Battery grips - OEM or not

[dxbtiger]

Just browsing Amazon, there is a huge price differential between Nikon's MB-D80 grip and something like Opteka's, around $100 difference.

The Opteka one has ''Vertical shutter release also makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally, Buttons for AE lock, AF point selector, aperture value, shutter, and mail dial''.

Am I missing something here or are you purely paying for the brand of the Nikon unit and therefore not being a snob about such things I would be better off saving the $100?

[Gemm]

'Purely' is a tricky word! Yes, you are definitely paying for the name but brand products usually tend to be better quality from my experience. I don't know about Nikon but I think it is the case for Canon. So I think it's totally up to you. Personally I don't hesitate to buy OEM batteries as they are far cheaper although I can see a clear difference in the quality of the finish.

Edited by Gemm on Sunday 15th January 10:42

[Rich K]

I use the Nikon grip on my D7000
When looking I chose it as the grip can stay in place to change the battery.
You can still use the camera battery location, so you can use 2 batteries at the same time.

I was also aware that the body to grip fit my not be as firm if using the non-Nikon part
thought I cant vouch for that...... although when using the camera on a tripod (with the grip)
there is a little movement, if I need the extra stability I mount directly to the camera.

I'm please I got the Nikon part,
I feels the same as the camera
I have extended battery life,
it integrates very well

I know that if I bought an inferior product for every day use
I would wish I spent the extra

I have non-oem-ebay flash-ring, extention tubes,filters etc and they are OK for the odd use
but you can tell they are cheaper

R

[dxbtiger]

Gemm said:

'Purely' is a tricky word! Yes, you are definitely paying for the name but brand products usually tend to be better quality from my experience. I don't know about Nikon but I think it is the case for Canon. So I think it's totally up to you. Personally I don't hesitate to by OEM batteries as they are far cheaper although I can see a clear difference in the quality of the finish.

I have 3 batteries, the 2 Nikons are the worst, the third party one is higher mAh so lasts longer.

Rich K said:

I use the Nikon grip on my D7000
When looking I chose it as the grip can stay in place to change the battery.
You can still use the camera battery location, so you can use 2 batteries at the same time.

I was also aware that the body to grip fit my not be as firm if using the non-Nikon part
thought I cant vouch for that...... although when using the camera on a tripod (with the grip)
there is a little movement, if I need the extra stability I mount directly to the camera.

I'm please I got the Nikon part,
I feels the same as the camera
I have extended battery life,
it integrates very well

I know that if I bought an inferior product for every day use
I would wish I spent the extra

I have non-oem-ebay flash-ring, extention tubes,filters etc and they are OK for the odd use
but you can tell they are cheaper

R

The price here (using Amazon is an indication) is $134 (Nikon) vs $18 (
Opteka). Really struggling to see how it can be $116 better, it's a plastic housing with some terminals and buttons!

[Rich K]

for $18 take the gamble .......... let us know how it goes

[WelshnThirsty]

I bought 4 batteries and a grip for my Canon 500D off the bay 18 months ago for £35, cant fault it.

Never tried the OEM one so I can't comment on quality difference, but my one does what is should.

[ssray]

I paid £23 for a no name grip for my d90, works as well as i could want

[phil633]

I have a Meike on my 5D MKII and a Aputure on my 7D both work perfectly.