DSLRUsers.com

Hi all
As i stated in a earlier post i have a d80 comming next week from Poon
I also have 2 spare batteries comming as well
Question is do i need it or is it better handling with a battery grip ????
I have never used a battery grip so this is why i'm asking before i go spend 250 dollars on something i mightnt need or use often
By the way i have decided to keep the d50 as my backup
warren aka aussichef

need more info.

if you shoot lots of portrait orientation, then you may love it (I do).

If you find the D80 too small to sit in the heel of your hand, you'll love the extra length (I have the D200 which is large, but still need the grip for stability). Particularly if you use physically largish lenses.

If you use VR lens, like the 18-200, 18-135,70-200,80-400, then you will need it for the battery life.

Most in here, when I asked said they had never taken the grip off, and mine is not coming off eaither...

It is all a matter of preference.

I have the D200 and made the decision of not getting the battery grip.

Battery life is not much of an issue on the D80, it is better then the D200. Ask yourself how long it takes you to change the battery? If you do a lot of fast action photography and you don't want to have to swap batteries in the middle of a car doing a spin, the the battery grip could be good for you.

As Oz_B says, it really helps for portrait shots if you do a lot of them, I don't.

It will make you camera much larger and heavier beast. Coming from a D50, the D80 will already be bigger.

What I would suggest to you is to wait a while, use your D80 for a few weeks/months and see how you find it. Then decide if you need the battery grip or not. They will always be there waiting for your money

Cheers

André

I'll mention the times when you dont need one:

If you go out on the street alot, and dont want to surprise people with big square-ish camera, then the grip is not really an option.

If you shoot many casual friend function and people are not very photogenic, a smaller lens and body will make them feel more comfortable to taking pictures.

It adds extra 100g+ weight plus two extra batteries, which adds up about 250~g total in extra weight to the body. Is this necessary or do you find carrying extra heavier camera comfortable?

If you only need extra battery juice, one or two more extra batteries can do the job. Keeping the weight down on your wrist.

I have the grip on my D200, and it now feels a bit weird to go back to the D70s or the grip-less D200.

When the BG is on, I actually spread my hand grip out a bit more, which IMO results in a bit more stability. I like the extra weight and bulk, especially for times I have a bigger lens on, and of course it is a godsend for portrait-orientation shots.

I've considered several times leaving the grip and taking just the D200, but I always put it back on. What's another 200g when you are holding 3kg worth of lens, plate and body anyway!? Occasionally, I will leave the L-Plate at home if I know I won't be using the tripod.

The only drawback of the D200 BG is IMO it is not 100% rock solid, there is a TINY bit of flex and give. Oh, and it's a little more awkward to reach the multi-direction controller when holding it by the grip.

The extra battery life is nice, but not the main reason I use the BG.

Of course, the MAIN reason is that the D200 and grip is too heavy for my fiancée to use, so she has to use the D70s instead

I wasnt thinking of it for batter life either i have the 2 spare batteries for that
when i have been to some minimeets fozzie & others have them on their bodies ( camera that is lol )
And seeing i have the VR lens i was thinking of it for use with that
Plus being a new grandfather again 2 weeks ago ( i have already taken 400 shots of the new grandson lol ) was thinking of it for portaits with my prims & 18-59 2.8 & better balance with the Vr
warren aka aussichef

slightly off topic, but ive got a D70s and im considering getting a grip and 2 batteries for it just so it balances better with the 70-200VR. (or upgrading body )

if youre going for better battery life, id just stick with carrying a few spares with you

-julz

seeto.centric wrote:slightly off topic, but ive got a D70s and im considering getting a grip and 2 batteries for it just so it balances better with the 70-200VR. (or upgrading body )

if youre going for better battery life, id just stick with carrying a few spares with you

-julz

Which grip are you intending to get for your D70s as I don't believe Nikon make one ?

nah Nikon dont make one, but i was thinking of the one on ebay that mr poon sells- Here

yay or nay?
-julz

Warren, the grip on my 300D and 30D make the camera feel alot more balanced and the controls when shooting vertical are very handy. You will never have to worry about running out of battery at a shoot. I say go for it..