Why is my aftermarket battery grip draining batteries while the camera is off?
Asked 3/3/2012
3 views
2 answers
0
I installed a new third-party battery grip on my Canon camera and noticed severe battery drain even when the camera is switched off. With fully charged genuine Canon batteries in the grip, they were completely dead after sitting in my bag for a few days. In a simple test, battery level dropped from 100% to 88% in about 4 hours with the camera off and no shots taken. When I remove the grip, the batteries hold their charge normally. Is this likely a defective grip, or is there some setting that could cause this? Do genuine Canon grips typically have the same issue?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
9
I haven't used it, but I know that battery drain with aftermarket grips is a common complaint on photography forums. And people with genuine Canon and Nikon units always reply that they have no such issues.
I would say it's a defect with that particular unit. You could try a 2nd Vello grip and you may find it works well. It shouldn't drain the batteries in a matter of days with everything switched off.
Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4191
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
That level of drain is not normal. If the batteries hold charge normally without the grip, the grip is the likely cause.
Based on the reported behavior, this is most likely a defective third-party grip rather than a camera setting. Aftermarket grips are often reported to have issues like parasitic battery drain, while genuine Canon/Nikon grips are commonly reported not to show this problem.
A small amount of standby drain can be normal in a camera, but losing roughly 12% in 4 hours while powered off—and going dead in a few days in a bag—strongly suggests the grip is continuously drawing power.
Most likely options:
- exchange it for another copy, in case your unit is faulty
- return it and buy the genuine manufacturer grip if you want the safest bet
There’s no obvious setting described here that would explain this behavior if the problem disappears when the grip is removed.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI14y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Why does my Canon 420EX Speedlite sometimes seem completely dead, then work again later?
Why is my Canon EOS 5D Mark III draining batteries while turned off?
Should I buy a Canon or third-party battery grip for the EOS 60D?
Canon 6D battery grip: does the battery indicator show one battery or both?
Are aftermarket NP-95 batteries safe to use in a Fujifilm X100?