Battery Grip question... - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

08/09/2012 05:11:35 PM · #1

Been looking around for a battery grip for my brand new D7000 (Woot)!!

Any suggestions?

I've been looking around but I know just about nothing when it comes to these things. What's good, what's bad, what's a good price, etc.

I like cheap in price as you can imagine but I would be willing to pay a little more for something that will be much better in quality...

Thoughts?

EntertainMe

Nikon D810

08/09/2012 05:19:59 PM · #2

Sad to see a D40 is retired.. but I'll get there too one day.

oh yeah, no input on the grip sorry.

08/09/2012 05:24:09 PM · #3

Originally posted by EntertainMe:

Sad to see a D40 is retired.. but I'll get there too one day.

oh yeah, no input on the grip sorry.

Wouldn't say it is completely retired... I'll be using it for when I do shoot and I'll put another lens on it so that I can get a shot without changing lenses. :)

I still love my D40, no worries! ;)

08/09/2012 05:31:35 PM · #4

Grips are one of those things that ALWAYS have tons of knockoff versions produced. Which sorta sucks for you because there may be some really good knockoffs and there are likely some horrible ones.
The bad ones will be made of flexible plastic, and you will feel the whole thing flex while using it, and mounting it on a tripod will likely only exacerbate it. The grip I use is a Nikon brand, and it wasn't cheap, but it's also not plastic (it's made of magnesium). The grip I have for my F100 seems to be fully plastic (Nikon brand) but is pretty sturdy overall and fits the hand nicely.
I would not buy anything you don't have a trusted opinion on unless the only reason you're getting it is to expand your battery power. Consider what buttons it has at your disposal, but for the most part, every third party grip is going to be a clone of the Nikon but made less robustly, which can mean any number of things. Some of them have interesting quirks, like the command dials only effect things reverse of how the dials on the camera behave. None of them will be made of magnesium like the Nikon version. Zeikos always makes some that people have enjoyed a decent amount, but I know they were one of the ones with the reversed wheels.

While I would say is that the Nikon version is priced pretty high, but at the same time, I like the fact that it doesn't flex or flinch when I'm lugging around my big lenses or have any bizarre quirks, it just does what it's supposed to do. If you're going to get a third party one, you'll likely be happy if you can just accept that it will have some weird quirks and the quality control isn't as high on them. But that's where you will be saving the money.

08/09/2012 05:36:42 PM · #5

I was afraid someone would say that, Derek. Lol.

I saw the price of the grip from Nikon and as you said... NOT cheap by any means. But I guess you will get what you paid for.

Maybe I will just suck it up, put my big boy pants on and get the Nikon version. That way I know what I will be getting.

Thanks for the input! :)

Message edited by author 2012-08-09 17:37:04.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/09/2012 05:43:32 PM · #6

I'd ask some of the other d7000 users on here what they think. Consider what type of usage they put it through, and what kind of usage you will be putting it through. Having a sturdy grip is really crucial when I use any of my 2.8 lenses due to weight. The grip balances things nicely but it has to be stable or it's sorta terrifying to use. I don't like the one on my F100 nearly as much for just that reason. It works fine, but it's definitely not as nice in that sense.
All of your current lenses should be fine with most anything since they are lighter and not that long, but if you intend to pair your body with heavier setups, that's where you'll notice it.

The backwards button thing would be weird at first, but I think you could definitely get used to it, UNLESS you use two D7000 bodies and there is any differences between the two. That's where it becomes a big problem.

You just gotta be realistic about what to expect before purchasing, that's all. There's a good segment of the population that would never really be impacted by the differences I noted, and if that's you, you'll be happy. If that's not you, be aware. That's all.

caba

Nikon D800

08/09/2012 06:02:08 PM · #7

Have you looked on EBay? There is quite a few bundles that include extra batteries, etc. also Amazon.com has them from USA shippers.

DCNUTTER

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

08/09/2012 07:10:08 PM · #8

I paid $177 dollars for my OEM Canon 7D Battery grip for a lot of the same reasons

spiritualspatula mentioned in his posts. Strength of the magnesium casing that perfectly fits and matches the 7D body, lack of flexing (especially on a tripod with larger lenses), weather sealing, exacting attention to ergonomics in handling etc. There are also some other considerations as well such as the Canon battery grip reads and registers the data and serial numbers from the chips in the Canon batteries to give accurate battery life readings, and percentage of life left across the batteries etc. It keeps track of how many shutter activation's were attributed to each battery in the grip and so forth. You will not get that with a third party grip. So on top of the structural advantages there are also a lot of important electronic considerations as well. Sure there are plenty of grips that look very close to the original for a cheaper price, but as someone who has worked in the electronics industry in design, production, engineering etc. Cheaper always means cutting cost on component quality, manufacturing practices, customer service etc. You do get what you pay for.

The same with batteries. I know...I know....a lot of people buy expensive camera's and the cut cost on low end third party batteries and memory cards, and for some it seems to work out well. However, it's like playing Russian Roulette. Sometimes your safe, and some times game over. I've read far more complaints of high end cameras damaged by third party equipment then I'll ever read by going with OEM. That's just the way it is. Yes, you will also pay the brand name premium, but you have to remember....they didn't get to the level of being able to boost their price a bit based on their name alone. They got to the level because they consistently delivered quality products that people wanted. That doesn't happen over night.

So for me it's my Canon battery grips (also still have OEM Canon grip for my XSi), Canon batteries at 60 bucks a pop and my SanDisk extreme cards. Expensive...you bet....worth it and backed with a reputation for reliably and performance....you can bet on that too.

Don't get me wrong. You do get lemons sometimes with major players, but it's at a much much lower statistical rate, and when you do the service to get it rectified is normally far superior as well.

Tough choice...I know...and driven by the wallet, but it's better to save longer and get it right in the beginning then to spend less much on cheaper things that might damage your body or lens and end up paying more in the end when you eventually decide to go OEM. Then you're paying what you could have originally paid and been done with PLUS the money you spent to try and save a few bucks.

Good luck with your choice and congrats on the your new camera! :)

Dave

ShutterRev

08/09/2012 07:49:49 PM · #9

Nikon MB-D11 Battery grip. The only solution if you don't want to wish you had later. I have had grips on my last 3 cameras, I learned with the first one... two knockoffs later that if your camera says Nikon, your grip should too IMHO :)

Gratz on the new rig!

Edited for this:
I also have a 70-200 f2.8 VRII lens that o have on the end of the small-ish D7000, having the sturdy Nikon grip that feels like it's a part of the camera is great.

Message edited by author 2012-08-09 22:14:19.

08/09/2012 10:14:23 PM · #10

I'm thinking you all are right.

Just going to have to save a touch more later on down the road. Haha.

Thanks again everyone! :D

Flash

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

08/22/2012 01:11:38 PM · #11

Originally posted by mbrutus2009:

Just going to have to save a touch more later on down the road. Haha.

Look into used trade-ins and refurbished. Pertty sure I picked mine up from Roberts Camera. Phoned and spoke directly with the internet sales rep. Very helpful. I specifically wanted to make sure I received the AA battery pack on my MB-10 and not only did he ensure mine came with it, it had batteries as well. Very satisfied with my refurbished D700 and used grip.

Roberts Camera - ebay
I'm pretty sure he mentioned that they get 3 pallets a month diirectly from Nikon of refurbished products.

Message edited by author 2012-08-22 13:18:02.

SwordandScales

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

08/22/2012 01:31:11 PM · #12

Fred Miranda. Find an OEM model used.

08/22/2012 09:56:03 PM · #13

FM is a good suggestion, but also keep your eye out on the used portions of sites like KEH etc.
KEH didn't have any when I first posted here, and none now (same with B&H), but Adorama has one for $189. I'd be very confident buying from any of them. I've also bought off forums with good success, but some folks aren't so keen on that.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG HSM for Nikon

09/25/2013 03:48:09 PM · #14

Piggybacking on this existing thread...

I'm interested in a grip so I can more comfortably shoot portrait orientation without having to vogue for extended periods.

I'm thinking the quick-release plate would really get in the way of my grip and might cancel out any benefits. Was hoping someone could provide a bit of feedback if they're working such a system. Thanks a lot.

Devinder

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/25/2013 06:35:12 PM · #15

drat. you got me.

Message edited by author 2013-09-25 18:35:37.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG HSM for Nikon

09/25/2013 07:38:25 PM · #16

Paging Dr. Spatula...

Damon

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

09/25/2013 11:35:47 PM · #17

Scott I have the ProOptics brand on my D700 and 7000 and it has been solid. Picked it up at Adorama fairly cheap. It comes with both the ENEL3 holder and AA holder. The one on the D700 came with the camera so its got some use and still cranking along.

Qiki

Fujifilm X100T

Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited

09/26/2013 01:55:21 AM · #18

I have grips permanently fixed to my K20D and K5, not for the extra battery power (in fact I only load a battery to keep weight down), but for the vertical shutter release. I just seem to shoot lots of verticals and find it more comfortable with the grip. I have a genuine (hideously expensive) grip on my K20D and a cheap knockoff on my K5. Yep, I can see where some corners have been cut with the knockoff, but honestly the differences are pretty minor, especially when viewed in the context of the price difference. Picked up some knockoff batteries at the same time as the grip and they've proved to be fine too. Luck of the draw maybe, but I'm happy.

Message edited by author 2013-09-26 01:56:11.

Cuttooth

Canon EOS R

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

09/26/2013 04:28:58 AM · #19

the quick release plate stays on my grip permanently and doesn't bother me when shooting in portrait orientation. the plate is pretty low profile though so not sure if yours would be different.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG HSM for Nikon

10/07/2013 12:03:27 AM · #20

Thanks for the info, guys. Appreciated.

Damon

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

10/07/2013 12:18:19 AM · #21

only three weeks late...so did you get one???

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG HSM for Nikon

10/07/2013 08:37:45 AM · #22

Not yet. Don't rush me!

Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX Aspherical DG HSM for Nikon

02/24/2014 12:21:39 PM · #23

Revival...

I My wife did it! Was a gift for Christmas, actually... I just haven't been shooting much so haven't used it until recently. Some growing pains. At first I didn't like the feel but after a single day out I now cannot go without it. What a difference.

One easily fixed issue, and one problem I cannot solve despite all my googling.

My QR plate was custom fit for the D700, so it doesn't fit on the grip. I see Kirk makes a custom for the grip, which is an added expense I hadn't counted on, but I will live.

The real problem is I cannot get the power to switch from the grip battery to the battery in the body once the battery in the grip dies. OE MB-D10, OE Nikon battery in body, aftermarket battery in grip. Oddly, if I remove the drained battery from the grip the power then switches to the camera body battery and spikes back up to full, but this is a hassle as I've been practicing for the nude selfie challenge and don't have any pockets in which to place the drained battery.

Has anyone else with the MB-D10 experienced this?

[Wow - Just found this as I was typing this up... For anyone that may have experienced this, the solution is to remove the battery from the body, install the grip with a charged battery, power on, power off, remove the grip, reinstall the the battery in the body, reinstall the grip with battery. Power will then switch over properly. It's so incredibly stupid I understand why they didn't include it in the instructions. But I sure wish they had included it in the instructions.] But I wonder if you have to jump through this hoop every time you cycle batteries, or if the grip and camera are now synched?