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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon Battery Grip.
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 11/16/2009 08:09:07 AM · #1
Just a quick one. I'm about to head off on a big trip along the Trans Mongolian Railway and have started to think about things like recharging my camera along the way. I am not going to bank on having ready access to power so I'm thinking a battery grip my be my best bet lengthening my times between charges.

I have a Nikon D300s I know I will need the MB-D10 but my issue comes down to the question of is it worth bothering with it and what battery config is the best, as I have 3 options. EN-EL3e, AA x 8 and the EN-EL4/EN-EL4a. I seem to be struggling to find an estimate of the number of photos I'll be able to get between charges. I know there will be variance.

The only source I have found is a little dubious at best. You will see why, I was scared and amused at the same time.

I'd love to hear from some one with some real world experience that isn't as nuts as the source above..... *sorry if you are the source above, I think Pomeranians are really cool too....*

Note to self I should have probably picked a better topic for this post.

Hell any tips on Siberia and camera equipment would be grand.

Thanks...

Message edited by author 2009-11-16 08:14:17.
 11/16/2009 08:24:48 AM · #2
The Grip will increase battery life a bit. The EN-EL4 is a stronger battery so it would probably last a bit longer than the EN-EL3 the AA batts wont last as long as the others. Other ways to increase batt life is to go into your settings and shut off as many features of the camrea that you can that you know you wont use. Dont use live view and turn the camera off in between shots.
 11/16/2009 09:37:34 AM · #3
I use the MB-D10 on both of my D300 cameras. I also have the en-el4a batteries. I get over 1000 pics ( never stop to really pay that much attention). I know it is excess of 1000 because when I shoot tri athalons, I usually shoot in excess of 1000 pics per camera.
 11/16/2009 09:44:03 AM · #4
Not sure about your the D300's grip but on the one for the D90 it comes with a AA battery holder so you would have back up power by using AA's if your normal batteries run out.
 11/16/2009 09:45:57 AM · #5
You can get TONS of shots with the AA batteries. I've shot over 1,000 pictures with the AAs before the battery indicator budged off "full." And then you still have the regular battery in the camera to switch to once you finally wear those down.
 11/16/2009 10:15:01 AM · #6
I have a really hard time believing this guys numbers over on DPReview. Seems a bit excessive but again I know there are people that actually test this.

I would just base the battery life on a daily basis. If I shoot a wedding I know that my battery will last the entire time I'm there but will be almost dead at the end of the day. Where as if I go out shooting with friends or on vacation I know my batter can last anywhere from 5-10 days without being charged.

I would do some more searching for actual battery information other than the number of shots. I know it's generally gauged like that but it's one of those things where most people don't count the number of shots taken on a battery life.
 11/16/2009 10:51:32 AM · #7
Originally posted by Dirt_Diver:
I
I would do some more searching for actual battery information other than the number of shots. I know it's generally gauged like that but it's one of those things where most people don't count the number of shots taken on a battery life.


Don't the newer Nikon's have shot counters for the battery? My 1DMKIII tells me the % of charge left and how many shots I have taken since that battery was put in. I've shot for weeks and 2500 shots and only been down to about 35% battery life on one battery. I would have assumed that Nikon had this as well.

Matt
 11/16/2009 12:39:19 PM · #8
I use a battery grip on the D300 with AA's in it, I can get around 1,500 shots easily. I don't know what the limit is as I have never run out.

The EN-EL4a is supposed to be very good, although expensive. I'd go for that if money is no object, otherwise just stick with AA's and take some spares. Plus you can always buy more AA's at any store if needed.
 11/16/2009 12:42:22 PM · #9
the vibration reduction really eats batteries, too. Keeping the camera completely off when not shooting will help that. I was amazed how much my battery life increased by just switching to a non-VR prime lens.

Battery grips are GREAT, and the AA backup feature is awesome.
 11/16/2009 12:56:23 PM · #10
The 8aa's works fine. If you loose power, you could stop by a store and buy 8 new AA's. Say you take 16 batteries with you and you should have power enough between the charges. Downside to AA's is that recharge slow and... well.. it is 8 darned small batteries.

I used the AA's, but I got a good price on the en-el4 a few weeks ago. I still haven't charged it, and I have taken quite alot of pictures. The en-el4 would be easier to bring along than recharables, but it comes expensive. Remember you need the battery, charger AND the "bl-3" door or something to attach the battery to the grip. If your not in hurry you could check ebay for good prices.
 11/16/2009 03:06:14 PM · #11
Originally posted by MattO:
Originally posted by Dirt_Diver:
I
I would do some more searching for actual battery information other than the number of shots. I know it's generally gauged like that but it's one of those things where most people don't count the number of shots taken on a battery life.


Don't the newer Nikon's have shot counters for the battery? My 1DMKIII tells me the % of charge left and how many shots I have taken since that battery was put in. I've shot for weeks and 2500 shots and only been down to about 35% battery life on one battery. I would have assumed that Nikon had this as well.

Matt


I don't know, hahaha I haven't been able to afford one yet.
 11/16/2009 03:18:57 PM · #12
The D300 tells you how much power is left on both camera and battery grip batteries, and also how many shots have been taken with each battery. I use the grip with EN-EL3Es. I have a pair in the camera and grip, and a charged pair in my camera bag.

I haven't run out of charge on the grip battery yet and the camera battery is always at 94%. I normally take about 200-300 shots a weekend just wandering about and probably recharge the grip battery once a month at most. The grip also balances out longer lens. but increases weight quite a bit. Well worth the money and you have the option of carrying 8 AA in your bag as a backup if caught on the road without a means of charging your batteries.

Message edited by author 2009-11-16 15:19:43.
 11/17/2009 08:22:25 AM · #13
Thanks for the help guys. Will order the grip tomorrow. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks for the VR tip too.

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