Battery Grip - really worth it??

Watoh

Watoh

Senior Member
I got a 3rd party grip for my D600, now i find it hard to use my camera without it. Even though it adds weight it is sooo much better to hold in various positions, not just portrait.

Very glad i got it.
 
F

FastGlass

Senior Member
I have a grip on my D90. Love it. Baught it because of the portrait orientation of the buttons. The battery life for me wasn't a concern. I let my wife use it once in a while and before I hand it over I take off the grip. And what a differance. Doesn't feel nearly as confortable with it off. It sure makes for a more confy grip and it feels more balanced with bigger lenses.
 
C

crycocyon

Senior Member
For everyone that said it helps in terms of providing more stability because of the weight I completely agree. I find the size of both the D7000 and D800 just right with the grip on and that extra weight helps in terms of inertial stability. At least for me it is just so much easier holding something heavier more steady. And it also depends on the kinds of lenses you use. The balance with larger lenses is almost essential otherwise the lens becomes too front-heavy.

Imagine how ungainly this combination of D7000 with 85 mm 1.4G is without the grip... :eek:

d7000w8514g1.jpg

Or with something like this on the camera, it becomes even more important to have that counter-balance (yes, to me the 300 2.8 isn't even really that big :rolleyes: ).

Balance.jpg

If I'm not using the grip, I feel like I'm just taking snapshots, but with the grip somehow my attitude changes and it is all about more serious photography. :cool: They are fun to use...
 
C

crycocyon

Senior Member
Samsonite said:
Actually, looking at eBay they're much cheaper now... $24 for a D5100 grip...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk!
Click to expand...


I would beware of some of the cheap Chinese replica grips. I got one for my D7000 thinking it would be fine but after a while the contacts started developing this white powdery material (!!!!!). You are just risking the electronics on your camera. That's why after that I decided to get the authentic Nikon grip from Adorama for my next camera because I didn't want to risk anything (consider that the fake ones are not weather-sealed like the real deals...water plus bad electronics = short circuit).
 
Michael J.

Michael J.

Senior Member
RockyNH said:
Th extra battery power is nice but I really like the feel, it is like I have a more stable grip on the camera. This is especially true with a longer lens. I have a 5100 and it is smaller/lighter than a 7000.

Pat in NH
Click to expand...

Would you buy a Grip again? I just thinking about it.
 
K

Kodiak

Senior Member

Hello Zaidi,

From the start to this point of the thread, just count the pros, and the cons!

My D3S and D3X come as they come: big, heavy, strong… the perfect tools!
My D800E on the other hand, though the higher pixel count, feels more like…
no so much of a tool! I did not hesitate to add a grip to it.

This move solved two major issues I have with the D800E:
1. NOW it fits and sits better in my bear paws!
2. The 8 high-quality third party rechargeable batteries are giving it the weight
and the power the included Mickey Mouse En-El 15 can not deliver.

So, what ever the model, having a smaller camera body is not always desirable.
A grip will, for me, add to the ergonomics, safety, and juice for longer shootings!

There is a situation, though, were the grip in an impairment, even a nuisance:
I bought a robot to shoot H-Res panos. I can not correctly use my single digit
bodies on the robot because of their size… (that's the reason why I got the D800E
in the first place). Sine I may remove the grip from the D800E, I can use all the
potential of the robot. That is the only reason I ever got to use the D800E without
its grip.

​Have a good day…


Please visit the groups:


http://nikonites.com/groups/product-...#axzz2Yku2yynD
http://nikonites.com/groups/panoramas-virtual-reality/#axzz2Yku2yynD
 
Last edited:
M

mikew_RIP

Senior Member
I have a grip on my D5100 which makes the camera a better handful for me,the downside is no way would i consider it strong enough to mount the camera on a tripod via the grip,fortunately i dont use one very often,the other aspect again no problem to me but if you want to use the vertical grip release i consider the cable to be a nuisance.

mike
 
RockyNH_RIP

RockyNH_RIP

Senior Member
siamthai1 said:
One question more Pat,

what kind of Grip have you got on your D5100 (Name)
Click to expand...

Hi Michael,

I actually ordered the Neewer Grip.. I was satisfied .. good fit and function.. feels a little cheap coming out of the box but pretty solid once mounted.

Coyote mentioned the Meike grip also.. I looked at both and watching some video's and doing some reseearch, I think they are one and the same, just packaged different. I think I ordered the Neewer at the time (last year) because it was cheaper..

I think either will work for your 5100...

Pat in NH
 
F

fotojack

Senior Member
I have the Nikon MB-D200 grip on my D200 and the Meike grip on my D40. The grips add heft and balance to the camera, making it more stable and less prone to camera shake. It also adds more battery time. I use my cameras on a tripod with the grips attached with no hesitation. I can't imagine shooting without a grip. :)
 
W

WhiteLight

Senior Member
But don't you guys think NIKON battery grips are frigging expensive?
I have no idea about ergonomics cos i've never tried one on either the 7000 or 5100, but i haven't quite had the battery run out on me.... yet...
 
Last edited:
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
WhiteLight said:
But don't you guys think battery grips are frigging expensive?I have no idea about ergonomics cos i've never tried one on either the 7000 or 5100, but i haven't quite had the battery run out on me.... yet...
Click to expand...
They can be had for $40 or so. Not Nikon-branded, though, of course. I must also be the only person around that does NOT like the battery grips. I've tried them and I just can't stand them.



...
 
K

Kodiak

Senior Member
Hi there,

But don't you guys think battery grips are frigging expensive?
​

This is a very personal point. I do not see as expensive something that:

• gives me a stronger hold on what's in my hand. If it is there, it should stay there!
Just imagine dropping your gear… the price of the grip is better protection than any
insurance coverage!

• acts as a stabilizer. Specially when working handheld in low light conditions.

• ergonomics: "the study of people's efficiency in their working environment."
This does not exclude the tools in your hand! Efficiency, yes, but also safety and comfort!​

In my book, no camera will find its way to my hands (paws!) without a grip… it's like
a girl without a bra… I think this was a very wrong example! =) …but I know you
understand.

An other thing: I would never consider acquiring third party gear when it come
to my tools. I need the rugged feel and the sturdiness of the brand.

When the goings​ get tough, the tough gets going…

Have a good day…


Please visit the groups:


http://nikonites.com/groups/product-...#axzz2Yku2yynD
http://nikonites.com/groups/panoramas-virtual-reality/#axzz2Yku2yynD
 
Last edited:
B

Bill16

Senior Member
So far I love having a battery grip, for the reasons others already stated. But I admit the one I bought isn't nikon brand, though it was made for the D3100. I couldn't find a nikon brand one at the time on ebay. But it seems to work good "so far" . :)
 
Top