7D grip and battery question

Are there any major differences between the Cannon BG-E7 and the Zeikos ZE-CBG7D?

The Zeiko's, I read, has some slightly different textures on it, in some slightly different places ... but from pictures on Amazon, it also looks slightly bigger, and not quite as formed to the shape of the body - but it's very hard to tell, as the pics aren't quite like for like.


Secondly, if I pick up a second Cannon LP-E6 - will the Zeiko's still show the power ratings, or does this only come from the Cannon grip? Are there there any third party batteries that are a better buy, that retain this (I don't believe there are)


Thanks!

I'm leaning towards the Zeiko's and a Cannon LP-E6, which would be less than the Cannon grip on it's own.

Look at Adorama they have a Flashpoint that has a good review if its legit. Its only about $90.00

randys1a wrote in post #9815516
Look at Adorama they have a Flashpoint that has a good review if its legit. Its only about $90.00

The Zeiko's seems to get much more consistent reviews (here and elsewhere), and isn't *that* much more exensive - $102 on Amazon right now.

pcj wrote in post #9811070
Secondly, if I pick up a second Cannon LP-E6 - will the Zeiko's still show the power ratings, or does this only come from the Cannon grip? Are there there any third party batteries that are a better buy, that retain this (I don't believe there are)

If two Canon LP-EP batteries are inserted, the camera will show the power info. The info comes from the chip inside the battery. Third party batteries do not have a chip, so camera will not display the info, but will work.

As far as diff between Canon and Zeikos, I only have experience with the Zeikos grip.

Where did you find 3rd party equivalents of the LP-E6? I haven't seen any yet.

The LP-E6 is also used in the 5DmkII, so I think third-party batteries have been around a while.

http://sterlingtek.com …e6-charger-for-lp-e6.html

Hobbes330i wrote in post #9816011
The LP-E6 is also used in the 5DmkII, so I think third-party batteries have been around a while.

http://sterlingtek.com …e6-charger-for-lp-e6.html

Sterlingtek only sells the LP-E6 charger.

It has been reported that if you use one Canon and one 3rd party LP-E6 in the grip, the camera will report the battery charge remaining of the Canon battery. Both batteries will discharge at the same rate so it will be accurate.

You can buy 3rd party LP-E6's on ebay and other places. Don't forget to get the 3rd party charger as will because the Canon charger will not charge a 3rd party battery.

http://shop.ebay.ca …3286.c0.m14&_so​p=12&_sc=1

Ah. I see the eBay batteries are available. I just know that Amazon only has Canon brand and SterlingTek and Diamondback don't have any equivalents available yet. And I figure if ST or DB don't have the LP-E6 equivalents, I ought to stay away from the eBay batteries.

ebay batteries are fine if you don't care about getting a "chipped" battery.

i have flashpoint with one oem battery and one 3rd party in the grip. My 7d display the oem battery info but does not account for the 3rd party battery, so even if it shows it's on one bar left it's probably still half to 3/4 full.

Ok, I think it's a Zeikos grip and an LP-E6 battery for me then - thanks guys.

Has anyone compared the third party grips with the Canon grip? Shape, integration into the camera, size etc?

FOLKS, bear in mind a faulty 511 battery fried my 30D....I now only use canon originals, saves any hassle and covered by canon warranty


to buy cheap is to buy twice imho!

I bit the bullet and bought the BG-E7 and LP-E6 - I know there was ~$70 difference between that and the third party grips, but my last third party grip had a different feel in the scroll wheel, and I just couldn't get past that ...

Should be here tomorrow!