D7100 battery grip ( II ): I'm posting this again due to computer problems not receiving responces. Thanks UPS brought my new 7100 today and it looks like I need a battery grip for...

trainguy Loc: Suttons Bay, MI

I'm posting this again due to computer problems not receiving responces. Thanks

UPS brought my new 7100 today and it looks like I need a battery grip for vertical holding and the second battery for videos. So I looked and there are a bunch of them. Vivitar, Pro Grip, XIT, Meike and Neewer for around $40. I have two batteries so just need the grip. Then there are Nikons for $125 - $230. Why is there such a difference and is there any of the $40 ones I should stay away from. I would like to just order one but want your advice as it has been great so far.

Thanks

Dave

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

trainguy wrote:

I'm posting this again due to computer problems no... (show quote)

As you'll soon learn, many of our members use non-Nikon grips, and they work fine. In some cases, a grip might be loose, but adding an O-ring solves the problem. I've never needed more battery power, and my DSLRs are big enough for me without adding the grip.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

You get what you pay for....

Ron 717 Loc: Pennsylvania

I was in the same predicament a few months back and I will give my two cents. All of the grips that sell for 40.00-120.00 dollars that I surveyed are made of a plastic material that only has a couple of metal plates where they feel are needed to attach to camera. Most reports of those grips indicate loose grips and flex when using the camera. I would recommend that since you have spent 1000.00 or more for your D7100 camera that you not skimp on a grip. The Nikon Grip is made like your camera, it has a magnesium frame work and the finish matches your camera. Also if you plan on using long telephotos and a camera strap similar to Black Rapid which is a popular strap the added rigidity of the Nikon Grip will assure you will not experience a failure of the grip breaking apart. Get the OEM Nikon grip from a reputable dealer such as B&H or a Nikon Dealer at you local camera shop. The 210.00-240.00 will be well spent.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I have and use Bower...Vello grips on a couple of cameras and have never had a problem. Although I use only 1 battery to keep the weight down...they come in very handy with a big lens mounted up.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

I too have used non brand name grips on my old D300 and S5PRO and never experienced a problem. You don always have to spend top penny.

copterpilot Loc: Over there

I bought the Meike and my brother bought the Nikon. When I put them side by side, there was no difference. As far as there function, they both worked identical. The only difference were in the feel of the buttons and there was the slightest of flexing with the Meike. It really wasn't much in comparison to the Nikon grip though. They both looked and perform fine. My brother was a little upset that he paid that much though.
Good luck

Catnlion Loc: Arizona City, Arizona

I was looking for one that added to the natural grab of the camera. I have large hands and the grip is just not big enough.

As I looked around all I saw was ones with batteries that mounted to the bottom of the camera. Can someone give me a link to one?

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

I have had a generic battery grip on my D3200 for a couple years, WITH NO PROBLEMS!! I DID get what I paid for!! a unit that works flawlessly !!! for 1/4 the money!!! the grip is liable to out last the camera!!

Buy the generic put it on your camera, use it, if it fails ,you can join the club that bashes them, and then spend the money for the "brand"
good luck

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Catnilion, they all fit on the bottom of the camera.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

Catnlion wrote:

I was looking for one that added to the natural grab of the camera. I have large hands and the grip is just not big enough.

As I looked around all I saw was ones with batteries that mounted to the bottom of the camera. Can someone give me a link to one?

http://www.amazon.com/Xit-XTNG7100-Battery-Nikon-MB-D15/dp/B00COHAQNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416157395&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+grip+d7100&pebp=1416157398676

Catnlion Loc: Arizona City, Arizona

From looking at the position of the screw that one is going to mount on the bottom of the camera. I was looking for something that goes up the right hand side of the camera to fill my palm.

Unless I'm missing something.

Catnlion Loc: Arizona City, Arizona

To try and hold it from the bottom and not the side does not feel natural or comfortable to me.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

Catnlion wrote:

From looking at the position of the screw that one is going to mount on the bottom of the camera. I was looking for something that goes up the right hand side of the camera to fill my palm.

Unless I'm missing something.

you are not missing anything, I have not seen one like you describe,

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

They don't make such a grip or it would be too large an area for most everyone to be able to grip.