Do You Really Need a Battery Grip? Canon and Nikon Pros and Cons

Quick answer

You need a battery grip only if you regularly shoot in portrait orientation, want double battery life without swapping, or need better handling with long lenses. For most casual shooters, spare batteries are lighter, cheaper, and just as effective. If you shoot portraits or video professionally, a grip is worth it.

Myth: A battery grip doubles your battery life

A battery grip typically holds two batteries, but that doesn't mean you get double the shots. In practice, you get roughly the combined capacity of those two batteries, minus a small overhead for the grip's electronics. More importantly, you can hot-swap one battery while the camera runs on the other, which is the real advantage for events and weddings.

If you already carry spare batteries, the difference between swapping a battery and swapping a battery tray is minor. The grip's value is convenience, not a magical increase in capacity.

Myth: Battery grips are only for professionals

Plenty of enthusiasts buy grips for better ergonomics with heavy lenses. A grip adds height and a second set of controls, which can make balancing a long telephoto easier. But it also adds bulk and weight, which can be a downside for travel or hiking.

The decision comes down to whether you value vertical controls and balance more than portability. There's no single right answer.

Myth: You need a grip for video work

For video, a grip can help with handheld stability and longer runtimes, but it's not a replacement for a proper rig. Many video shooters prefer a cage or a gimbal. If you shoot a lot of vertical video for social media, a grip's portrait controls can be handy, but it's not essential.

Consider your shooting style: if you're mostly on a tripod, a grip adds little. If you're handheld all day, it might save your wrists.

What to check before buying a grip

First, confirm your camera model supports a grip. Not all cameras do, especially compact models. Second, check whether the grip includes a shutter button and dials for vertical shooting; some third-party grips omit these. Third, consider battery type: a grip that uses the same batteries as your camera simplifies your kit.

If you use a compact camera like the Nikon Coolpix P950, a battery grip isn't an option. That's a decision limitation you should factor in. For DSLR users, grips are widely available for many models.

Alternatives to a battery grip

Spare batteries are the obvious alternative. They're small, light, and cheap. A second battery in your pocket weighs almost nothing. If you need vertical controls, some cameras offer a vertical grip accessory that doesn't hold batteries, but those are rare.

Another option is a battery pack that charges via USB, which can extend runtime without adding a grip. But these often can't be used while shooting. Weigh the trade-offs: a grip is a permanent addition to your camera's size; spare batteries are temporary.

Verdicts on common battery grip claims

• Claim: A grip doubles battery life: A grip holds two batteries, but you get roughly the combined capacity, not double. The real benefit is hot-swapping without powering down. Verdict: Partly true. Useful for events, but spare batteries are lighter.
• Claim: You need a grip for portraits: A grip adds vertical controls and improves balance with heavy lenses, which helps during long portrait sessions. But it's not mandatory; many portrait shooters use spare batteries and a vertical grip without batteries. Verdict: Helpful, not essential. Try before you buy.
• Claim: A grip is always worth the money: If you shoot handheld with long lenses or need all-day power, yes. If you travel light or shoot mostly on a tripod, no. The cost and bulk may outweigh the benefits. Verdict: Depends on your shooting style. Assess your needs first.

Cameras and lenses that pair well with a grip decision

• Nikon AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Lens: The Nikon AF-S 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Lens is a versatile wide angle (18mm) to standard view (35mm) full-frame FX-format zoom lens that’s particularly well suited for travel and video applications. If you shoot travel or video with a lightweight lens like this, adding a battery grip may defeat the purpose of a compact kit. Consider whether the extra bulk is worth it for your style.
• Nikon Coolpix P950 Compact Camera: The Nikon Coolpix P950 delivers exceptional super-telephoto performance in a compact, everyday-ready package with an equivalent 24-2000mm focal range and built-in VR stabilisation. This camera doesn't support a battery grip, so if you rely on superzoom compacts, spare batteries are your only option for extended shooting.
• Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens Canon Mount: The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens is a wide-angle to medium telephoto zoom lens with a constant f/4 aperture, designed for both full frame and crop sensor Canon DSLR cameras. A constant f/4 lens like this is heavier than a kit lens, so a battery grip can improve balance and handling for portrait or event work with Canon DSLRs.