Struggling with the battery life of your Sony Alpha A6000 series camera or wishing for a more ergonomic grip for portrait shots? I’ve been there. The frustration of a dying battery just as you’re about to capture a crucial moment, or the awkwardness of holding the camera vertically for extended periods, can really put a damper on your shooting experience. These issues needed a solid solution to avoid missing shots or enduring hand cramps during long shoots.
Camera grips, particularly battery grips, address common pain points for photographers, primarily extending shooting time and improving handling, especially when using larger lenses or shooting vertically. Anyone who finds themselves constantly swapping batteries, needing better balance with telephoto lenses, or frequently shooting in portrait orientation is a potential candidate for a grip like the Meike MK-A6300 Pro Built-in Remote Controller up to 100M to Control Shooting for Sony A6100 A6400 A6300 A6000 Cameras. This category of accessory is ideal for event photographers, portrait shooters, or anyone on location without easy access to charging. However, if you primarily shoot landscape photos, prioritize a compact setup, or only take a few shots per outing, a grip might add unnecessary bulk and weight. For such users, perhaps a few extra batteries or a small power bank would suffice. Before buying, you should consider compatibility with your specific camera model (this Meike grip works with the Sony A6000, A6100, A6300, and A6400), the type and number of batteries it accepts, whether it offers vertical shooting controls, the quality and feel of the materials, and crucially, how it powers the camera (often via a dummy battery). Don’t forget to check if it obstructs access to ports or the SD card slot.
- Works with Sony Alpha A6100 A6400 A6300 A6000 ; You can turn off the camera by turning MK-A6300 battery grip off
- Adopts wireless channel and FSK signal mode. The max distance for remote control can reach to about 100m. Working voltage: 7.2V-8.4V (for grip) / 3V (for remote control). Working current: less than...
- Two pcs NP-FW50 Lithium batteries can be put into the grip, extending your shooting time.
Introducing the Meike MK-A6300 Pro Grip
The Meike MK-A6300 Pro is a third-party battery grip designed specifically for the Sony A6000 series cameras, including the A6000, A6100, A6300, and A6400. Its main promise is to dramatically extend your shooting time by allowing you to use two NP-FW50 batteries simultaneously, while also providing improved ergonomics and a built-in vertical shutter button. Unlike Sony, which hasn’t produced official battery grips for these specific models, Meike steps in to fill this gap. When you purchase the Meike MK-A6300 Pro, you typically get the grip itself, a remote controller, a cable to connect the grip’s vertical shutter to the camera, a dummy battery adapter, and an instruction manual. This product is definitely for the Sony A6000 series user who needs more power and better handling, particularly for portrait work or with longer lenses. It’s not for users of other camera systems or those who prefer the smallest possible setup.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Significantly extends shooting time with dual battery capacity.
* Improves camera handling and balances heavier lenses.
* Provides a comfortable vertical grip with a dedicated shutter button.
* Includes a useful wireless remote with intervalometer functions.
* More affordable than an official grip (which doesn’t exist for these models anyway).
Cons:
* Vertical shutter functionality can be inconsistent or require a “warm-up”.
* Remote control setup/reliability can be finicky for some users.
* Requires a connecting cable for the vertical shutter to work.
* Accessing the SD card requires removing the grip.
* Perceived build quality (plastic feel) isn’t on par with premium accessories.
- Zoom Control and Record: Use 2.5mm/0.1in interface for zoom control and recording the start or stop function.
- Function:Zoom control remote controller support Record Start/Stop, Two-Step Zoom, Take Photos, Power Camcorder On/Off .
- Ergonomic Page Turner Ring: New exterior design, freeing your hands. Page turners for a wide range of capacitive screen devices. With the page turning remote control, no need to continuously touch the...
Getting into the Details: Features and Their Real-World Benefits
Having used the Meike MK-A6300 Pro for a good while now, I can share how its features translate into daily use for a photographer.
Extended Power with Dual Battery Slots
This is perhaps the most compelling feature of the Meike battery grip. It accepts two standard Sony NP-FW50 batteries. For anyone familiar with the battery life of the Sony A6000, A6100, A6300, or A6400, you know it can be quite limiting, especially when shooting video or using the electronic viewfinder extensively. Being able to load two batteries effectively doubles your shooting capacity without needing to interrupt your workflow to swap out tiny batteries. In practice, this means fewer missed shots during critical moments like weddings, events, or lengthy portrait sessions. You can go for hours, even a full day of moderate shooting, before needing to think about power. The grip intelligently switches between the two batteries, though some users report that the camera’s battery indicator can sometimes be unreliable with third-party grips, occasionally dying without warning. My experience has been mostly positive in this regard, but I still make it a habit to check battery levels periodically, especially with older batteries. The sheer convenience of not having to constantly dig for spare batteries is a huge plus and significantly improves efficiency during shoots. It’s a game-changer for stamina.
Vertical Shooting Ergonomics
One of the primary reasons photographers opt for a battery grip is the inclusion of a dedicated vertical shutter button and control set. Holding a mirrorless camera like the A6000 series vertically for extended periods can be quite uncomfortable, leading to hand strain and less stable shots. The MK-A6300 Pro provides a substantial second grip on the bottom, replicating the feel and controls needed for comfortable portrait orientation shooting. This includes a shutter button, and typically, control dials (though the functionality and feel of these can vary). For photographers who shoot a lot of portraits or vertical compositions, this feature alone can justify the purchase. It makes the camera feel much more balanced and natural when shooting vertically, improving stability and reducing fatigue. However, based on user feedback and my own occasional experience, the vertical shutter button on the Meike MK-A6300 Pro Built-in Remote Controller up to 100M to Control Shooting for Sony A6100 A6400 A6300 A6000 Cameras can sometimes be inconsistent. Some users report needing to press it harder than the camera’s built-in shutter, or that it occasionally fails to trigger. There’s even mention of a “warming up” period needed for it to function reliably. This inconsistency is a definite drawback if vertical shooting is your primary use case for the grip and you rely on the vertical shutter button working flawlessly every time. It’s worth noting that using the vertical shutter requires connecting a small cable from the grip to the camera’s remote port, which can be a bit fiddly and means leaving a port door open. If you lose this cable, the vertical shutter won’t work.
Wireless Remote Controller
The inclusion of a wireless remote controller is a significant bonus with the Meike MK-A6300 Pro. This remote operates on a 2.4GHz wireless channel with an FSK signal mode, promising a range of up to 100 meters. This is incredibly useful for various shooting scenarios, such as self-portraits, group shots where you want to be in the picture, long exposure photography to avoid camera shake, or setting up complex time-lapse sequences. The remote isn’t just a simple shutter release; it includes intervalometer functionality, allowing you to set delay time, exposure time, time interval between shots, and the total number of shots. This makes it a powerful tool for astrophotography, time-lapses, or any situation requiring precise, automated shooting. While the range is impressive, some users find the remote itself feels a bit cheap or plasticky. Pairing or getting it to synchronize with the camera can also sometimes be tricky, as noted by a few buyers. My experience has been generally good once it’s set up, but it might not be as instantly reliable as a dedicated, higher-end remote trigger. Nevertheless, for included functionality, it adds considerable value to the Meike battery grip package.
Improved Handling and Balance
Beyond the vertical grip, the Meike grip generally improves the overall handling of the compact Sony A6000 series cameras. These cameras are small and lightweight, which is great for portability, but they can become front-heavy when using larger or heavier lenses. Adding the grip extends the camera body downwards, providing more surface area to hold onto with your right hand and distributing the weight more evenly. This results in a more stable and comfortable hold, especially when shooting handheld with lenses like telephotos or fast primes. Many users, myself included, find the grip itself to be more comfortable than the camera’s native grip due to its larger size and the rubberized coating. This enhanced grip can lead to less hand fatigue during long shooting sessions and potentially sharper images due to reduced camera shake. While the materials might feel slightly less premium than the camera body itself (some reviews mention a plastic smell initially), the ergonomic improvement is undeniable.
Build Quality and Design
The Meike MK-A6300 Pro is designed to blend seamlessly with the Sony A6000 series camera body, giving it a more substantial, professional look. It features a rubber coating on the grip area, which provides a decent tactile feel and secure hold. Attachment is via the camera’s tripod socket and a contact point in the battery compartment using the included dummy battery and cable. While the overall construction feels solid enough for its price point, some users have reported a slight wobble where the grip attaches to the camera body. This doesn’t seem to affect functionality but can feel less secure than a perfectly fitted accessory. Some users have even found simple ways to mitigate this slight play with minor adjustments. The dummy battery component, which feeds power from the grip to the camera, has also been described by some as feeling a bit fragile, so care should be taken when installing or removing it. The need to remove the grip to access the SD card slot is another design drawback, common to many battery grips but still an inconvenience.
Seamless Power Integration (Mostly)
The grip uses a dummy battery that slots into the camera’s battery compartment and connects to the grip. This allows the camera to draw power directly from the batteries in the grip. The grip itself has an on/off switch. A useful feature is that you can turn off the camera by turning the MK-A6300 battery grip off. However, it’s crucial to remember to turn *both* the camera and the grip off when not in use. Several users have noted that if the grip is left on, it can drain the batteries even when the camera is off. Developing the habit of flicking both switches off is key to avoiding unexpected battery drain.
Echoes from Other Users
Looking around online, the general consensus among users of the Meike MK-A6300 Pro seems largely positive, especially considering its affordability compared to non-existent official options. Many appreciate the significant improvement in battery life and the enhanced comfort and balance it provides, particularly for portrait shooting or with larger lenses. The added vertical shutter button is a definite plus for these scenarios, although its sometimes finicky operation is a frequent point of mention. The wireless remote and its intervalometer capabilities are also well-received for adding versatile shooting options. While some users note the materials feel less premium than the camera body and a slight wobble in the fit, most find these minor issues acceptable given the price and benefits. The battery drain issue when the grip isn’t turned off is a common complaint, but easily managed once you’re aware of it. Overall, it’s viewed by many as a valuable accessory that substantially improves the shooting experience with their Sony A6000 series camera, despite a few quirks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Sony A6000, A6100, A6300, or A6400 user constantly battling short battery life and uncomfortable vertical shooting, the Meike MK-A6300 Pro Built-in Remote Controller up to 100M to Control Shooting for Sony A6100 A6400 A6300 A6000 Cameras offers a compelling solution. The complications of not addressing these issues mean missed shots and less enjoyable photography sessions. This grip stands out by doubling your power capacity, greatly improving ergonomics for horizontal and vertical shooting, and adding remote control functionality. Despite minor drawbacks like the occasionally inconsistent vertical shutter and the need to turn off both the camera and grip to prevent battery drain, its benefits for power and handling make it a worthwhile investment for many. To check out the Meike MK-A6300 Pro and see if it’s the right fit for your needs, Click here to visit the product page.
Last update on 2025-07-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API