The auxiliary handle has its own power switch, just as the same design of the camera to aufzusparen energy.
A second battery can be installed in the pull-out drawer chamber.
Alternatively, there is a second enclosed slide chamber for conventional battery or rechargeable battery cells must be unlocked to the proprietary battery drawer, be pulled out and replaced. Actually, well thought out ...
Whether the original Canon battery grip differs qualitatively from replicas, I can not judge. I chose the more expensive option, since I bought my EOS camera 600D- new and considers that, in any accessory nowadays "chipped" and could be read under the warranty of your camera with EVT. Consequences for the guarantee or warranty.
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Negative is next to almost double the price which is actually good solution for conventional batteries / accumulators with the second slot. Although this is in the battery grip installed stable enough, but in not installed condition unsuitable for secure transport. Appropriate for the high price would be a so-called dummy transport.
It means you should possibly be. Before a walking tour etc. superior to that slot in the BG-E8 is with.