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: Great addition to the D300/D700
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using the MB-D10 on my D300 for about a year, and I find it one of those essential add-ons I'm never without.
First, the overall quality and materials are excellent. Mated to the camera, it feels like one solid piece, not a flimsy add-on. I find it makes using the D300 much more comfortable, especially if you do a lot of photography in portrait orientation. I also tend to use Nikon's big, heavy lenses, and the D300 with grip is much more balanced than the camera without the grip.
The extra battery capacity is also very welcome. I use the Nikon GPS unit, and it tends to deplete the battery at a quick pace - usually under 500 shots. With the grip and an EL-4a, I get a respectable 1200-1500 shots. As others have pointed out, the ability to use standard AA batteries is also a great feature, especially when traveling.
The MB-D10 is also integrated in the camera software so you can see how much capacity is left and how many charge cycles the battery has had - reduces chances of running out of power at an inopportune time. The higher frame rate is handy sometimes too, especially if you try HDR photography where time lag between frames can add up to poor results. I also like that I can share the same grip between D300 and D700, and I hope Nikon will maintain this as they introduce new models.
My only minor complaints are the weight, and the price of batteries, chargers, etc. The D300 isn't a small camera by any means, and with the MB-D10, something like a 70-200 zoom lens and maybe an SB-900 flash attached, you're in for some serious bulk...indeed, one of the first things I bought after the grip was a much more heavily padded neck strap.
Overall, highly recommended.
Digital camera Review: Great for Portrait Shooting
Summary: 5 Stars
The Nikon MB-D10 is a solid well built grip that adds stability to my D300. I like the fact that in a pinch I can use AA batteris. The only draw back is the weight.Digital camera Review: Great product for D300
Summary: 4 Stars
Appears to balance the D300 perfectly, and adds tons of versatility.
The only non-'5 star' point is that the shutter release button has a different sensitivity level to the camera body version. I normally use the 'half depress' method for focus, and get some mis-fires as a result. At 8 fps that can be alot of misfires!
I am aware that I can switch this off in the menus and use the dedicated 'af on' button to resolve this, however I do not find this 'natural' on the camera body, but do on the grip, so I'm in a quandry.
I use the grip with 8 x AA batteries (Duracell rechargable) and after more than a 1000 photos the batteries show full charge still. I normally do not use the picture review though, and do not use VR lenses, so your mileage may vary...
I have a spare EN-EL3e in the carrier although I have not had a reason to use it.
Digital camera Review: Great quality but be careful at the TOTAL price if you want it for 8fps
Summary: 4 Stars
It is well built, it integrates very well into the camera (I have a D700), it feels solid and I personally like how the camera feels with the grip both for vertical and horizontal shoots.
However, take care of those few things:
1. If you just want to add a EN-EL3e battery, you can do that but to recharge the one on the camera, you have to remove the grip, because with the grip on, you can not have access to original battery
2. If you want to use the high-speed capacity of your camera, adding this grip (on D700) you need to but other parts... first of all you need another hi capacity battery like EN-EL4 (1900mAh) or EN-EL4a (2500mAh), then you need a new cover for that battery (EN-EL4/a) called BL-3 cover. Once you have all of those things, how do you recharge the EN-EL4 or EN-EL4a? You need another specific recharger (that won't work for your "old" EN-EL3e, so if you travel you will need both chargers or take just one type of battery) called MH-21 (or MH-22 able to recharge to EN-EL4/a batteries at the same time). If you buy all those stuffs you will spend about (Jan 2010 prices) $250 for the grip, $112 for the EN-EL4a, $39 for the BL-3 and $130 for the MH-21... total you will spend about $531 for the full package, which could be fine but just be aware about that!
Go to 8fps with AA batteries: you can do that buy they will last about 4x less than the EN-EL4a and when the charge starts to reduce, the camera won't go at 8fps...
Globally it is a great addition to the camera, it just look overpriced to me,
Good luck with your choice!
Digital camera Review: I don't know...
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't know any other better accessories for Nikon D300. Longer shooting time with the 2nd battery and the ability to crank up few more frames per second are enough to justify the extra weight I have to carry. It really make you D300 look like a more serious pro camera, Like my F5, D1x.
Just that it's a little inconvenient to take out the grip in order to charge the 1st battery inside the camera body. If you don't shoot too much and set the priority to use the power from the grip first, then you don't really have to top up the 1st one. Optional 8xAA battery is also a nice addition for just in case you can't find the charging outlet.