Neewer Battery Grip for Sony A7

The Neewer Battery Grip is a great accessory for Sony a7 cameras, especially for those who frequently shoot for extended periods. The grip is designed to provide a more comfortable grip and extended battery life for your camera. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Neewer Battery Grip for Sony a7 cameras, highlighting its features, pros, and cons, to help you decide if it’s worth the purchase.

I was shooting primarily vertical for my daughter’s basketball games, and when I picked up my new Sony A7 IV, I quickly found it was not realistic to use without getting a battery grip. Trying to shoot continuous action shots without a grip provides terrible ergonomics.

Features

The Neewer Battery Grip is compatible with Sony a7, a7S, and a7R cameras. It comes with a lot of useful features, such as:

1. Comfortable Grip: The grip is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip for your camera. It also adds extra weight to your camera, which can help stabilize it when taking shots.
2. Extended Battery Life: The battery grip can hold two NP-FW50 batteries, which will provide you with extended battery life for your camera. This is especially useful when you’re shooting for extended periods, and you don’t want to run out of power.
3. Vertical Shooting: The battery grip also features a vertical shutter button, which makes it easier to shoot in portrait mode. This is especially useful for portrait photographers who want to capture vertical shots without having to twist their wrists awkwardly.
4. Extra Controls: The battery grip also comes with extra controls, such as a joystick and an AF-On button, which can make it easier to control your camera settings. The joystick is especially useful for quickly selecting focus points.
5. Easy Installation: The battery grip is easy to install and remove from your camera, thanks to its simple and intuitive design.

Pros:

1. Comfortable Grip: One of the best things about the Neewer Battery Grip is how comfortable it is to hold. The grip is ergonomically designed to fit your hand perfectly, making it easier to hold your camera for extended periods.
2. Extended Battery Life: The battery grip is a lifesaver for those who frequently shoot for extended periods. The grip can hold two batteries, which can provide you with enough power to shoot for hours without worrying about running out of battery.
3. Vertical Shooting: The battery grip’s vertical shutter button is a great feature for portrait photographers, making it easier to shoot in portrait mode without having to twist your wrist.
4. Extra Controls: The extra controls on the battery grip, such as the joystick and AF-On button, are useful for quickly adjusting camera settings and selecting focus points.
5. Easy Installation: The battery grip is easy to install and remove, thanks to its simple and intuitive design. You don’t need any tools or special skills to attach the grip to your camera.

Cons:

1. Bulky: The battery grip adds extra weight and bulk to your camera, which might make it harder to carry around. Some users might find it too heavy for their liking.
2. Battery Compartment: The battery compartment on the grip is made of plastic, which might not be as durable as metal. Some users have reported that the compartment can be challenging to open and close, especially if you’re in a hurry.
3. Limited Compatibility: The Neewer Battery Grip is only compatible with Sony a7, a7S, and a7R cameras. If you have a different camera model, you’ll need to look for a different battery grip.
4. No Weather-Sealing: The battery grip is not weather-sealed, which means it’s not suitable for use in harsh weather conditions. If you’re planning to shoot in the rain or snow, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect your camera and grip.

Conclusion

The Neewer Battery Grip is a great accessory for Sony a7 cameras, offering a comfortable grip, extended battery life, and extra controls. It’s easy to install and use, and it’s relatively affordable compared to other battery grips on the market. However, it does have some downsides, such as its bulkiness, limited compatibility, and lack of weather-sealing.

Overall, if you’re a Sony a7 camera user who frequently shoots for extended periods, the Neewer Battery Grip is definitely worth considering. It provides excellent value for money, and it can significantly improve your camera’s performance and functionality. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need the extra battery life and controls, you might be better off looking for a different accessory.