My First Impressions of MB-D11 Battery Grip

Now that I've sorted out the setup issue on using my Nikon MB-D11 battery grip I've gotten use to the advantages of keeping it on the camera. I purchased it primarily for its portrait orientation. It provides an extra shutter button, joystick style focal point adjuster, control menu thumb-wheels and an extra AE-L/AF-L selector.

I've had to break the habit of using the camera body controls when in portrait orientation.



It wasn't very hard as it's an awkward physical position. Because I shoot a lot of waterfall, animal & portrait photographs I've been using the grip's controls a lot. It also gives a sturdy heft and feel to the overall camera that's improved its function, appearance and versatility.



At $250 plus and additional $56 for a second battery it's an expensive accessory. I think it's a good investment.

Grips aren't everybody's cup of tea Bob but I like them.

There's no doubt they lend themselves to portrait shots as your scrolls and buttons are all replicated under your index finger and thumb where you're used to finding them.

Despite my 1D2 being a full sized body (like D3 variations) I've still a grip on my 40D more for the ergonomics than the ability to double up the battery.

What I do find with a full sized camera or smaller 'gripped' camera is how much better a big lens feels when you're using it hand-held. Somehow the camera is less inclined to tip forward in your hand due to the balance and the way the heel of your hand as well as your fingers support it.

Also with a long lens attached to a tripod via a tripod collar with your camera on the back of it - you can simply twist the whole shooting match from landscape to portrait and all your buttons are in the same place.

Always use grips on my own cameras except if I sometimes want to be a bit more discreet street togging. In that case i may have just a d300 body and smaller Sigma 18-50, but typically you will find me with gripped D700 and 28-70 (which is big and heavy) and the grip counterbalances it. funnily enough, i still find the camera trigger as easy to use - probably just habit.

I must admit BC that the look & feel is really cool. I've watched hundreds of training videos on the Kelby Training and when the subject of grips come up they all comment how they'd never shoot without one. I've worn thin leather gloves on recent zoo trips to keep my hands warn in cold weather and the dual controls add a lot of versatility.

I like them too - although wouldn't want to have one attached all the time.