Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack for Nikon D300 & D700 Digital SLR Cameras (Retail Packaging) by Nikon
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Digital camera reviews of Nikon MB-D10 Multi Power Battery Pack for Nikon D300 & D700 Digital SLR Cameras (Retail Packaging)
Digital camera Review: Get a Grip
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit that, when looking at the Nikon MB-D10, I was tempted by the cheaper, off-brand battery packs for my new D300s. After all, at about $250, the Nikon MB-D10 had a whopper price, while the knock-offs cost a third of the price. But I'd taken the plunge on a new camera and wanted no worries about the accessories working seamlessly. How glad I am that I splurged on this battery pack! It connects flawlessly with the D300s and is a comfortable grip. I like the texture (which matches the camera). In the few weeks I've had the grip connected to it, I've already had several opportunities to use the camera in vertical position and the shutter release works flawlessly.
I think complaints about the grip's weight are unfounded. People like me, who have used the D3 (I have generally borrowed the D3 from my pro photographer friends) can appreciate that the grip makes my much cheaper D300s appear on a par with the D3. But it goes beyond appearance -- a primary reason I chose the D300s with the MB-D10 pack is the pack allows the camera to shoot at a speed of almost 8 frames per second. I love how this pack pushes the camera to greater heights. I have to admit that the first time I accidentally shot off a burst of about six shots I was concerned the MB-D10 would rush through the camera's expected lifetime of 150,000 shutter releases before my next vacation. But I soon realized it was helping me capture images I might have missed.
My next admission is that I have not tried one of the other brands for my camera, so I can't compare one vertical grip battery pack to the other. What I can say is that I am always comfortable paying more for a product in which I am confident.
The MB-D10 has not let me down.
Digital camera Review: Get the right battery...
Summary: 4 Stars
Maybe I was too eager, but I didn't realize the high-speed shutter advantage offered by this unit requires a different battery model - the EN-EL4.
I bought a second EN-EL3 (7.2v 1300mAh), which offers no boost in fps over the base unit. Only the EN-EL4 (11.1v 2000mAh) gives you the max fps.
Otherwise, I'm impressed with the quality and design.
Digital camera Review: Good, but should get more for the $ (or cost less)
Summary: 3 Stars
- I have this paired up with my D300. This is great to have when shooting sports events since if gives you an extra battery. The camera will switch from using the MB-D10 to internal battery when needed.
- Have not had much chance to use it for its control features in vertical mode, but I like its feel when I have.
- It can get in the way of a mount for a longer lens -- like my 70-200, but that mount has a "front" hole which works fine.
- For the price, I would figure they could include the battery "sled" for the EL4 ! Because of the price I give it a 3 would be 4 easily otherwise.
Digital camera Review: Great Accessory for the D300
Summary: 5 Stars
The MB-D10 adds two important features -- the ability to have more power and the ability to easy and comfortably switch from horizontal shots to vertical shots. The grip attaches to the bottom of the camera using contacts under the L-shaped rubber cover. The grip includes a place to store the contact cover (this in keeping with Nikon's always through design). You can also still use a tripod. This grip is a vast improvement over the grip for the D200 which had a bulky "tower" that was inserted into the camera body and was hard to store in a camera bag. One item that was unclear was the fact that you have one battery in the camera body and one battery in the grip. You don't have to remove the battery from the camera.Digital camera Review: Great Addition for my D300!
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't say too much more about this item than what has already been said. It is a great addition to my D300 and I can't really imagine doing serious shooting without it.
What NEEDS to be said, however is that YOU DO NOT NEED THE BL-3 BATTERY CHAMBER COVER or the EN-EL4(a) battery to pull of 8fps! The MB-10 comes with an extra battery cartridge for 8AA batteries which WILL give you 8fps. Save yourself $40 for the chamber cover, $100 on the EN-EL4(a) battery, and $100 on the EN-EL4 battery charger. Invest $30 in a good set of rechargable AAs. Sure, it's a littler heavier, but I'd rather save $200+.