Meike MK-A6500 Pro Battery Grip for Sony A6500 - Extended Shooting

In this review the Meike MK-A6500 Pro Battery Grip is judged as a budget-friendly accessory for Sony A6500 owners who need longer shooting sessions and more comfortable vertical handling. The reviewer finds the single biggest reason to buy is simple: it accepts two NP-FW50 batteries and meaningfully extends runtime while adding a dedicated vertical-shooting control layout. For photographers who do a lot of event, portrait, or on-location work and want an affordable grip with remote control capability, it is a practical upgrade.

Key Features

• Dual battery support: Accepts two NP-FW50 lithium batteries, which doubles or substantially extends shooting time compared with a single battery in the camera.
• Vertical shooting function: Built-in vertical shutter and control layout make portrait orientation handling more comfortable and stable for longer sessions.
• Long-range remote: Adopts channel and FSK signal mode so the included remote can control the camera from up to about 100m in open conditions.
• Flexible exposure control: Remote supports delay, exposure time, interval and number of shots, useful for time-lapse and long exposure workflows.
• Robust feel: Top-class rubber coating provides a grippy, comfortable surface that improves handling compared with the camera body alone.
• Screen lock and power options: Supports screen lock and lock display mode and features a switch to manage power between the grip and camera.

Who It's For

The grip is aimed at Sony A6500 users who want extended battery life and improved ergonomics for vertical shooting without spending on a manufacturer-branded battery pack. It is also useful for hobbyists doing time-lapse or remote-triggered shots who will benefit from a remote with programmable delay and interval settings.

Photographers seeking flawless long-term reliability or the fastest professional workflow should note mixed reports about durability and button or cable issues; professionals who depend on uninterrupted daily use may prefer OEM or higher-end alternatives with longer proven service records.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extends run time by accepting two NP-FW50 batteries, reducing battery swaps during shoots.
• Improves vertical handling with dedicated controls for portrait orientation.
• Remote control supports long-range operation to about 100m and programmable shooting options for time-lapse and long exposures.
• Rubber coating provides a comfortable, secure grip and feels solid in hand.

Cons

• Some users report inconsistent long-term reliability, including occasional failures after months of use.
• There are mixed comments about button functionality and cable connectivity that may require testing before critical shoots.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Meike MK-A6500 Pro Battery Grip is a cost-effective way to extend shooting time and improve handling for Sony A6500 users, especially hobbyists and event shooters who value longer runtime and a vertical control layout. It offers solid feature value for the price, though buyers should be aware of some mixed user reports on long-term reliability and button or cable behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this actually double my battery life?
If you use two NP-FW50 batteries it will roughly double usable runtime compared with one battery, though actual results depend on shooting mode and power draw.

Can the remote really reach 100m?
The remote uses channel and FSK signal mode and can reach about 100m in open conditions, but range will be shorter indoors or with obstacles.

Should I be worried about durability?
Most buyers report good fit and feel, but some have experienced failures after several months, so test the unit before critical assignments.