Battery Grip-Is it worth it? Hello all. I have been considering purchasing a battery grip for my D7100. I was wondering how others like using one. Also, would you go with Nikon or...

K_Duncan Loc: Whiteville, NC

Hello all. I have been considering purchasing a battery grip for my D7100. I was wondering how others like using one. Also, would you go with Nikon or third party brands?
Thanks in advance.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I shoot Canon, but use battery grips on all my cameras. My main reason is that I do a lot of vertical orientation (portrait) shots and want the secondary controls for that. I can't speak for the third party grips for Nikon specifically, but I've heard quite a few issues with them on Canon cameras... enough so that I stick with OEM.

K_Duncan Loc: Whiteville, NC

amfoto1 wrote:

I shoot Canon, but use battery grips on all my cameras. My main reason is that I do a lot of vertical orientation (portrait) shots and want the secondary controls for that. I can't speak for the third party grips for Nikon specifically, but I've heard quite a few issues with them on Canon cameras... enough so that I stick with OEM.

Thanks. I have heard similar things about Nikon.

balexander101 Loc: Occoquan VA

I have a d7100 and use a third party grip with no problems .

Labdog123

my d3s basically has one built in - and I use the 'other button' a lot.
My answer to you is - how many shots do you take/how often do you use the camera?
If you are shooting 4 days a week - absolutely get one. YOu will be glad you got it in no time.
If you are shooting 4 days a month and are on a budget - no. you can live without it.

the grip gives you power storage and versatility, but makes the camera bigger. If you don't use it much, you will regret the bigger size and weight- and not realize the benefits.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

K_Duncan wrote:

Hello all. I have been considering purchasing a battery grip for my D7100. I was wondering how others like using one. Also, would you go with Nikon or third party brands?
Thanks in advance.

I bought one for my D3200 takes 6 "AA's" or has another tray that hold 2 stock batteries! I get about 500 photos, or am supposed to, the real nice thing is it makes the d3200 look bigger!!!! I know !! but also gives it a better hand feel with bigger lenses!!
I got one for the d800 and makes it feel real big! maybe like how a d4 would feel!! I will put it back on some day, and play with it, I like the one for the 800 it has battery pack and you plug the cord right into the battery pack! 120v or 12volt plug for the cigarette lighter!,
both are after market and work good! the one the 3200 I have had it on there a year no problem!
the nice thing about the 800 battery pack is, you keep the regular battery in it and them other batteries or battery go in the handle. and you program what battery to use first!

I tried to keep this short!

DISCLAIMER!! { this is for the purist that may follow this post! the after market works great for ME!! {in this instance} at a 1/third the price, it was a shot that paid off!!}

K_Duncan Loc: Whiteville, NC

Thanks. I shoot enough that I would probably appreciate it. But as far as third party, now I'm still confused. I have heard they don't work properly but you guys don't seem to have problems. You're gonna make my brain hurt, aren't you? :D

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

K_Duncan wrote:

Thanks. I shoot enough that I would probably appreciate it. But as far as third party, now I'm still confused. I have heard they don't work properly but you guys don't seem to have problems. You're gonna make my brain hurt, aren't you? :D

you may want to consider the source! rethink if the source is reputable. your looking @ little over $300.oo nikon versus around $60.oo after market!
would be enough of a difference for me, but if it goes bad some people don't like the hassle!!

decision /decision/decision!!!!!

K_Duncan Loc: Whiteville, NC

redhogbill wrote:

you may want to consider the source! rethink if the source is reputable. your looking @ little over $300.oo nikon versus around $60.oo after market!
would be enough of a difference for me, but if it goes bad some people don't like the hassle!!

decision /decision/decision!!!!!

I know. The price difference is insane! :shock: I'm pretty sure I'll be getting one, now I just have to make up my mind. Thanks.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

The advantage is that you can use AA batteries when all else fails...

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

I have one on my D7000 and wouldn't be without it. I spent the extra cash and got the OEM from Nikon. Fits great and I've never had a problem with it.

amehta Loc: Boston

K_Duncan wrote:

Hello all. I have been considering purchasing a battery grip for my D7100. I was wondering how others like using one. Also, would you go with Nikon or third party brands?
Thanks in advance.

The grip is good if
1. you shoot a lot of vertical shots
2. holding the camera is more comfortable
(3.) the AA battery holder, as Rongnongno suggested.
If those do not apply, just buy an extra battery and keep it in your camera bag/pocket.

The problem with asking about third-party grips is that it is a question of reliability, and 1-10 people saying, "mine works great" does not give you any real indication of that.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

amehta wrote:

The grip is good if
1. you shoot a lot of vertical shots
2. holding the camera is more comfortable
If those do not apply, just buy an extra battery and keep it in your camera bag/pocket.

The problem with asking about third-party grips is that it is a question of reliability, and 1-10 people saying, "mine works great" does not give you any real indication of that.

what would you consider "real indication?"

1) I bought mine about a year ago
2) I have run probably around 150/200 AA batteries thru it in that time
3) flawless actuations, horizontal and vertical
4) also used the tray that hold 2 of the en-el 14 batteries and work as flawlessly also!
BUT the only thing that went wrong, was with so much use the tightening screw loosed up about a month after I put it on and the camera quit working { I admit I did think it was the battery grip went bad on me!!}{you have to make sure the mounting screw is tight!} but it was the loose nut behind the wheel!!
would there be any other" real indication" I can enlighten you on??

jfn007 Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.

If i wanted to lug around extra weight, I'd bring my RB-67 along.

keithet58 Loc: Western Colorado

I have a Canon t5i and an aftermarket grip. It wasn't the cheapest but about half the cost of the Canon grip. I did read reviews on all the grips and mine has worked flawlessly for the first six months. I use heavier lens and longer lens so the extra weight to the camera helps with balance.