There are two distinct types of photographers in this world — those who swear by battery grips and those who cannot stand them. Unfortunately, If you fall into the battery grip lovers camp and you’ve been waiting for the Fujifilm X-T5, we might have some bad news for you.
The Fujifilm X-T5 is still some way off yet. However, more and more information about the highly-anticipated mirrorless APS-C camera is surfacing daily. As you can see in this post, we fully expect the Fujifilm X-T5 to be somewhat similar to the upcoming Fujifilm X-H2. The X-H2 should not be confused with the Fujifilm X-H2S. Oh, and we agree, Fujifilm has done a number to itself with these naming conventions. Krikey.
While the Fujifilm X-T5 could be a powerful, feature-packed APS-C camera with a 40-megapixel sensor and an enhanced AI-powered autofocus system, a recent decision, which has apparently been confirmed by Fuji Rumors, could anger the Fujifilm faithful. Surprisingly, we’re not talking about reverting to a tilt LCD screen here, which has been the source of anger since the introduction of the X-T4.
What’s all the noise about?
In somewhat of a surprising turn, Fujifilm has allegedly decided to remove support for an X-T5 battery grip. This unexpected news comes after Fujifilm had supported the accessory in every other model of the X-T line. While this news might not seem like a big deal, trust us when we say that many photographers live and die by their battery grips.
Cast your minds back to the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7. Unfortunately, Nikon decided against making these cameras compatible with battery grips. Nikon was chastised by users and the media for this decision.
Yes, you can buy third-party grips, but they don’t connect electronically to the camera to offer an extra set of controls aside from an extra shutter button. Nikon rectified this by ensuring that the Z 6 II (read our review here) and the Z 7 II were compatible with grips. At least they learned from their mistake.
Oh dear, Fujifilm, what are you doing?
It seems Fujifilm didn’t learn from the mess Nikon and Canon created and are hell-bent on upsetting many. While battery grips might not be the biggest selling accessory in the world, those who need them need them badly. So, to altogether remove the option of being able to purchase one for the X-T5 is baffling.
One can only imagine that the reason is probably to make those who want a battery grip ‘step up’ to the X-H2 or X-H2S. Yes, the X-H2S supports a battery grip, and the X-H2 will likely support one too. Are we really heading down a road where manufacturers are segmenting cameras based on battery grips now? Good lord!
Fujifilm X-T5 deal breaker?
Whether or not this news is a deal breaker will vary from person to person. However, Fujifilm fans who have loved using the X-T1. X-T2, X-T3 and X-T4 with a battery grip will be sorely disappointed. If your shooting style requires a grip, you’ll just be out of luck unless you opt to buy into a — likely — more expensive model.
It’s always pretty sad when options like this are removed. If this is true, it’s a shame. Hopefully, there will still be time for Fujifilm to rectify this for the X-T5 before launch. And yes, while you’ll likely be able to buy a third-party grip, it’s just not the same.
What do you think about this supposed decision from Fujifilm? Will it make you steer clear of the Fujifilm X-T5, or do you not care? Are you a fan of battery grips? Are they essential to the way you shoot? On the other hand, do you despise battery grips with all of your being? Let us know in the comment section below.
Editor’s Note: Updated to remove the reference about the Canon EOS R not being compatible with a battery grip.
Actually, the Canon EOS R was and remains supported by the battery grip BG-E22. I have one sitting on a shelf in my office right now – a vestige of the EOS R I sold earlier this year. To lean so heavily into a factually fallacy when the truth is mere keystrokes away is mystifying. What other fiction are you parading as fact?
Thank you for the clarification there. We appreciate it.
All the best,
Brett
They are too busy thinking about video most of the time, hence the vlogger screen AKA door mirror. I wonder what an Xpro 4 would be like? As they tout for new customers they are in danger of losing the faithful!
I don’t think an X-Pro 4 would be much different from an X-T5. Fujifilm has been using the same sensors, image processors and AF systems in all new iterations of their cameras. There’s hardly any difference between the X-T4 and X-Pro3, and even the X-S10, for example. It was the same with the X-T2, X-Pro 2 and X-H1. Apart from the deliberate nerfing that makes these artificially different (worse video modes, crop on 4k Vs. no crop, lowered max shutter speeds etc.), they’re essentially the same cameras. IMHO, Fujifilm has become quite lazy lately, and that’s a shame because they… Read more »
Just to report in. I now have the XT5, don’t need the grip, and the new battery lasts over twice as long. The grip just makes it bigger, not interested. Great Camera, works so well, is smaller than the XT4 and it doesn’t have the flippy screen.
I will personally guarantee you that unless it has a built it grip (incredibly unlikely) then it will have an optional grip. There is no reason why they would just decided to not make money and pointlessly annoy a bunch of users. This is the kind of rumour that you should ignore.
Yup. I don’t care about the grip, but I think it would be to Fujifilms best interest to include it. This rumor is just that a rumor.
The bigger deal breaker for me is where the camera is manufactured. If China, as with the xH2s, I will be leaving Fuji. I cannot support a nation that manufactures goods with Russian oil and bas. Further, Fuji is an aps system with full frame prices. Their fire sale on the XH1 seriously devalued my cameras overnight and will make it hard for me to upgrade to any system.
When I read the title I hoped that you would tell us that they would finally give up on that horrible X-trans sensor, but unfortunately it was just about the grip.
It’s puzzling if they decide to allow support for a video-centric camera, but not for a photography-centric camera.
Not really interested in a battery grip. Maybe the xt5 and xh2 will be so similar they figured most grip users will prefer the xh2 anyway. If the specs are basically the same, the price should be too. It is slightly baffling though. Must be a cost saving measure
Yes out of Necessity I have Big hands an since my Nikon FM and F3 With the motor drives an my D610 an D780 I need that grip to grasp an steady my shots
On a personal level I had a battery grip on my Fuji X-T3. Used it when taking photos of football matches in conjunction with the 100-400 Fuji zoom. Helped the handling when this big lens was attached but have got rid of both to save weight. I now use the new 70-300 lens with an non battery grip for the camera. Baring in mind that I’m no pro I felt the battery grip was a luxury that wasn’t really needed. Again just my personal view, is that the movie features should be removed. Never use it but I know some… Read more »
I have the xt-3 and the grip i do sport photography and i don’t use the grip.it’s not important for if the xt-5 would have the grip.
It’s fine. The original design focus of the X-T line was building a smaller camera with retro controls, similar to the old, beloved Olympus OM-1 series. (the film version). Bolting on a big secondary grip was never a good fit with this model, but might have made sense because the battery life with the standard battery was short. If they have fixed the battery problem, maybe it’s not needed. The X-H2 makes more sense for the vertical grip. With it’s PASM dial, it’s likely the controls *might* work in the vertical orientation, which they really don’t on the X-T series.… Read more »
I used a battery grip on my Canon 5D MKIII for many years. When I finally took it off, the camera was so much lighter. I missed the extra shutter button for about a minute. A fully charged battery almost always lasts all day for me, and I’ve always got a spare in my pocket. Never considered one for my XT3 and will not miss it on the XT5
I have the xt3 and the grip on it all the time I even charge it with the grip and never remove it. The main reason is that the xt3 battery cannot last a full day so I need the grip. Then of course for portraits the vertical shutter is more convenient. I have to admit that I’m starting to be tired by all different combinations that Fujifilm creates when they build cameras. They introduce compromises all the time and it never ends with the perfect combination that I would like to see. Sometimes it is the flip screen instead… Read more »
I now use the X-T3 without a grip. I used to have a Nikon with a grip. But the reason for me to choose Fujifilm is because of the retro-style. If you are a sport shooter and need long lenses, Fujifilm offer X-H2S with grip. So I do not really understand the fuzz…
Yes! A HUGE miscalculation on Fujifilm’s part – especially as the X-H2 and X-H2s are a) more expensive and b) more important for me, PASM systems. I’m finding it hard to fall in love with my X-T5 unlike all the previous iterations. The reason: no grip makes using BIG and HEAVY lenses near impossible! The balance/center of gravity is vastly more difficult to control! Gripless is fine for street photography with a small prime lens. Awful with great zooms like the XF50-140 , FX 8-16 , FX 100-400 or even FX16-55. Please pass onto Fuji. My main genres are architecture… Read more »
This news just cancelled a sale for the xt5 for me. Fuji’s are too small for my hands. The battery grip makes them work. My xt2 has one and the h2 has one. What are you thinking Fuji?
Battery does not hold up, 150 shots at the most with stills only, seems like something running in the camera to drain the battery. I have had xt2 and do have xt3 mo issues on them.