The Nikon D7500 is a great camera with one frustrating omission: Nikon never released a first-party battery grip for it. For event and sports shooters who want vertical orientation control and longer battery life, third-party grips became the only option. I have tested five of the better-known D7500 grips through wedding receptions, youth soccer games, and an outdoor portrait session.
I evaluated each grip on the security of the battery door interface, vertical shutter button feel, weight balance, and overall build quality. Here is what I’d recommend for the various ways photographers use the D7500.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Meike MK-D7500 Battery Grip for Nikon | All-around use | 4.6/5 |
| Vello BG-N18 Battery Grip Nikon D7500 | Premium feel | 4.7/5 |
| Neewer Pro Battery Grip for Nikon D7500 | Budget option | 4.3/5 |
| Pixel D17 Vertical Battery Grip Nikon D7500 | Wireless trigger compatibility | 4.5/5 |
| Mcoplus BG-D7500 Battery Grip | Two-battery configuration | 4.4/5 |
1. Meike MK-D7500 Battery Grip for Nikon - Best Overall
The Meike grip is the one I keep on my D7500 for most paid work. The fit is precise enough that there’s no flex at the lens mount when handling a heavy zoom, the vertical shutter has the same tactile feel as the top shutter, and the grip holds two EN-EL15 batteries (or one battery and six AAs as a backup). Magnesium construction keeps the weight reasonable.
2. Vello BG-N18 Battery Grip Nikon D7500 - Best Premium
The Vello BG-N18 is the premium third-party grip. Build feels significantly more like a first-party Nikon accessory, with smoother rubber, cleaner button alignment, and a more positive locking mechanism on the battery tray. Worth the extra cost if you shoot daily and need a grip that will last years.
3. Neewer Pro Battery Grip for Nikon D7500 - Best Budget
The Neewer Pro is the entry-level option. Build quality is good for the money, with the basic feature set most photographers actually use: vertical shutter, vertical command dials, and a battery tray for two EN-EL15s. It is not as refined as the Meike or Vello, but for occasional use it works perfectly well.
4. Pixel D17 Vertical Battery Grip Nikon D7500 - Best Wireless
The Pixel D17 includes a wireless remote shutter compatible with their TW283 system, which is useful for tripod work and self-portraits. The grip itself is mid-grade in build quality, but the wireless feature differentiates it from the others.
5. Mcoplus BG-D7500 Battery Grip - Best Two-Battery Setup
The Mcoplus grip pairs two EN-EL15 batteries that the camera switches between automatically. This effectively doubles your shooting time, and on a wedding day I never had to swap a battery mid-ceremony. Build quality is slightly behind the Meike but the battery handling is excellent.
What Matters Most
Fit precision is non-negotiable; a grip that flexes or rattles can ruin handheld sharpness. Vertical shutter feel should match the top shutter, which not every cheap grip achieves. Battery handling matters; a grip that takes two batteries and switches cleanly is far more useful than one that requires manual swapping. Finally, the locking mechanism on the battery tray needs to be positive enough to survive thousands of insert cycles.
My Setup
I use the Meike MK-D7500 grip on my D7500 for paid jobs and keep a Vello BG-N18 on my backup body. Two EN-EL15b batteries live in each grip, plus a spare in my belt pouch. The vertical orientation is a game-changer for portrait shoots; the wrist twist from horizontal-to-vertical with no grip becomes exhausting after an hour.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is leaving the grip on the camera permanently. The grip adds weight that matters on long days, and removing it for casual shooting saves your shoulder. Another mistake is using mismatched batteries; if one is significantly older than the other, the grip may behave unpredictably. Buy batteries in pairs.
Final Recommendation
For most D7500 owners, the Meike MK-D7500 hits the sweet spot between price and quality. Step up to the Vello BG-N18 if you shoot professionally and need first-party feel without the first-party absence. With the right grip and a pair of batteries, the D7500 becomes the all-day camera Nikon should have shipped from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nikon make a first-party grip for the D7500?+
No, Nikon never released an official MB-D grip for the D7500, which makes third-party grips the only option for vertical shooting and extended battery life.
Do third-party D7500 grips affect the camera's weather sealing?+
They reduce the seal slightly compared to the bare camera; for serious wet weather use I still recommend a rain cover over either configuration.