5D Mark 3 Battery Grip for $91????

Whats the difference between this grip and the official grip which aparently costs around $500 for 5D Mark 3?

Came across this today and its only $91 AUD. It says its weather proof just like the camera.. but whats the difference between this and the original camera grip provided by canon?

http://www.ebay.com.au …2571198721#ht_2​323wt_1141

Is the only difference the brand name?.. This one is a "pixel" while the official is a "canon".. and thus the price difference?

I had an after market grip for my 5D2 and compared it to the Canon/original one when I came across one. Most aftermarket products are just a bit flimsier, less solid and exact than the "real" ones. But for ocasional use (I use a grip only when I cannot avoid it) it is OK and saves you a lot of money....

I will be going for this one as soon as I am back in Australia (to complicated to have it sent to my holiday address in EU) and will leave the "real" Canon one for the professionals.

I've already pre-ordered a similar item from a different seller for around the same price. I've had aftermarket grips on a 550D, 60D, 7D and a 5D2 and all have worked flawlessly, which is why I have the confidence to order this. I'm not a pro and therefore I don't hammer my camera, and I have a 60D as backup, so I think it'll be just fine.

All plastic for one. The original has a magnesium shell.

The original costs $320

There has been instances of the tightening wheel stripping the knurling on the screw and not being able to loosen the screw holding the grip to the body. Not a biggie unless you later on choose to go "gripless", then it becomes a major biggie!

IME, the aftermarket ones (as everybody else said) seem to be a bit flimiser and not quite as precise a fit, but generally functional. I have a Bower on my T1i and it's been fine.

I am not a pro.. but i do shoot events here and there.. so I guess this would work out perfectly for me!

Joe Ravenstein wrote in post #14538751
There has been instances of the tightening wheel stripping the knurling on the screw and not being able to loosen the screw holding the grip to the body. Not a biggie unless you later on choose to go "gripless", then it becomes a major biggie!

Happens with the factory grips as well. There are many great aftermarket grips out there, and for the price difference, little advantage could be found for the price differential between a factory grip and aftermarket grip. The absolute only real advantage out of everything being discussed would be warranty on the camera and grip, should something happen to your camera directly due to the grip. I don't believe I remember a single post, however, where an aftermarket grip caused major failure on a camera body, and if there are posts on this, very, very few exist.

One part if the camera being plastic while the rest was alloy would mess with my OCD.

TeamSpeed wrote in post #14538920
Happens with the factory grips as well. There are many great aftermarket grips out there, and for the price difference, little advantage could be found for the price differential between a factory grip and aftermarket grip. The absolute only real advantage out of everything being discussed would be warranty on the camera and grip, should something happen to your camera directly due to the grip. I don't believe I remember a single post, however, where an aftermarket grip caused major failure on a camera body, and if there are posts on this, very, very few exist.

Factory grips DO fail, I won't argue that but I've spoken to techs at Jamesburg in person and heard first hand how some of the aftermarket grips impact Canon cameras.

I had to pay for replacement of the battery box and underlying electronics in my rebel due to the "imperfect" fit of my Opteka grip. I was told they fix quite a few cameras due to 3rd party grips and just about everyone says they weren't using one so Canon will cover the repair, however the signs are fairly obvious once they remove the battery box.

Just my .02, but I have no reason not to believe the tech especially since I had to end up paying $200 for the repairs.

Kaigler wrote in post #14539216
One part if the camera being plastic while the rest was alloy would mess with my OCD.

prepare to be messed with

Your 5D3 is part alloy and plastic now.

Gregg.Siam wrote in post #14538627
All plastic for one. The original has a magnesium shell.

The original costs $320

At the local stores here (in Canada) it costs $450. Maybe thats where the OP is getting the price from?

Christina.DazzleByDesi​gn wrote in post #14539478
At the local stores here (in Canada) it costs $450. Maybe thats where the OP is getting the price from?

Is that just gouging by the local store or is that the official Canon Canada pricing?

yeah I can see some $350ish online prices.. but here in Australia most of them are around $500+ if you want to purchase them from the store... so this $91 is amazingly cheap!

for a photographer who isn't a pro, and just wants to use grip for event photography so its easier to take portraits + better battery life.. i dont really mind if its plastic or alloy.. since i won't be putting it through a test.

Although im not that concerned about battery life to be honest, i think a 5D3 takes 850 - 1000 pictures on its normal battery once fully recharged.. I mostly do birthday parties, so 850+ pictures are more than enough for me. Main reason for me buying a grip would be to balance out the weight when my 85L is on.. its currently front heavy, also the vertical shooting would be much easier!

I'm usually very careful with my gear and baby it everywhere I go lol

jwcdds wrote in post #14539534
Is that just gouging by the local store or is that the official Canon Canada pricing?

I can only speak for my two local stores, Henry's and Vistek. I don't know if its gouging or not, but it ticks me off no way if I get one will I buy from one of them. They are typically good about their prices for lenses and gear...but they are just running wild with the grip for some reason.