A decision from Fujifilm regarding the X-T5 could anger many

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.