I'm trying out the Sony system - somewhat skeptically coming from Canon. I like everything about A7RV so far except odd menus (forgivable) and how it feels in my hand (not forgivable). I have large hands and it feels small and sharp. So I'm getting a grip to see if that would improve things, and would like to try the VELLO off brand grip - it's affordable and also has a strap lug where I like one.
Has anyone had any issues with it, especially serious things like glitching out the camera in any kind of permanent way? Is it a viable option? Thank you.
I tried the version Vello had for the A7 III and was not super impressed with the build quality. Never glitched out on me, but maybe I got a bad copy as when I had it with my 200-600 lens I could feel it flexing a little bit when panning the setup. A bunch complained about the Sony VG build but I never had an issue with it personally.
Personally, if you need a bigger grip on a Sony body, I would look to an L-bracket or baseplate first, before getting a battery grip. They are cheaper and more durable (as they are just pieces of metal) and has the extra benefit of having Arca Swiss cutouts so no need to add a plate to go on to most tripods
Thanks, I do have the JJC arca Swiss baseplate installed and it's still so uncomfortable. The bottom right back corner just cuts into my hand, it's not so rounded like my Canons.
I have used Vello in the past and been happy with the quality of the build, but haven't owned one in probably 3 years. I ended up buying a like-new Sony through MPB at a greatly reduced price compared to new.
I don’t think any of the battery grips for these cameras feel good, including the expensive Sony version. So you may as well try an $80 one.
I’ve also gotten a wooden grip extender, which is cheap and lightweight, and makes the body a little longer…
It is not a bastion of comfort, but makes it a little bigger in the hand.
rhythmraniera wrote:
I'm trying out the Sony system - somewhat skeptically coming from Canon. I like everything about A7RV so far except odd menus (forgivable) and how it feels in my hand (not forgivable). I have large hands and it feels small and sharp. So I'm getting a grip to see if that would improve things, and would like to try the VELLO off brand grip - it's affordable and also has a strap lug where I like one.
Has anyone had any issues with it, especially serious things like glitching out the camera in any kind of permanent way? Is it a viable option? Thank you. ...Show more →
ronno wrote:
I don’t think any of the battery grips for these cameras feel good, including the expensive Sony version. So you may as well try an $80 one.
I’ve also gotten a wooden grip extender, which is cheap and lightweight, and makes the body a little longer…
It is not a bastion of comfort, but makes it a little bigger in the hand.
That one is for the CII, is there one like that for the RV? I searched and don’t see that brand/style for the RV.
The new A7V I think has the same bottom profile as the RV?….not sure on this as reviews keeps saying it’s similar to the RV, so not sure if it’s the same or not.
I’m looking too as it’s a lousy design for a lot of people. The thing is they did a nice job with the extender for the CR, at least comfort-wise, functionally it has drawbacks though.
It’s weird that cameras before the RV got a grip extender like that from Sony, and then the CR after, seemingly skipping over the RV.
I guess it’s not surprising as they did similar with the battery grip that doesn’t fit the RV properly, but I saw mention that that one got a silent update that made it compatible with the RV bottom plate.
RV is/was an expensive camera and it’s not fully supported in pro accessories. I’m hoping if the new V is the same body that it gets support or at least lots of aftermarket options as I’ve not yet found one that quite hits the spot.
It seemed like they issued the VG-C4EM grip for the rIV and then when the rV came around they decided it was close enough. I have a Meike one rather than the Sony and while it worked fine on the rIV, it malfunctions occasionally on the rV - power is fine but the buttons stop working. I don't know if this is just because it's had more use over the years, or it's less compatible with the rV, or what.
I have big hands and I kind of like to have extended grips on cameras but I, too, don't really get on with any of the options available for the rV so far.
qqphot wrote:
It seemed like they issued the VG-C4EM grip for the rIV and then when the rV came around they decided it was close enough. I have a Meike one rather than the Sony and while it worked fine on the rIV, it malfunctions occasionally on the rV - power is fine but the buttons stop working. I don't know if this is just because it's had more use over the years, or it's less compatible with the rV, or what.
I have big hands and I kind of like to have extended grips on cameras but I, too, don't really get on with any of the options available for the rV so far. ...Show more →
That’s my understanding as well, pretty lame. I did hear there was a silent update at some point. I’m not sure of the validity of that. I think it was also the IV or perhaps one of the higher end models that got the nice, at least comfort-wise, small comfort grip like the CR comes with. Then they don’t have full support for these accessories for there high-rez, and very expensive at the time, higher end model?
I had a Meike battery grip on my A1, and not only did it feel shitty, it also would not maintain a power connection. Boxed it up and returned it within two days.
Hated the poor fit of all the grips I tried on my A7RV. Gave up the idea of shooting vertically with a grip, just rock more batteries in my pocket now.
I've had the Meike grip for my A7RV for some time. I use it mostly when I'm doing an event so that portrait mode is easier to hold without twisting my wrist. It has worked fine for me but I use it relatively rarely. Most of my photography is in the field on a tripod.
