Battery Grip for Sony A7RIII A7III A9 Cameras - Extended Power

In this review the reviewer finds the happypopo Battery Grip to be a practical solution for photographers who need extended shooting time and improved handling for Sony A9, A7III and A7RIII bodies. The single biggest reason to buy is that it combines a replacement 7.2v 2280mAh battery for NP-FZ100 with a full set of vertical controls, so users get both longer runtime and a familiar control layout for portrait shooting. It is presented as a direct replacement for the Sony VG-C3EM and aims to reduce interruptions from battery swaps during extended shoots.

Key Features

• Replacement battery: Includes a 7.2v 2280mAh rechargeable lithium-ion cell that extends shooting time compared with a single camera battery.
• Vertical shutter release: The professional version adds a vertical grip shutter release button that makes portrait shooting more comfortable and consistent.
• Full control set: Front and rear dials plus AF-ON and AE-L buttons mirror the camera controls so switching to vertical orientation keeps key functions at the fingers.
• Tripod ready: A 1/4-in bottom thread lets the grip stay mounted on a tripod without removing it, simplifying long sessions on support.
• Fast charge and portability: The grip is light enough to carry for location work and the battery is designed to charge quickly and hold charge well.

Who It's For

The happypopo grip is best for hybrid shooters and event photographers who use the Sony A9, A7III or A7RIII and want longer run times plus ergonomic vertical controls for portraits. It suits photographers who already rely on NP-FZ100 battery systems and need a direct replacement that fits their workflow.

It is not appropriate for owners of cameras outside the listed models, and it is explicitly not compatible with Sony A7SIII bodies. Studio-only shooters who rarely need extra battery life or vertical controls may prefer to stick with the camera body alone.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extends runtime with a 7.2v 2280mAh cell, reducing the need to swap batteries during long shoots.
• Provides a vertical shutter release and duplicated controls for comfortable portrait orientation handling.
• Includes a 1/4-in tripod thread so the grip can remain attached when using support gear.

Cons

• Compatibility is limited to Sony A9, A7III and A7RIII and it will not work with A7SIII models.
• The review notes no manufacturer battery life claims beyond capacity, so actual runtime will vary by shooting conditions.

Specifications

Product type	Battery grip replacement for VG-C3EM
Compatible models	Sony A9, A7III, A7RIII
Battery	7.2v 2280mAh rechargeable lithium-ion (replacement for NP-FZ100)
Controls	Front and rear dials, vertical shutter release, multi-function selector, AF-ON, AE-L
Mounting	1/4-in bottom tripod thread
Portability	Lightweight for travel; fast charge and stable charge retention

Our Verdict

The happypopo Battery Grip is a sensible value for A9, A7III and A7RIII shooters who want longer battery life and professional vertical controls without buying a camera-brand grip. It delivers the expected functions of a VG-C3EM replacement and is especially useful for event and portrait photographers who need ergonomic handling and extended runtime in one accessory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this grip work with my A7SIII?
No. The product is not compatible with Sony A7SIII; it is designed for Sony A9, A7III and A7RIII models only.

What battery does it replace?
The grip accepts a replacement 7.2v 2280mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery intended as an NP-FZ100 equivalent.

Can I leave the grip on when using a tripod?
Yes. The grip includes a 1/4-in bottom thread so it can remain attached while mounted on many tripods.