Battery Grip for D300

[calmerini]

Does anyone have any experience with the Nikon MB-D10 with the more expensive batteries (EL4-A) or do the EL3E still give you 8fps?

Then does anyone have exprerience with any 3rd party battery grips? Brands? Does the frame rate increase to 8fps or stay the same?

I am thinking of adding another D300 with grip but not sure how much extra all the other stuff will be and will it be worthwhile?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

I would really like to find a gently used one already together D300 plus grip.

Chris

[tht96]

Chris I use the mb-10s on my d700 and d300. I like the feel with the grips as well as the vertical release. High frame rate is a plus when shooting action. I use the en-el4 that I had with my d2xs.

[epayne]

Hi Chris,
Just having the MB-D10 grip on the D300 or D700 will not give you the higher frame rate, UNLESS you use the AA battery tray which comes with it or the EN-EL4 battery from the D2 and D3 series of cameras.

The reason is the voltage difference the AA's and the EN-EL4 offer. The grip does offer the option to use a second EN-EL3e battery but all it offers is twice the shot capacity, not a higher frame rate. Having the vertical release is a big plus I have found when shooting hand held and the camera seems to balance better with long glass when the grip is attached.

NIKON EN-EL4 battery voltage = 11.1 volts @2200 mha
NIKON Battery tray with 8 NiMi "AA" cells = 14.4 volts capacity determined by cell
NIKON EN-EL3e battery voltage = 7.4 volts @ 1400 mha

Going with the "AA" option either alkaline throways or NiMi rechargable is the least expensive way to get the 8fps, unless you already own the EN-EL4 battery and charger from another camera. As to the aftermarket grips,I have read both good and bad about the various models. Lots of opinions on other gear forums is out there. But for my babies I felt the additional $$$ to buy OEM was well worth it considering the initial investment in the bodies.

Hope this helps,

Edgar Payne
Charlotte Region