A7RII battery grip frustrations

[DLP]

Hi Everyone,

 

I purchased the Sony battery grip with my A7RII. I find it rather frustrating because if I leave the grip switched on I am continually pressing the shutter button with my hand while using the camera horizontally. Even while reviewing photos or accessing the menus. It is a pain to have to keep switching it on and off when I go as I switch camera position. Coming from Canon I left the grip on all the time. I wish the shutter button was recessed a little. Is there another grip out there that would be better for this?

[Guest Colin Scott Johnson]

You are supposed to switch it off when the camera is used horizontally.

At least that is how I use mine.

I only turn it on when shooting in vertical position.

 

From the manual:

 

Shooting vertical images

When using this unit in vertical orientation, set the grip control ON/OFF switch to

“ON.”

 

When control ON/OFF switch to

“ON.”

[DLP]

Thanks, but you missed the point of my question. I don't want to turn it on and off if I am doing a lot of shooting both vertical and horizontal. It just slows me down to do that. What I am asking is whether there is a grip out there with a recessed shutter button that I least susceptible to unintentional triggers if left on when shooting horizontally. With my Canons I didn't have this problem. The smaller size of the Sony and the position of the button on the grip means when I grasp the camera for horizontal shooting I find myself always pushing the button on the grip.

[Guest Peter Kelly]

I hear you, 'DLP', although my issue with the Mk1 version was with other settings changing owing to the design of the front and rear dials (otherwise I loved them!!). You'd have your camera on f5.6 and then bring it to your eye and it was f13!

 

I've yet to try one on the A7Rii, but have just ordered the Meike/Neweer/Eachshot (they're all the same) as they are so cheap. I'll let you know how I find them in terms of shutter.

I did have a Meike branded version on my A7 (original Sony on the A7S) and it worked just as well, but swapping batteries in the cartridge was a little more awkward and, more serious, there was a constant slight battery drain even when the camera was off. I'll be checking those issues too.

 

Curiously, the one benefit of a battery grip that even those who recommend them for extra battery life overlook is that they often MORE than double the shots available!

If you are just using the one battery you will often change it when it gives a warning it's getting low, as it's too much of a risk of missing a shot if you wait until it's flat.

However, with two in a grip then you will ALWAYS completely flatten one and it's surprising how many shots are available between warning and flat.

[vdinis3177]

I find it frustrating as well where it's pressed accidentally. I have it turned off and use it to balance the bigger lenses. That's it, unless I'm just shooting portraits and don't have to switch back and forth.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Guest Peter Kelly]

I've received my Meike grips and given them a brief trial so this is my verdict:

 

Overall, for the money, these are remarkably good. Obviously, they are plastic, rather than metal, and the buttons are not quite the same quality, but still feel pretty good.

Indeed, these 'faults' can be looked on as 'pros'! First, being plastic they are quite a bit lighter than the Sony version, so if you are going to carry the weight of an extra battery why not do it in the grip? The result is not too heavy at all, especially compared to an A99 with grip!

Then the shutter button has a longer throw and is slightly harder to press, so the accidental release is less of a risk (I can't say it won't ever happen).

The batteries are marginally more tricky to get into the cartridge, but I prefer the door latch.

 

Given that they cost 1/5 of the genuine article (1/4 if you get the radio remote) then I simply wouldn't bother with the Sony version. It makes no sense from either a cost or a practical point of view.

That you can get a wireless remote included (almost regardless of how limited it might be) makes it even more a bargain!

[K2Kevin]

I bet you could run over to home depot or big box store like that and find a grommet, washer, rubber washer or some sort of little ring and glue it around that button to help with this issue.  Not the best solution, but should help.