After market BG-E13 that actually works!

I hope it is OK to post this type of thing. Please let me know if it is not.

I have had my 6D for a year and wanted a grip for it. The OEM version is just too expensive for the little bit I'll be using the grip. I have purchased and returned three of these things so far. The first one was DOA. The second had issues with a battery door that would not stay closed. The third (I actually tried 2 copies of this one) worked fine with Canon batteries, but would not work with my Wasabi batteries that work just fine in the camera.

I figure that others may have had the same issues. I finally got one that just works. Fit and finish are good. All buttons work as intended. The grip mounts firmly to the body. I did not try the "AA" battery tray, as I never intend to use it. The grip is a: DSTE Pro BG-E13 (BG-E13 Replacement).

Wait, so you paid 3 times for a third party? While the original is expensive you would have only paid once. There is a thread regarding the Vello brand grip that shows positive reviews. I believe it's $79, and I've seen it on sale for $59 on occasion.

No. I paid ONE time ($43 +/-) for ONE grip that WORKS. The others were REFUNDED because they did NOT work. As to the price of the Canon, I believe you'll find that explanation in post #1.

In case you are wondering, I've been using an aftermarket grip on my 60D for about 4 years. It was 1/4 the price of the Canon option, and it is still working just fine.

I picked one up used for $130 some time back and sold for $150. I just never used it enough to justify keeping it.

it will stop working when you need it.

I got an aftermarket grip for my T3i 2 yrs ago and it has worked flawlessly since day one with my aftermarket batteries and with the AA tray. Wouldn't hesitate to by aftermarket again, especially for the price difference!

I've heard of issues with aftermarket batteries and the newer Canon bodies but they tend to clear up pretty quickly as the aftermarket makers sort out the chips.

Chef678 wrote in post #17051504
it will stop working when you need it.

Yeah, I know. Just like my $39 Polaroid grip I've been using on my 60D for 4+ years. Aftermarket anything is just junk. Much like my Sigma 70-200 OS and Tamron 28-75.

Feel free to pay $59 for Canon hoods, too. I get mine online for an average of about $6.

BrickR wrote in post #17051583
I got an aftermarket grip for my T3i 2 yrs ago and it has worked flawlessly since day one with my aftermarket batteries and with the AA tray. Wouldn't hesitate to by aftermarket again, especially for the price difference!

I've heard of issues with aftermarket batteries and the newer Canon bodies but they tend to clear up pretty quickly as the aftermarket makers sort out the chips.

Exactly. My 3 year old MaxTech, works, but does not register in my 6D. The Wasabi's work as OEM.

I'm glad it's worked out for you, to each thier own.

i just ordered a dte for my 60d,for the price i figure i will try it out,should be here this week,if i like the feel ill get one for the 70d as well,it also came with a remote shutter release,i already have one but 2 is good haha,

NManuel01 wrote in post #17051471
I picked one up used for $130 some time back and sold for $150. I just never used it enough to justify keeping it.

Interesting. I don't really need to justify the cost of the aftermarket version. For $36 or so, I can afford to keep it around.

That's great, I ended up making a profit. Like I said before to each there own. You have it use, write a review to show people how it's worked.
I ended up with an L-Bracket, and couldn't be happier.

It's easy to justify cost of a $36 grip, I'm trying to justify keeping my 70-200mkii or going with the tamron version and picking up a macro lens. My tamron 24-70 is ony cam 90% of the time, so I'm sure I'll be happy with the quality I just can't let it go.

NManuel01 wrote in post #17053746
That's great, I ended up making a profit. Like I said before to each there own. You have it use, write a review to show people how it's worked.
I ended up with an L-Bracket, and couldn't be happier.

It's easy to justify cost of a $36 grip, I'm trying to justify keeping my 70-200mkii or going with the tamron version and picking up a macro lens. My tamron 24-70 is ony cam 90% of the time, so I'm sure I'll be happy with the quality I just can't let it go.

Budget sure does matter. I stretched to get a 6D. The 70-200 II and Tamron 24-70 are a bit outside my limits. That is really turning out for the best. I am getting into shooting my 6D with the fast(er) primes, which cost a bit less than premium zooms. I'm with you - if I had a 70-200 II, I'd find it very hard to let go. My 70-200 is the Sigma OS - about 1/3 the price of the EF II.

Let's remember too that not all 3rd party products can be lumped into one bucket. There are good aftermarket grips, and crap. And to say that Canon's has no flaws is incorrect, many a Canon grip have gone bad, busted down to the point they needed surgery to remove from the body, etc. In almost all cases, you will save money by doing research on 3rd party grips, and picking one up over the Canon. Even if you have to buy a 2nd one in the course of a life of body, you are still ahead. In the end, that saved money (from grips, batteries, etc) can be spent on things that really augment your photography, like a lens.

One final note. My 4th aftermarket grip has failed. The base flexes and it loses connection with the camera when held on portrait orientation. I bought a real Canon grip, finally. So far, that one works just fine.