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What are the best vertical battery grip options for Sony a7R IV?

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What's the best vertical grip for the a7R IV that isn't the overpriced Sony one? I've been looking at the Neewer and Meike versions online but people keep saying the connection is flaky or the buttons feel cheap. I'm shooting a multi-day event in Vegas soon and need something reliable but spending $400 on the VG-C4EM feels like a total rip-off right now...


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12

> spending $400 on the VG-C4EM feels like a total rip-off Like someone mentioned, those connection issues are usually due to the internal pins not seating perfectly. In my experience, third-party shells flex too much under pressure. Ive tried many over the years, and even the Meike MK-A7R IV Battery Grip feels a bit hollow. Quick question tho, what lenses are you planning to use? If you're carrying heavy GM glass, the torque might make a cheap grip disconnect.


12

Coming back to this, @Reply #2 - good point! I disagree that you have to choose between a $400 bill or a budget Meike MK-A7R IV Battery Grip. For high-stakes events, I recommend sourcing a used Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip. Youll get the magnesium build and weather sealing necessary for reliability, but at a used price point around $200. It's a far more methodical approach than risking third-party flex.


2

Honestly, Vegas is a tough environment for gear and the last thing you want is a flaky connection when you are running around a convention center. I have tried to save money with those third-party brands before and it usually ends with me buying the real thing anyway after the shutter button starts sticking or the dial skips. If you are doing a paid multi-day gig, you really gotta be careful with the knockoffs:

  • stick with the official Sony gear for peace of mind
  • look for a used one on a reputable site to save some cash
  • maybe just rent one for the week if you dont want to buy it I would suggest just biting the bullet and going with Sony. I know it feels like a total rip-off, but the weather sealing and the way the buttons feel is just miles ahead of those cheaper alternatives. Trust me, you dont want to be fiddling with a loose grip while you are trying to work... just get the official brand and you can at least sleep easy knowing it wont fail on day two.


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