VFM - Cloned D300 Battery Grip

[ian in lancs]

I tried a Nikon battery grip (MB-D10) when I bought my D300 and it was on the list for a future purchase! Bit expensive for what it is though! However, I recently found a Chinese copy on eBay - a Phottix BP-D300 and at c£60 it was worth a punt. After all if it broke I could buy 4 before I get close to Nikon's own grip!

Arrived from HK with no drama and I hammered it yesterday in a studio shoot. I've got no regrets - it's a great addition to the D300. All the buttons work as advertised and the camera detects it as an MB-D10. Initial impressions are that the plastic is not quite as good as the Nikon, but certainly acceptable. The BP-D300 comes with three battery trays, one for the extra EN-EL3e, one for the hi-power Nikon battery and one that holds 8 x AA's.

Buy one now and save heaps of money over the MB-D10 to get something almost as good! For me the saving helps towards the 70-200 f/2.8 fund!!!

Anyone else tried one?

[andy-xr]

Mine turned up on Thursday and I used it in anger today. Same make I think, I was shooting quite quickly and got the odd battery warning light. Not sure if it wasnt quite seated properly but it wasnt 100%. Both batteries were official Nikon ones and at full charge.

I might try it tomorrow with AA's + camera battery and see if thats any different. Not a huge problem, and definately a better feel to the body with it on.

[manek]

Is it functionally the same as the MB-D10, including the wheel and all buttons? I've wanted the Nikon version but can't justify the price for what it is.

[ian in lancs]

manek said:

Is it functionally the same as the MB-D10, including the wheel and all buttons? I've wanted the Nikon version but can't justify the price for what it is.

Seems so! It has the Multi-selector on the back, an AF-on button, main & sub command dials, shutter button and on-off switch. There are pictures on-line here although the version I bought didn't have the car charger lead.

http://www.phottix.net/shop/products/1187a.gif

at the Phottix site;

buy from eBay http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p473...

Edited by ian in lancs on Sunday 4th October 19:49

[uriel]

I got one for my 450D. £28+P&P. Has all the controls etc that the Canon one has, the buttons are slightly lower quality than the ones on the body, but all function perfectly, but the construction of the actual grip casing and grip itself is quite a bit better than the camera body! It's a toss up between that and the nifty fifty for best bang for buck purchase I've ever made.

[andy-xr]

andy-xr said:

Mine turned up on Thursday and I used it in anger today. Same make I think, I was shooting quite quickly and got the odd battery warning light. Not sure if it wasnt quite seated properly but it wasnt 100%. Both batteries were official Nikon ones and at full charge.

I might try it tomorrow with AA's + camera battery and see if thats any different. Not a huge problem, and definately a better feel to the body with it on.

I'll take most of that back. I used it again today and it was fine. I set it to use the camera battery first though, not sure if that has a bearing on it but I was rattling off shots at a fairly brisk pace with no problems

[manek]

Thanks for the advice - better get one then...