forensics7 Loc: Davidson, NC

I am looking for recommendations for the purchase of a hand grips or battery pack for my Nikon Z6 and D500. I have recently read that a hand grip used with the lighter Nikon 300mm F/4 PF lens helps with holding steady and not touching the lens while shooting. Has anyone had any experience with these. I am not looking to purchase a number of them and trying to decide on one for the Z6 since I use that more but eventually may add the D500. Does a battery pack act as a hand grip too? I saw a used Meike hand grip for the Z6 at $40 but not sure that is what I want so looking for any recommendations or someone who has experience with these.

stanikon Loc: Deep in the Heart of Texas

Dave Busch, author and Nikon expert, advises to never use a 3rd party battery pack. He says it is just not worth it if your $70 battery pack shorts out and ruins your $1,300 camera. And since it is a 3rd party add-on, it would not be covered by the warranty.

I have the MB-D17 battery pack for my D500 and it works well. It is both a battery pack and a hand grip, BUT it only works as a hand grip when using the camera in the sideways (portrait) orientation. In the normal, landscape orientation it is only a battery pack. One interesting feature is that it also allows you to power the D500 with 8 AA batteries. I have not had occasion to do that but I can see where it might come in handy in a pinch. You can leave the battery in the D500 when the MB-D17 is installed, and in the menu system you can specify which battery is used first.

I bought the MB-D17 used, but rated as "excellent", for less than half of Nikon's price.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have a Nikon MB-D17 battery grip on each of my D500s. In addition to holding a second battery at the ready, it provides a shutter release button and joystick, as well as a couple of other controls for easy access when shooting in portrait orientation. The design is completely external to the camera, allowing for quick removal if not needed or desired. Neither of mine has been removed since being installed, except to access the battery in the camera's battery compartment for charging. For me, the grip makes all the difference in holding and manipulating the camera, although I do still use my left hand to stabilize the lens and to operate the zoom ring.

I have had significant problems with third party grips in the past on other Nikon cameras...specifically on the D300 and D300s. While I realize that there is a perceived issue with the price of Nikon grips, I would not ever again consider using a third party grip. There is very tight integration of the electronics of the camera and the grip. Nikon does not provide details of the required interface to third parties, and lack of proper or complete interoperability very often reveals the shortcomings in their design efforts.

I am not familiar with grips that are simple accessory "handles," nor am I familiar with any products made for the Z6. Hopefully other members can provide insights on those items.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Battery grips are great if you can handle the added weight. I have 3 Nikons, a D600, D750 and a D800 and battery grips for all 3 yes it allows for better hand grip, better handling, better balance and longer battery life. I use all Nikon OEM battery grips, I don't think you will be
disappointed if you add them to your cameras.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I like the robustness of a battery grip on a camera. Easier to handle a camera.
I'd never use a tethered battery pack slung over my shoulder,
especially when wearing a jacket or coat.
But, that's me.

forensics7 Loc: Davidson, NC

Thank you

Bill_de Loc: US

My first 2 DSLRs were the D1x and D2sx, both full size bodies. I put grips on all my later smaller bodies because they seemed too small.. I got a 300mm PF in September 2019. It took about 3 months before I took the grip off and haven't put it back on the D7200 since. The light body and light lens work well for me. If I do put the lens on the D500 I leave the grip on.

There is no magic combination. The only way to tell what works for you is to try it. I recommend getting the Nikon grip from a company that has a 30, no questions asked, return policy. I believe B&H and Amazon feature that return policy.

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forensics7 Loc: Davidson, NC

Thank you. I have been checking with B&H. I appreciate everyone's time in providing good feedback.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

I purchased an MB-D17 from ebay. It was new, it was from China, it was perfect and it was $99. I had to wait a little while to get it, but to me it was well worth the wait.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have the MB-D17 battery pack for my d500. Yes, for me anyway, it makes the camera much easier to hand hold when using my Nikon 200-500 mm f5.6 lens. I can also put my EN-EL18c battery in it with battery door replacement and shoot all day if I want on one battery.
But, I can also load two EN-EL15 batteries in it also and shoot most of the day.
Personally, I have always added battery grips to my camera's, even my smaller Sony a9 and a7r4 have battery grips attached. I would not shoot without them.

RoswellAlien

Have the Nikon for my 500. The AA option cones in handy internationally if your “international” adapter set won’t work. AAs are always available — maybe not very high quality or long lasting, but better than a dead camera.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

Have used after market battery packs for over twenty years and never had a problem. I have large hands and the battery pack makes it more comfortable.
Got used to it with a Nikon F with power winder and just kept on into digital.

KLambar Loc: New Jersey

I use battery grip on my D60, D7100, D500 & D810. Three of the grips are Nikon and the other (D60) is third party.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I prefer the bodies with the integrated vertical grips, but many don’t. I can suggest you contact Biggs Camera on King Street in Charlotte. The may stock an appropriate grip for your Nikon or even gave a used one. If so you could go down and try it. The Best Buy at North Lake, near the mall, also has a pretty good selection of camera stuff. Might be worth a call.

If I was buying an add on grip I would probably get an OEM one. But that’s just my preference for equipment...

forensics7 Loc: Davidson, NC

Thank you. I have been to Biggs Camera and rented stuff to try out. Will do. Thanks for all the advice from everyone. I am pretty set on getting the MD D17 for my D500. I hear lots of bad reports on the battery pack for the Z6 so may wait on that one. Wondering if everyone purchased their battery pack grips new and if there are problems getting a used one?