luck but my copy on several occasions caused malfunctioning on the 5D II's main dial, making it inoperable (you can still turn it but with no change of readings). I tried to pinpoint the source by using different batteries (LP-E6 and AA), changing shooting modes, shutting it down and turning it back on, detaching and attaching again the grip..., no, nothing worked until I put back the Canon original or operated the camera without the grip. As the problem had a random pattern it was not easy to repeat unless you keep playing for a while. So buyers be aware.
I purchased the Zeikos grip because of all the great reviews and took a chance. Like others I have never purchased a non-canon product. I am not a professional photographer and just love to take photos like all of you.
First of all the Zeikos grip you cannot beat for the price. Unfortunately, I did end up returning the Zeikos and purchased the Canon grip (BG-E6). Here is my quick comparison between the two.
Body:
Zeikos and Canon identical.
Weight:
Canon weights slighter more but not by much.
Feel:
Zeikos has the cheap plastic feel when I tap it feels not as solid.
Buttons:
Shutter release clicks on Zeikos similar to my Canon 20d. Canon has the soft release like the body.
AF-ON:Zeikos feels like its going to stick and not pop back out.(Not as firm)
AE-Lock and AF Point: Zeikos feels firmer than the Canon which I thought was very close to the main camera body.
Grip:
Zeikos more grippy and no grip on battery cover. Canon-OEM feel of grip
Batteries:
Battery compartment a little snug compare to smoother insertion of batteries of Canon.
Battery Door weather seal: Zeikos has a weather seal but thinner than Canon.
Battery Compartment door: Doesnt pop open as nicely as Canon.
Camera detected batteries on Zeikos
Dial:
Zeikos doesnt feel as smooth- more clicky
On/Off switch:
Zeikos more clicky. Canon was smoother and the button is slightly deeper so it can be switched on/off easier with fingers.If you noticed the
Canon has a ring around the button which brings the button deeper.
Body and grip:
The Zeikos grip stayed firmly in place and with slight wiggle but he Canon grip felt more solid.
Functionality:
All buttons and battery readings all worked as they were supposed to.
In conclusion, I just felt the Canon grip was better for myself. What I wanted in my camera was to have both components to be as similar to one another. The most important deciding factor was the shutter release and buttons. It just feels nice to have it consistent with the main body. If the Zeikos grip had similar button feel as the main body I would say this grip is awesome. Don't get me wrong the Zeikos grip is a great value for your buck. - 5d Mark Ii - Canon Battery - Digital Slr - Grip'
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