Which hand grip is actually the most comfortable for long days of shooting with the RX100? I just picked up a mark VII for a trip to London next week and man this thing is slippery. My hand literally started cramping after like twenty minutes of testing it out in the backyard today. I am torn between the official Sony AG-R2 stick-on one which is cheap and small, or the SmallRig L-bracket because it looks like it adds more meat to the handle. The SmallRig is like 30 bucks so its in my budget but I dont want it to make the camera too bulky for my jacket pocket. Has anyone tried both? Or maybe that wooden one from SmallRig? I need to order something by Tuesday so it gets here in time.
If you want the best price-to-performance ratio without the SmallRig bulk, look at the JJC HG-RX100VII Camera Hand Grip. Ive tested a dozen of these over the years and the JJC gives you the same Arca-Swiss compatibility as the more expensive brands for about 20 bucks. It stays firmly attached via the tripod mount so you dont have to worry about adhesive failing in the heat. It adds some height but its specifically designed to maintain access to the battery door and ports. Honestly, the official Sony stick-on is overpriced for what it is. If you want maximum friction for under 15 dollars, just get a Kiwi Photos Anti-Scratch Camera Body Skin for Sony RX100 VII. Its basically a high-traction 3M film that fixes the slippery feel without adding even a millimeter of bulk to your jacket pocket. Its the smartest budget move imo.
I was in your exact shoes when I got my VII for a trip last year. I spent way too much time looking at the specs for the Sony AG-R2 Rubber Attachment Grip and realized it only adds about 12mm of depth without changing the height. I ended up getting the SmallRig L-Shape Grip for Sony RX100 VII 2438 Aluminum Alloy because it actually extends the bottom plate by roughly 15.5mm. That extra height is key cuz it gives your pinky a place to land, which stops the cramping during long shoots. I was so satisfied with how it felt during 10-hour days walking around. It still slid into my coat pocket easily since it doesnt add much width. The SmallRig Wooden Handle for Sony RX100 VII 2510 is pretty but slightly bulkier. I am happy with the metal L-bracket tho, it works well and the battery door access is perfect. TL;DR: Get the SmallRig L-bracket. The extra 15mm height is a lifesaver for cramps and it still fits in a jacket pocket.
Coming back to this, front grips are only half the fix. The Lensmate Sony RX100 VII Folding Thumb Grip does more for ergonomics because it gives your thumb actual leverage. This doesnt add bulk for pockets either. If you want more meat without the weight of a bracket, the Sony LCJ-RXK Jacket Case is a decent middle ground. It makes the body way less slippery tho... just costs a bit more.