Battery Pack for Nikon D7000 is it worth it?
Dec 15, 2013 18:02:38 #
mrbell
Loc: New Hampshire
Doing an evaluation on the MB-D11 battery grip for the Nion D7000. Is the grip and battery worth the expense or would a spare battery suffice. In reviews of the performance of the MB-D11 there is an issue with a sloppy fit between the grip and the camera base. Some people use a very small "o" ring and some have made a spacer from an inner tube. Not to thrilled with having to modify an expensive grip. These issues lead to main focus as the camera tripod mount from Really Right Stuff offer a mount for w/wo grip and my wife wants to get me the mount for Christmas so I need to decide grip or no grip.
Dec 15, 2013 18:29:16 #
There's several cheapies on the market that will work but my opinion is that they only add bulk and weight to the camera. I carry my spares in my pocket. Just saying.
Dec 15, 2013 18:29:38 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
mrbell wrote:
Doing an evaluation on the MB-D11 battery grip for... (show quote)
The spare battery is fine. You get so many shots from one battery that switching as it runs down is pretty easy.
There are two other reasons to use the grip: the vertical shutter release and the feel in your hand. Without the grip, the left side of my palm is not holding on the camera, and during a long shooting session, my hand cramps. With the grip, my whole hand is holding the camera more naturally. And when I shoot a session mostly in a vertical alignment, using the shutter release on the grip lets me hold the camera more naturally.
Dec 15, 2013 18:36:55 #
I have one on my D7000 and wouldn't be without it. When I was considering getting one I saw the reviews that spoke of a sloppy fit but I've never had a problem with it. Mine is rock solid. The extra controls are indispensable for vertical shooting and I like the extra size it adds to the body, it fits my hands much better.
Dec 15, 2013 18:41:29 #
mrbell
Loc: New Hampshire
So, how does the battery grip function? Does it just carry the extra battery and you have to swap it out or is it in series with the battery in the camera body?
Dec 15, 2013 18:47:14 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
mrbell wrote:
So, how does the battery grip function? Does it just carry the extra battery and you have to swap it out or is it in series with the battery in the camera body?
The camera lets you select which battery takes priority. When one is "dead", it automatically switches to the other. I find that autofocus slows down before the camera decides the battery is dead, so I switch when it's closer to 20% capacity.
Dec 15, 2013 18:58:17 #
mrbell
Loc: New Hampshire
Thanks all for you time and input. I will be in Europe for several weeks and even with the power conversions for charging it may be worth the extra battery power and the additional weight should not be a factor.
Dec 15, 2013 19:00:45 #
mrbell wrote:
Doing an evaluation on the MB-D11 battery grip for... (show quote)
I have one on my D7000 and it feels naked without it. I also have one on my D90.
Dec 15, 2013 19:10:19 #
I have one for the D300. I never used to it's potential so my answer, from my point of view: Don't. Using two or three batteries was a better solution, lighter too.
Dec 15, 2013 19:34:14 #
Dec 15, 2013 19:56:25 #
Get the battery pack.
Buy the Nikon pack. You can use EN-EL15, ni-mh AA which are rechargeable or AA batteries & lithium.
You can program which source to use first.
The pack as was said lets you make vertical shots a lot more easy to accomplish.
Yes it does add weight, but is easy to remove if want to lighten the load.
If you purchase AA rechargeable ones get sanyo eneloops or energizer brands. I have had good luck with either one.
Buy the Nikon pack. You can use EN-EL15, ni-mh AA which are rechargeable or AA batteries & lithium.
You can program which source to use first.
The pack as was said lets you make vertical shots a lot more easy to accomplish.
Yes it does add weight, but is easy to remove if want to lighten the load.
If you purchase AA rechargeable ones get sanyo eneloops or energizer brands. I have had good luck with either one.
Dec 16, 2013 00:12:32 #
Of all the stuff I've shot, I have never run out of battery charge, and a spare is so much less expensive. Besides, Nikon's are heavy enough now without the extra weight of a battery grip.
Dec 16, 2013 05:39:53 #
wilikioti wrote:
There's several cheapies on the market that will work but my opinion is that they only add bulk and weight to the camera. I carry my spares in my pocket. Just saying.
I agree, I have a grip for my D300 but I rarely use it. I can an extra battery in the sleeve of my Blackrapid Strap.
Dec 16, 2013 05:48:06 #
mrbell wrote:
Doing an evaluation on the MB-D11 battery grip for... (show quote)
I have a grip on my D300s and my D800 ....I have large hands so the camera feels more secure and comfortable ... but ... it does add a LOT of weight to the camera .... I use a wrist strap. As to which one to buy ... I have the Nikon on my 300s and a Vello(B&H) on my 800 ... I can not tell the difference .... go to a camera store .... put one on your camera .... see how the camera feels in your hand ....
Dec 16, 2013 06:30:00 #
mrbell wrote:
Doing an evaluation on the MB-D11 battery grip for... (show quote)
Tried one on my D90 years ago, it's easier to get a couple of batteries in your pocket
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