Nikon MB-D15 vs third party knockoff

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bigal1000

Senior Member
Cee Fish said:
I purchased a third party battery grip from eBay (Neewer) to use with my D7100.

While the grip has worked 100% as advertised, I was never in love with the fit and finish.

It also flexed (pulled away almost 1/4") when mounted on the camera, to the point that I was concerned when using a Black Rapid strap while walking around.

I made the decision to bite the bullet and buy an authentic Nikon MB-D15. Adorama was my huckleberry, it arrived today...

Disclaimer: I'm not a product photographer, I don't have a studio, or proper lighting. My kitchen table was held hostage for the photo shoot.

My findings:

The Nikon unit is much nicer than the knockoff (KO). The buttons emulate the feel of the D7100 exactly. It doesn't rattle and the fit and finish is top notch (as one would expect).
The Nikon unit weighs 2oz more the the KO. It is also much sturdier.
You can squeeze the KO in the battery area and cause some significant deflection. The Nikon does not deflect at all.
The KO buttons work, but are not as sophisticated as the Nikon. The shutter release being the biggest difference.
The KO is also a bit larger then the Nikon and has a different profile for the bottom of the camera (I have tried to capture that in the photos).
The battery tray(s) from the KO will fit in the Nikon, although a little snug, the Nikon tray(s) will not seat all the way into the KO.
The Nikon is rock solid on the camera, it fits the camera perfectly and feels very good in the hand.

Photos:








Nikon on right.

Nikon on top.



Overall, I very pleased with my decision to buy the OEM Nikon unit.

I Hope this helps some of you out there who are contemplating this purchase.
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Very good choice..........
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
bigal1000 said:
Do you think that using one strap lug is really more secure than the tripod mount ? I have been using that strap for a long time with the tripod mount and have not seen any signs of stress as yet.
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I like the idea that the strap lug was actually designed as a carry point. And while I really don't give a hoot how anyone carries their kit, I have seen the failure of a tripod mounted sling strap and it was... well... catastrophic might be a strong word but what I mean is the failure was sudden and 100%. There were no "warning signs" according to the affected user.

YMMV.....
 
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srfotog

Senior Member
I, too, tried a non-Nikon battery grip and found the fit really awful. I took it back to the camera store and explained the problem and they took it back and I bought the Nikon grip. A world of difference.
 
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DraganDL

Senior Member
Sorry about that, guys - no such problems with my 50$ worth baby (MB-D11 replica):

grip.jpg
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Dennis Kussener said:
I bought the Meike clone, but also ended up with the original one...
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I'll admit I've pointed out on more than one occasion where I thought it was/is okay to save a few bucks by not paying for something Nikon branded (batteries in particular) and I think I may have even praised one third-party battery grip in particular on these forums in the past but I'm too lazy to track down the relevant post. Anyway, all that being said, I have to say my experiences match up exactly with what Dennis Kussener demonstrates in his video, above.

Not long after I started shooting with my Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 DC HS OSM, a lens that weighs in at a full four-pounds, or 1.8 kilos, I began to notice the exact problems shown in the video. After some time I sucked it up and shelled out the money for a legit, Nikon-branded MB-D15. I continue to use the Sigma 50-150mm (aka the "Howitzer") but the previous issues have vanished.

This is one time where I have to say buying Nikon has certain merits that can't be ignored.

....
 
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rocketman122

Senior Member
Cee Fish said:
I think the biggest difference with the third party grips is the lack of magnesium in the build.

The MB-D15 uses magnesium to increase the strength and structure of the grip. The Neewer grip I purchased clearly is all plastic by the way it flexes.

I'm still happy I purchased the real deal, camera fells MUCH more solid in hand with the Nikon grip attached.
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where has it been shown, besides talked about that the nikon has magnesium in it? this really interests me. I think theres a lot of false information runnign around. better weather sealing, stuff like that. how would one know? was there a test to prove how weather sealed the nikon grips are because to me the fit isnt so tight with the camera that water wouldnt leak in between those two parts and imo only the one piece pros would really be the superior camera in harsh weather. I dont think the non one piece bodies are as weather sealed, even if you used nikon grips or if you didnt and used the contacts rubber cover.

I had my 3rd part grip for my D600 and the fit is just fine. works very well. not going to mention sling straps, I just think theyre awful. I used it before. camera swirling twirling swaying back and forth. got so many knees and dings on my gear in one wedding I shot. first and last time ever. its not faster than a strap around the neck. dont see the logic to the product. its a fad thatll go away. people try to reinvent the wheel. theres a reason why a neck strap is still the most sold.


Jimbob 2705 said:
Great Comparison!

I'm possibly considering getting a Battery Grip for my D7100 so this is very useful.

I have found the following on Amazon, which gets very good reviews : Mcoplus -Professional made - Vertical Multi Power Battery Grip For Nikon D7100, Replacement of MB-D15:Amazon.co.uk:Electronics

It is only £40, compared to the £200 for the Nikon one! So 1/5 of the price which IMO is a massive price saving.
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Give me the extra $200 for better glass. the nikon grip is not 5 times better in quality and not even 100% better. its minor differences. and like fotojack said, there are differences in quality.

I think the two best are phottix and meike. for the D600, I bought a no name brand. I also had one for my D300 and I also bought one for a D7000 I was going to buy and they looked and worked excellent.

I got many other things I want to buy instead of a piece of plastic that holds batteries and gives better balance. 3rd party grip sales are exploding. including flashes and batteries.
 
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rocketman122

Senior Member
Cee Fish said:
Rocketman, here is the info straight from Nikon.
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ok that shut me up quick. haha. then that is the reason why its so expensive. bravo on the post. we all would like to buy nikon oem. personally though id rather invest in glass. a grip for me doesnt use a BR strap, nor do I use it in harsh weather. those that are adventurers or who are rough should then use nikon. for my needs of shooting weddings, the aftermarket was wonderful. I no longer have the D600. traded it with my best friend for a used D3s.

I think in this crappy economy, nikon sure keeps his prices to the point its out of most peoples reach. $250-350 for a grip is a lot of money and its not exactly a must have necessity. I could do a lot with $200.

and I think its the same with flashes and batteries.

this summer will be a huge hit to nikons sales because I think this one specifically there will be a breakthrough with new gear. yongnuo should be delivering their new flagship 568II and godox and pixel will bring something very special as well. $550 for a flagship flash..cmon.
 
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jsmalios

New member
I have the Pixel Vertax D15 which i think is a very good choise if you dont want to spend a lot of money (ca 100$)! Great feel, almost like the Nikon one!
 
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zutty

Senior Member
I don't trust ANY of them to hook the BR strap so I use this adapter..Bos Strap from Bos Tail..It attaches to the side and to me is a no brainer for anyone using a Black Rapid strap...Here's the link to the B&H Site:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/834831-REG/BosStrap_BOST_Bostail_Black.html
Costs all of $9.95
834831.jpg
 
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