MB-D10 grip for the Nikon D700

Photometric · January 12, 2011

MB-D10 grip for the Nikon D700. My question from the people who may own it would be is it worth it? Does the grip respond well? Does it feel cheap? Also if you have the EN-EL4/EN-EL4A batteries for the higher frame rate, is it worth the extra $300 (combined) cost. I plan on using it for many uses however, does the faster shutter help? I sometimes shoot High School Football which is why I'm asking.

Art Scott · January 12, 2011

The one I own is orig. Nikon and it is built like a tank........but I do not need the extra frames for weddings or wildlife so I never use it any more ......I was only using it with an extra enel3 batt for prolonged shooting.

catspaw · January 12, 2011

it's a VERY solid grip and well worth it, imo. I used it with a D300 with the optional battery bit for the bigger battery (which I have in the D3 so already had a spare) to get the faster fps. At least on the D300, that was worth it for me. Also loved the more solid feel.

bobcool · January 15, 2011

I love my MB-D10 grip for my D700. I keep it on all the time, although it makes the already hefty D700 quite a bit heavier. I love the fact that I don't have to wrap my right wrist around the top of the camera to take a vertical shot - the vertical buttons on the grip work great. I've shot a lot of high school football and used the grip in a vertical method and loved it. Having 8 fps is nice, and the grip balances the camera better when connected to a 70-200 2.8 VR on a monopod.

There are cheaper third-party grips out there, but the MB-D10 is built like a tank, like the D700 body, and fits very tight to make you feel that it's one piece. To me, it's worth it - I would never buy a cheap third-party grip for a $2500 camera.

Photometric · January 15, 2011

Everyone,
Thanks for the input so far.

Bob, wasn't thinking about a 3rd party grip. It's just that I bought the MB-D80 for my D90 and I wasn't entirely happy with it, didn't feel solid or always work the way I expected and it can come loose if I don't always check the screw connection. This one is $100.00 more and I didn't want to spend the money and have the same disappointments.

System · January 15, 2011

Photometric wrote: »

Everyone,
Thanks for the input so far.

Bob, wasn't thinking about a 3rd party grip. It's just that I bought the MB-D80 for my D90 and I wasn't entirely happy with it, didn't feel solid or always work the way I expected and it can come loose if I don't always check the screw connection. This one is $100.00 more and I didn't want to spend the money and have the same disappointments.

Most people frown on the third party grips...
I had the Targus brand from Adorama on my D40X. It never came loose and it ALWAYS worked. So, for me, the third party grip was just fine.

Mike J · January 15, 2011

For what it's worth, I have the Meike MK-D300 (works with the D700 as well) and am completely happy. I tried the real thing in the camera shop and mine feels the same. Haven't had a problem with it.

Mark Dickinson · January 15, 2011

I've got the Nikon grip. I like it. it does feel bulkier (if you like that) extra battery is nice to have and the button. One thing it does if you are rough on cameras, is protect the bottom to keep it looking good:)

Mitchell · January 16, 2011

I own both the MB-D10 and the Zeikos grip. The Zeikos grip is quite good, and I don't hesitate to recommend it over the MB-D10 to save a few dollars. Great value and a bit lighter than the Nikon. I rarely use the MB-D10.

waywardfool · January 25, 2011

I have the vertical grip for my D80. I have always kept the AA battery tray in my bag, loaded with (6) lithium AA's. I have never needed it, until a trip a few weeks ago, when I ran down both the en-el3's I usually carry. Day was shot, until I remembered the AA insert in the bottom of my bag.

borrowlenses.com · January 26, 2011

The MB-D10 has one issue -- overtime the batteries inside get hot and it melts the plastic between the battery carriers, so the grip will spontaneously vanish from the camera. You have to file down the burnt plastic pieces to restore communication between the grip and camera. Also, you can get the FPS boost with rechargeable batteries. You do not need to use D3 batteries for that.

Also, the extra joystick button for AF adjustment is very handy. None of the D3 bodies have a button there so it's very helpful.

angevin1 · January 26, 2011

Photometric wrote: »

MB-D10 grip for the Nikon D700. My question from the people who may own it would be is it worth it? Does the grip respond well? Does it feel cheap? Also if you have the EN-EL4/EN-EL4A batteries for the higher frame rate, is it worth the extra $300 (combined) cost. I plan on using it for many uses however, does the faster shutter help? I sometimes shoot High School Football which is why I'm asking.

Congrats on your NEW D700. I am certain you'll enjoy that Camera.

I have certainly enjoyed mine!

I don't use a grip, and I haven't had reason to. One thing to remember about those faster frames rates: The Grip will not increase your buffer. So unless you shoot jpeg, or switch over as many do during those fps moments, a grip will not solely solve that potential issue.

Bonus point. With my newly acquired 70-200VR2, I find that the foot works well for portrait orientation shooting since it adjust so easily.

insanefred · January 27, 2011

I have one, I mainly use it when I know that I am going to be shooting for awhile.
It makes the camera more comfortable to use (Nikon makes the camera a bit too small). It is also great when using the SB-900, really balances the camera out. As for frame rate boost, I benefit from less black out time, than 8 fps. Actually 8fps is way too much for most sports IMO. I use Duracell pre-charged batteries (alleged to be re-branded Eneloops).

Is it worth it, I'd say , yes.

MB-D10 grip for the Nikon D700

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